Da Spalla d'Amore
Introducing the Da Spalla d'Amore: a new twist on an old instrument!
The Violoncello da Spalla, or shoulder cello, is a Baroque instrument with 5 playing strings that has enjoyed a resurgence in recent decades. Not surprisingly, Dev has become hooked on building them 'd'Amore-style' by adding 5 sympathetic strings to enhance their 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. Held across the chest with a simple leather strap, 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.
Da Spalla d'Amore with rosing
The largest model to-date.
Completed Summer 2026.
Instrument No. 101.
Top..............................................................Reclaimed Spruce from a pipe organ
Back, sides & neck....................Reclaimed Cherry from the family farm
Fingerboard & tailpiece.......................................................................Ebony
Pegs..........................................................................Wittner Geared Planetary Pegs
f-holes...........................................................................................Cello-style f-holes
Scroll...............................................................................Custom-designed by Dev
Rosing.............................................Custom-designed and hand drawn by Dev
Playing strings............................Extra-long Helicore Viola, Pro Arte Cello
Sympathetic strings..........................................A range of light gauge steel
Birdseye Da Spalla d'Amore
Mid-size model.
Completed Spring 2026. Instrument No. 100.
Top............................................................................................................Sitka Spruce
Back, sides & neck..........................Birdseye Maple from the western US
Fingerboard & tailpiece.......................................................................Ebony
Pegs..........................................................................Wittner Geared Planetary Pegs
f-holes...........................................................................................Cello-style f-holes
Scroll...............................................................................Custom-designed by Dev
Rosing.............................................Custom-designed and hand drawn by Dev
Playing strings............................Extra-long Helicore Viola, Pro Arte Cello
Sympathetic strings..........................................A range of light gauge steel
Cherry Da Spalla d'Amore
The first da Spalla d'Amore. Completed January 2026. Instrument No. 95.
Top..............................................................Reclaimed Spruce from a pipe organ
Back, sides & neck....................Reclaimed Cherry from the family farm
Fingerboard & tailpiece..................................................Indian Rosewood
Pegs..........................................................................Wittner Geared Planetary Pegs
f-holes...........................................................................................Cello-style f-holes
Scroll...............................................................................Custom-designed by Dev
Rosing.............................................Custom-designed and hand drawn by Dev
Playing strings............................Extra-long Helicore Viola, Pro Arte Cello
Sympathetic strings..........................................A range of light gauge steel
