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/VIOLINS

In 1999 I became interested in Violins. I was offered a nice chunk of Guitar Quality Brazilain Rosewood, but the only exchange they would consider was that I would trade a fiddle for it. So I started acquiring fiddles, and on the third attempt the deal was done! Meanwhile I became somewhat knowledgeble on the subject, and managed to acquire several decent examples. Then, being who I am, I had to try to make one. And another. I am in the middle of my 5th now, and as I write I have 26 in the shop including the ones  from my hand. All are set up to my high standards, and to one degree or another are professional instruments.

My First Violin	Bosnian Maple/Italian Spruce. Embarrassing workmanship and concept, but not so bad otherwise. $2500
My Second Violin	Bosnian Maple/Italian Spruce. Less embarrassing, more a violin than a fiddle, much better than #1. $4500
My Third Violin	Big Leaf Maple/Italian Spruce. Barely embarrassing. This is my main instrument, and you probably can't pry it from my hands till I'm dead. Or I've made a better one.
My fourth Violin	Mill Valley Maple/Italian Spruce. I cut the Maple myself. Best craftsmanship yet, and very pretty to me eye. Plays great too. Someday when I really understand fiddles, I'll take it apart and fix it. It sounds terrible.
Meinel/Roth	This is a 1926 violin which, according to several experts, should be labeled Roth; it isn't, it is labeled Meinel. Of my older violins, this is the favorite of the better players I know. $5500
Wojciech Topa	2009 - This is the work of a Polish Master maker. I have 1 of these very good/excellent new violins.  This is the best of the 7 I have had for my tatste. It has all the volume and clarity Topas are known for, plus an exquisite depth of tone none of the others showed to me. Warmth without muddiness, clarity without any unpleasant edge, the best violin I personally have ever owned. Here are some pictures. ($11000).
Xuechang Sun	Having great luck with their basses, I thought I try the violins. These are new Chinese instruments from a reputable small shop. The attention has been put into craftsmanship, and the finish is relatively plain, relying on time for character. I can relate to that! I have 3, and they are modestly priced. $900
Eastman Viola	2005- Model #315.  Eastmans highly acclaimed shop violin is the #305 model , this is the same except it is made with European wood instead of Chinese, and is a 16" Viola. $1700
Song Qing	Not a maker, but an importer of my acquaintance, Song Qing specializes in instruments from small shops (1 to 4 workers) otherwise unlikely to have access to US markets. Knowing her as I do, I am priveledged to be able to go through her inventory and buy what appeals to me. And you can go through mine in much the same way. There are some gems to be mined! I think I have 3 at the moment. $300 - $900
Calin Wultur	2008 - A medium/low priced Romanian instrument. While perhaps not as slick as Chinese instruments in this range, there is a quality in the sound which cannot be denied.  $1200
Tian Li	I have 2 of these as I write. One is good at $1400, the other Very Good at $1800. Both are Guarnari pattern and distressed. They are very sweet but are distinguished by their smooth response, which is a quality not to be overlooked.
Wynn v920	Acquired at NAMM 2013, Strad, red/brown distressed spirit varnish, dark sound, low end power, good fiddle, $1800
Wynn v925	Acquired at NAMM 2013, Strad, Cremonese style Oil varnish, Balanced, bright but not harsh, "violin" $1900

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