In our posting on our intent to produce, in collaboration with Fiddarci Lutherie (Helena, AL, USA) a true Chanot Violin reproduction in 2009 (on our Don Rickert Musical Instruments site: www.fiddleandbowblog.com), we alluded to octave violins. Mention was made that our earliest prototypes were based on highly-modified Chanot-type instruments (see photos). In 2009, we are going to add to our high-end collection of octave violins, one based on the authentic Chanot design. Take a look at the all too brief clip of Natalie Haas playing one of our early Octave prototypes (see link below). Also take a look at the various folks who participated in our early design research with a Chanot-type instrument.
VERY short clip from a phone cam of Natalie Haas playing an early Octave Violin prototype
Click on the thumbnails below for larger views.
The instrument you see being played has the same string length as a regular violin, but 38mm. ribs instead of the usual 29 or 30mm...lots more air space.
The Instrument We Intend to Produce in 2009
Externally, it will have about the same form factor as a real Chanot 5 string viola, but with a 14" body and 38mm ribs. It will also use some of the tuned based port technology we learned in mastering the design of small travel fiddles. It will also have one of our signature bass bars, the secret to BIG sound from ALL of our instruments. We have not yet decided on whether ours should be a 4 or 5 string yet. See photos of the real Chanot 5-string at the U.S. Museum of Music below.
Click on any image for a full size view.
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