Don Rickert Research & Design also does its own in-house product development and manufacture (in conjunction with its joint venture partner firm, Fiddarci Lutherie in Helena, AL). Ground-breaking stringed musical instruments, electronic music gear and specialized adventure equipment (e.g. high-performance rowing craft) have been our initial areas of focus.
Once an area of focus seems to have potential, it is spun off as a separate division with its own identity. To date, the most well-established "spin-off" company is Rickert & Ringholz Musical Instruments, which has earned an international reputation for innovative modern violins. About half of its customers are in Japan, Australia, EU countries and Denmark. Some of the most highly regarded musicians in the world own and perform on instruments, sold under the Rickert & Ringholz(tm), Rickert & Jones(tm) and Don Rickert-Fiddarci Lutherie(tm) brands.
There are about 25 Patent Pending applications in various stages of progress for the various musical instruments. The curious reader can see and hear cutting-edge bowed string instruments being played by visiting (YouTube www.youtube.com/user/DoctorFiddle). The official website is now www.FiddleandBowBlog.com. The online store is www.FiddleandBowStore.com.
The other two spin-offs, just getting under way (AND GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES) are:
- Adventure Rowing(tm) (website is www.AdventureRowing.com): You can see various photos from a sea trial of one of Don Rickert's rowing craft prototype on the temporary website. This boat can handle 3+ foot ocean swells and is faster than an Alden Ocean Shell, something thought to be impossible for an inflatable boat.
- MusiqElectroniq(tm): The website is www.MusiqElectroniq.com.
We don't just talk about invention and innovation in New Product Development (NPD), but we DO IT!
WHY VIOLINS AND BOATS?
In order to save you the trouble of having to ask what our involvement in these niche products has to do with Design Research and Product Development consulting, you may want to look at the page entitled "Why Violins and Boats?".
