Custom Fiddles/Violins and Violas
Just as with Lichty guitars and ukes, no two Lichty fiddles or violas are alike.
- Jay works with traditional and nontraditional woods allowing the materials to inform the design and build.
- As a fiddle and viola player, Jay knows the tone and the playability he is after in each instrument.
Current models include four and five string fiddles, electric fiddles and violas.
Building custom instruments is one of Jay’s strongest attributes. From beginning to end, the process is focused on each customer’s unique vision for their instrument. Materials and design choices are made together no matter how near or far you may be as Jay works with players from around the world. We also provide a photo journal of the build so that you can watch your instrument come to life! Jay looks forward to working with you to create the fiddle or viola of your dreams.
Pricing: Pricing starts at $5,000 for cornerless bout designs and $5,500 for models with pointed bouts. Options include selection of woods, body design and appointments.
Contact Jay to discuss ideas for your custom instrument and pricing.
Custom Fiddle and Viola Audio Samples
We are grateful to Jamie Laval, internationally-acclaimed celtic fiddler, for taking time in his studio to record samples of a few of our instruments. In the selection that follows three instruments are highlighted, each recorded two ways .
Sample 1: Koa Four String Fiddle
Sample 2: Port Orford Cedar Viola
Sample 3: Port Orford Five String Cornerless Fiddle
Electric Fiddle Sample played by Jay
Current Handmade Fiddle and Viola Inventory
For those who desire a handmade Lichty fiddle or viola that can be purchased quickly, we strive to keep a small quantity of one-of-a-kind instruments in stock at our shop. Instruments in our inventory are handcrafted with the same precision and attention as our customized guitars, and are unique to Jay’s creativity. There is no such thing as a mass-produced Lichty.