Unique Opportunity to See Great Instruments

The Art of Sound: An Exhibtion of Violins and Violas by Today's Master Makers
which runs March 19 - April 9, 2010 is open! This year we have more instruments than ever and the makers represented in the show are among the most well known.

It is an opportunity to see and hear fine violins and violas made by some of the best living makers in the world.

The show is free and open to the public during regular business hours.
Monday, 1-5pm
Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 6pm
Saturday, 11am - 5pm

Special Event Coming Soon:
On March 30th, we will host the first ever benefit auction for the Omaha Conservatory's Scholarship Fund hosted by Hal France. Enjoy a wine tasting, an auction of instruments from the show starting at incredibly low prices, and a performance on show instruments.
Details below

A. Cavallo Violins LLC
Benefit Auction

Proceeds will benefit the
Omaha Conservatory of Music's Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Conservatory's Scholarship Fund is to aid those students
who show great potential and are also demonstrate financial need.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010
7:30 pm

-Wine Tasting-
-Performance-
-Instrument Auction of Show Instruments-

Hal France,Celebrity Host

Tickets are $28.00 a person

For reservations call
402.827.9270 or 1.877.838.6222
or come by the A. Cavallo Violins, LLC at 87th & Pacific (in Countryside Village)

Reservations will be on a first come first served basis. Space is limited.
Our events are great fun and usually sell out, so call us early to reserve your place.
We look forward to hearing from you!

If you can't come to the event but you want to bid on an instrument see below:

CAN I BID ON AN INSTRUMENT EVEN IF I CAN’T COME TO THE EVENT MARCH 30TH?
Yes. You may bid on an instrument using our Absentee Bidding System. Absentee bids will be accepted by mail, phone, or e-mail up until Saturday, March 27th at 5:00 pm. Please have your bids in as early as possible so that we will be able to effectively bid for you. For full details of the Absentee Bidding System, contact A. Cavallo Violins, LLC or see our website.

CAN I BID ON AN INSTRUMENT CONFIDENTIALLY?
Yes. A. Cavallo Violins, LLC will use the strictest measures of confidentiality maintaining and executing absentee bids.

CAN I BID ON AN INSTRUMENT AND DONATE IT TO THE OMAHA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC IF I WIN?
Yes. The Conservatory will benefit from the proceeds of the instrument you purchase and then benefit again from the gift of a beautiful instrument to lend to a worthy student in need.

CAN I SEE THE INSTRUMENTS BEFORE THE AUCTION?
Yes. We would be happy for you to come by A. Cavallo Violins, LLC to see the instruments. You may wish to set up an appointment by calling 402.827.9270 or toll free 877.838.6222.

CAN I SEE THE INSTRUMENTS ONLINE BEFORE THE AUCTION IF I LIVE OUT OF TOWN?
Yes. Pictures & descriptions of instruments are available on www.acavalloviolins.com under Special Events.

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

Hear It from the Master

Last weekend we were graced by the presence of Stephanie Voss, Certified German Master Violin Maker. She has been crucial to A. Cavallo Violins, LLC over the years for her expertise, wisdom and business experience.

She spent Saturday with us, often helping with the hordes of customers we saw. At one point we had 5 different groups of people looking and trying instruments, a record for the shop. She answered questions about instruments people were looking at, the violin business in general and her personal journey as a violin maker.

That evening, about 30 people convened for the "Hear it from the Master" discussion and wine tasting. There were three segments of discussion, interrupted by three courses of wines, including a German wine, and Italian wine, French wines and American wines in keeping with the diversity and style differences present in "The Art of Sound" exhibition.
Here are some of the questions, answers, and points of discussion that were brought up:

• Q: What is the difference between a "Stradivarius" and "Guarnerius" model violin and what are the reasons for the distinction? A: The biggest visible difference is in the shape of the f-hole and the edge and purfle work. The Guarnerius f-hole is more upright with a teardrop instead of a circle at the top, and is often larger and more open. The Strad corners are often squarer and less rounded, and the c-bouts are more perfectly proportioned, as well as the bee sting from the joining of the purfle always goes to the inside of the c-bouts. Stradivarius model violins tend to be very responsive and have a more silvery clear quality of sound, and Guarnerius violins tend to be darker and more muscular in sound and response.
  

