Hi, All,

I wanted to start a reference thread listing the various makers/brands who currently produce purpose-built 5-string violin/viola hybrids with acoustic performance in mind. Electrified instruments are cool too, but I'm focusing on instruments that can be played in an acoustic ensemble.

Please make your suggestions, and I'll add them to the list as time goes on.  Special mention goes to Fiddlershop.com, which sells two 5-string models from The Realist.

Here's the list so far:

Eric Aceto/Ithaca Stringed Instruments (violin, $6k)

Friedrich Alber (France) (grand viola, >$10k)

Gary Bartig/G. Edward Lutherie (3 violin models, $1300-2600)

Martin Brunkalla (violins and violas, ca. $4k)

Alan Carruth (folk violas, <$2k!)

Jonathan Cooper (violins, >$15k)

Barry Dudley (exotic wood violins, >$4k)

David Gage/The Realist (2 violin models, $1100-2000)

Brad Higgins (violins, ca. $4k)

K.C. Strings/Krutz (4 violin models + 1 viola, $900-6500)

KCM Luthiery (BC) (violins, $2100-2400)

Bob Kogut (violins, >$3k)

Tim Phillips (UK) (violins, $4k-5k)

Don Rickert (mezzo viola, $950-2000)

John Silakowski (violins, ca. $10k)

Joseph Thrift (violins, ca. $10k)