michael Posted November 4, 1999 Report Posted November 4, 1999 I recently obtained an old violin with a most unusual story. The individual I purchased it from said that it belonged to her great uncle, who had played it as a child. She continued to explain that her great uncle had to discontinue his violin studies after his baby pet mouse crawled into the body of the violin through one of the f-holes. Since the mouse would not come out, he fed it through the f-holes and gave it water with an eye dropper. He even put cedar shavings in the body so that the wood would not get soiled. She said that the mouse lived well over a year in that violin. I, of course, did not believe the story, but did find it entertaining to hear. When I arrived home that evening, I popped the violins top off, so that I could repair a crack in its belly. To my great surprise, I found inside the violin the skeletal remains of a small rodent curled up next to the neck block. I'm not too sappy of a guy, but I have to admit that seeing that sight actually brought a tear to my eye!
Irene Posted November 4, 1999 Report Posted November 4, 1999 : I recently obtained an old violin with a most unusual story. The individual I purchased it from said that it belonged to her great uncle, who had played it as a child. She continued to explain that her great uncle had to discontinue his violin studies after his baby pet mouse crawled into the body of the violin through one of the f-holes. Since the mouse would not come out, he fed it through the f-holes and gave it water with an eye dropper. He even put cedar shavings in the body so that the wood would not get soiled. She said that the mouse lived well over a year in that violin. I, of course, did not believe the story, but did find it entertaining to hear. When I arrived home that evening, I popped the violins top off, so that I could repair a crack in its belly. To my great surprise, I found inside the violin the skeletal remains of a small rodent curled up next to the neck block. I'm not too sappy of a guy, but I have to admit that seeing that sight actually brought a tear to my eye!
Walter Posted November 5, 1999 Report Posted November 5, 1999 I do not find the story unusual. I am almost certain that Nigel Kennedy's instrument was inhabited by a mouse as I heard him play a selection from the "Four Seasons" on the Arts Channel the other night here in New York City. Also, from his posture and movements, I wouldn't have been surprised if one was running around inside his pants also.
Francesco Posted November 5, 1999 Report Posted November 5, 1999 At the shop, we've seen evidence on several occasions which illustrates that violins and mice are not a great "mix". One example: A Vincenzo Panormo we obtained in Europe about 6 or 7 years ago was pretty much "untouched", with it's original neck and bassbar. Unfortunately it also came complete with a "mouse door" (a mouse had moved in, enlarging the center of the treble side ff hole by chewing). The mouse was gone by the time we found the violin, however. Must have moved on to a recently vacant Gagliano or Strad. :-) It was an interesting repair and the fiddle was well worth the effort. The violin is now owned by a very satisfied player who has an interesting story to tell about his fiddle. Keep your cases latched!! Jeffrey : I recently obtained an old violin with a most unusual story. The individual I purchased it from said that it belonged to her great uncle, who had played it as a child. She continued to explain that her great uncle had to discontinue his violin studies after his baby pet mouse crawled into the body of the violin through one of the f-holes. Since the mouse would not come out, he fed it through the f-holes and gave it water with an eye dropper. He even put cedar shavings in the body so that the wood would not get soiled. She said that the mouse lived well over a year in that violin. I, of course, did not believe the story, but did find it entertaining to hear. When I arrived home that evening, I popped the violins top off, so that I could repair a crack in its belly. To my great surprise, I found inside the violin the skeletal remains of a small rodent curled up next to the neck block. I'm not too sappy of a guy, but I have to admit that seeing that sight actually brought a tear to my eye!
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