Tips?
Submitted by kvanmeer on Sat, 2007-02-17 17:01.
Hallo,
I'm new in electricland. I play accoustic for almost 18 years now. I have an AER microphone on my accoustic 5-stringed viola (actually it's 10-stringed: 5 melody and 5 ressonance strings).
I was looking around for a future-buy of an elctric 5 stringed viola.
I like those models:
http://www.electricviolinlutherie.com/gallery.html (in NY)
http://www.starfishdesigns.co.uk/html/5_string_viola.HTM (in Scotland)
Any buying-tips? Should I visit those builders on forehand? I live in Belgium so NY is quite far away...
Any experiences with one of these brands?
Thanks,
Koen
There are quite a few
There are quite a few luthiers making 5-string instruments. The Starfish I know myself - I play a 6-string Stingray. I am happy with it: it's a very robust and nice instrument. I visited the workshop in advance: you can then try different instruments, and they can discuss all details (sizes, finish, ...) with you before they start building.
I don't know the EVL instruments. It is always a bit difficult to choose an instrument if youy never had a chance to play it before. Travelling to NY is a bit expensive if you are just looking around... You could ask them whether they know anyone playing their instrument in your region.
Coincidentally I am Belgian as well, so you may like to contact me (I live in Antwerp).
electric violin lutherie (new york maker)
i took a chance on this maker after doing some research on the web and talking to the maker several times. my wife's blue 4 string electric violin with schatten passive pickup is chambered and made of wood. it should be delivered in 2 weeks. i ordered it in mid december.
we are not sure what type of pre-amp and amplifier to buy. she will go to some shops and try out several. any advice appreciated.
i'll post a review after she's selected the electronics.
keith
Wow, great perspective! I
Wow, great perspective! I look forward to your experiences. Good idea to test preamps and amplifiers in some shops, there is no better way to choose than by using you ears!