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Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I buy a Ricci carbon instrument since there are already good wood instruments available?
The excellent tone potential and superb playability, the huge benefits in their resistance to weather and physical damage, as well as the advantageous pricing make these instruments extraordinary alternatives as orchestral and solo instruments which can also be taken on travels without anxiety – even in places where one would not otherwise take a precious traditional string instrument, such as on a ship or to an alpine hut, etc.
There is a cheap European product on the market ... Why are “Ricci” instruments more expensive?
The question answers itself: Their target group is mainly amateur musicians who are looking for a cheap instrument. Even when only considering the optics and technology used, “Ricci” instruments are not even remotely comparable. “Less” must not cost more and still have its own market segment. “More” is inevitably more expensive, although it is still reasonable in relation to comparable wood instruments.
Do the instruments have a sound post?
Yes, currently made of wood in the standard position. It can easily be adjusted by any luthier according to individual preference.
Do the instruments have a bass bar?
Yes, made of carbon. It could as well be made from wood. But the type developed by “Ricci” has been tested to offer optimal resonance values.
Do these instruments also require a break-in phase for tone improvement like wood instruments?
Yes, at least four weeks for a first evaluation for the sake of the new strings in particular, then after approx. three months there is a gradual further improvement due to the materials used.
Pros and cons / Benefits and drawbacks of carbon vs. wood fingerboard?
Those who need absolutely zero sensitivity of the fingerboard to humidity would be advised to take carbon. This advantage is complemented by the first-class characteristic of damage resistance. However, the haptics of a carbon fingerboard are slightly different from ebony wood. Therefore, it is a question of maximum form-stability vs. 100% familiar wood-haptics. In either case both versions have the “state of the art” surface curvature. Neither is sanding the fingerboard necessary for carbon. At the most, only after extensive use over many years, might some surface polishing or painting become necessary.
Are the fingerboards in carbon and ebony “state of art” curved on the top side? Namely, the upper side of the carbon fingerboards from an American builder are only flat.
Both fingerboards are properly curved on the top side and can be modified at will by a luthier.
Do other strings alter the sound quality?
Yes, naturally, it is the same as with a wood instrument. The strings we provide are our recommendation, but one can also experiment with other strings. Personal preferences differ, which is good.
Can one change the sound characteristics by changing the bridge?
Certainly. Besides, for example, the recognized differences resulting from choosing a Belgian or French bridge for a cello, for example, individual customization by bridge-specialized luthiers will influence the performance – as well as the choice of specific tail pieces, etc.
Are the instruments professionally finished with the correct settings (scale length, bridge, sound post), etc.?
Yes. The final set-up of each instrument is performed professionally by a luthier and tested by playing it. It is possible, however that changes may occur during shipment, which may easily be corrected by a luthier or by the individual himself.
Are these instruments much lighter than wood instruments?
No. Carbon is not basically lighter than wood, only that one can save weight by making the walls thinner for the same strength. But since the tonality is of primary importance and not the weight, and the tone should also be appropriately “full” in large halls, the weight of the instrument is almost the same as that of a wood instrument.
Why is the instrument built of expensive carbon and then “faked” to look like wood?
Many professional orchestra musicians are not allowed to play in the leading orchestras with instruments that look like carbon. Others like the combination of elegant black carbon with that of a rustic wood belly plate.
How do I maintain the surface?
Simply with a sponge cloth or boat or furniture polish. Any scratches in the course of the instrument’s life can be simply “polished out” with polishing compound. You may also freely contact us about it.
Will the instruments withstand being shipped on a flight in a hard case as luggage?
Yes. However, a “heavy duty” type of hard case is recommended. The carbon instruments themselves are not the problem. Since luggage often undergoes brutal handling in transit, the greater risk is for damage to the wooden bridge or the toppling or shifting of the bridge and/or the sound post.
It is recommended to place hard foam pad on either side of the bridge for static support and leave the strings under tension.