Violins and Violas
Experience unparalleled craftsmanship and quality with V. Richelieu instruments. These violins and violas are hand-carved and varnished by seasoned luthiers, with meticulous care taken to ensure each instrument achieves exceptional tonal quality.
Crafted with top-quality tonewood sourced from the Coquille Indian Nation in Oregon, and the Italian and Swiss Alps.
High Quality
Equipped with either GaiaTone or Sonowood fittings, both beautiful and environmentally sound ebony alternatives
Sustainable
Contemporary American instruments, proudly made and personalized in Vermont Violins workshops
100% USA Made
Shop Violins
V. Richelieu violins are modeled after the “Plowden” violin by Guarneri del Gesu. They feature a complex and powerful tonal color, a slim neck for comfort, and a balanced sound suitable for both solo and orchestral performance.
Shop Violas
V. Richelieu violas are renowned for their ease of playability and remarkable sound. These instruments exhibit a rich tone, a stunning dark oil varnish, and strong harmonics and overtones. Even fractional V. Richelieu violas are made using true viola graduations and stops, allowing them to emit an authentic and lush viola sound.
The Sustainable Choice
Ebony is an endangered resource, and is becoming progressively more difficult to obtain due to high demand and illegal harvesting. In an effort to protect the planet’s resources, V. Richelieu instruments utilize eco-friendly materials and sustainably harvested woods. All Richelieu violins and violas are outfitted with Sonowood (compressed woods from Spruce, Maple, and Beech) or GaiaTone (postconsumer recycled paper with a non-petroleum resin) fingerboards, tailpieces, nuts, and saddles as ebony alternatives.
Easy to Use, Powerful Sound
V. Richelieu set ups are curated for maximum playability and ease of use. Each instrument is outfitted with Wittner perfection pegs, which circumvent the frustrations that come from sticky or slippy pegs. Professional grade strings and soundpost positioning are personalized for each set up to complement the Richelieu’s sonorous tone.