PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS

“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.”

“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.”

“The violas arrived safely today and WOW!!!! The sound is INCREDIBLE! Even on the 12 inches, the sound is amazing. It’s a tiny viola but WOW does it have good sound!”

Thank you so SO much for making this happen. We so appreciate it.”

“Fractional Violas

The tone was warm and dark and clear. The sound was woody. The classic rich and mellow viola sound. Easy to play. It was nice to see instruments of these sizes capture the quintessential aspects of the “viola sound” since so many fractionals really don’t have the deep foundation underneath the tone, thus making them sound like violins with viola strings. Also, the dimensions of these violas were more viola-like, further separating them from violins.

16”

An adult version of the fractionals – all of the fractionals’ characteristics but with power as well. The A string retains sound as you go up the register. It is solid and predictable across all registers. Excellent for its price.

It can be a solo instrument, but more suited in my opinion to orchestra and chamber music playing.”

“The viola from Vermont Violins is an exquisitely crafted and very attractive instrument. It has a unique design and is easy to play. It features a dark C string with an overall burnished sound - the type of sound that we associate with the finest violas in existence.”

“I was very impressed with not only the quality and depth of sound on a small viola but also the volume capabilities. It felt overall very easy to play. A very beautiful instrument both sound wise and also esthetically! I think this would be an amazing instrument for any young professional.”

“A few days ago, I received this beautiful Violin from Vermont Violins. First of all, it’s beautiful, the varnish is gorgeous, the back is my gosh stunning. But most importantly the sound is fantastic. Given the price range, this is an amazing violin. I wish these violins were available when I was a student. Anyone who is looking to invest in a fantastic violin, I highly recommend this.”

“A mix of the usual new instrument sound, with a sweet halo around the top register. The craftsmanship is beautiful and precise, a gorgeous, red-golden varnish is reminiscent of the great 18th century Italians. It would make an excellent, serious first instrument for a burgeoning young violinist.”

“The tone is warm and bright. The sound is layered. I like that it is easy to play. This violin is clear and projects well. It will be excellent for orchestra and chamber music playing. Nice overall consistency throughout all registers, and it is very reliable as you go into high position. The E string in particular retains a nice tone as one goes higher up, while other comparable violins in that register sound tinny. Compared to other violins in this price range, this is by far the best. An excellent violin for a young string player.”

“Vermont Violins’ “Richlieu” model speaks easily, plays very smoothly, and has a lovely resonance. I love the sonowood fingerboard for several reasons, including the environmental impact and the unique look. Some violinists might be concerned with using other types of wood for such an important part of the violin, but I can say that the fingerboard plays and feels exactly like ebony. This would be a great step-up violin for an aspiring conservatory student or a violin for a seasoned pro who wants a high-performing violin.”

“The fiddle sounds real good and really playable. The size of the neck is playable for my small hands.”

“It is very easy to play. I love the top range of this instrument. It has sparkly, easy clarity to it. I also love the power the strings pack. “It can take a licking”, it will not complain and it will just resonate which is fabulous. I am really enjoying playing on it.”

“This violin by V. Richelieu really knocked me out. Its tone is strong but warm and very even throughout the registers, it feels easy to play, and responds well to a variety of styles. Whether you are embarking on your journey as an ambitious violin student or looking for a solid second violin as a professional, it doesn’t get much better than this!”