When is it time for a tune-up?

While instrument maintenance is a subject that we have discussed in the past, it's never too soon for a reminder...

Here at A. Cavallo Violins, we really care about keeping your instruments in the best condition. Players performing on their instruments every day often do not notice incremental changes in adjustment and condition. Therefore it is always wise to have your instrument looked at by someone on the outside.

Here are a few checkpoints:

1. What it the health of your strings? Some strings go dead before going false, and you may have not noticed it over the course of weeks or months. (We sell strings at the same price as all major on-line sellers, and never charge for installation).

A Badly Managed Bridge!!

2. Is your bridge properly placed and straight? Keeping your bridge straight is a skill all advanced players should know. The multiple pounds of downward pressure or a bridge will warp it if it is not maintained.

3. Does your instrument have any openings or cracks? Sometimes even a very small open seam that is hard to see can significantly affect your tone. The smaller the opening, the less cost of repair!

4. Are the fittings in good shape? Fingerboards recurrently need re-shaping, tailpieces can be cracked and the improper length or weight, tailguts can be in danger of breaking, and peg shafts can become warped or out of round. All of these things can severely impact your playing, and are often easy and inexpensive to fix.

We must see each instrument before estimating cost and time necessary to complete each repair. Unfortunately it is impossible to estimate from a telephone call or pictures.

We pride ourselves at having trustworthy repair and restoration staff that includes Mark Womack, Dirk Henry, Cesario Amesquita, and Dane Anderson doing work for us. Many adjustments and repairs can be done by the next day because of our resources.

As always, we recommend a humidifier for your case and never ever leaving your instrument in a cold or hot car.

A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

What to Know When Buying a Bow
outside of shop
Dear Friends:

In the last few weeks bows seem to have been on our customer's minds. Since knowledge is power, we thought it was a good idea to give you an outline of the choices you have when buying a bow, and the advantages or disadvantages you have with each materiel and making technique.

If you have any questions regarding instruments or bows, do not hesitate to call us, as we are always happy to help you increase your knowledge and discernment.

Above all, make beautiful music!

Musically Yours,

The Staff at A. Cavallo Violins, LLC
A. Cavallo Violins, LLC
Bows, Bows, Bows
How to make the right choice

Your bow is as significant to your playing as your instrument, but it is often ignored during the purchase. We remind our customers that proportionately you get "more bang for the buck" when you spend more on the bow. Conventional wisdom is that the bow should be about 25-35% of your total instrument and bow purchase, and we believe that proportion is about right.

Bow sticks are made of at least four different materials: Pernambuco, Carbon Fiber, Brazilwood, and Fiberglass.

The gold standard for bows is Pernambuco, but the wood is endangered and the bows are quite breakable. Typically pernambuco bows start at around $200, and the finest examples are over $200,000! Bows are usually graded by the company or maker by their fittings. Nickel mounting is the entry level, Silver is usually second, and then fancier silver or frog materials such as snakewood, shell, or ivory can reflect the maker's assessment of the stick. The best commercial bows are now coming out of Brazil, as the Pernambuco is no longer available anywhere else due to import/export restrictions. Pernambuco combines a strength, flexibility, response, speed and ability to hold camber (the curve, induced by heat) at a higher level than any other natural product.

Brazilwood it thearcos brasil bow other natural product used commonly. These days it refers to any wood that mimics pernambuco. Typically, these bows do not have the playability and ability to hold camber like pernambuco, but they often produce a warm sound. Brazilwood bows can be as inexpensive as $30.00 and are often the choice of beginners.

Fiberglass is the student choice. Usually fiberglass has more strength and resilience and less camber issues than brazilwood, but is usually not very playable. Cost is low, usually under $50 for a violin bow.

Carbon Fiber bows are attempts to create a process and material that rivals pernambuco. Carbon fiber is practically unbreakable and will almost never lose its camber. The quickness and response of the better carbon fiber bows, such as the JonPaul and CodaBow brands, come close to pernambuco in warmth and tone. Many professional players have a carbon fiber bow as a "pit bow," for such playing as opera, musical, or pops that does not demand individual tone, and is used in a dangerous environment for fragile pernambuco or any other wood.

So far we have only written about the stick materials. There are many other materials and workmanship issues that affect the quality, cost, and performance of bows, but we will reserve that for a later discussion!



