irregular shaped violin?

[miles]

I came across some "irregular" shaped violin, mostly guitar shaped violins. Since they are rare, I am wondering what are the upsides and downsides of such a violin. Is it more technically challenging? How popular is it in terms of valuewise?

Thanks a lot for your input.

miles

[Soundboot]

I am the owner of a guitar shaped violin and viola. They are good sounding instruments and very sturdy. An advantage would be that there are no corners to knock off or blocks to impede the sound. I got both of these at a bargain price probably because violinists don't like to stand out especially if they play in an orchestra. As I don't play so much classical music these days I find they are ideal for me. Personally I like something a bit different although I realise I'm in the minority. I think it's a question of finding the right buyer if you are thinking in terms of value, otherwise expect to get a bargain when you buy but expect these instruments to be shunned by the traditionalist if you come to sell.

[miles]

Thank you so much, Soundboot.

[T_Rocca]

It is the Chinese one from Ebay right?

[miles]

Yes. Regarding irregular shaped violin, Jesse's reply complement what soundboot as well:

http://forums.maestronet.com/forums/showth...834/page/0/vc/1

[Soundboot]

I think it's a sad thing that some good or even great violins are cast off as 'curiosities'. It's strange that if there is a link to something unusual that there are the usual 'I don't like this' kind of comments and you feel that certain people feel the need to devalue anything that deviates from the norm. I know for a fact that you can change certain superflous aspects of the violin without affecting tone and possibly even improve upon it. We should support modern maker's attempts to leave their own creative legacy for this age.

[miles]

Bravo! I came across a "weird" f-hole violins last night also on this board (the thread name might be "... f-hole" and the one in the shop looks so so appealing! I feel lightened at the sight of it. I think it had the same effect on me as most Mozart's music does.

By the way, I bought the weird violin anyway. Not everything in life needs a price tag.

[Soundboot]

Hey, let us know what you think of your weird violin when you get a chance.

[pandora]

Miles, I've been out of town and didn't see this. I'm the one who bought the "weird viola" (see earlier thread, it's gamba-shouldered and semi-cornerless with single points at the inside of the bottom f-hole curves) and I'm curious: did we buy from the same guy? Can you list the link or is it expired? Have a certain group of Chinese makers figured out that some of us are total suckers for odd visual differences?

I was looking for a viola - ANY viola with a tone/response I could tolerate - for 500 bucks or under, just to have something to get my chops back (haven't looked at an alto clef since 1985). I'm usually the type to go for something battered and ugly with no pedigree but a great tone, and it's going to take a while to adjust to how shiny the darn thing is, but it looks sorta cool, plays just fine, and upper positions are a cinch to reach. Not bad for 400 and shipping, (my luthier says I can easily ask $1000 with a straight face when it's time to sell and upgrade) and my thanks to all of you for everything I was able to learn from this forum BEFORE venturing out into ebayland.

[miles]

Hi Soundboot & Pandora,

Sorry for the belated response for I wasn't familiar with MN at the time the post.

I received the violin. It has a beautiful birds eye maple 1 PC back and the varnish really brings it out the best in the wood in my opinion. It is georgeous. As far as the sound is concerned, it doesn't sound bad at all. But with minor adjustment with new strings it will sound even better. My guess is that the listings expired, but do you remember who bought yours from? Mine was from Andrew of HK.

[Soundboot]

I bought my cornerless viola from soundpost_strings. I just won a cornerless violin from them for $56! My main (cornerless) violin I also picked up for a song in a music shop.

Is your avatar the violin you bought? It looks like a Gusetto copy to me.

[miles]

The icon is not the one I have. The one I have has a "regular" f-hoes (I am not experienced enough to judge the pedigree), but I like this f-hole shape very much at first sight.

Geez! I wonder how they make a living. $56.00 can probably only be enough to pay for the wood. You've got yourself a great bargain, pal. Is it also a guitar shape?

In addition, did Gusetto make regular violins with the f-holes or guirtar shape violins? Have you heard anything about the sound? I think they are way cool.

[Soundboot]

Yes it is a guitar shaped violin. It seems you can get really good deals because people's tastes are so conservative! I haven't received it yet but the guitar shaped viola I bought from them was excellent for the money.

I don't know if Gusetto made regular shaped violins though it seems most makers have to make the regular pattern to earn their bread.

[miles]

quote:

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Originally posted by:

Soundboot

it seems most makers have to make the regular pattern to earn their bread.

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Yeah, what a shame. It seems to have something to do with establishment. The older the culture, the more difficult to break the tradition. But for people like us, things happen for the better.

If the price is right, I really want to own a Gusetto; I am really fond of the f-hole regardless of the sound. It's got a special character. If you get a chance, why don't you click on my icon. I've got a nice name for my icon and myself.

[584]

Hey

[Skreechee]

I love irregular shaped violins. Maybe not to play classical on but folk and messing around they are great for. I want a Hardanger fiddle so anyone know of where to buy one?

[miles]

I heard people make distinctions between classical and folk. What are the differences between them? Is the reason why an irregular shaped violin not appropriate for a concert only because it doesn't comform to the traditional appeal/shape?

[miles]

How about one for $7,999?

ANTIQUE LIONS HEAD CORNER-LESS JACOB STAINER VIOLIN