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Acoustics Workshop
At this
year’s Violin Acoustics Workshop at the Oberlin Conservatory, we studied
300-year old spruce with violin makers from Norway, Italy, and Canada. Our group presented results of detailed
measurements of density and speed of sound, showing that old spruce is
different from new spruce that we use in our modern violinmaking. We discussed ways to modify new wood to
behave more like old wood used on famous classic instruments. This research will help guide our
violinmaking efforts at Kenmore Violins.
We also
presented a slide show of our 10 days of work at the National Music Museum, documenting thickness and
other dimensions of some of the world’s most famous Italian violins,
violas, and cellos by members of the Amati,
Guarneri, and Stradivari families.
Recently finished new violins
& violas:
New Strad model violin, JS Loen, 2007 SOLD!
New 16”
Brothers Amati model viola, JS Loen, 2007
New
16” Brothers Amati model viola, KV workshop, 2007
Instrument Rental Program
After many inquiries and considerable thought, we have introduced a
line of student rental instruments that we believe are superior to products
offered by other stores, at low prices and friendly terms (two-month
minimum, then month-to-month). Returns are allowed at any time. Please note that 80% of rental payments
can apply to the purchase of an instrument outfit. These instruments are
appropriate for beginning players (young students and adults). Fractional sizes begin at 1/8 size for
violin, 13” for viola, and ˝ size for cello.
Prices: Violin, $29.50/mo,
viola, $39.50/mo, cello, $44.50/mo.
Our instruments are properly made (mostly European), set up with
professional-quality strings (Pirastro or Thomastik on violin/viola), and hand-carved French
bridges. Perfection Planetary Pegs
are an option on full-size violins (fractional violins have German Wittner tailpieces for easy tuning). Bows are properly
made (often German Dorfler, restored older German, or carbon fiber). Core
cases are used (selection may vary depending on instrument type).
Our rental program is of modest scale so that we can guarantee fine
quality and careful attention to customers’ needs. Supplies are limited!
Note: If you have any
problems with your rental, please bring it to our attention. These are new units, and slight maintenance
(free of charge) is sometimes needed.
Customers are responsible for strings and rehairs. We want you to have a good rental
experience and continue being a string player!
Are you interested in trying out a few violins (viola,
cello, bows, etc)?
That’s great, but it’s always
a good idea to call ahead and let us know what you are looking for (price
range, tonal flavor, old vs new, nationality, and
other preferences). We will select a
few possible choices, assure that they are in top condition, and have them
tuned up and ready for you to try when you arrive.
Please note that
master-grade instruments (above $5,000) and bows are kept at a different
location. Please contact us at least
one day before your visit if you wish to see these. Thanks!
If you want to trade-in your Kenmore Violins instrument using our generous 100%
trade-in policy, p
l e a s e bring your sales
receipt so we know how much to credit your exchange.
Care and Feeding of Fiddles (violin, viola, cello,
bass…)
A few tips here.
European violins, violas, celli
in stock
We recently obtained some good new instruments
made in Poland, Romania and Bulgaria, in addition to our large selection of
older European violins. These are well made from fine Balkan woods, and are
highly affordable for beginning students and intermediate players. Prices are competitive with Asian
instruments, but we believe that quality is superior.
Now Handling Sheet Music, Books,
CDs & DVDs for Violin, Fiddle, Viola, Cello, Bass & Mandolin
We are offering a selection of sheet music
and instructional books. These include:
-Essential Elements 2000 for
Strings for violin, viola, cello
-Suzuki method books and CD’s
-Classical scores by major composers
(Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi, etc.)
-Classical selections for violin, viola,
cello, bass
-Instructional books/DVDs/CDs (technique,
improvisation, theory)
-A variety of books/DVDs/CDs of
violin/fiddle styles, including Celtic, Early Music, Old Time,
Ragtime/blues, Cajun, Tango, and other styles. Also Bass, Mandolin, and other
instruments.
-Repertoire Builder Series
for fiddle and mandolin (by Phil and Vivian Williams)
-Fake books (comprehensive selections of
tunes used by professional musicians in gigs).
Perfection
Planetary Pegs
Enjoy easy trouble-free tuning, and no need for fine
tuners on the tailpiece! Suitable
for student instruments as well as fine performance instruments. Professional
installation is recommended (special tools and considerable skill are
required). These were invented by a
cellist and work especially well on celli.
These
are provided at no installation fee on any instruments bought from Kenmore
Violins (including previous sales).
Please call about having them installed on your instrument. Next business day service is available in
most cases.
Avoiding low-quality instrument woes
The web, and “big-box
stores”, offer violin (viola, cello, bass) “bargains”, and a lot of these
have been coming into the shop lately.
The sad owners face additional costs (generally at least $200;
strings, pegs, bridge, post; often more than the purchase price) to make
their instrument playable. Often
it’s not worth putting more money into these VSO’s: “violin-shaped
objects.” They will never fulfill a
player’s needs.
To avoid problems, it’s
best to play and evaluate an instrument before buying, find reliable,
knowledgeable sellers offering generous trial periods and guarantees, and
develop a friendly long-term relationship with a local service person.
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