• Q: Was the wood the golden age makers the secret to the great sound? Did it come from a period of mini ice age as many people have suggested? A: The wood in Stradivarius' violins is often not even great (and in his early works not always maple, using a cheaper substitution), and there is great wood available today. One of the neasures is how wide the "winter" grain is, not only the measure of the width of the grain. There is great wood coming from European Alpine, American, Carpathian, and even Chinese enviroments. The distinction of quality is often more about the age and treatment of the wood.

• Q: What about the "Secret of Stradivarius?" Was there such a thing? A:Stradiviarius was an artist! He was just a darn good maker, as good as any, and combined the skills of carving, form, varnish, and inlay to a very high level. His instruments are works of art, and it is not possible to reduce his sucess to a "secret," in fact it does him great injustice!

• Q: Are modern makers inferior to old makers? A: We are in a golden period right now! The level of artistry, worldwide communication, and technical expertise is unrivalled in history. New instruments are very possibly the best investment.

• Q: Are there significant technological innovations in construction changing the violin significantly? A: There have always been experiments historically, but the basic form of the instrument has not changed significantly since the days of Stradivarius. It is overwhelming to think of how such a perfect form was arrived at in 1700!

Everyone left with a good feeeling of violin fellowship, nice wine and gourmet appetizers. They all learned something and incresaed their excitement about the individual creations available from old makers and makers today! -A.

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

Wholesale Trip To Minneapolis, MN

   A. Cavallo Violins has began to venture deeper into the world of wholesale.  With the size of the company having increased by a significant margin, A. Cavallo Violins is just beginning to explore the opportunities and benefits of wholesale. Employing the new whole sale name of  Musaica Imports, Dr. Ross and I (Daniel Jacobsen) began the company’s second wholesale trip, this time to Minneapolis in the state of Minnesota. We left at approximately a quarter to 6 in the evening on the thirteenth of July. After a little more than six hours of riding in a car, we arrived in Minneapolis exhausted from the long trip but ready to undertake the challenge that lay before us in the coming days.

     Instead of staying at a hotel during our trip, we stayed at the house of none other than the principal cellist of the Minnesota Orchestra, Anthony ross, the brother of Alex Ross. As soon as we arrived, we were immediately greeted by their family dog, Ozzy, bigger than any dog I’ve seen in my life, but yet the most gentle animal you could imagine.

     The next morning, we began our day by enjoying a relaxing breakfast at Einstein’s and then set out to see our first client. Every violin dealer had a different approach and desire as to what they were looking for in an instrument. Some wanted a thin finger board, others thought that a thick finger board was more desirable. Some clients were so particular with the fittings and other instrument pieces that they would sort through them and pick out the ones they wanted and the ones they didn’t want.  Some of our wholesale instrument fittings have designs upon them which aim them more at a very specific market of the music industry The smallest details upon our instrument fittings were closely scrutinized by the dealers we met with. To say the least, they were impressed with our selection of fittings and the price attached to them. However, at this time of year the music business is somewhat slow and clients we met with offered to give our offers more thought as business picks up during the school year.

     The clients we met with were overwhelmingly gracious towards Dr. Ross and me. They were professional and wanted to get straight to business, which we both appreciated.  The last thing you want is to spend two or three hours with the client talking and then leave empty handed. Luckily, our trip proved to be fruitful for the most part. Clients are becoming more accustomed to the new supply of Chinese instruments on our wholesale list. Normally when the common man thinks of a product labeled “Chinese”, the first thought that comes to mind is “cheap”. However, this is not the case for the line of Chinese instruments we have in our inventory. They are well made and easy on your wallet, a wonderful instrument for an intermediate string player.

     The wholesale path of Musaica Imports is proving to be an adventure, not only for myself, but for Dr. Ross and my fellow employees.  After this last business trip, it is safe to say that Musaica Imports is off to a good start.

 

-Daniel Jacobsen,

 Marketing Intern

Honda's Humanoid Robot ASIMO Conducts the Detroit Symphony Orchestra

By now, you guys are already familiar with robots playing violins or trumpets so it should come as no surprise when they've stepped up to the podium.

Leonard Slatkin, director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, stepped aside on Tuesday night for a special guest conductor. Standing at 4-foot-3 and weighing 119 pounds, Honda's Humanoid robot Asimo made his conducting debut with the piece. Asimo conducted the Orchestra to"The Impossible Dream" of Broadway fame Man of La Mancha.

ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is a robot designed and built by Honda. The company filmed Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) education director Charles Burke conducting the piece and programmed Asimo to copy his movements.

