What's New at ISI?
7-String Mezzo Violin
Recently completed 7 string Mezzo Violin. The second 7 string on this frame, a challange to build but it came out well I think.
Here is an excerpted quote from the customer after playing it a bit:
"...My favorite unexpected so far is/are the unbelievable harmonic overtones that can be drawn out by bowing at the bridge, especially on the Bb. Really amazing! Electrically this thing is a dream machine. Nice job on keeping the weight down too......Roughly 25 hours into it at this point. No problem with the longer string length. Not quite as intimate as a standard size instrument though. I am also quite surprised at how well the low frequencies reproduce acoustically on such a small scale. I suppose I should add my thanks to Carleen Hutchins as well as to you......"
Eric Aceto, February 18, 2013
Florentine Mandocello (Luito) for John Pailillio
Recently completed 5 course Florentine Mandocello (Luito) for John Pailillio
Sitka top , mahogany back and sides . Laminated Cedro neck. Ebony fittings
Eric Aceto, November 12, 2012
Florentine Mandolin for Dr. Richard Wing
This Florentine scrolled mandolin just completed for Dr. Richard Wing. Red Maple back and sides with Ebony trim. I like the understated appointments.
A clean, yet classic, appearance. These are a challenge to build but worth the effort I think. A beautiful sounding instrument.
Eric Aceto, May 30, 2012
A-Style Mandocello for Jim Walsh
This A-style Mandocello just completed for Jim Walsh. Of Sitka Spruce and Red Maple, it turned out beautifully with a clear and open tone.
Very punchy in the low strings and massive amounts of sustain. The basic appointments give a classic look.
Eric Aceto, April 16, 2012
New Violins
Here are some pics of several new violins delivered this year . All of Sitka Spruce and one piece Big Leaf Maple back and sides. This combination is giving consistently great results with a sweet and full tone.
The first was for Judith Bichai from Montreal. The requested "Daisy" peghead was an interesting twist on a standard scroll.
Another was for Shawn Bailey, a great nashville musician who wanted a tribute to his father who recently retired from the fire department.
And finally, a 5 string mezzo violin was recently completed for Bruce Young. A great sounding instrument. I really like this larger size for the 5 and 6 string instruments.
Eric Aceto, January 18, 2012
ISI featured in Acoustic Guitar Magazine
An Oneida guitar we built some many years ago is reviewed in this months "Great Acoustics" feature in Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Built by Eric Aceto and Dan Hoffman in 1989 it was one of several of these that are out there in the world .
It is great to see an instrument of ours from this long ago still providing a vehicle for some great music.
Here is a link to the feature complete with a video of the phenomenal Walter Strauss playing it.
Eric Aceto, February 23, 2011
5-String Artist for Ricardo Ramirez
Ricardo Ramirez has just received his new 5 string Artist. I have taken his 5 string NV in trade which is an opportunity for some lucky person to get a great instrument .
Here is a video of him playing it with his wonderful ensemble Editus. This is what Ricardo has to say about the instrument: "I've had 10 years of use with my Ithaca violin, and really it was the best decision I ever made in my life, I used it on many important tours of the US and Europe, we won three grammies and I recorded 6 albums with this violin!". It could be yours now!
Eric Aceto, February 11, 2011
Upcoming Price Increases - Order your Instrument Today
After very many years of holding firm on pricing. Ithaca Stringed Instruments is implementing an across the board price increase.
In an effort to accommodate you folks who may have been on the fence or are contemplating ordering an instrument sometime this year, I will hold prices as they are now for all orders taken before April 30th 2011. After that date prices will go up 20%. I wish to thank all who have ordered instruments and continue to endeavor to supply the finest in a bowed or plucked instrument
Eric Aceto, January 24th, 2011
5-string NV
For Roman Gnielinski
Here is a 5 string NV recently completed for Roman Gnielinski.
With Bachus on the peghead and fit with Chuck Herin's marvelous "pegheads".
Another interesting project.
