2009 Exhibition Opening Event

The Art of Sound:
An Exhibition of Today's Master Violin and Viola Makers

OPENING EVENT:
Wine & Instrument Tasting
Saturday, March 14
7 pm
A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

Come and enjoy an evening filled with music, wine, and appetizers. William Wolcott and other artists will perform on instruments submitted to our exhibition. Three flights of wine will be presented throughout the evening.

Tickets: $28.00 (+ tax)
Tickets must be purchased in advance and seating is limited!

A. Cavallo Violins, LLC
8705 Shamrock Rd.
Omaha, NE 68114
Please contact us with any questions regarding our upcoming instrument exhibition.

402.827.9270
Toll-free: 877.838.6222
acvsales@gmail.com

Upcoming Shop Event

The Art of Sound:

An Exhibition of Today's Master

Violin and Viola Makers

On Friday, March 13, 2009, we will open the The Art of Sound: An Exhibition of Today's Master Violin & Viola Makers. The show will be a rare opportunity to see and hear over 100 fine violins and violas made by some of the best living makers in the world. A. Cavallo Violins, LLC will have instruments from across the United States, Canada, Italy, Germany, England, China, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria. All instruments in the show will be available for purchase. We are in a golden period of violin making; the materials, craftsmanship and artistry today are unrivaled in history. Come and experience the art of violin and viola making at its best!

Special events will be featured each weekend. The opening event on Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. is a wine and violin tasting with Bob Bolden, wine master and performances by David Neely and William Wolcott on instruments from the exhibition. Tickets are $28.00 per person and must be purchased in advance. Contact us directly for additional information and to reserve your seat, as there are a limited number of tickets.

Dates: March 13 - 28

Times:
Mon. 1 - 5 pm
Tues. - Fri. 11 am - 7 pm
Sat. 11 am - 5 pm
Special Events TBA

Location:
A. Cavallo Violins, LLC
8705 Shamrock Rd.
Omaha, NE 68114

Please contact us with any questions regarding our upcoming instrument exhibition:
402.827.9270
(Toll Free)877.838.6222
acvsales@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,
The Staff at A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

Shipping Horrors

     If one were to ask me what the most daunting task is here at A. Cavallo, it would definitely be coming in on Monday after the weekend and realizing I have forty new orders to pack and ship. Keep in mind, the mailman comes at 3:30 and I arrive at work at 1:00. Two and a half hours is a cruel time frame to put one under when there are thirty or more orders to fill. Nevertheless, this time frame must be met in order to keep this company of five employees running.

     From my experience and employment here at A. Cavallo so far, I have been given privileged access into the company’s dealings. One thing which stands out to me is how much the Gleasel Ultra Practice Mute is in demand. In the morning, I will usually have twenty orders to fill. It is not surprising to me if half of those orders be Glaesel Practice Mutes. People throughout the United States and around the world have a great desire for these rather ugly pieces of rubber. Individuals in distant countries such as Indonesia will gladly pay a hefty amount in shipping costs in order to have a Glaesel Mute priced at only $3.99. The substantial price increase for international shipment does not seem to deter people from acquiring these popular mutes. The economy may be going downhill, but demand for the Glaesel Mute remains strong.

     Once everything is packed and ready to go, it is then taken down the block to await the mail truck, which is supposed to be there at 3:30. There have been times where the mail truck never comes and one of our employees ends up running the mail to the post office. This is without question a nuisance and a waste of time for the company. However, we know that there is a person somewhere in the world in need of the Glaesel Practice Mute and we will go the extra length to make sure that mute arrives at its destination, wherever that may be.

 -Daniel Jacobsen

The Koala Cello

Occasionally at A. Cavallo Violin Shop we have customers come in who are interested in making/have made their own instruments. Today was one such day. We had a gentleman who came in and wanted to have his daughter's cello appraised. Alex opened up his cello case and was surprised to see a carved koala bear staring out at him.

