Perhaps A Lighter Touch

September 1, 2008 at 6:18 PM

I find, in rereading my post myself, that I didn't give proper care to my argument. I didn't mean to deride the Strads I've played. Nothing, and I mean, nothing, has compared to the Firebird, or hearing the Betts, the Glennie. I wish I had been able to play the Betts, but the caretaker at the Library of Congress was understandably nervous.
There is no comparison to the greats. What I meant was that those midlevel pro instruments- the neapolitans, the firenze late 1700's, the gorgeous brutes that Sanctu Seraphim and the Gaglianos made are more name brand than gold at this point.
There ARE instruments that hold up to Strads made in the last 30 years. I played a violin a few weeks ago that made my heart drop out. Also- acceding your points, I am not a worldclass player, and my touch is NOT deft enough to drag all that a Strad has to offer out.
I'll keep my opinion of the new Italians as a whole. I don't care for the light varnish, the thick tops or the thin set-up. They aren't to my taste.
Hope all is well with you, and that fine instruments keep finding you,
Chris

From Laurie Niles
Posted on September 2, 2008 at 2:18 AM

Your opinions are welcome, and I do agree that people in the market for a fiddle should check out modern instruments. In fact, I've been thinking for quite a while about going to SLC and checking out the lutherie scene there, maybe someone can show me around at some point!

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