not telling

My husband was close with Amos and the news of his passing last weekend was a total shock. The day my husband met Amos in 2002, before Catalin knew who he was, he asked if Amos had ever competed. Amos answered, "I used to do some of that. I don't anymore." No mention of his Hors Concours status, no mention of being a world-renowned workmanship judge for decades. That was so him. He was a very positive and kind man, and such understated, humble, and expert answers were always available whenever he was needed--whether about workmanship, stylistic questions, or discussing the trade in general. He was an amazing mentor, generous with advice and information,being about as helpful as anyone could be. We are very grateful that he was local to us. I'm sure anyone who knew him also was very fond of him. Some posters on here also worked with him closely over the years. I would like to hear your Amos stories. I would possibly like to print up some memories from his colleagues for his family.

The game show we all need. I know this is old but it was new to me. How does the kid know so much? This isn't like the last video I posted, this is actually really fun to watch, I promise. https://youtu.be/VrCR5fR699c?si=A45YqNoqOCyYCoxn

Yeah, it's changed around here. And why is it fashionable to pick on my boy Edgar Russ? Even the advertising bots are doing it.

So...Tarisio as a sales organization benefitted from the higher priced sale and the in-house evaluation being of a genuine Bernardel... but no other experts thus far have agreed with the assessment they gave you? That stinks. The reasons for this are mysterious, but a little thought experiment I like to call Cui Bono might help you decide what to do next. We all play this game every day. Simply pretend you are looking at this situation from the perspective of all involved. Ask who benefits. That's it. As for your perspective, you may benefit from seeking legal counsel before you do much of anything else, particularly if you are out of the 20-day contractual window for refund. Either way you could probably ask for their list of experts and get those opinions as well, just for your own peace of mind.

Haha! Torbjörn is so right! But everyone was into it for a long time. So all of the information you could ever hope for on the Carleen Hutchins stuff is out in the world in the public domain. You'll probably have to watch a lot of hours of youtube videos to find anything useful. Those who have shared the best information and methods have likely enjoyed long, successful careers. I imagine besides being motivated by altruism and love of the craft such contributors are confident enough that even a pro (let alone a novice) can't do the same thing they have done any better, that they have in many cases been extremely generous with detailed information. Look for those who have nothing to sell you and nothing to hide (avoid the ones who say you can pay them to know the real secrets of Stradivari, eg). There are a lot of ideas to explore on how to match plates and graduate optimally. So, have fun sorting out the best ones. Also, again, don't do the tap-tone stuff. You can tune a plate, but once that tuned plate is glued to something else, it's something else. Everyone seems to have decided that collectively a few years ago.

Really? Most experts believe there would be an adverse effect on the wood, but to each their own. Clearly you are beyond the experimental phase. Also, thanks to VdA for posting probably the best burnisher on the planet. It's a stocking stuffer if it gets here in time.

But how do YOU know? Maybe someone else will offer an answer he likes better. Or maybe OP should look up your bio. Hey! Guy with the lion heads! Hint hint.

There are still lots of experts and incognito experts here, mostly the same people as when I left. I hope everyone who's contributing to newbie and the general knowledge feels appreciated. I don't actually know what's going on out here, just this week. I was gutted to read about Roger's battle with Parkinson’s this morning, for example. And, yes, I know Holmes meant me in some of that. I am occasionally unruly and very sorry for when he has needed to moderate me. This is a great resource and I shouldn't ever really say anything. But...you knpw...five pages on scrapers is just...different. Continuing to discuss oil on burnishers is wild. The science should be considered settled on that one.

It took me 30 seconds perusing the threads yesterday to realize there's another bout of "we're all the same thing" going on. I've seen it before. I've gotten too comfortable saying whatever. But never in that way. When we are lucky enough to hear from Davide Sora on the regular, about anything, we want to not "flub" it up. I say "we" but speak for me only obviously. Roger Hargrave used to talk about eating beans on toast, anything! Awesome! Sometimes, often, he'd drop a truth bomb of his violin experience and knowledge. Him, Melvin Goldsmith, Bruce Carlson, all these guys who used to post here, about amazing knowledge, they probably don't because of too many encounters with that kind of dude. No, we are not all the same. Telling Davide to practice some clear thinking is just...crazy...but he doesn't need defended. I just miss how Maestronet was several years ago.

So much audacity. I've stayed away for awhile but...what? If turning an edge with a burnisher presents a challenge that you need to make easier somehow, it is probably you that is the wuss. Make cupcakes or something.

I thought it was great. I didn't make it through the whole thing, granted, but he sure has some good ideas on setup. Time savers.

https://youtu.be/vY-5YLDqffo?si=yPChTLY8LDzPyfVw For your edification and amusement. Dare you to get through the whole thing without screaming at your device.

David Garrett would like this one. He and Andre Rieu can fight over it.

OP, has anyone suggested that you should go to the VSA in 3 weeks from today to find your viola? You have a really good chance of finding it when you have so many different examples of small violas to try. Just an idea, since...you know... if you're potentially spending 20k you want the right one. Plus the VSA is pretty fun, purportedly. Good luck.

I know someone out there wants this extremely rare and beautiful set (I & II) of Biddulph books in gloriously "very good" condition. I have an extra set, so PM a reasonable offer on this one whydotcha? I'm probably the equivalent of a verified seller. Can privately send a few condition photos upon request but won't post any detailed photos like that publicly. Best offer wins, assuming there is interest.