five string deep body violin "Ariel"

The "Ariel" five string violin

£1080

Half price Violorama soundpost pickup system is available for £120 if purchased to be fitted to this instrument at time of purchase. Pickup full price is £240

0 of this model in stock now

SOLD OUT - this item will not be replaced so this page is now here primarily for historical interest. At this time there are no plans for there ever to be any more of this instrument.

This is the Ariel model 5 string violin. The body shape has a narrower waist and blunt corners, a little like a viol. The body is extra deep, same as the Miranda and Prospero 5 string models, and the pegbox and scroll are the Violorama custom design.

This instrument is built on a violin-sized scale length, but using the dimensions of a viola: its body is deeper than a traditional violin's would be. This provides more support to the C string, which on a violin-sized body can sometimes sound weak on a five string instrument.

The Ariel body shape is brighter and reedier than the Miranda or Prospero. This balances the deep body depth, resulting in a bright, focused sounding instrument, with good C string support. The tone is more focused and less reverberant than the Miranda.

This instrument has a extra large custom designed scroll and pegbox unique to violorama designed for optimum string angle and easy restringing.

fitted with:

* Knilling perfection geared pegs. Ebony deluxe version.

* Dyneema tailcord for lively response.

* Light weight harp style tailpiece in ebony or boxwood. Straight tailpiece also availble on request. One fine adjuster is included, although with the knilling geared pegs fitted it is not really required.

* Chinrest pictured is whatever I have handy - other chinrest woods and styles may be available on request.

Latest sound clips as mp3:

These clips were recorded in 2016 with brighter sounding mics (AKG C451B)

French Tune - Orinoco - Midnight on Platform 16B

Here is the same clip again as high quality flac:

French Tune - Orinoco - Midnight on Platform 16B

2015 sound clips as mp3:

These clips were recorded in 2015 with darker sounding mics (AKG C414ULS)

French Tune - Orinoco - Midnight on Platform 16B

Here is the same clip again as high quality flac:

French Tune - Orinoco - Midnight on Platform 16B

Contact me to buy this instrument

International (non UK) customers please click here before ordering

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violin spruce top
violin spruce top
two piece violin/viola flamed maple back
two piece violin/viola flamed maple back
violin / viola 5 string scroll
violin / viola 5 string scroll
violorama custom pegbox
five string harp style tailpiece
five string harp style tailpiece
bridge, f-hole, waist
narrow waist
from playing position
unusual body shape