Eric Aceto, November 22, 2010
7-String Mezzo Violin
For Jimmy be Free
This instrument has been one of the most interesting projects I have had in recent years. Finally complete, It has been two years since Jimmy first contacted me. Thru conversations and emails I feel like we have been partners in the creation of this unique and very special instrument.
"Peacemaker" has lots of interesting features. Built on the Mezzo violin frame, it has 7 strings from hi E to the low Bb. The Lion with the Lamb peghead holds custom made Boxwood and Titanium Peghead geared tuners made by Chuck Herin (If you do not know about these incredibly wonderfull pegs , you should check them out.)
| Sample Recordings (mp3 format) were recorded into a zoom H2 recorder from 1 meter |
The back , sides and neck are from a stunning piece of Big Leaf Maple that grew in the pacific northwest near Jimmy's home. The top is very fine old growth Sitka Spruce salvaged from a defunct railroad trestle in British Colombia. The tailpiece is constructed of Turkish Boxwood with a laminated fingerboard of a spruce core and a boxwood veneer.
A Moldovite crystal was fixed to the end of the fingerboard at Jimmy's request. The instrument is fit with a custom 7 string Aceto/Violect pickup with the 1/4" jack and volume control mounted in the boxwood ,Flesch style chinrest. It can roar like a lion and speak as gently as a lamb.
Thanks and gratitude to Jimmy for his faithful patience while we worked it out. We will get some soundfiles of the instrument up soon.
Eric Aceto, August 18, 2010
6-String Violin
For Betty Widerski
This newest 6 string , built on Carleen Hutchings drawing for the mezzo violin, was built for Betty Widerski , a Boston area musician. Using domestic woods, the Sitka Spruce top and Eastern Maple back and sides helps with the instruments grit and clarity.
I feel it is the most successful of these so far producing a well balanced tone with strong low notes and a singing hi end.
The Kitty peghead gives it a sense of playfulness.
Eric Aceto, July 29th, 2009
12 fret 00
For Patty Lynch
This instrument is built on our 12 fret, 00 size frame. It has a Sitka Spruce top that was salvaged from a railroad trestle in British Columbia. Very old growth wood that was cut 200 years ago. We have had it in the shop for over 15 years.
The celtic knot motif gives it an elegance that is not too distracting from the simplicity of this beautiful little guitar. The back and sides are from a plank of beautifully flamed Honduran Mahogany. The neck is from Sapele with Gaboon Ebony fingerboard and bridge.
It is fit with Waverly tuners.
Eric Aceto, July 26th, 2009
Mandocello
For Paul Nowinski and Louis Resto
We built this mandocello for Paul Nowinski and Louis Resto, a couple of fine and versatile world class musicians. It was based on Paul's Gibson K-2 that we had restored earlier this year.
We lengthened the scale a bit and used our own tone bar setup to give it more definition in the low end. It also is equipped with our pickup system. A very successful instrument and I like it a lot.
Eric Aceto, January 8th, 2009
12-String Oneida Guitar
for Andrew Farnsworth
We just finished this one for Andrew Farnsworth.
When not playing this guitar he can be persuaded to lead birding expeditions in various and exotic corners of the world for Victor Emanuel Nature Tours.
He is also the fearless leader and prime mover of the band Mectapus
Eric Aceto, November 15, 2008
Florentine Mandolin
for George Gleason
Here is what he had to say after we delivered:
Eric, CONGRATULATIONS, the mandolin is PERFECT! You nailed the tone I was looking for, after about six hours of playing last night all I wanted to do was play six more!!
The ability to speak through my music has taken a GIANT step forward as the F- style mandolin is the most expressive and rich sounding instrument I have ever played! Its response to the subtlest of input to a screaming howl when played with force allows me to do things I have only imagined.
If it was just the tone, I would say the mandolin is worth 4X its cost. But to also get your innovative skills, and unique take on the traditional leaves me speechless.
Again, Congratulations, this one is a keeper.