I found it interesting how faultless ASIMO was in his conducting yet players were taken aback from his metronomic style. A trumpeter described how difficult was to play on cue with the lack of eyes on ASIMO. Conductor Slatkin even remarked how improvisation was the one thing that this robot lacked in its conducting style. Essentially, the robot was a very complex and expensive windup toy that could conduct the same piece over and over without error. It has yet to acquire the kind of independent thought and expression that makes humans so unique in its body language or facial expressions.

The Art & History of Violin Cases

In the wild west world of eBay, you meet some interesting bidders with all sorts of knowledge. One person we've met so far is collector Glen P. Wood. Now here at the shop, we do a fair share of appraisals on all string things related but Dr. Wood seems to have carved himself as an expert on the art of violin cases. With all those expensive advancements in case technology, who knew that such old world works of protection could be valued as works of art?

I googled the topic at hand and found a lively string of discussions on Maestronet's message board. The latest discussion focused on topics such as the Dr. Wood's book, how to repair old cases, and tracking down auctions such as the 12 Apostles cases.

Dr. Wood recently emailed us the announcement of his new book "The Art & History of Violin Cases". It's a 8.5" x 11" softcover book with 116 pages and 32 full color plate images. The book is divided into sections covering European Case making:(Italy, England, France, Germany, New World) and Modern case making.

"As the cost of collecting violins soars beyond the reach of many, antique violin cases has is becoming the new, hot collectable. To many, the notion of an old violin case is a battered, black coffin case of the type turned out in the millions by factories in France and Germany.

In my new book 'The Art & History of Violin Cases' I illustrate how wonderful and interesting these cases can be. Years of research in museums and private collections have yielded a treasure trove of inspirational examples which provide guidance to the collector."

-Dr. Glenn P. Wood

Now, I'm not in a scholarly position to do book reviews but do check it out and give some feedback. The informal reviews over at Maestronet seem to be fairly positive. Who knows? Maybe this could become the equivalent of a Henley's Guide. I'd also love to see if Dr. Wood could do another history book on other string instrument cases.

Shot of the Day: Stained Glass Violin with Lion's Head Scroll

Remember that lion's head scroll that was sold a week ago on eBay? The winning bidder emailed us some photos of his latest creation installed with his latest prize.

I thought about categorizing this post under Weird Stringed Instruments but decided against it since it's no longer playable. Also, I thought the bidder took some real time and effort into crafting this stained glass work of art.

Playing Football with the Violin

What do violins and football have in common? Nothing really except for some destructive fun in this video. I was browsing during the half time show of the Superbowl Sunday for more random string related video. Type in the keywords "football" and "violin" into YouTube and the following is what you get:



Hut, hut, hike and the violin is tossed to the receiver who ducks for cover.

Whoever vlogger nfultonviolins is, they have a lot of free time around their shop. You can find other destructive sports related strings videos such as playing tennis with your violin or swashbuckling sword fights. My favorite though has to be hockey. The goalie has a custom made cello back as his padding and fractional size violins are used as flat hitting surface of the hockey sticks.

For more string instrument destruction see previous related posts:

• Wow that Violin Knocked Me Away!
  
• Death of a Cello (video link here)

PVC Electric Pipe Cello

I've decided to start up another category for future blog entries. It will be simply be titled "weird instruments". Any string instruments that defy the classical patterns and construction will be included. Take for example this entry title "PVC Pipe Cello". A while back, there was YouTube video challenge asking users to create a unique home made instrument and post videos of their creation online. I was hesitant at first to give the challenge some coverage on the blog since this is supposed to be documenting our daily life in the shop, but I thought it couldn't hurt to shed light on some amateur makers.

The maker of this electric cello spent under $100 and about 40 hours to make this instrument for a class project. Materials: PVC pipes, tuning knobs from a guitar, a bike pedal, and used cello strings. With no musical background at all, demonstrates how to play: bow across the strings in an upright position, pluck the upright like a guitar, or you can wrap the instrument around one arm and play it like a violin. Well, he's managed a traditional "upright" cello into a waist wrapping instrument.

