1)Where can I buy strings?
2)Where can I get a case for my instrument?
3)Where can I find music written for the octet?
4)Where can I buy recordings of new family instruments?
5)Where can I purchase an instrument?
6)How much do octet instruments cost?

1)The SuperSensitive String Company www.supersensitive.com makes matched sets of durable strings for all the octet violins except the two basses, which can be strung with conventional strings of your choice. Alto players can also try SuperSensitive’s long (20”), light-gauge viola strings as well. Octet instruments with tunings and string lengths similar to conventional instruments, for example, the baritone and mezzo, can use any commercially available string.

2)The treble violin will fit into a half-size violin case, while a soprano will fit a three-quarter-violin case, both of which are commonly available. Take note that neither of these cases normally accepts a full-size bow. The mezzo fits nicely into a case intended for a 15” – 15 ¼” viola. At present the alto requires a custom case or bag, although there are creative ways to adapt non-musical-instrument cases for the purpose. The tenor will fit some standard half or three-quarter size cello cases, but these may not accept a full size bow. For the baritone, small bass, and contrabass, bags are a more economical choice. Custom case and bag makers can also be contacted to make something for your instrument. The NVFA is working with certain companies to provided fitted cases, so check back from time to time!

3)Music is presently being prepared by the NVFA and will be posted on this web site when available. This will eventually include music of varying difficulty as well as music for subsets of the octet. Transcriptions and adaptations will be among our offerings, and also music written especially for the new violin family.

4)NVFA presently has a small, but growing, catalog of discs. These can be ordered through our central office or the online order form on this website. Our discs are also available on CD Baby www.cdbaby.com along with other recordings produced by independent artists who play individual octet instruments.

5)Start with the luthier’s list on this web site. Most of the makers listed not only are trained craftspeople, but also have received training in the acoustic methods required to tune the plates (the tops and backs) of the instruments in accordance with the techniques developed by Dr. Carleen M. Hutchins.

6)The list given here is intended as a general guideline for planning purposes. Prices shown are in US dollars. Please keep in mind that these amounts reflect prices typically paid for hand-made, built-to-order octet violins from experienced makers based on the current market. The NVFA does not attempt to regulate the prices asked by individual makers, so these amounts may vary considerably.The NVFA continues to work toward ways to provide quality instruments for beginners and students at lower cost.

Treble Soprano Mezzo Alto Tenor Baritone Small Bass Contrabass

$3,000.00 -   $4,000.00 $3,000.00 -   $5,000.00 $4,000.00 --  $7,500.00 $4,000.00 --  $10,000.00 $5,000.00 --  $13,125.00 $7,000.00 --  $15,000.00 $10,000.00 -- $20,000.00 $15,000.00 -- $25,000.00