Interesting Bow Websites


www.arcosbrasil.com

www.watervioletbows.com.br

www.ipci-usa.org

www.jonpaulstrings.com

www.codabow.com









A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

8705 Shamrock Road

Omaha, NE 68114

toll free
877 838 6222

Thank you A. Cavallo

Hi Alex,

Thank you so much for hosting us yesterday at the Art of Sound Exhibition. I had a great time and enjoyed meeting the maker of my violin, David Thomas Meyer. I feel privileged to have such intimate access to the origins of my instrument and to have it explained to me in such exquisite detail. I think every string player should have a chance to hear Meyer's presentation about violin making as his research is pertinent to all instruments. Mr. Meyer gave me a true appreciation for how a violin works from a physics perspective, down to the most minute vibrations of wood. He showed, via computer imaging techniques, which parts of the violin are the most resonant and allowed us to experience a hands-on experiment with producing tones on an actual sample of wood. The amount of meticulous scientific detail that Mr. Meyer puts into his craft results in instruments that sound fantastic. Many thanks to A. Cavallo Violins for making this all happen!

Best,
Katrin

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

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

Spring Clearance Sale!

Hello friends! Right now we have an amazing storewide Spring Clearance Sale going on until the 1st of June. We have already had a great response during this sale and have been able to equip players of all ages, from the beginner to the performing artist with beautiful instruments, cases, and bows while they SAVE BIG! We are very excited with the outcome so far and want to make sure every player out there knows about this wonderful sale.

Below are some examples of qualifying instruments. We hope that this opportunity will fulfill the needs of the player in your life. Please contact us directly for more specific information on qualifying instruments.

Sincerely,

A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

Used Violin Outfits Each of these instruments are hand-carved under the supervision of a European master by fine craftsmen in Beijing, China. They have all of the features of a professional instrument, from the ebony fingerboard and pegs, the aged Himalayan spruce and maple, the hand-applied multi-layered spirit varnish, the tailpiece with four fine tuners, the Dominant, Vision or ProArte strings, and an Aubert French bridge. Each outfit is fitted in Omaha by the experts at A. Cavallo Violins, LLC. The outfit includes a suspension case and brazilwood bow that has an ebony frog and Siberian Stallion horsehair. Outfit includes: Violin, Bow, & Case A. Cavallo Retail: $500 Clearance Price: as low as $200

Concert Series Instruments We specially select these instruments for the advancing student and serious amateur. Each instrument features straight-grained spruce tops, complimented by handsomely flamed maple back, sides, and scroll. The hand-finished shaded or antiqued varnish gives each instrument a striking appearance. Examples of our concert instruments that will take the student to the next level! Violin A. Cavallo Retail: $1,750 Clearance Price: $900 Viola A. Cavallo Retail: $1.900 Clearance Price: $800 Double Bass 35% off select instruments (These instruments are sold without case and bow.)

Artistic Level Instruments Master Instruments Master Instruments are up to 50% off, such as Wojciech Topa, Gunther Lobe, Dimitar Dimitrov, Tansin Diedenbeck, Pavel Onoaie, and Janxin Wu. Violins finished by American Makers These instruments are finished by American makers specifically for Musaica Imports. A. Cavallo Retail: $4,000 Clearance Price: $2,000 (These violins are sold without case and bow.) Cello by Clement & Weise By Clement & Weise of Germany this cello is one of the standards of excellence for tone production and quality among current makers. It is based on a classic Stradivarius pattern with highly accurate measurements, wood thicknesses, and attractive and faithful antique finish. This results in an instrument which can carry the player well into the advanced stages of performance with a minimum investment. This is the introductory instrument in the Clement & Weise line but is in no way a compromise in tonal quality. A. Cavallo Retail: $4,950 Clearance Price: $2,500 (This cello is sold without case and bow.)

Anderson Music Stand This beautiful Anderson Music Stand by Lotus Design is a rich blend of classic beauty and performance. Several patented mechanisms were created to achieve a unique combination of portability and functionality. Handcrafted from the finest Brazilian Cherry or walnut, the Anderson Music Stand will enhance the joy of your musical experience. The desk height varies from 20" - 52" while the exclusive snap-and-lock mechanism allows you to choose six different desk angles and the extra-deep shelf accommodates heavy books or folders. It features aluminum hardware which has been anodized in a rich gold color coating that is extremely durable and will never tarnish. The stand comes with a handy durable padded carrying case with an adjustable shoulder strap. A. Cavallo Retail: $295 Clearance Price: $250

Accessories Discount Receive 25% off cases and bows with any instrument purchase. All accessories are sold at the lowest possible price (Between 10-30% off list price)

Eastman Bass Neck Repair

We've recently had more referrals for repair jobs than in the past.

This one is a Eastman quarter size double bass that came to the shop.

It's neck has come loose and we're trying to set it back in place.

String Repair.com: A Smart String Business Website

We know that we've been a bit delayed on posting some of our repair work and projects but we will get to to them soon. We've had plenty to document with the camera but just haven't had the time to post. The best repair work that's come in this week is a piece of an 1/8th size violin scroll that has broken off from the peg box. Will show you the damage!

