Violoncello da Spalla Measurements Aren't a Secret.
But They're Not Obvious Either.
Every luthier knows this truth: the difference between an ordinary instrument and an extraordinary one isn't just craftsmanship—it's architecture. The violoncello da spalla is experiencing a renaissance. Musicians want them. Audiences love them. History validates them. Magazines and TV share these musician's and luthier's stories.
But most luthiers just don't have 6 months to do proper research. Maybe they don't have 20 years of experience in building and playing this instrument professionally. They build beautiful instruments. Sure thing! But what if a musical instrument is more than the beautiful surface?
Three Challenges Every Spalla Maker Faces:
Time is Your Scarcest Resource
Spending 6 months researching historical measurements means 6 months without production or income. That's an expensive gamble most luthiers can't afford.
Musicians Demand Certainty
Professional players won't risk their reputation on experimental designs. They want instruments with proven success under concert conditions - not to be your test subject.
The Perfect Model Doesn't Exist
Most surviving spallas have been modified beyond recognition. Without understanding the original acoustic principles, luthiers are left with a lottery—copying surviving models blindly, hoping they'll work in modern concert spaces. They don't.
I've spent 20 years crafting this instrument.
The world's leading soloists—Sergey Malov, Sigiswald Kuijken, Ryo Terakado—reintroduced Violoncello da Spalla to international concert stages using my instruments. Why? Because they work. This is the model now known and loved by luthiers and string players worldwide. You could spend six months researching. Or you could start building today, using measurements your clients already know and trust.
This Course Isn't For Everyone
If you believe every instrument is a unique snowflake that defies measurement, intellect or culture, this isn't for you.
If you've never built a string instrument before, start elsewhere. This course does not teach how to saw, cut or carve wood.
If you believe there is nothing to learn or money is more precious than time and you plan to figure it all out by yourself - I respect your mindset - but this isn't for you.
But if you already created a string instrument and understand that knowledge creates possibility—here's what I'm offering:
Violoncello da Spalla Making - The Master Suite
Three Paths Forward:
The Spalla Foundations
You are getting:
- Short, actionable step-by-step video lessons.
- Professional, personalized advice for any questions you might have.
- Insights from 20 years of crafting instruments for pioneering performers.
- The first step in your journey to becoming the leading spalla expert in your area.
- Full-resolution, unabridged digital copy of the book on Da Spalla
- Private support group access.
- Signed Certificate of Completion.
- Self-assessment quizzes to ensure understanding.
- Complete measurement specifications for all parts.
- Downloadable reference tables for your workshop.
€
37
Monthly payments plan - Cancel any time
The Spalla Alchemist's Path
You are getting everything in the Spalla Foundations plan PLUS
- Quarterly LIVE Zoom workshops with Dmitry Badiarov - get direct feedback on your work (Value €950)
- EXCLUSIVE: Access to recorded archives of previous Zoom workshops (Other participants paid €1497 per workshop)
- Four months FREE compared to monthly pricing (save €148)
- Priority response to your questions in the community
- Extended access to all future course updates for a full year
- Advanced setup recommendations for both historical and modern string types
- BONUS: High-resolution, print-ready blueprint for a Violoncello da Spalla bow (€297 value)
- Certificate of completion as "Spalla Alchemist" - perfect for displaying in your workshop
€
297
Pay Annually and Get 4 Months of Training FREE (Saving 148€ per year)
The Spalla Alchemist's
Inner Circle
Limited availability - Application required
You are getting everything in the Spalla Foundations and Spalla Alchemist plans PLUS+
- Physical: High-resolution, print ready proven Violoncello da Spalla blueprint by Dmitry Badiarov
- Monthly: Personal 90-minute coaching sessions for a full year (Comparable to elements of my €10,000 one-on-one training)
- Intensive: Three-day live ONLINE workshop on ancient acoustic design principles (Others paid €1,497)
- Physical: Signed-by-the-author physical copy of the book on Da Spalla
- Unlimited: Direct personal feedback on your instrument designs (Value €1,997), for you it will be like having me in your workshop and giving suggestions on your acoustic designs
- PROPRIETARY: Access to the recordings of Old Masters TO.N.E.S. Technique™ workshops (Value €1497)
- CREDENTIAL: Limited license to use "Trained by Dmitry Badiarov" in your marketing materials
- BONUS: Personally signed "Master Sound Alchemist" Certificate
- VIP ACCESS: Private Inner Circle community separate from regular members
- GUARANTEE: Response to your questions within 24 hours via WhatsApp and Private Group
PLUS these exclusive benefits:
- BONUS: Access to hundred+ hand-drawn technical sketches with personal annotations by other Sound Alchemists since 2017
- BONUS: Spalla Alchemists' Partner Program (Value €2925): Share this program with fellow luthiers and earn 50% commission on your first two referrals (€1,997). After two successful sales, receive the entire Inner Circle program completely FREE.
