September 2009
September 21, 2009 15:37
So today I drove down to a nice luthier with whom I've been getting to know. He's taken the time out of his busy schedule to explain things like "violin setup" and made comparions between the models that I've been deciding on. He's almost a 2 hour trek from where I live, where there are a number of other violin shops. But, I just felt more comfortable despite the distance.
I sat down and tried out 2 different Andreas Eastman VL305 models today. I must say, the review by Strings magazine, and the positive feedback I read about on V.com was definitely on the ball. Visually, the instrument is stunning to look at. The varnish is applied beautifully, and there is a slight antique quality to it. The grain in the wood for both the front and back are magnificent. It came setup with boxwood fittings, fine tuner on the E-string. I must say I had reservations about the boxwood, but looking at it now, the violin does really look great with them. Both violins came with Piastro Violino synthetics.
If I were to choose some words to describe the sound they would be: Airy, fairly balanced with some dark qualities. Very clear and lush sounding. Definitely good projection qualities, and it sounded quite open for such a new violin.
After trying the second one out which sounded somewhat similar, I had my mind pretty much set on the first one. It just sounded more to my liking... Excellent advise to try out as many violins as you can by the way. All other violins that I have tried out in this price range don't even come close to this fiddle.
On to the bow. I first tried out a few wood bows while he went to fetch some carbon fibre bows. Feel, weight, balance. All things to be considered. One Pernambucco bow felt very right in my hands. Oh yes!! The carbon fibre ones now!! (As an aside: the last time I purchased a violin, a carbon fibre bow would still have been something in the realm of NASA contractor's access only so I was very excited to try them out.) I tried out a few different Cadenza models (also from Eastman Strings). I settled on a mid-range bow, the "Artist" model. It had a nice balance and I felt most controlled with it. A very close 2nd was the "Silver" model which felt lighter and more nimble, but I had to be a little careful with it. I could definitely have bought this one too in a heartbeat, but only had the budget for one bow.
Violin and bow decided on, I quickly finished up with my case selection (I decided on a Duralite C155H Elegante-Clima - it has a built in humidifier and hygrometer, extra accessory pocket, string tube) - made my purchase and set off home.
Dusted off some old study books - OH MY AM I RUSTY. I guess 15 years of non-play can do that do ya huh? :)
Some things I have in my mind to do are: Experiment with the tried and tested combo of Dominant G-D-A + Piastro Gold Label E and put them up against the newer Piastro Evah Pirazzi strings. I think they could complement the sound of this instrument very nicely, but I'm apprehensive a little of the higher tension. I'd appreciate some comments on users of both strings. Not really interested in trying other combinations so thanks in advance if you have other suggestions.
Before all that though, I need set some goals for myself - and then get a practicing!
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September 18, 2009 13:51
One day, while searching for some of my favourite classical music on Youtube, I came across some videos of James Ehnes. The raw, yet mature sound of his Strad. The precision of his notes. Before, my artists of choice were Midori and Sarah Chang. BANG… I was hit with the music bug, and I began searching for more. My love of classical music began to resurface once again, and I longed to play the violin once more.
15 years ago was the last time I had picked up a violin. I began my violin studies in school, grade 4 taking after my older brother who also played violin in school. I played throughout my secondary schooling ending up sitting first chair, co-concertmaster and playing violin concerto solos by Bach and Vivaldi. I studied briefly at the Royal Conservatory of Music, but time and financial constraints meant I had to stop. Along the way, my violin (an older French model, labelled Medio Fino) took quite the beating. A non-essential part of the top piece broke off leaving exposed wood. My bow didn’t fare too well either, having been crushed by a careless classmate who stepped on it while we were about to step on stage at a music festival.
After graduating from high school, my post secondary studies and then my career became my priority – and I set aside my amateur violin ambitions.
Cut to the present, where after listening to James Ehnes play – I set off in search of more of his music. I borrowed everything of his that I could find at the library. I dusted off the classical CD collection that sat un-played for these many years. It wasn’t enough. I had to hold and play a violin again. The smell of rosin in the air as my bow moved across the strings… The calluses on the fingertips of my left hand... Even that semi-hickey looking thing on the left side of your neck… I wanted to experience that all over again. And not just for a good grade in music class, or in preparation for the regular slew of school concerts and music festivals. Just simply, for the love of the violin.
Then, by chance I discovered Violinist.com. I see everyone calls it V.com. Wow, information overload. I set off on my quest to re-learn everything violin again. There were all these adjectives to describe the various qualities of an instrument. Also, there was the multitude in string choices that can greatly affect the sound and temperament of one’s fiddle. Then the violins themselves... Which to look at – which one to buy? I felt like I was putting together specs for a new computer.
I visited every local violin shop that I remembered and played on so many violins. Lesson #1 that I discovered about searching for a new violins @ V.com – PLAY AS MANY AS YOU CAN. I spent countless hours of research, looking for a violin that is: consistent, good value for money, excellent sound and projection. I think I’ve decided on an Andreas Eastman VL305. For a bow, carbon fibre looks to be my best bet for my budget. Not sure which model it will be, but I’m leaning towards Eastman Strings’ Cadenza line.
I’m headed down to the luthier this coming Monday to try out a few 305s, and hopefully come home with a new violin!!
After I dust off some old repertoire and getting back into the swing of things, I’m gonna be looking for some advice on which way my musical adventures will take me. I’m so excited!! More to come when I bring home a new fiddle.
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