The five-string fiddle combines the playing style of a violin with the extended range of a viola. Thanks to the additional low C string, it offers more tonal flexibility while retaining the full range of the traditional violin. This opens up completely new possibilities, especially in folk, bluegrass, and pop, as it is suitable for extensive melodies as well as accompaniments and rhythmic chords. The warm, full sound makes it a versatile instrument for musicians who want to bring more depth and expression to their playing. Despite the extra string, the size and weight remain close to a traditional violin, making it easy to transition. Larger and therefore more voluminous instruments are also occasionally available in the range.
I offer five-string instruments in two different manufacturing styles and price ranges:

Studio Series
The Studio Series instruments are CNC-assisted prefabricated. Afterwards, I complete and individually optimize them by hand: the thicknesses of the top and back are customized to suit the material. The bass bar and sound post are crafted to the highest acoustic standards, giving the instrument its characteristic rich, warm, and expressive tone.
These instruments are also available with custom, folk-inspired decorations. The price range for the Studio Series ranges from €1,800 to €3,500 (plus VAT).

Handcrafted fiddle
I also offer handcrafted instruments in my own Nea model, available as a five-string violin. Instruments can be pre-ordered, allowing customization of details such as wood selection or specific visual features. Handcrafted instruments start at €8,000, depending on the artistic design (plus VAT).

The octave violin is a specially adapted violin tuned one octave lower than a standard violin. By using thicker, specially designed strings and a modified bridge that supports the lower tones, it produces a warm, resonant sound reminiscent of a small cello. Octave violins can be either old instruments converted into octave violins or newly made instruments designed specifically as octave violins. I also offer the latter with a larger body to give the lower tones more resonance, while the scale length—and thus the playing technique—remains unchanged. This means violinists familiar with the standard violin can easily switch to the octave violin without having to significantly adjust their technique. The octave violin allows for playing deeper melodies and accompaniments without having to resort to larger instruments like the viola or cello. It’s an exciting extension for violinists who want to enrich their musical range with new tonal colors and lower registers.

The prices of octave violins vary depending on whether an old violin has been converted (starting at €1,500 plus VAT). I also offer semi-industrially produced instruments that I optimize acoustically and then finish with varnish. These are available from €3,500 (plus VAT) and can be customized with folk-inspired decorations for an additional fee if desired.

The Hardanger fiddle (Norwegian: Hardingfele) is Norway’s national instrument and belongs to the violin family. It stands out due to its unique construction, traditional carvings, and elaborate decorations. Characteristic are its eight or nine strings: four playing strings and four to five sympathetic strings underneath that resonate along, giving the instrument its floating, slightly mystical sound. The body is usually somewhat flatter, and the f-holes are open, resulting in a more open, somewhat rougher, and especially brighter tone compared to a violin. Instead of a classic scroll, the pegbox is often adorned with a carved lion’s head or another intricate figure. The Hardanger fiddle is mainly played in Norwegian folk music but can also be used in modern music thanks to its distinctive sound. It is played in a variety of special tunings, most commonly the playing strings are tuned to B-E-B-F# (A-D-A-E).

I offer handcrafted Hardanger fiddles based on the design of the Ole Bull Academy in Voss. Instruments can also be pre-ordered, allowing customization of details such as wood selection or specific visual features. Handcrafted instruments start at €8,500, depending on the artistic design (plus VAT).