Violins
From its earliest days, ISI has been obsessed with capturing the full spectrum of the violin’s voice—even when amplified.
From the beginning, ISI has been devoted to capturing the full expressive range of the violin—even when amplified.
Blending time-honored construction methods like bent ribs, graduated plates, and internal linings with bold acoustic innovation, ISI violins are designed for resonance, responsiveness, and clarity. By reimagining elements such as f-holes, bass bar, and soundpost, we’ve crafted a system of voiced tone bars, tuned air chambers, and meticulously graduated plates that transmit sound evenly through the body and into the pickup. The result is an instrument that delivers rich, nuanced tone—whether played acoustically or through a sound system.
Each violin is built to order with options for 4, 5, or 6 strings (as well as viola scale lengths), and comes with a lifetime warranty and premium case. The Aceto/Violect Deluxe Pickup System delivers unmatched fidelity and tonal depth on stage, while discreet electronics and refined appointments—custom peg-head carvings, fingerboard inlays, and wooden tailpieces—make each instrument as visually compelling as it is sonically powerful.
Custom configurations and pricing available upon request.
Artist Model
All Artist Models are crafted to meet the exacting standards of top-tier acoustic players, delivering a richly satisfying feel and tone.
By pairing this finely voiced violin with Eric's groundbreaking Aceto/Violect pickup and a discreet electronics package, you get the perfect fusion of acoustic elegance and stage-ready power—the very best of both worlds.
Contact us for pricingCUSTOM INSTRUMENT
The Fadolin
Now available from Ithaca Stringed Instruments, the Fadolin is a six-string acoustic violin that extends the range of traditional bowed instruments.
A violin with added lower F (Fa) and C (Do) strings, the Fadolin covers the full register of the violin and viola, and reaches deep into cello territory—all in a compact, under-the-chin design. Built by ISI luthier Eric Aceto, each Fadolin is meticulously crafted for clarity, balance, and resonance across all six strings. With its expanded tonal range and acoustic depth, the Fadolin opens new possibilities for string players looking to explore beyond the standard four-string format.
CUSTOM INSTRUMENT
Violoncello DaSpalla
A compact, resonant five-string cello played on the shoulder, bridging Baroque tradition with modern versatility.
The violoncello da spalla, known informally as the cello da spalla, is a small five-string cello played braced against the shoulder. Its tuning is the same as a standard violoncello, with a fifth string added to the upper register. The open string tuning, from lowest to highest, is: C, G, D, A, E.
The violoncello da spalla is held against the shoulder and chest with a strap. The bow angles and technique are familiar to violinists and violists, even those with limited experience playing instruments such as the viola da gamba or cello.
I discovered this instrument—and Dmitry Badiarov, the person responsible for its modern resurgence—in 2018. At that time, I began studying both the instrument and a system of proportional design based on its string length under the guidance of Maestro Badiarov.
To date, I have built six of these instruments. With its deeply resonant voice, the violoncello da spalla feels at home in many musical styles beyond the Baroque era in which it originated.