Limited to just 10 participants per year to ensure personalized attention, because more than that and I will have to quit luthiery myself.
€
1997
Choose between a one-time investment or a payment plan
The Hidden Cost of Cutting Corners
The choice every luthier faces:
from €1.23/day for measurements and expert insight
OR
- 6 months of zero workshop income (€15,000+)
- Research trips across Europe (€3,500+ in flights)
- Hotel stays examining museum instruments (€4,800+)
- The reputation damage when a musician discovers your instrument doesn't meet performance standards
Most luthiers charge between €9,000-€20,000 for a quality Violoncello da Spalla.
When one avoided mistake pays for years of membership, can you afford not to invest just €1.23 a day—less than a cup of coffee?
Cancel anytime once you've built solid foundations to reach new heights. Or stay as long as you wish. The majority of my mentees took several courses with me and stayed together for years. In some cases, starting internationally recognised workshops in months, rather than decades.
But... You Might Be Wondering
What's Inside?
Instead of telling you how comprehensive this course is, and how much space is left to you to evolve and develop YOUR way, let me show you:
Preview
Lesson 1:
Welcome to Violoncello da Spalla Making
Preview
Lesson 3:
Neck Measurements
Dive Even Deeper: Beyond The Foundations - The Spalla Alchemist's Path
The Course Contents
Sound isn't just something you hear - it's something you become.
The difference between where you are now and where you could be isn't about more information. It's about transformation.
The Foundations Package opens the door. The Inner Circle doesn't just invite you in—it changes who you are when you walk back out. People like us do things like this. We don't collect sound techniques. We become sound alchemists.
How This Knowledge Has Transformed Other Luthiers
These are the stories of craftspeople who took these methods and created instruments that musicians now fight over. Their experiences showcase not just what's possible, but what's likely when precise measurements meet skilled hands.
"In March 2019 I lost my job: the school where I worked for 14 years was closed. So I chose to open my own atelier. I had no prospects, no orders... everybody doubted I can earn from my passion and I wasn't sure either. However, I chose my passion. With Dmitry's training I got results I did not expect. In the last 8 months I got 7 orders. This means around €80,442 worth of revenue coming in, being able to share my deepest passion in the most effective way."
~ Takumi Takakura, Japan
"Three years ago I was professionally disoriented and frustrated. Now I have a thriving and well-running business. Also, I feel calm and inspired because I have good tools and system to manage and develop it. This transformation process has been inspired and guided by Dmitry Badiarov. His training is well directed, well explained and advised. And best of all, it's totally effective. Dmitry belongs to this type of person who enriches and inspires you with each contact to bring out the best version of yourself."
~ Oleg Ivanyschuk, Spain
"This group and our fearless leader has been so important to me. The discovery and understanding of these principles of instrument design that make so much sense, the building of such an interesting instrument both historical and as a useful voice in today's music are all so important to me. As someone who has been supporting a family for many years doing this, I see that right now there are more builders than I have ever seen all doing beautiful and innovative work. I have so much to learn here please continue maestro."