Xmas Card from Jon Paul Bows: Holiday Frog Thoughts

[scanned holiday greeting card cover from JonPaul Bows , i kid you not]

I still don't get this cover. It's sooo random. The frog's kind of chilling out in the cup of eggnog, maybe because of its proof level, and an oh so subtle Jon Paul violin bow's end is in the mix with some lovely hollies. Maybe I drink from that froggy cup, I'll start to understand. Wait a minute...violin frog, xmas themes, real live frog...nah, I still don't get it;)


The card reads:

I'm no prince, but I am a heck of a kisser.

Christmas is coming and Froggy's getting fat
Hey, who you calling fat?

Dude, check out my new iPad. Ribit

Horseflies roasting on an open fire...

Horny toads duet better.

Thank you and hoppy New Year.

Sigh...Musicians are known to have corny jokes and real bad puns. This is a case of really bad "humor" mixed with hackneyed holiday phrases. But it's all the more worth blogging about, right?

Toyota Robot Plays Violin

[Toyota Violin Robot, image from CBSnews]

Searching the net for any interesting videos and this one came up in YouTube. Remember the videos of those life size dancing robots from Toyota that went viral some time ago? They were part of Toyota's expo that showed off its latest robots programmed to mimic a number human activities like walking up stairs, choreographed fan dances, and trumpet playing. Well now Toyota's unveiled another line of robots; one that can play the violin!



This new robot can play a violin! Its musical talent is made possible via 17 joints in both its hands and arms. It stands at 152 cm (5 ft) and weighs 50 kg. The two-legged robot is dexterous enough to play a few stanzas -- complete with vibrato sound -- from Edward Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance", a popular tune at graduation ceremonies.

Check out the rest of the robots that debuted at this particular event.

Violinist Paganini Comes Back to Life on Halloween via CyberSpace?

[Taken from GoogleVideo, Niccolo Paganini]

Hope all you readers had a great Halloween. I was meaning to get this post up in time but one day late. After searching on the Internet for more Halloween related concerts and events, I came across this video. Niccolo Paganini comes to life on all Hallow's Eve via the Internet. A video posted over on GoogleVideo shows the virtuoso impersonator on stage with an orchestra and conductor that looks more like Grandpa Munster than the famous count.

[Image & Source, taken from Wikipedia]

For any of you newbies, a little bit of history. Niccolo Paganini lived from 1782 until his death in 1840. In Europe, he was widely considered the greatest violinist of the century at the time-some say the best ever. His great technical and artistic abilities lead many of his contemporaries to spark rumors that he had "sold his soul to the devil."

Some more videos on the net for interesting classical related pictures or events: Clark Kent stopped by the UL-Lafayette Symphony Orchestra for a quick change in the phone booth.
Ooompa Loompas played in the Chicago Civic Orchestra.

The Internet has plenty of parents recording their precious kids' in concert. On the typical playing list are Symphony Fantastique, Night on Bald Mountain, and Pirates of the Carribean.

Speaking of kids in concert, don't miss out on this weekend's OAYO concert. They may have a belated Halloween theme to play. Be sure to check them out.

Video List:
Niccolo Paganini Back from the Dead
Superman to the Symphony
The Ooompa Loompa Section

Violin labels - What do they mean?

Violin labels are a constant source of controversy here at A. Cavallo Violins, LLC. Are labels really worth anything?

A violin label is merely a piece of paper glued to the back of the violin that can be removed or covered up easily. Sometimes makers resort to signing the inside of the violin in various places before it is assembled (less easily faked), branding it or some makers make no attempt to label at all.

Here are some guidelines:

• Labels are only a starting point for determining who made an instrument, and since they are so easily faked they are not close to being the most reliable reference point.


• Labels often do not even reflect the origination of the instrument. If they are made in Germany, China or Italy they should say so, but often do not. In fact many have invented names like "Gustavo Barbiere" or "Antonio Viovare" or "August Sebastian Stainer" which sound like possible makers, but in reality are names dreamed up by a manufacturer or importer. Labels often reflect the sellers name as ours do, not claiming to be made in the shop. Some of the most deceptive practices we have seen are statements like "made with German Engineering " (translation: made in a less well regarded violin making location), "made in the European tradition," or "Fully Carved" (as in Machine carved!).


• It has been accepted common practice to re label instruments to protect competitors from exhausting a source of good instruments. Also instruments are usually set up in the shop they are sold in, so a violin made in the same workshop in Beijing may end up appearing and performing completely differently from retailer to retailer, so it is not really the same instrument after all.


