Option1

I answered the survey with my viola case. It's a cheap-ass fabric-covered polystyrene rectangular number in the dullest dark blue. However, I do love the fact the pocket takes the shoulder rest (and a few other odds and sods, e.g. rosin) without issue. Of my violin cases, one is another fabric-covered, polystyrene rectangular one, but the interior is much more schmick looking than the viola case. Again I much prefer it over the classic shaped case the other violin resides in where the shoulder rest rattle around inside the case (or it would if I bothered taking that one anywhere). Neil

I'm sore that we're now not seeing what he saw. Neil

Welcome Zeissica. That viola is just as stunning as when I saw it at the other place. Neil

Puts a whole new twist on "going to meet your maker." Neil

That was a very enjoyable video. Thanks for posting it David. Neil

There seems to be an assumption that 'some' luthiers are giving away instruments in order to get testimonial copy, but so far no one has admitted doing so. All in all it suggests to me that the assumption may be mistaken, or at the very least exaggerated. Neil

I don't see a problem with a carbon fibre instrument in an orchestra setting provided it sounded good. Even with the all black dress code, I've rarely ever seen every member of an orchestra dressed exactly the same. I tend to think if you look around an orchestra and are upset because there's a CF instrument in there then you're basically just looking for a way to be upset. I should add that personally I'd prefer a 'proper' viola, but I really don't have a problem with CF instruments (if they sound good). Neil

I'm intrigued to. All eBay shows is that the winning bidder had a user name of "n***o", rating of 508 and a 30 day bidding history that included the following: Cameras & Photo > Vintage Cameras Cameras & Photo > Lens Boards Cameras & Photo > Lenses Cameras & Photo > Remotes & Shutter Releases Cameras & Photo > Vintage Parts & Accessories Cameras & Photo > Vintage Manuals & Guides. Neil

Maybe with one of these, but if the bubbles are running you might get an odd accompaniment. Oh, and careful with the spike, Eugene. Neil

That's fantastic! Thanks Addie. Neil

In addition to the many fine posts made by others, I think it is very important that we don't overlook Bill's point, and as such it deserves repeating - and sitting back and sipping. Neil

I found Shtern ages ago (sorry that's not meant to sound like one-upmanship) when looking for Achron's Hebrew Melody. Two things stand out, one is that not only does his pinky come off the bow as Stephen noted so does the next finger as well (in one of the "plays and demonstrates" vidoes). The other is how almost rigidly parallel to the floor the violin is. It's not as though he's clamped down with his chin at all, nor does he have a death grip with the left hand, but the instrument just doesn't move. Neil

I'm just a humble part-time photographer who's had to deal with stolen images before, so any thoughts I have on the plaster casts themselves would be completely uninformed. Neil

As a general rule the copyright for photos belongs to whoever took the picture, unless very detailed and specific waivers are signed. Doesn't even matter if I set up the shot, and my camera and lens was used, if you actually clicked the shutter button then then copyright lies with you. As for comments by others about losing copyright by posting an image on the web, they're simply not true. Yes, it can be harder to enforce copyright, and it can be harder to identify who has misappropriated your images, but as Jerry and Jeffrey have pointed out it's perfectly possible to get the images taken down if they're used without your consent. Most often it doesn't require a lawyer at all. Either a letter to the site's owner, or failing that to the company hosting the site can be very effective. Even the much-maligned facebook will respond by forced take-down of misused images. Neil

I think the bolded phrase is the part that is 'the hook' for the credulous. A missing Strad, 'found' and hooked up to its provenance. The perfect bait for something that, no matter how cynical or wary we may be, we want to believe. Same as it ever was, I guess. Neil