Violoncello da Spalla d'Amore
Introducing the Violoncello da Spalla d'Amore -- a new twist on an old instrument!
The Violoncello da Spalla, or shoulder cello, is a Baroque instrument that has enjoyed a resurgence in recent decades. We were enthralled with the gorgeous tone of Mikael Marin's da Spalla when we heard Väsen in concert at Club Passim several years ago. Not surprisingly, Dev has become hooked on building them 'd'Amore-style' with 5 sympathetic strings to add richness and resonance.
To our knowledge, Dev's are the first da Spallas to be built with sympathetic strings. The result is a unique velvety sound with deep resonance that can be sculpted with the bow. The da Spalla d'Amore is a surprisingly approachable instrument and is especially suited for players coming from the fiddle and hardanger d'Amore world.
Cherry da Spalla d'Amore with Rosing
The largest da Spalla d'Amore prototype to-date. Completed Summer 2026. Instrument No. 101.
Top:
Reclaimed Spruce from a pipe organ
Back & neck:
Reclaimed Cherry from the family farm
Fingerboard & tailpiece:
Ebony
Pegs:
Wittner Geared Planetary Pegs
f-holes:
Cello-style f-holes
Scroll:
Designed and hand-carved by Dev
Rosing:
Designed and hand-drawn by Dev
Tested strings:
Extra-long Helicore Viola Strings (G,D,A,E)
Pro Arte Cello String (C)
Sympathetic strings: A range of light gauge steel
Birdseye da Spalla d'Amore
Mid-size da Spalla d'Amore prototype. Completed Spring 2026. Instrument No. 100.
Top:
Sitka Spruce
Back & neck:
Birdseye Maple from the western US
Fingerboard & tailpiece:
Ebony
Pegs:
Wittner Geared Planetary Pegs
f-holes:
Cello-style f-holes
Scroll:
Designed and hand-carved by Dev
Tested strings:
Extra-long Helicore Viola Strings (G,D,A,E)
Pro Arte Cello String (C)
Sympathetic strings: A range of light gauge steel
Cherry da Spalla d'Amore
The first ever da Spalla d'Amore prototype. Completed January 2026. Instrument No. 95.
Top:
Reclaimed Spruce from pipe organ wood
Back & neck:
Reclaimed Cherry from the family farm
Fingerboard & tailpiece:
Ebony
Pegs:
Wittner Geared Planetary Pegs
f-holes:
Cello-style f-holes
Scroll:
Designed and hand-carved by Dev
Tested strings:
Extra-long Helicore Viola Strings (G,D,A,E)
Pro Arte Cello String (C)
Sympathetic strings: A range of light gauge steel