~ Eric Aceto, USA
The Sound Alchemist's Archive: Premium Workshop Recordings (€1497 Value for just €297 billed annually)
Now included exclusively with the Spalla Alchemists Path and The Spalla Alchemist's Inner Circle
Every module comes with its own downloadable handout—distilling the essential knowledge from each workshop into practical reference guides you'll actually use in your workshop.
The Artisan's Dilemma
Most luthiers live in limbo between two truths:
Truth #1: Our craft is sacred, deserving reverence beyond mere commerce.
Truth #2: Without sustainability, the craft itself vanishes.
This isn't actually a paradox.
In my work with world-class musicians, I've discovered something remarkable: the players who truly value instruments aren't seeking discounts. They're seeking vessels worthy of their music.
When musicians understand the true value of what you create, they invest accordingly. Not because you convinced them, but because they get it.
This course includes something most lutherie programs avoid: honest conversations about worth. Not tactics for extracting maximum dollars, but frameworks that help musicians make informed decisions about their most important tools.
Stradivari, Guarneri, and Amati weren't just craftspeople with magic hands. They were complete artisans who understood value exchange. Their legacies endure because they mastered both sides of the equation.
Remember: Every instrument collecting dust in your workshop is denying a musician their voice. And denying you the opportunity to create your next masterpiece.
Sound Alchemists understand this simple truth: our work needs strong roots to reach toward the sky. We want to give the same to the Sound Alchemists among musicians.
Look! It's Not Magic!
It's measurement.
It's understanding harmonic relationships between parts.
It's starting from the place where other luthiers will arrive in 20 years. IF they will.
I can't promise you'll make €80,442 in eight months or have a waiting list next year, but...
I can promise this: you'll get the exact dimensions and expert guidance from the maker behind the instruments played by today's most respected spalla pioneers. You'll build an instrument that honors history while meeting modern expectations—one that makes you proud when you hear it played: the best part of being a Sound Alchemist. I look forward to where YOU will take it next.
Here's what I've done to accelerate your journey:
Foundational skills that transform beginners into confident makers
Sound Alchemists Path that unlocks harmonic design principles + Access to the previous Inner Circle meetings + Direct access to me.
Inner Circle where I share my complete 40+ year mastery of The Old Masters T.O.N.E.S. Technique, plus the proven violoncello da spalla design, plus personal assistance at every step.
Choose your path, ascend at your own pace.
Will Language Be a Barrier?
Not at all. This course includes subtitles in multiple languages.
As someone who grew up between worlds (and speaks six languages myself), I understand the importance of accessibility. Whether you're a luthier in Amsterdam, Cremona, Paris, Madrid, Tokyo or elsewhere - this knowledge and principles are now yours to master in your preferred language. Simply choose your subtitles. Missing yours? Let me know.
Who Is Your Instructor?
I am Dmitry, author of the book on Da Spalla, luthier, and founder of Badiarov Violins and Sound Alchemists. When I crafted my first violoncello da spalla in 2003, I had no idea I was reviving a 300-year-old tradition. Today, outstanding musicians like Sigiswald Kuijken, Ryo Terakado, and Sergey Malov perform on my instruments worldwide.
After almost 40 years of translating ancient acoustic wisdom into modern instruments, I’ve decided to share what took me decades to discover—because this knowledge belongs in the hands of musicians who will carry it forward.
For 20 years, I’ve lived and breathed this instrument. Why sharing? Because your string players deserve the best. By investing in your training, you’re investing in them.
Why you should join now? Because now is the best time for luthiers to think deeper and musicians to become Sound Alchemists: transforming rage into love, consumerism into creativity, materialism into spirituality, divides into unity and war into peace. The world needs Sound Alchemists. Join the Community of Sound Alchemists today.
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What Happens Next is The Most Important
Which path of the Violoncello da Spalla Making - Master Suite will you choose?
Access begins immediately. Within minutes, you'll have the precise measurements and parameters used by world-class performers. The path you choose determines how far this journey will take you—from foundational knowledge to becoming part of a community of Sound Alchemists.
See you inside!
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