V. RICHELIEU VIOLAS
GREAT VIOLINS GOT TOO EXPENSIVE
WE CHANGED THAT.
As you support your young violinist or violist on their musical journey, you’ll be faced with many important decisions. One of the most significant is what instrument to choose. It’s easy to think that a cheaper, mass-produced instrument is sufficient for a beginner, but the truth is, a quality instrument is a crucial partner in your child’s development at ALL stages of their learning.
While it's tempting to save money with a lower-cost instrument, it can actually hinder your child's progress and enjoyment. Maximising your students learning means getting a great teacher and a great instrument. Spending less on one undermines the investment you make in the other.
Take the time to do it right. Select a great teacher and a V. Richelieu™ instrument.
The V. Richelieu™ Difference:
Tone, Graduations, Playability & Sustainability
Available Sizes: Small - 11”, 12”, 13”, 14” / Full - 15”, 15 ½, 15 ¾ (Da Salo), 16”
V. Richelieu Violas - Superior Sound, Surprisingly Accessible
Strong harmonics and overtones
Rich tone color
Thinner necks for comfort
Dark Oil varnish, hand applied for an elegant appearance
Balanced for both solo and blended performance
Sold or rented, professionally adjusted
“Having such a high-quality, affordable, and locally accessible instrument was pivotal in my journey.”
-- Elizabeth M.
Superior Sound
V. Richelieu™ instruments are powerful in tone, visually beautiful, and a testament to our commitment to quality, creativity, and our planet.
Ringing Tone and Ear Development:
A ringing tone helps students clearly hear pitch, intonation, and resonance. This is crucial for developing a sensitive ear and learning to play in tune. A dull instrument will hinder this process.
V. Richelieu™ instruments are powerful in tone, visually beautiful, and a testament to our commitment to quality, creativity, and our planet.
Precision Craftsmanship:
Each instrument is uniquely carved to produce pure, ringing tones. This attention to detail is essential for advancing students.
Facilitating Faster Learning:
A better instrument allows a student to advance more quickly because it makes playing easier and more rewarding. This helps them avoid the frustration of a poorly made instrument that can make it hard to identify pitches or properly develop technique.
The True Value Of Your Dollars
The Difference in Craftsmanship
Fingerboards and Bridges:
We custom-design our fingerboards for comfort and to help with proper technique. Our fingerboards are sized specifically for violas. We also use different bridge sizes to enhance the often-troublesome C string.
This means your child won't have to fight their instrument to get a good sound.
Hand-Graduated Wood:
We carefully thin the wood to precise measurements, allowing the instrument to vibrate freely for a richer, more complex tone.
Superior Hardware:
Our instruments feature Wittner pegs for easy, slip-free tuning, and tailpieces also come with built-in fine tuners.
A Sustainable Investment
MADE FOR THE PLAYER... AND PLANET
Proprietary Varnish and Quality Woods:
We use a proprietary varnish that enhances tone and sustainably sourced, high-quality woods that improve with age.
At V. Richelieu™, we blend old-world craftsmanship with modern technology to create exceptional, performance-level instruments. Named for the river along our northern border, our instruments are a testament to quality and sustainability. Our team of luthiers meticulously crafts each instrument using responsibly sourced, FSC®certified spruce and maple, and we innovate with alternative fingerboard materials like Sonowood and GaiaTone to avoid endangered species. The result is an instrument that is both affordable, sustainable and outstanding.
First FSC® Certified Violin Shop in the USA
Please ask us about FSC® Certified Products
“This viola has 2 distinct features: power, and size. It is very rare to find a viola at this size with this much power. The instrument is also very well balanced across all four strings. Overall it is a very nice instrument at the price of an advanced student but the quality of a professional.”
— ANDREW KRIMM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/BOULDER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
“When I initially took the 16 inches V. Richelieu Viola out of its case, the beautiful craftsmanship immediately caught my attention. It is an aesthetically pleasing instrument the wood and dark varnish are visually striking. The viola exhibits a warm, vibrant tone, a nice color palette, comfortable playability, and a consistent sound throughout all registers. I thoroughly enjoyed playing this instrument, and I would recommend it to any advancing student who desires a quality instrument at an affordable price.”
— COLIN GARNER, DALLAS OPERA
Experience the artistry behind our exceptional V. RICHELIEU™ instruments! Step into our world where each instrument is meticulously crafted, blending the finest materials and unparalleled craftsmanship. We invite you to witness the magic of our creation process firsthand.
Simply click the scheduling button below, and our dedicated staff will be delighted to arrange a captivating online Facetime workshop tour exclusively for you. Each tour will be guided by an expert member of our staff and you will be able to see the workshop, meet the makers and ask all your questions. Get ready to embark on a journey that unveils the secrets of instrument-making excellence right here in the USA!
Get excited for a musical adventure with our incredible American-made instruments. Our V. Richelieu instruments are not only affordable but also crafted by skilled luthiers in our Vermont workshop. We take great care in using top-notch materials to ensure exceptional sound quality.
We've listened to feedback from teachers and professionals over the years, and they agree that our instruments enhance the teaching experience and inspire students. In fact, some experts believe our instruments are the best in the industry for their price range.
Don't just take our word for it—try them out yourself and see the difference!