A wonderful letter from a customer!

"Recently, I went on a quest for a professional level cello. As a member of the Bountiful String Quartet, I was in need of a cello that would blend with my colleagues’ fine instruments. There was also a need for me to find a cello that ran slightly smaller than normal due to my hand size. I came across the A. Cavallo Violins Shop web site and saw several promising cellos being offered. Because I live in the KC area, I called first. Alex answered the phone and I asked him about his professional cellos. I was delighted to hear him describe a cello that fit my needs in an affordable price range. I am so glad I made the drive to Omaha to investigate the Szlachtowski Cello.

Jan Szlachtowski was a new name to me, but the sound produced by his cello was the preference of every musician that I recruited for opinions when I was comparing cellos. I knew the cello was my match when I played it in a large performance room for the first time. The other members of the Bountiful String Quartet agreed: it filled the room with a sweet rich sound. Our rehearsals are even more satisfying and I look forward to our next concert (and many more!) with great pleasure.

From the first phone conversation to the final purchase, the A. Cavallo Violins Shop has been helpful, friendly, and a delight to work with. I am so very happy with my new cello! Thanks So Much!"

~Elizabeth Pearson, cellist of the Bountiful String Quartet

Falling Leaves and Openings!

We are now steadily moving into the beautiful- but dry season, Autumn!

Fresh breeze, golden trees with their falling leaves and trips to the pumpkin patch are not taken for granted here in the mid-west. However, although this time of year is gorgeous and visually stunning, for stringed instruments it can also be stunning- and not in a good way!

As the weather becomes colder and the air grows less humid, instruments- whether sitting on a stand, or stored in their cases become more susceptible to cracks and openings! (NOT GOOD!)

Chances of cracks and openings can be dramatically reduced by taking a few very simple steps to keep your instrument hydrated and happy. In order for a person to stay healthy they need to drink plenty of water. Stringed instruments are very similar! In the dry seasons of autumn and winter it is crucial to supply your instrument with enough moisture. This can be done very easily by using a humidifier in your home and a case humidifier for your violin or viola, or a "dampit" for your cello or bass.

Don't have a case humidifier? You're in luck!

Here at A. Cavallo Violins, LLC we carry the most convenient case humidifier as well as genuine, top-of-the-line German hygrometers. A hygrometer is a compass-like dial that reads the humidity levels in a room or violin case.

We are proud to offer the Oasis Case Humidifier. This convenient case humidifier comes with a clip to attach firmly inside your case and needs refilling only once a week in the dryest weather. It's also very compact and can be stored many places in the case, making it easier to manage.

Right now we are offering a Special Autumn Savings deal! If you buy an Oasis Case Humidifier in store or by telephone, you can also purchase the Concord German-made Hygrometer at 1/2 PRICE !

Now is a good time to pull out your instrument and take a thorough inspection of it for any cracks or potential cracks and openings. If you would like our professional staff to inspect your instrument, come on in and we would love to provide you that service.

Have a wonderful autumn from all of us here at A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

-Gabriel

8705 Shamrock Rd.
Omaha, NE 68114

1.877.838.6222
402.827.9270

acvsales@gmail.com
www.acavalloviolins.com

Back to School Check List

The time has come again to begin preparing for the upcoming school year. Whether a beginner or an artist, there are a few friendly reminders that can aid each of you. Below is a check list of accessories and services that may benefit you. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Rosin

An absolute essential for every player! If the rosin has been exposed to high temperatures, touched by fingers, or is just simply broken the working components have been compromised.

A basic, yet artistic level rosin, starts around $8 for every instrument!

Strings

How long has it been since your strings have been changed? Strings typically need changed at least 1 time per year, depending on amount of time spent playing the instrument. This is because the strings get worn and either become 'dead' or 'false', resulting in an impure tone. These prices vary depending on the instrument and type of string.

We sell at the lowest price allowed, plus, upon your purchase in store we install for FREE!

