Marlea Simpson’s Kraemer Viola Thrives in ‘Boomy’ Spaces
Marlea Simpson tends to describe her relationship with her viola in strongly affectionate terms, using words like “fun,” “beautiful,” and “ready for anything.”
Instruments, Bows, and Gear
How does a Professional 1898 Copy Match Up to a 1735 Guarneri del Gesù Violin?
Strings asked violinist and collector David Fulton, who owns both the 1735 d’Egville Guarneri del Gesù and the 1898 Voller copy, to compare the two.
Jeremy Garrett’s Family Heirloom Fiddle Is Truly One of a Kind
This is the story of how Jeremy Garrett of the Infamous Stringdusters got his fiddle—a family heirloom with a history of loss and new beginnings.
3 Tips for Achieving a Relaxed Bow Hold on Violin or Viola
Having a relaxed bow hold is not only good for our playing, but also for our bodies. Here are a few tips on how to best achieve a relaxed bow hold on violin or viola.
Luthier Iris Carr’s Best Work Is Invisible—Which Is a Very Good Thing
Iris Carr is one of the go-to luthiers for violin restoration work, particularly neck grafts and detailed retouching, thanks to her eye for texture and color.
Luthier David Wiebe Reflects on the Amati Brothers’ Instruments
Luthier David Wiebe reflects on the contributions of Andrea Amati, the "father of the modern violin," and his brother, Girolamo.
Leatherwood Bespoke Offers New, Eco-Friendly Rosin
Leatherwood Bespoke has developed what it is calling ecoRosin—a vegan, environmentally friendly rosin with recipes for violin, viola, and cello.
Why is it So Easy to Identify a Human Voice but So Hard to Identify a Violin?
Numerous listening tests have shown that even expert listeners have trouble telling nominally very different violins apart.
A Closer Look at Historical Bows and Some Eccentric Frogs
There is something lovable about unusual bows, as strange as they may be.
Cellist Robert Cohen Traded the ‘Bonjour’ Strad for His Musical Soulmate, ‘The Ex-Roser’ Tecchler
Robert Cohen traded in a famous Stradivari cello for a younger Tecchler—30 years later, he's as dazzled by its sound & feel as he was the day he first played it.