Speaking of repair work, we'd like to point a shop website out there that's doing similar things to what we are doing here on the blog. That is, photo documenting their repair and restoration work.

The website StringRepair.com was started by Upton Bass String Instrument, Co. The company is more known for its work on string basses but they also deal with other instruments as well. It has a main website but cannot house and format their portfolio of repair work photos. Thus, StringRepair.com was created.

The website has tabs for each string instrument repair that you might be interested in. Each on has big detailed pop out photos, even some in x-rays, and the latest completed repair projects. It's a good thing they included a bow section as well, as this is often the one area that a player can protect himself from bad practice with a little bit of knowledge.

Other tabs on the site features their repair staff. A quick glance at the bios will not only tell you if they have received training, but describes which method they have been schooled in for repair. You can even find out what it takes to become a repair man in the FAQ's.

Being impressed with the site, we had to contact somebody at Upton Bass to see if they similar blogging goals in mind like ours. We did get a response back from them saying:

"...I never intended stringrepair to be a blog...but honestly I started it before there were "blogs"! Originally it was just a way to keep owners informed of what we were doing to their instruments. It evolved...and it is still fun to go in and write about the repair process once completed."

[Eric Rene Roy, Luthier]

Technically, String Repair is not a blog like us but the goals seems to be relatively the same. In our blogging goals post, we hoped that this blog could be a " tool to educate" and "create debate". Perhaps this Q&A from their site sums up what we feel is so great about them.

"Q: Why is Upton Bass GIVING away all of this information?

A: Although pictures can speak 1000 words...pictures do not give you the years of hand & tool skills that must be acquired through professional training and daily practice to complete these repairs. What we can demonstrate in 100 pictures might actually take a year to complete. Some key steps are sometimes omitted or shown from distracting points of view. Not every repair is as cut and dry as we present it...and sometimes we debate as a group the best possible way to achieve the results we are striving for while taking into consideration many different factors. Our goal with this site is to create an informed instrument owner who is aware and appreciative of the amount of work and training these repairs take, and hopefully to ultimately entrust us with the work they need."

[www.StringRepair.com.faq]

We're glad to have found another shop that's adding a layer of transparency and education to the string business. Typical small violin shops try to represent their business practices by posting estimates for repair, maintenance fees, and some educational or bio information to bolster the credibility of their repair work they do. These guys have taken a step further by actually showing how your money is spent for the service being performed and educating customers.

Related Posts & Links:

• Self Congratulatory Post & Blogging Goals
  
• StringRepair.com

Bass Bow in the Works

A few weeks back, Lester was finally commissioned to make a double bass bow. After some early morning hours, here's his latest bow to display.

Next up, another double bass bow to boot out the door for sale. It's currently baking in the tanning booth.

Super Bass Box: Flat Back Calin Wultur arrives

Just when we thought the lathe was a laborious effort, yesterday, a bigger package arrived. A flatback Calin Wultur double bass was sent to us freight shipping.

Again, Lester was having a field day, tearing into the latest shop inventory. He even took the bass box for a sled ride down the stairs.

Whoa-wee!

Double Bass Setups and Places to Congregate

We are back! Our boss has returned from his long needed vacation. Meanwhile we have been busily fixing and tweaking our various online sites over at MySpace, eBay, and here at Blogger. All this online social networking exciting has gotten us excited.

First off, for this posts' agenda: please check out David Heath's Double Bass Blog. For any of you bass players or makers, since there relatively few of you around, this is a much needed place for you all to congregate in cyberspace. David seems to be very active with numerous projects such as a podcast show "Contrabass Conversations" and his soon to be director position on International Society of Bassists. Some day, we'd love to have this blog as sophisticated as his but we're still a long ways from that.

Speaking of basses, when the sales rep from Texas came by with the bows, we happened to purchase a great carved bass from them to help ease their load in their already crowded van. What follows are some photos showing how this 3/4 size beast was setup.

Onto the operating table upstairs. The bass's back is protected from scratching with linen free cloth.
You can't see it in this shot, but we have a small neck rest to stabilize the instrument when the sound post is being propped up. Probing into the f-holes is the black sound post setter.

The shot of the bridge with the feet set in place seems to a simple "plop-and-drop" deal but this is actually the most difficult part. Les had to work on correctly carving out the feet of the bridge so they would match the top's surface. Small but proportionate details that can alter how the bass sounds.
This is a two man effort as the gear mechanism on bass is wound by one person and the other has to make sure the cable like strings anchored into the tailpiece and set on the right bridge notch.And there you go! Les takes it for a test drive and he's giddy as heck. It's the first time we've had a column of basses in the shop for him to try- but most importantly maintain them.