George Gleason
Owner, George’s Pro Sound Company
Eric Aceto, August 23, 2008
6-string Violin
for Daniel Bernard Roumain
Here is a recently completed 6 string violin . This is the second of these built to Carleen Hutchings drawing for the mezzo violin with a few changes to accommodate the 6 strings.
Constructed for Daniel Bernard Roumain, the instrument has an African Princess peghead carving and includes our new redesigned Aceto/Violect pickup system. Check out DBR's website for what this amazing and artistic young violinist is doing.
Eric Aceto, July 14, 2008
12 Frett 000 Size Guitar
for Billy Eli
Here is a 12 frett 000 size guitar we have been working on for Billy Eli a troubadour from Austin Texas with a lot of grit and soul.
Billy asked for some stuff to make this instrument special and a dedication to his son Griffin who has Autism.
He calls him the "Chaos Dragon" so we found him this piece of flamed Imbuya with a dragon in it for the back.
My daughter Phoebe ,at "Model Citizen Tattoo" did the artwork. We had a lot of fun putting this one together with a AAAA sitka top, Ebony board and bridge .
Fit with Snakewood knobs on the Waverly tuners.
Eric Aceto, May 8, 2008
Mezzo 6-String
 |
Eric Aceto with 6 string violin,Lev 'Ljova' Zhurbinwith 6-string Mezzo Violin |
for Ljova Zhurbin
Our first 6 string Mezzo violin was recently completed and is now in the capable hands of the wonderful Ljova Zhurbin who is fast becoming at home with it and already making recordings exploring the huge range of the instrument (E,A,D,G,C,F). Check out his baby naming journal at http://thesoupasonic.livejournal.com/21808.html.
This instrument is the next generation of my work on the 6 string violin. The body is the size of a small viola with the scale length stretched to 35.6mm. That is short enough for a sweet hi E string that will not break and long enough for a clear low F string. I am very happy with how it turned out and am in the process of building the next one for another great modern violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain .
Stay tuned for more info about him and his new 6 string Mezzo Violin.
Eric Aceto, January 24, 2008
5-String Cello
for Jim Todd
This is a five string cello we just finished up for Jim Todd, a wonderful cellist from Colorado. It is built on a 3/4 size body that he sent to us. Here it is decked out in Celtic splendor with a Scottish Fox peghead. Man, that was a lot of pearl to cut but we finally got it out the door.
Eric Aceto, July 17, 2007
Recently Completed
For Christopher Woitach
Here's a shot of a guitar recently completed for an interesting and eclectic musician Christopher Woitach from Portland Oregon . check him out at http://www.affmusic.com.
Pic 1 | Pic 2 | Pic 3 | Pic 4
Eric Aceto, June 28, 2007
10 string Octave Mandolin Completed
For Stuart Allen
Jordan and I have also just 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 .
Eric Aceto, January 24, 2007
New Website Design Finished
I would like to Thank Chad Lieberman for all his work on the beautiful new redesign of our web site.
The clean appearance is much more intuitive and easy to navigate plus it just looks yummy. Contact him if you would like some first class web design work done. Chad is also an incredible pianist. He and I are also about to release a live cd of our quartet "Aceto, Lieberman and Shew, Live at the Carriage House Cafe" watch for it here.
Eric Aceto, January 24, 2007
Dan Hoffman Leaves ISI
After many fun, productive and exciting years together, Dan Hoffman has left ISI to focus on his own violin making.
That was a good run Dan we wish you the very best. His excellent and capable handiwork can still be found in some of our instruments. Particularly in the fine varnish work found on our violins. His own beautifully crafted violins and violas are beginning to show up in a few of the finer violin shops both here and in Europe.
With Dan's stepping down , my son Jordan has begun to fill his very big shoes in the ISI workshop. At 26 years of age he already possesses a fine eye and steady hand. His careful and meticulous work is found in all aspects of our instruments. He is also a fine instrumentalist. Playing guitars of his own construction with the Sim Redmond Band and with Thousands of One. He is a veteran of several Japanese tours with SRB and is scheduled to tour in Hawaii this february.