• Re-labeling an instrument so that it can be sold for a much higher price would be one of the practices we have commonly seen in A. Cavallo Violins, LLC that we would consider unacceptable. Sometimes we have seen instruments sold for three times the price they would normally sell at because the buyer was unaware of what the instrument really was.

The moral of the story is labels are only skin deep. Be careful and deal with someone who guarantees what they sell, since it is impossible to understand the complexities of instrument valuation unless you are an expert!

Creepy Classics at the Holland Performing Arts Center

Creepy Classics
Conductor: Earnest Richardson
Sunday, October 28, 2007 2:00 pm.
Kiewet Concert Hall
The Holland Performing Arts Center

The Omaha Symphony starts its Family Concert Series on Sunday with a program called Creepy Classics.

"The performance features spooky music, trick-or-treating and scary surprises. Don’t forget to wear your costume for a frightfully delightful time. Come early to visit the Instrument Petting Zoo and to participate in fun lobby activities"

-Omaha Symphony

Classical music is often perceived to be the more "spiritual" genre but events like this help gives the image of an orchestra as fun and accessible. When else can you see an orchestra dress up in costume for the occasion instead of their usual penguin attire?

[Taken from Flicker vxla's photostream, Univ. of Chicago Halloween Concert]

[Purdue Symphony Orchestra’s annual Halloween family pops concert]

Well, I was going to blog today about different orchestras dressing up for Halloween. It seems to be an annual trend. Unfortunately, can't really find many in concert photos but did manage to stumble upon musicians dressed in spirit.

[ViolaCats, member of Ottawa's Divertimento]

[Taken from Flickr, AnnMarieCalhoun]

[Taken from Flickr, interrobang's photostream]

[Taken from Flickr, kristiecat's photostream]

And of course, my favorite...


[Taken from Flickr, Lenore Ramm's photostream]

Keep on playing, happy Halloween!

Fiddler Darth Vader Plays Violin

I couldn't resist in pointing out some more pointless pop culture moments relating to all things stringed instruments. My peruse through the Internet brought me this, the shot of the day. Good ole Darth fiddles away on the Dark Side.

[See Vader play some more]

No, unfortunately it doesn't come from the shop as we've been very busy. When the walk in traffic dies down, I'll post an entry of what "busy" really means here around the shop. It'll have an hour by hour breakdown and photos to accompany. It would be cool if I could photographically capture the traffic pattern of our shop on a slow shutter speed with tripod. But, I'm still not that far advanced yet.

Wow, that violin really knocked me away!

Some of the latest viral videos in the stringed instrument world have been hip hop renditions. The emphasis seems more on showmanship over skill. Some are more fun pop culture interpretations such as the Legend of Zelda, Led Zeppelin, or Barbie Girl.

Others are meant to be a cheap form of entertainment to get people's quick fix of laughter. I have a commentary about these various Internet vids lacking content but you can read up on my rant from an earlier post.



The latest video I've managed to find lying somewhere on the web is simply entitled, "Solider knocked out by Violin." No it's not a glorious accompaniment by a violinist as a soldier falls gloriously in the midst of battle. The title says it all.

I'm not too sure who I should pity in this vid: the oblivious victim in the corner or the soon to be smashed violin. Sigh. I suppose you could some how reminisce that it's the same funny scene in Animal House where John Belushi smashes up the guitar. If that sort of creative destruction gets your kicks, be sure to check out the video from a previous post entitled "Death of a Cello". It obviously got some rave reviews with a 92% rating over on MySpace. On the same note of violence, maybe that poor solider should get one of these for Christmas.

Related Posts & Web Vids:
Hip hop renditions
Death of a Cello (Video Link)
Death of a Cello
Barbie Girl
Led Zeppelin
Legend of Zelda

Aqua's "Barbie Girl" gone cello classical

[Aqua, 1997 Single "Barbie Girl"]

I've been a little slow on my commentary and in depth articles. To substitute, a brief mention of a fun video for those classical musicians who dare not listen to pop. Although a month old, the latest video to hit up some interest on social networking sites comes this one off of the MySpace video sharing site.

It's the late 1990's Norwegian-Danish pop band Aqua with "Barbie Girl" , only in a classical tradition. And a one, two, three, four, sets the beat of the lead cellist as all four of them grind away. When that song originally came out, I couldn't stand that annoying high pitch voice and bubblgum dance but strangely enough, that classical rendition wasn't too bad.

• Original Barbie Girl Video
• Classical Barbie Girl