Bow Rehair

When was the last time your bow has been rehaired or inspected? Bows should be rehaired approximately once per year and also checked for camber issues. A sign of needing a rehair includes build-up by the frog or tip.

We now offer bow rehair in house!

Pegs

Are those pegs just too hard to turn or creaking with every turn? We've got the solution (assuming everything is working correctly)! Stop in and we'll see if this is the quick 15 minute solution for your instrument.

This service is FREE!

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
The Staff at A. Cavallo Violins

8705 Shamrock Rd.
Omaha, NE 68114

1.877.838.6222
402.827.9270

acvsales@gmail.com
www.acavalloviolins.com

WineStyles Recital 08.29.09

Wine Styles
presents
William Wolcott, violin & Alexander Ross, violin

Saturday, August 29, 2009
7:30 pm

A chance to hear works of Mozart, Prokofiev and de Beriot
played by two of Omaha's Premiere Performers

Join William Wolcott & Alexander Ross in an exploration of the elegant Mozart Duo for Violin and Viola, the brilliant grand Duo Concertante #2 by Charles de Beriot, and the dramatic and brooding Sonata for Two violins by Prokofiev. There will be a wine pairing with each musical selection presented by the charming Bob Bolden of WineStyles.

$10.00 per person

Contact WineStyles to purchase tickets.
1110 S 71st St # K
Omaha, Nebraska 68106

Sizing Stringed Instruments

Here is a tip just in time for gearing up for the school season. Sizing a stringed instrument is a question which you will find multiple answers for. There is no absolute standard in approaching sizing of a violin, viola, or cello to a student. However, through the years, Alex has learned some general guidelines that work well.

General Guidelines for Sizing Violin & Viola Students

• With the student standing straight with arms at side, nestle instrument into playing position on shoulder
  
• Have the student reach their left arm straight out to the side, horizontal to the floor, with their palm facing up
  
• The top of the scroll should meet the arm at the wrist. If the instrument is too large, it will begin to set into the palm. If the instrument is too small, it will come short of meeting the wrist.
• The overall decision of 'pushing' a student into a larger size is typically determined by the instructor. However, a general rule is that violists can be 'pushed' more.
  

General Guidelines for Sizing Cello Students

• Pull the endpin out equal-distant to the tailpiece
  
• With the student sitting on the front edge of a chair and feet flat on the floor, place the cello into position
• The curve of the scroll should sit next to the ear of the student. If the instrument is too small, the scroll will fall short of the ear. If the instrument is too large, it will rise above the student's ear.

Again, these are general guidelines that we use in shop; but there is no set standard in the business. We hope that these tips aid in the selection of a properly sized violin, viola, or cello.

-Cassandra General Manager

Insuring Instruments

Recently we received a very informative and well-written e-mail from Ellis Hershman our representative at Heritage Insurance Services. This is the company which provides our shop coverage, and many other shops internationally. We have copy-pasted the e-mail with Ellis' permission for your benefit. We hope that each of you find it as informational as we do.

~ Cassandra
General Manager

Use of Homeowner Policies to Insure Musical Instruments

We often get asked to explain why someone should insure their personal instruments/equipment with us, versus placing them on a schedule on a homeowner policy. Homeowner policies vary from company to company, and from policy form to policy form. Generally speaking, the most common homeowner policy is the “HO-3” policy form, which can have a special endorsement (the “HO-61” endorsement) attached to the policy at the client’s request. This endorsement covers “Scheduled Personal Property”, and is copy written by the Insurance Services Office, who then provides the insurers with the endorsement form. The most common and practical use of this endorsement is to cover valuables such as jewelry or fine arts. Even if an insurer uses their own forms and definitions for scheduled personal property, the intent shadows the HO-3 and HO-61 forms.
The basic problems with using this endorsement to insure musical instruments and equipment are as follows:
A.) “You agree not to perform with these instruments for pay unless specifically provided for under this policy.” So reads the HO-61 endorsement. Seldom, if ever, will a homeowner carrier approve professional use of an instrument. Therefore, if you play for any remuneration at all, you have voided the terms and coverage of the policy contract.