Eric Aceto, April 2006
Completed 6 String NV
Here is a look at recently completed 6 string NV. Built for Dan Trueman, Assistant Professor of Music at Princeton University (http://music.princeton.edu/~dan ) .
Dan explains, "I teach composition and electronic music here, and my dissertation was titled Reinventing the Violin, where I talk specifically about some of the issues that your instrument addresses." He also has a new CD out of some very interesting music on Hardanger fiddle, six string violin and guitar. Check him out at http://trollstilt.org .
This is what Dan had to say when he received his new violin: " I am just thrilled with it. It sounds just terrific. I have it going through my new sound system (hemisphere) and I don't have to do *any* eq at all (i'm used to spending hours with a 32-band eq). It is rich, full, even, and enormously interesting to play. the range of articulation possibilities is *so* much greater than with my solid-body. the high string is clear and strong, and the low string is responsive (not thubby). also, it *feels* terrific. The neck and action are perfect, and I am surprised by how light it is. The angled bridge is right on as well -- tuning across the strings feels very natural. Finally, it is *beautiful*. a work of art. looks sorta like a gamba, with the large fingerboard and 6 strings. i've already been showing it off, and everyone is very impressed by the craft."
Thanks Dan, another satisfied customer makes it worth the effort. Geepers , now I think I'll have to make one for myself.
Eric Aceto
New Jack Mount
Here's a look at a new jack mount we've been working on for use with our Aceto/Violect violin pickup on an acoustic instrument.
It incorporates an RCA jack into an Ebony Guarneri style, chin rest. It adds no weight, is very clean in appearance and function. An elegant solution to a common problem For more details check the pickup page .
We have added many new NV players to the roster ,including Ricardo Ramirez (with Ruben Blades), Yann Hamon , Alexander Mitchell, Annabele Lee, Russell Warne, Ettiene Abelin, Lila Sklar, David Vogel and several others. These are all great players and we are proud to have them playing our instruments.
Eric Aceto
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. They are also touring around the east this summer so watch for them in your town. 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. Shari Margrave has joined the ranks of NV players. Aside from her own group, the Crossroads String Quartet, she was also featured on Darol Anger's Four Generations of Jazz Violin project. Check out her many and varied projects. Welcome to the club Sheri, we are happy to have a player of your caliber with us We have also added two dealers for our violins. You can now see and play our NV at Ifshin Violins in Berkeley, Ca. (510) 843-5466, ask for Steve May and at Reunning and Son in Boston, Ma. (617) 262-1300, ask for Chris Reunning. These are both great shops with knowledgeable people, we are pleased to have them represent us.
Eric Aceto
Alex "Wolfie" Obert's Bass Nears Completion!
Another long term project nearing completion is a wearable upright bass we've been working on for an excellent musician Alex "Wolfie" Obert.
This thing has been a long time comin` and it's been, I'll say. a challenge all the way.Here are some pictures we took in the shop just before he picked it up.It has 7 main strings, tuned low B, E, A, D, G, C,and a low C. It also has 25 sympathetic strings. Kind of a large bass Sarod kind of thing. The sympathetic strings have not been strung yet as Wolfie is taking it on out to the Ali Ackbar School to have the Jawari done. As I understand it this is the mysterious and delicate process where the optimal placement and carving of the sympathetic bridge is done.
Eric Aceto, Feb 2006
ISI at www.ithacastring.com!
This is the spot where I get to talk about all the behind the scenes stuff.
First I want to thank J. Mendelson for doing his thing so well and making it fun at the same time. As some of you are reading this may know, lately we've been mostly concentrating on the fine tuning of our NV. This last group of three instruments has been a real education in where we go along with mainstream violin building and where we are breaking new ground. The voicing or tuning of these instruments using the standard methods of plate graduation, wood selection and air chamber tuning and our own tone bar setup, has not been done to this extent in an electric instrument before. I hope to keep this section fairly up to date, feel free to write me with any questions or feedback on what Dan and I are doing.
Eric Aceto