Rivinus Instruments

DEAR STRING PLAYERS,

My career in musical instrument making lasted, happily, for forty years. I spent the last 20 years of that time making my ergonomic violins and violas because of the demand for more comfortable, less injurious instruments. Then, in 2015, I decided it was time to stop.

Unfortunately, the epidemic of player injuries did not follow me into retirement. It is estimated that 40% of all professional violists will suffer a debilitating injury at some point in their careers. Violinists fare somewhat better, but they, too, have muscle, bone and nerve issues. And so, not surprisingly, there is still a significant demand for my Pellegrina viola and also my Maximilian violin, both of which offer significant orthopedic relief.

For that reason, although I am doing no new making, I have continued to service my instruments and to act as a broker for my customers who are ready to find new homes for their violas and violins.

Immediately below is a list of instruments currently for sale. And of course, a link to my email address so you can contact me if you have questions or wish my help in purchasing, servicing or placing your instrument on the market. Please let me know if there is any way I can be of help.

Thanks,

David Rivinus pellegrina8@gmail.com

INSTRUMENTS CURRENTLY FOR SALE

(as of September 20, 2025)

· 4-string Pellegrina viola, 15 5/8 inches; case and shoulder rest included; price: $11,900.

There is also a similar 4-string Pellegrina for sale in Tokyo

· 5-string Pellegrina Pomposa, 15 5/8 inches; case and shoulder rest included; price: $12,300

Also for sale is a 5-string "Super-Mini" Pellegrina pomposa with the string length of a violin. This

instrument is available in Cardiff, Wales

· Ergonomic Maximilian violin; case included; price: $11,200

If you are interested or have questions, please email me: pellegrina8@gmail.com

FOR THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH MY WORK

There is a 12-minute video on YouTube where I explain my work to a man who I thought was an interested buyer. It turns out he was a video journalist and was recording my comments as I went along. My explanation is totally spontaneous, and despite his spelling my name wrong in the video’s title (Ravinus), his recording is the best description of my work available. Here’s the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWZ5W5h7pBI

FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO HEAR A PELLEGRINA VIOLA PLAYED

The link below is to a performance held in the auditorium of the German Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The piece played was the world premier of Patrick Neher's "Incantation for Solo Viola." This live performance was on September 10, 2023, and the player is Nancy Bean who is the director of "1807 & Friends" which is a group of performers dedicated to chamber music in the Philadelphia area. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHVNXOniqqM&list=PLRxkwe2wnsR_-0mJcsT74M3CB7-bn_AQ5&index=5

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