It turned out that he had hand made this instrument for his daughter who had recently graduated from college. He called this instrument "The Sarah Cello", named for his daughter. This instrument was based upon the 1739 Montagnana cello called "Sleeping Beauty". Along with the uniquely hand-carved koala on the scroll, he had also done some unique detailing with the purfling on the back of the instrument which was in the shape of an "S" for his daughter Sarah.

This instrument is not the first that he has made himself. He has also made two violas and a violin; all of which have uniquely carved scrolls.

-Maddy

Hardanger Fiddle

At A. Cavallo Violins, LLC we have some very interesting instruments that walk through our door. Last Thursday was one of those occasions. A customer brought in a unique Hardanger fiddle. Hardanger fiddles (hardingfele in Norwegian) originated in Norway and are often considered the instrument of that nation. They became very popular in the mid 1700's and were most commonly used in folk music.

These instruments look very much like a violin. They have a similar body shape with four strings with a flatter tailpiece and fingerboard. Another aspect that makes this instrument unique are the four to six sympathetic strings that run underneath the fingerboard and create echoing overtones to the sound. The top strings on this particular instrument are tuned, highest to lowest, to F#, B, E, B and the bottom sympathetic strings are tuned, highest to lowest, to B, G#, F#, E. A good way to remember the pitches of the sympathetic strings is to think of Greig's "Morning". The pitches are all the same and this is probably how Greig came up with his opening. According to our customer, the tuning of Hardanger fiddles is not standardized and depends on the individual instrument.

Hardanger fiddles have become known for the extravagant mother-of-pearl inlay and pen or ink drawings on the instrument. The inlay is found on the body of the instrument, the fingerboard, and the tailpiece. Hardanger fiddles are also known for having ornately carved scrolls, often depicting a maiden or an animal such as a lion. The scroll definitely differs to that of a violin's because it needs to accommodate 8 pegs as opposed to the 4 that are in a violin scroll.

A final note is that according to our customer, each Hardanger fiddle has a female name. The name of his fiddle was "Bjornhild #88". We all found his fiddle and the history behind this unique instrument very interesting.


- Maddy

Fall Rain Adventure

A while back on Monday, September 29, 2008 Alex, Maddy, Matt, and I each walked into the shop enthusiastic for our day. That was until, as Alex initially discovered, the heavy rains from the prior evening proved too much for a section of our roof!

As Alex made his way across the shop to disarm our security system he had to wade through a puddle of water. Directly above the puddle were 3 water-swollen ceiling tiles, appearing ready to give way at any moment. Just inches away from the puddle and leak were 2 cellos and 2 basses.

Upon further inspection, Alex soon realized that the puddle upstairs had a twin downstairs! This puddle had attacked our collection of boxes used for shipping. So, Matt's victory in cleaning and organizing the basement quickly became a frustrating disaster again.

As water continually dripped from the swollen ceiling tiles, our concern grew. With the roof leak fixed and the instruments moved out of the way, Matt was delegated as the brave sole to 'dig in'. Upon tearing into the soggy tiles, he was greeted by water-soaked insulation, which had a tendency to simply fall. Soon our ceiling took on a grave appearance.

By the end of the day, with a phone call into our contractor, we were ready to bolt. We had carried out loads of soggy tiles and insulation, swept most everything up, and our generous window cleaners had mopped our show room floor on their stop by. With this done, we could only gaze at the basement anticipating what the next day would bring, on top of the stress of preparing for my leave to get married.

With no instruments damaged we walked away thankful that this adventure did not take a turn for the worst. Repairs of buildings are manageable, but water damaged instruments could have been disastrous.
Only the best,
Cassandra

General Manager
A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

The Complexities and Challenges of Varnishing

Here at A. Cavallo Violins we have been embarking on a new project the last couple of months. Our manufacturer from China has been sending us white violins which we have been experimenting by graduating the top and varnishing the instrument. Matt was the first to dive into our varnishing adventure.

To begin his varnishing undertaking, Matt selected a violin that Alex had previously graduated and finished the edges. He begins by scraping and sanding the wood to create a smooth surface to prepare it for finishing. After sanding, he placed it in our homemade light booth to tan for 5 or 6 days. This process helps to darken the spruce top of the violin.


