November 16, 2004 at 2:44 PM

Geez.. how hard is this?... My new violin arrived (My own personal Jesus) and is sitting on my desk as I am at work. Cant wait to get home :)

Ok Ok... I finally plumped for buying a "new" violin as some of the older ones I tried really did not impress for their price tags eek. Like cos they are "old" and antique doesn't mean they sound good ! A £3000 violin I tried (Italian) sounded like a bucket, my Stentor is sharper crisper and more pleasing.

When I say new.. I mean it was hand made by extraordinary Luthier Tim Phillips in Wales.. ( www.timsviolins.co.uk ) Tim is better known for making professional instruments for fiddlers. This one escaped and will be tuned to the classics LOL. It is stunning, crazy wide flamed Maple back. Cant wait to hear it sing.

Tim has an incredible reputation here for producing an amazing rich tone, although his violins may appear unconventional they sound better than many so called fine violins of yesteryear.

My lesson has been postponed til Thursday so gives me two days to get comfy with MOP-J
Don