Rue Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 I picked up my copy of the September 2015 The Strad yesterday from the bookstore (they call me when it's in...and I toodle straight down to pick I it up when I can ). I enjoy the ads as much as the articles... But Thomastik: I must protest! Really? I pay enough for your strings when I buy them...you can do better...
Bill Yacey Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 I guess they didn't want the model to drop the instrument during the photo shoot. After all, she may still be weak, being freshly exhumed and all.
Casey Jefferson Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 What do you expect when you hand a viola over to a violinist? (Look at the package...)
Bill Yacey Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 My dad complains everything is over-packaged these days. Why use cardboard when saran wrap will do?
DGV Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 After looking at the picture, I have lost all desire (not that I had much to begin with anyway) to buy Thomastik-Infeld strings.
palousian Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 Reminds me of a gig I had years ago working with a production company making TV commercials. I was the music guy who would come in as hand talent if someone needed to look like they were playing an instrument, or I would advise the actors on how to hold an instrument and look like they could play or whatever. So, one time I was supposed to show these guys dressed up in crab-legs outfits (seriously...) how to look like they were fiddling. Since I actually AM a fiddler, I thought I had this one nailed... So, I had them get the violins under their chins and a basic right hand bow hold, and they looked pretty good after five minutes. The director took one look..."No, I need them to look like they're fiddling! Grab that bow up the stick and hold that fiddle down on your arm! THAT'S fiddling!!" OK, whatever...I got my $500 and a catered lunch. Maybe something like that happened here...
DGV Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 Reminds me of the dancing masters pictures I saw in books. But then they were playing pochettes.
Dwight Brown Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 It did say "music without limits....." That could include good taste and a few other things. There are enough hubba-hubba string players of both sexes you would think they would not have even had to try hard to get one to a photo shoot, I bet they could have gotten someone to work for free strings :-) dlb
Don Noon Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 What happens when you throw money over the fence to an advertising company?
Peter K-G Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 They missed the target market, this happens all the time. They need to go back to their roots, who is the client!
Rue Posted October 6, 2015 Author Report Posted October 6, 2015 Does no one in the company approve the ad copy before it's released anymore? ...I have an unholy urge to cut her fingernails...
DarylG Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 Not just Thomastik but the Kun and Conrad Gotz ads too!
not telling Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 That is shockingly terrible in every way. I don't understand who would possibly find that ad appealing let alone who would come up with it, and how those people have a job. Thanks for the laugh.
romberg flat Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 The Ergott Visual Communication from Vienna in 2011 created a completely new visual identity for Thomastik-Infeld, and so this advertisement is their work. I cannot say that I particularly like the whole concept, but this is definitely its worst part. Surprising that something like this passed in a company that has always had a high aesthetic criteria. The late Peter Infeld was a man of exceptional taste, excellent art connoisseur, collector and owner of one of the largest private collections of modern art, and his wife Zdenka is also an expert on art. Apparently occurred some misunderstanding and negative comments are completely justified.
jezzupe Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 When I take photos of my violins being held by porn sta, er models , I take several hours, cause that's what it takes, to ensure that they are at least holding it right. I want to impart a feeling of genuineness in the presentation. They should have talked to the feds to hire some really good false flag crisis actors, they're really good at making it seem real.
Rue Posted October 6, 2015 Author Report Posted October 6, 2015 If you are using sex as a marketing tool...how hard would it be to find a sexy REAL violist? Not that hard I wouldn't think... And you wouldn't need a Big Name either...just see who has a free afternoon at the closest music school... ...a little hair and makeup...and we're off...
jezzupe Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 If you are using sex as a marketing tool...how hard would it be to find a sexy REAL violist? Not that hard I wouldn't think... And you wouldn't need a Big Name either...just see who has a free afternoon at the closest music school... ...a little hair and makeup...and we're off... I agree, I'm not sure what this woman was paid,but I have a feeling if they would have approached someone like Lili Haydn, who is drop dead gorgeous and an amazing player, that as long as it as done tastefully, they probably could have got her to do it, and by doing so would have represented the product and the art in a realistic light. Of course we all know the violin, strings in general, is much more of an "intelligent" group, as well as a group of people who are quite observant and critical. HOW could they think that the posture she's standing in would represent "violinists" . I'm sure beyond the attempt at "Sexing" it up and "pornifying" this ad, the thing that probably bothers "us" the most is the "insult to our intelligence" . I have a feeling that not one person involved in this photo shoot when it took place actually plays a violin.If they did they would have tried to get the bow grip and stance a little more realistic. Geez.... advertising is a very funny and potentially dangerous medium based on it's link to manipulative psychology and can really backfire when it flops. For example, this add, is trying to get me to buy strings I already buy, fine, now it has 2 of my favorite things in it, violins and sexy women, but somehow,instead of this drawing me in, it does the opposite and makes me want to buy a pack of Warchals instead.
romberg flat Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 Maybe you'd look at the entire concept and then to judge. http://www.ergott.at/#/thomastik-infeld/
Rue Posted October 6, 2015 Author Report Posted October 6, 2015 That is all fine...a different concept designed to appeal to young players. An (obvious) attempt to make the playing of 'classical' instruments hip. But all those illustrations seem to have at least used 'real' players. The ad I scanned is totally 'classic' - and any classical player will laugh...so who is the market? Parents of children who don't play themselves but are buying strings for their budding prodigies? I hope Ergott is a last name...and that they didn't name the company after the cereal crop disease...
uncle duke Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 I would feel better if there were to be a lady at the counter instead of a guy if an in-store purchase were to be made. You know- he'll look at you once, look a little longer the second time and maybe crack a smile the third time. And then I have to walk out the door.
La Folia Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 Don't you guys recognize a viola joke? (ducking)
romberg flat Posted October 6, 2015 Report Posted October 6, 2015 ...and any classical player will laugh...so who is the market? Most likely, models…
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