Next Matt applied the primer and the sealer to the violin. We are using the Magister products which are the finest available. The primer came in a pre-mixed bottle which Matt applied 2 or 3 coats to the violin with a sponge brush. This step prepares the wood and darkens the overall color. One coat of sealer is applied after the primer has dried which typically takes a few hours. Matt used a brush to thinly coat the instrument with the sealer and whipped the excess off with a cloth. The sealer helps the natural color of the wood come to life. It brings out the flames in the maple and helps the other colors really pop. After a night in the light booth we could really see the flames in the maple!

Matt's next step in the varnishing process is to apply the mineral ground. Matt had to make the mineral ground using pumice and varnish. These ingredients are cloudy when first combined and Matt had to mull them together on a piece of glass for about half an hour until the mixture became clear. This mineral ground was then ladled onto the instrument with a pallet knife and then squeegeed off. After sitting on the instrument for approximately 5 minutes, Matt then rubbed the excess off with pieces of canvas. The violin was placed in the light booth for a couple of days until the mineral ground was completely dry. This process was repeated and a second coat of mineral ground was added.

Finally, Matt arrived to the step of applying the actual varnish to the instrument. Once again, Matt mixed together the ingredients on glass to prepare it for use on the instrument. He mixed a quarter sized amount of varnish with a splash of siccative. In this step, adding a darkening agent is optional depending on the color the person chooses to varnish the instrument. To apply varnish the instrument Matt uses a technique called tamponing which is using a brush to tap the varnish onto the instrument and then using a sponge to tap the varnish to spread it around on the surface of the instrument. The sponge the was used is not just an ordinary sponge. It is foam used in prosthetics ordered specifically for our varnishing project. The technique of tamponing tends to be rather time consuming but it is a conservative way of application as it does not waste a lot of varnish.

Adding patina to the violin is Matt's next step to the varnishing process. Patina is the antiquing process where the maker uses sand paper or other materials to scuff up and scratch the surface of the instrument. Parts of the instrument that come in contact with parts of the body or other surfaces such as tables are sanded. A lot of times the scratches and marks on the instrument are colored with black water color to give it an aged look. Matt chose not add too much patina to his instrument because he believes that it "get's its patina as it goes".

Finally Matt added two very thin layers of clear coat. This clear coat gives the varnish a little depth and fills in and seals the antiquing. He then finished the instrument by rubbing it with a mixture of Italian pumice and linseed oil. This mixture is an important last step because it evens out the varnish and gives the instrument a smooth, satin look.

Matt's violin turned out to be a great success! The final product had a beautiful orange-tinted gold varnish with striking flamed maple on the back. It also had a beautiful, bright, clear tone. It sold the first day it was on our showroom floor! Unfortunately, Matt did not have an opportunity to take it home to show his mom, despite that we were all very excited about this success!

Fodor Visits A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

On Thursday, September 25 two renowned visitors came through our shop door. Eugene Fodor, 1974 Tchaikovsky International Competition winner, stopped in while in town for a concert. Accompanying Mr. Fodor was Richard Molzer President of Cannone Enterprises, Inc who is a prestigious violin maker, dealer, and restorer.

Throughout the visit there was never a dull moment. Mr. Molzer looked at our wholesale instruments and briefly discussed Denver dealers with Alex. After discussion of our 'picture wall', Mr. Fodor allowed Alex a gander at his personal violin and bows. The interest then moved to Mr. Fodor's fabulous new interpretation of Pagannini's Caprice No. 1 in E Major. This movement is typically performed to a very strict, straight tempo; however Mr. Fodor is testing a 'push-and-pull' phrasing effect to add a more musical line to the piece and plays it at a much slower tempo than normal. Before leaving, our array of mutes did not go unnoticed or untouched! Mr. Fodor chose an Artino Practice Mute and our ebony 4 prong mute, which is in further development.


The next evening, Matt, Maddy, and Cassandra attended The Omaha Conservatory of Music's 2008 Benefit. Mr. Fodor was the focus of the evening, performing Vivaldi's Four Seasons along with numerous solo selections which included his interpretation of Pagannini's Caprice No. 1. Might we add, that this event was performed on 4 different violins (2 Guarneri and 2 Stradivari)!



