and what it means for traveling musicians Here are a few updates from recent Washington Post issues: From Arts & Style Section, January 1, 2016: Ivory, at the tip of a complex issue for traveling orchestra members Letter to the…
The “Ivory Ban”
“Rosenblith” 1713 Strad Violins, #806 & #807
Antonio Stradivari looms large in the life of any violinmaker working with traditional design and process. How does one deal creatively with this 800-pound gorilla in the room?
Opus 812, Lira da Braccio “Linarol”
I have long thought about building a lira da braccio, an instrument that served as a transition to the violin from medieval and Arabic instruments.
Guadagninis Galore!
G. B. Guadagnini Through the Eyes of a Modern Maker An exhibit of violins and violas by Douglas Cox Stamell Strings, Amherst, MA June 3-28 Wine & Cheese Opening, June 5, 5pm 18 Kellogg Ave., Amherst, MA (413) 256-0936 •…
Shopping Advice
Posted by Laurie, Doug’s Business Manager. We frequently hear from prospective clients who express their frustrations, and sometimes unhappiness, with the process of shopping for an instrument. As a reluctant fan of the TLC reality TV series “Say Yes to…
Playing In New Instruments
When a new violin or viola, cello or other instrument is first set up, we photograph it, audio-test it, measure it and describe it. When these things are done we put a chin rest on it and play it a…
Mystery Fiddler
Spied on San Francisco Street We recently received this email message from a client in San Francisco: “Hi Doug & Laurie, I came across this fabulous player today outside my office in downtown San Francisco. Her sound filled up the…
Matching Fiddles with Players
The Northern Roots Festival is a one-day hometown event in Brattleboro, Vermont every January. Local traditional musicians and some from out of town gather for performances, workshops and sessions, with a sold-out evening concert. It’s produced by the Brattleboro Music…
Viola Pomposa
About this instrument The violin family tree has many branches, some short and stubby like the 6-string Arpeggione, for which Schubert wrote his famous sonata now played by cellists. Another early branch was the Viola Pomposa, or five-string viola. J.S.…
#802 A&H Amati Violin
The violin that caught my attention was an A & H Amati grand pattern instrument. Its simple elegance and refined taste made me feel at home with it, and the one-piece slab back was just like a batch of wood I cut in 1983.