The professional is best covered under a Heritage Musical Instrument Policy, as it is designed to cover those who earn money from the playing of their instruments.

B.) The value of the property (instruments/equipment) insured is not agreed upon, but will be ascertained ay the time of loss or damage. Even though an appra isal was requested at the placement of the coverage, the carrier may still deviate from that figure. The insurer may disagree with the insured as to the value and push the settlement into arbitration or litigation.

With an appraisal, Heritage policies provide agreed value coverage, which guarantees the amount the insured will be paid for the loss.

C.) There is nothing specific with regard to devaluation caused by breakage in the homeowner form. Claims representatives may agree or disagree on this point. Policies are quiet on this issue.

Heritage policies specifically include devaluation.

D.) Agents and employees of homeowner insurance companies generally have a very limited knowledge of musical instruments; that is, their value, devaluation, repair costs, etc. This type of knowledge can be of immense help win solving coverage and claims problems quickly.

Heritage Insurance Services maintains communication with literally hundreds of resource people in the various music trades, and uses a professional consultant to coordinate claims and valuations.

E.) Many homeowner carriers will not accept high valued musical instruments on their policies. Some companies may refuse all musical instruments and equipment.

Heritage Musical Instrument Insurance insures instruments from the low four figures to the high seven figures. Large or small values are not a problem.

---

F.A.Q.

If I loan or give custody of my instrument to an individual or business entity, is it covered should a loss occur?

The answer is both yes and no, depending upon some variables.

The Heritage policy designed for collectors and players will cover such entrustment on a worldwide basis, subject to the same terms and conditions that apply to the owner. So, in this case, the answer is yes.

If your policy is written by another carrier other than Heritage, you must read your policy carefully and ask the agent to define the extent of coverage. There are significant limitations placed on this exposure and it takes a trained eye to ferret them out. For instance, policies may exclude coverage while being worked upon by a repair shop, and limit the provision of coverage for mysterious disappearance or failure to return instruments. Dishonesty of entrustment can be excluded as well. So, the answer may be no, depending on your policy and the circumstances.

Beyond the issue of coverage, there is another possible consequence that should be mentioned. The word is “subrogation” and the person who takes possession of the instrument needs to understand what this means. If you relinquish custody of your instrument, you are insured and you will be paid should a loss occur, as your policy may apply to such. However, the person taking custody of the instrument is not an insured under your policy, and there is nothing to prevent your insurer from seeking restitution from that individual or entity if they discern negligence, or if they have signed a contract agreeing to be responsible for the instrument.

Someone taking custody of a non-owned instrument can avoid the subrogation process in a couple of ways:

1- If permitted by the insurer, have their name/names added to the owner’s policy for the period of the loan. (Heritage usually allows this action)

2- Add the instrument to your own policy or take out insurance on the instrument and have the owner added as a “loss payee.”

3- Have the owner waive the subrogatory interest of their carrier in writing prior to taking possession of the instrument. (Be careful; not all policies allow their policy holders to do this, so check with your agent before executing.) Heritage policies allow their insured’s to waive subrogation in writing prior to a loss occurring.

Does this really happen?

A player borrowed a bow and accidentally left it in a taxi cab and could not recover the bow. The insurer paid the loss to the owner, and turned to the player for restitution. The player wanted nothing to do with this action or responsibility, until they stepped off stage after a concert and received service of a lawsuit. The loss was substantially settled by the player without further litigation.

---

War Stories

This Could Happen to You!

A client with multiple homes was keeping one of his guitars at a secondary home in another part of the country from where his primary residence is located. A caretaker stopped by to routinely check on the home, and found that a water pipe leading to the hot water heater had exploded, sending gallons of water into the home. The guitar was located nearby and sustained significant water damage, having possibly been lying in water for some time before being discovered. The guitar was declared a total loss, and the client has been compensated for the full stated value of the instrument.