In the course of the year, we have several interesting visits by major artists like this. Each visit is always interesting and educational for us.


Sometime you should just stop in our shop and see the 'picture wall' of signed photos by contemporary and older artists! This history makes our business fun, interesting, and educational.

Renting from A. Cavallo Violins

     Parents come to us with a dilemma: What is the best route for my child this year?  Can I rent or should I buy?  Should I rent from a "music store" or should I rent from a legit violin shop, buy on line, rent on line, rent from my teacher or school......The questions go on and on.

     If you are someone looking for a temporary stringed instrument for either your child or yourself, look no further. In addition to A. Cavallo's reasonably priced violins and cellos, we also offer an extensive rental program for all your stringed instrument needs.  We individually spend time with you, have written warranties and can honor them with our fully staffed workshop, and will keep your child fiddling!

     The first impression any customer may have when considering renting from A. Cavallo is that we charge much more than our competitors. Why might people think this way about A. Cavallo? To put it simply, it is because of our location and appearance. Our company is based in the midst of some very exclusive and high-end grocery stores, coffee shops, and other places which sell high priced amenities. We at A. Cavallo would agree that our shop is quite different from our surrounding neighbors within The Village. We offer

violin and cello rentals at a very reasonable price manageable for almost all budgets. Most of all, we will do whatever we can to make sure you, as a customer, are satisfied with your rental and the price you pay for it bef

ore you walk out our door.

     When you walk through the door of a large company looking to satisfy your violin or cello needs, chances are the attention shown to you will be quite minimal. Customer service is a very important aspect here and you will be greeted with the greatest of enthusiasm and the utmost respect. Alex (president of A. Cavallo) will greet you with a warm smile and an untamable passion for stringed instruments. If Alex happens to be out at the time, Cassy (general manager) will help you with all your needs and questions. 

As a matter of fact, all of the employees at A. Cavallo have at least one degree in string instrument

 performance! For us here at A. Cavallo Violins, to know a customer's name is not uncommon. Alex frequently greets people

who come into our shop by their first or last name. Renting a violin or cello will be easier than you ever thought, thanks to our prices, customer service, and individual attention.

 

Daniel Jacobsen-

Shop's Commercial Adventure

It was Monday, the beginning of a fresh week for A. Cavallo Violins LLC. The employees arrived here at nine in the morning, four hours before we were supposed to open. There was a sense of crisp, new energy in the air for the staff. Other than shipping, Mondays are usually relatively quiet here. This Monday was to stand very much apart from the rest of the week however.

This was the day the Omaha news team from channel seven was supposed to film a commercial for us. We laid out a very impressive display of basses, cellos, violas, and violins. The entire show room of A. Cavallo Violins was laden with bright new stringed instruments from our vast collection. Looking at our display from the front of the room, it looked as if there was a vast ocean of stringed instruments blocking and restraining us from going anywhere. It would have been incredibly easy to simply stumble trying to zig-zag your way through this array of delicate wooden creations. One can only imagine the domino effect this would have caused on the instruments; basically a violin dealer’s worst nightmare could have come true if we had not been careful.

After the session upstairs was drawn to a close, the camera crew then proceeded to go downstairs to continue filming. It was quite entertaining with all the lights turned off and Matt and Maddy acting out their screenplay. Matt could hardly contain himself from laughing as Maddy would ask him a scripted question. As soon as the camera was turned off, everyone would burst out laughing. It was as if we were making a blockbuster and the main stars of the show were two violin technicians: Maddy and Matt.

As all five of us stood for a “family” photo at the end, you could feel a sense of genuine warmth in the air. A. Cavallo Violins is much more than a typical music store on some corner. All the employees here look out for one another and keep each other going on stressful days. We work in a very encouraging and upbeat environment, which makes this place much more attractive to new and old customers. When all of us first arrived here, we were co-workers, now we are friends.

-Daniel Jacobson- College Intern in Marketing