Looking for good bluegrass
I am looking for a fiddle that would be considered good enough for performance with local bluegrass bands and jam sessions. One such performer who has won state contests for fiddle playing says he uses a very well setup version of this fiddle (besides a more expensive one):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/50-Years-Old-Spruce-Gasparo-da-Salo-Violin-M3427-Masterpiece-/140996835883?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20d410fa2b
I was wondering if anyone else had any personal experience with these or similar violins for the purpose? My current violins are a Gianna Appalachian and Eastman vl200. I'm not sure what other options I should consider, but I'm open to various price ranges for something that will be performance-grade for jams/etc...
Although I am not currently on the level of live performance, I would like to have an instrument to "grow into" that will complement me and sound very good when playing in a group. I don't want to really make a bunch of incremental minor steps toward a goal instrument, but instead some fewer, larger steps.
Replies (13)
I would encourage you to visit a good violin shop, and play on a number of violins. "Good for bluegrass" could mean a lot. Do you want a naturally-loud or maybe a treble-y sounding violin, to cut through a group? Would you rather have a darker tone, just because you like it, even though you'd have to crank it up or amplify? Playing on and taking loaners is a way to figure this out for yourself.
I think "good for bluegrass" means that the violin will still sound about the same with two or three millimeters of rosin built up on the belly.
i'm not a huge fan of the music - old-time is ok - but having said that ... i believe most of the fiddles used by the BG biggies of yesteryear' were german made, "stainer" clones - suggesting a "bright" tone to contend with that @#*! banjo ...
What's wrong with the two violins you have? I should think either will fit the bill.
A lot depends on whether you are competing for volume with other instruments, or amplified. The pros on mike seem to prefer the larger instruments for the deep, rich tone, which often gives up some of the high end punch and projection. Some of the old "Conservatory" violins apparently were on the wide side, as well as some others. I've heard these make good starting material.
I would say get a couple to try and compare so that you can pick the one that is the best fit for you. I have performed bluegrass since I was a kid and honestly felt that some of the other comments here were kind of rude. A fiddle fit for "blue grass" might have good strong tone without sounding too bright in a mic. Clarity is really important for playing fiddle tunes of all kinds and some shops even lower the bridge for easier double stop playing. I looked at the instrument from eBay and suggest these that would be similar and also similarly priced.
But since you mentioned getting an instrument that you could grow into, I would recommend spending a little more now and avoiding the need to upgrade sooner then later. Possibly one of these instruments would be a good fit.
Absolutely arrange a trial, you won't know its the best fit until you play it.
Goodluck,
Laura
J A
Check out Byron Berline's Double Stop Fiddle Shop (easy Web search). Byron Berline is a highly-respected Bluegrass fiddle player, and his shop carries a good range of violins, including those that would work very well in Bluegrass situations. After looking at his online catalog, you could call or write him for more information, and possibly arrange to try one of the istruments.
You should get some well put together instrument which will last you a long time, and only get sweeter the longer you play it, like the HC602
The Gianna Appalachian is likely a better violin than that one already. Which is why I'm wondering why/what you're looking to upgrade to/for?
All are good suggestions above, but in addition to these, I would contact Michael Richwine at kansas City Strings. He has a fiddle
that will fill your requirements and is an expert set-up and repair man as well.
I play bluegrass and old time on a Gaetano Colas I got from Robertson and Sons in Albuquerque and am very satisfied. The truth is that any well made and set up fiddle will do and you don't have to spend a lot of money. I would think that the Gianna you have would be fine. Also, I second the above comment on Michael Richwine at KC Strings. He has a good reputation over on the Fiddle Hangout forums. You might rummage around on that site and see what other bluegrassers are playing.
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June 19, 2013 at 02:57 PM · What is your budget; about how much do you want to spend? And do you only need the violin, or would you prefer to have an "outfit" (the instrument, bow and case)?