Heritage Insurance Newsletter, July 2009

Our 'Revamped' Shop

Hello all! Even with a questionable economy we have continued to burst our seams, so recently we took on a series of projects.

We began with a discussion period as to where to place and how to rearrange the shop. With a plan of action, Alex ordered 6 additional violin racks to aid in organizing and optimizing the space of our show/trial room. While waiting for the racks to be completed, yet another organizing topic was brought to the board - the case room was, quite frankly, dis-functional and we were in need of better placement for beginner bows. Just prior to Alex's most recent road trip, the violin racks arrived and the 'revamping' began. To keep a long, agonizing, and frustrating story short it took about double the anticipated time to complete the project. With that, we would like to share photos of our most recent shop project.

We started 'smooth sailing'

We had it all laid out...

Leave it at that this was rack 5 of 6 and closing on hour 4

Finished project

Result of initial project (optimized case room)

With you, the customer, in mind we successfully completed this project to enhance your experience at the shop. Stop in and visit!

Hope to see you soon,
~ Cassandra General Manager

Everyday Instrument Care Tips

Ever wondered what simple things you can do everyday to care for your instrument? Here is a list of friendly tips and reminders for those young or old, beginners or artists.

Everyday Instrument Care Tips

• Be sure to loosen your bow after each session, whether practicing or performing. A bow left tight will cause a gradual loss in camber of the stick.
• Consistently wipe-off the rosin residue from the instrument with a 100% cotton cloth. If left on the instrument, this residue will deteriorate the varnish. A microfiber cloth is another idea for cleaning and light polishing.
• To lengthen the life of your case, be sure to always clasp and zip it shut. If any of these are left undone, the case will eventually loose it's shape and decrease it's protection of the instrument and function of the case.
• Never leave shoulder rests attached to instruments when putting in the case; even sponges or foams. If left on, once the case is closed extra pressure will be placed on the bridge, which is already carrying the tension weight of the strings.
• In climates or seasons where the humidity is low (less that 50%), an in-case or in-instrument humidifier should be used. There are many options, from models needing filled daily to just once per week. By using a humidifier, it reduces the stress of swelling and contracting of the instrument wood which causes natural openings and sometimes cracks.
  
• If carrying your case backpack style, consider switching to 1 strap that fits diagonally over one shoulder, across the chest, and under the opposite arm. This is known to more evenly distribute the weight of the instrument and case, rather than pulling on the body.

These are just a handful of simple tips that we pass along to our in-store customers and hope brings a longer life to your instrument 'outfit'.

-Cassandra General Manager

Peg Tuning Tips

Through the years, both as a violinist and teacher, one daily task seems scary for many - tuning with the pegs. I have personally never approached the task with fear, only as a challenge and necessity. One admission is that tuning with the pegs regularly presented one issue or another prior to knowledge of the following basic tips.

Peg Tuning Tips

• If fine tuners are turned completely down or are loose, turn them to a middle range.
• Inspect how the string is wound onto the peg. The string should be through the peg hole, then be wound evenly towards the edge of the pegbox; be sure not to cram the string against the pegbox or leave space, either of these errors will result in difficult peg tuning.
• As turning the peg, apply inward pressure (push towards pegbox). Monitor the string, that it winds evenly towards the edge of the pegbox.
• Turn the peg slowly, avoiding quick alterations in pitch, as this can cause a string to break.

Properly wound pegs will appear as follows.


There is no getting around tuning with the pegs, it simply takes time and patience to hone the skill. Hopefully these tips will make this daily task a bit less daunting.

-Cassandra General Manager

Vacation Hours

Independence Week Vacation Hours

at A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

We will be available by appointment only
Saturday, June 27 - Saturday, July 4

Regular business hours will resume on Monday, July 6 at 1 pm

e-mail (acvsales@gmail.com) or call 402.827.9270 or toll-free 877.838.6222 for an appointment

Have a safe & Happy 4th of July!