Unprofitable Instruments

Pricelist 2025

Rebec ...  starts at $2750

 

Battle Abbey Vielle ... $3500
Waisted Vielle ... $3900
Citole ... $7000
Price does not include case
Monochord
Basic ... $800
Deluxe ... $1250
Dichord ... add $75

Details for ordering monochords
Trumpet Marine ... $7500
Price does not include case
Various upgrades available
Bow with instrument purchase ... $400
Bow alone ... $475

Prices quoted are base prices and include a case, premier rosin, and extra top strings unless otherwise noted. In a custom order we will discuss your choices of size, varnish, and decoration and adjust the price accordingly. Please inquire about student discounts.

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Ordering Information

If you would like to buy one of my instruments, there are a number of ways to go about it:

1. Ask to try an instrument in stock. I try to keep some instruments in stock, usually rebecs, monochords, and bows. Any of these instruments may be sent out for trial. You are responsible for shipping (usually about $125 for a rebec or monochord, $50 for bows) and return shipping should you choose not to keep the instrument. To have an instrument on trial, I will ask for a check for the total value of the instrument (plus one way shipping), which I will keep as security. If you choose to keep the instrument, I will cash the check. If not, return the instrument with a check for shipping, and I will destroy (or return) the first check.

2. Visit “Unprofitable Instruments” at an exhibition. I have been showing instruments regularly at the Boston, Berkeley, and Madison early music festivals, as well as numerous other shows. At a show, I typically have one or two rebecs for sale, and various instruments on display. Contact me before an exhibition if you are interested in a particular instrument so I can try to get it there to meet you (if this instrument is the trumpet marine, give me plenty of warning!)

3. Commission an instrument. I welcome commissions for instruments. We will discuss your desires for your instrument, and you can choose wood type, tuning, decoration, etc. To confirm a commission and be on the building list, I require 1/3 of the finished cost as a down payment.

Note about bows: A bow can make a tremendous difference in the sound of an instrument, particularly in medieval fiddles. I try to keep a number of bows in stock. If you are ordering an instrument I will select a bow that I think is a good match, or I am also happy to send out a few bows so you can test them yourself.

Note about shipping: My preferred method of shipping is FedEx Air.  If you are buying an instrument, you may choose the method of delivery, but you are responsible for it once I deliver it to the shippers.

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