Instruments, Bows, and Gear – Page 2

Pilgrim’s Pride: A Forgotten New England Bass Lutherie Tradition Reportedly Was Born of a Jackknife and a Couple of Wood locks

By Erin Shrader | From the November-December 2020 issue of Strings magazine“They’re awfully ugly,” opines violin auctioneer Jason Price at the mention of c... Read More...

Violinist Juliette Kang Plays 2 Instruments Made Centuries Apart

By Laurence Vittes | From the November-December 2020 issue of Strings magazineAs first associate concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra since 2005, Ju... Read More...

How To Choose the Right Chin Rest For Violin or Viola

By Richard WardSome musicians can take any violin, use whatever chin rest is on it, and be perfectly happy. Most violinists and violists, though, need to f... Read More...

How To Choose The Right Violin or Viola Shoulder Rest

By Richard WardSometimes a string player needs a little support. It’s true in life and it’s true with playing the violin and viola. Violinists and violists... Read More...

7 Suggestions for Buying Your First Electric Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass

By Blaise KielarFrom amplified praise bands in large churches to string players in Broadway shows to those sitting in with a local rock or bluegrass band, ... Read More...

The ‘Chi Mei, ex-Biddulph’ Stradivari case

Function or Fashion: Buying a Violin Case Under $500

By Greg OlwellViolins have never been safer than they are right now. Manufacturers employ an abundance of luxurious materials to swaddle your beloved violi... Read More...

Untangling the Dodds: Re-evaluating Historical English Bow Making, In All Its Complexity

By Philip J. Kass | From the November-December 2020 issue of Strings magazineMy first article for Strings, back in the late 1990s, was about English bows a... Read More...

9 Tips for Getting Your Child a Good Student Instrument

A parent’s guide to renting or buying a violin for schoolBy Patrick SullivanIt had three strings, no bridge, and the top was coming unglued when the vi... Read More...

6 Tips on Buying a Bow For Your Stringed Instrument

1. Type of Material: You'll find there are several choices in materials to consider; each offers a different mix of durability, affordability, and tonal ... Read More...

Worth It: Restoring a C. 1690 Grancino Violin

By James Koehler | From the November-December 2020 issue of Strings magazineOne of my favorite restorations was on a ca. 1690 Giovanni Grancino violin. Whe... Read More...