Custom Instruments
ISI offers custom options that make an instrument truly one of a kind.
Peg head carving (on the bowed instruments), inlay, and decorative options are also available.
We truly enjoy working with our clients to create these unique instruments, geared towards the specific needs of the customer.
All Ithaca Stringed Instruments carry a lifetime warranty.
10 string Octave Mandolin
Jordan and I have completed work on this custom 10 string Octave Mandolin for Stuart Allen, a musician from our own hometown of Ithaca.
Red Spruce top and Stevensoni Rosewood back and sides .
The thing roars. It is nice to have one of our babies here on the local scene .
All ISI instruments carry a lifetime warranty
The DoJo
This was a fun one we recently finished for Andrew Farnsworth, guitarist and mover and shaker for the band Mectapus, one of my own musical projects. Check out the web site at www.mectapus.com for some samples of the NV violin and Oneida guitar on disc.
Andrew has dubbed this thing the "Do-Jo." It combines elements of banjo and a National style reso-phonic. It's very phatt with a biscuit transducer and lipstick tube magnetic pickup.
All ISI instruments carry a lifetime warranty
The NS by Ithaca
(discontinued)
Many musicians have the desire to explore a non-traditional approach to their
instruments; in particular the ability to interface with digital sound generators and
samplers through the use of MIDI. In recognition of the need for a new type of bowed
instrument for these musicians, ISI entered into a collaboration with award winning
designer Ned Steinberger,
a world leader in alternative instrument design. The result of this collaboration, the
"NS" by Ithaca is a violin, distilled down into beautifully sleek minimalist
lines, which opens up new possibilities in playing technique. The instrument incorporates
a combination of traditional and space age materials in it's construction, a superb new
tuning mechanism, and is designed to be fitted with the current state of the art MIDI
interface. Forward looking in it's design & functionality, the NS by Ithaca provides
electronic musicians with a new tool for experimentation.
Specifications:
Scale length commensurate with traditional Stradivarius
patterns. Active electronics include volume, treble & bass controls.
Prices:
NS by Ithaca $2600
(with midi pickup) $3200
Price includes a custom Blue Heron gig-bag with bow holder.
All ISI instruments carry a lifetime warranty
Please contact us for more information about ISI's custom handmade instruments.
"Got the instruments on Thursday. Incredible! They look like nothing on this earth, and they sound fabulous. I'm especially pleased with how the mandola turned out. The mahogany body works extremely well, giving the instrument a sharp clear sound, with all the wonderful ambient character the wood is capable of imparting. I was initially a bit nervous about straying away from maple, but I'm very happy that we did this. The feel of that instrument is as much a delight to the hands, as its sleek curves are to the eye. They are a truly unique pair, and I'm exceedingly grateful for the energy and care you put into them. Again, many thanks for a great job."