What do you do with a Tonareli Violin Case?

One of our customers brought her pink Tonareli violin case in today and we were very impressed with how she customized it!

The case now matches her "Pirate" violin, shown below...

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 (slightly belated) Thanksgiving Post

Happy Holidays!

We're thankful for new creations by living makers...

We are consistently impressed by the quality and beauty, both in sound and appearance, of instruments by living makers such as Christopher Jacoby (above) and Dirk Henry (below).

These instruments are in high demand. For instance, we bought a beautiful violin by Christopher Ulbricht at VSA a few weeks ago and it is already sold!

Two of our recent arrivals in the shop are new violins, both by young American makers. Christopher Jacoby lives and works in Salt Lake City, while Dirk Henry works in our very own Omaha shop. It is our desire to encourage and promote the standard of violin making worldwide and these two instruments are excellent examples of the marvelous and beautiful work being done by living makers.

Both of these stunning instruments are currently in our Omaha shop and available for purchase. If you would like more information, please give us a call, toll-free, at 1-877-838-6222 or send us an email at acvsales@gmail.com

Top 5 reasons why we love instruments by living makers:

5. They are a great investment

4. They can be repaired and adjusted by the maker

3. They are more stable and less likely to have damage

2. Instruments are of exceptional quality for the price

1. If it is well-cared for, an instrument by a living maker will last a life-time and beyond

Tons of Terrific Tonewood

Beautiful Backs from Bosnia

We recently received a shipment of gorgeous Bosnian maple tonewood. It is very light and strong with a beautiful flame. The one-piece violin backs are particularly spectacular. These pieces will go quickly, so contact us immediately if you are interested.

Additionally, we have over 100 Sitka, Engelmann, and Italian spruce violin tops available. Contact us to learn more:

acvsales@gmail.com or call toll-free 877-838-6222

Fit(tings) for a Maker

Our "Maker's Level" premium fittings made from Sri Lankan ebony and Indian rosewood have been hand-polished to a beautiful finish. The fittings are currently available in outfits for violin only. We will have "Maker's Level" fittings available for sale at our Violin Society of America booth.

Speaking of VSA...

Will you be in the Baltimore area between November 3-5, 2011? Stop by our booth at the Violin Society of America Convention in Timonium, MD. While you're there you can see our beautiful tonewood and Maker's Level fittings and learn more about the Art of Sound 2012 Violin Making Competition and Exhibition. We look forward to seeing you at VSA, or in our Omaha or Philadelphia shops.

See more pictures and read the entire post here.

Sincerely,

Alex and Mark

The Art of Sound 2012

The Art of Sound International Violin Making Competition

This March a new violin making competition will be held in Omaha, Nebraska. Judges for the competition are John Waddle, Amos Hargrave, and Stephanie Voss. Application forms and guidelines are available now. Only fifty violins will be accepted for the first competition. Admissions will be on a rolling, first come first served, basis. Only full time established professional makers will be accepted.

Significant dates to note:

November 15, 2011 Application deadline

January 10, 2012 Acceptance deadline

March 1, 2012 Instruments must arrive in Omaha

March 29, 2012 Judging begins

March 31, 2012 Awards dinner

April 14, 2012 End of "The Art of Sound" Exhibition

Call us any time for details and for an application. Forward this notice to your friends!

Local: 402.827.9270, Toll-free: 1.877.838.6222

View the application form here

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

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.

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

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

NEW German Violin Outfit!

Have you been searching for a quality, low-budget instrument that is still dependable and produces a good tone?! We have recently ventured into a violin outfit (violin, case, & bow) which can provide just this for you!

This new line, the Prelude, is made in Germany. It includes a dart-shaped suspension case and a brazilwood bow with stallion horsehair. The fittings are all ebony and the bridge is of fine Alpine maple.

Please contact us directly to discuss these instruments and make an appointment to discover our budget-friendly student violin.

$250
(+ tax)

Contact us for more information or to make an appointment:
Toll-free:
1.877.838.6222

Local:
402.827.9270

E-mail:
acvsales@gmail.com

8705 Shamrock Road
Omaha, NE 68114
87th & Pacific (CountrySide Village)

Summer Violin Making & Restoration Workshop with Stephanie Voss

hosted by A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

July 28 - August 1, 2009

Stephanie Voss sets the highest standards for integrity in our business. From the viewpoint of restorations, she takes a conservative and careful approach to respecting old works, repairing without modifying each instrument. Her skills with set-up are exceptional and she is a caring and thorough teacher. Because of the positive response Stephanie received at our recent exhibition, we are bringing her in for a 5-day workshop for violin makers and restorers. This is open to any qualified person, but limited to 6 people total due to space.

For More Information:
Go to our website
OR
1.877.838.6222
OR
acvsales@gmail.com

Spotlight on Specials

Dear Friends:
I just thought you would like to hear about some of our specials that are a part of our SPRING CLEARANCE EVENT for the next 2 weeks. Here we go:

Violin By Gunther Lobe
This violin by the German master Gunther Lobe has extraordinarily transparent oil varnish laid over dramatically flamed maple and Alpine spruce. Lobe's workmanship is extraordinary in originality and faithfulness to classic ideals, and the silvery rich sound is reminiscent of the Stradivarian aesthetic. It is easy to play, responsive and amazingly focused in its projection.

Original Price: $ 13,500 Sale Price $9,750

Violin Outfit with Violin by Wenzl Fuchs and bow by FC Pfretzschner
We have a friend needing to sell this marvelous German shop outfit she purchased as a girl in the 1960's. Everything is in great shape, and this is a wonderful bargain! The violin normally sells retail at $2500, and the bow can often command $1,000. The violin has a dark and beautiful sound without sacrificing clarity. This is a great buy!

Original price $3,500 Sale Price $1,800

Violin by Heinrich Th. Heberlein, Jr., Marneukirchen, 1926
This fine example of the best workshop in Germany at this time has a lovely red-brown oil varnish and great clear projecting sound. it will be a catch for the advancing student!

Original Price $3,900 Sale price $2,500

Guarneri Model Violin by Wojciech Topa

Wojciech Topa is considered to be the most outstanding practitioner of violin making in Poland today. Many of his instruments are played in major orchestras, including the Cleveland Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony. His shop is in Zakopane, Poland. He sets the highest standards for wood choice and workmanship, and his instruments always are dramatic in sound. His work has the exacting character of the German school, but has the lyric human quality of the Italians. These violins are among the finest instruments being made in the world today!

Original Price: $ 12,000 Sale Price $10,000

Brescian Model 16 5/8 inches Viola By Peter Yang
Peter Yang is a finely trained maker from Chicago who produces instruments with beautiful qualities and fine workmanship. The varnish is typically antiqued and the wood quality is superb. These instrument produce a rich and colorful sound that is unique. My favorite metaphor for the sound of this viola is "chocolate."

Original Price: $ 9,000 Sale Price $6,000

Cello By Frank Lee
Frank Lee is one of the most acoustically successful makers of cellos today. This cello has carefully selected and aged tonewoods; Maple from Vermont and Alpine Spruce top; and a fine golden brown oil resin varnish that is sensitively antiqued. Mr. Lee's modeling is based on Stradivarius, and the result is a clear projecting sound that does not lack power or resonance. This is truly a professional instrument!

Original price $15,000 Sale Price $11,000

If you wish to purchase or try out these instruments, please call me (Alex) toll free at 877.838.6222.

Youngest Customer Yet!

The other day, Alex received a phone call from a mother checking out our shop. As new arrivals to Nebraska, she was looking for someone to aid her in repairing her son's 1/32 size violin. This family came to visit us recently, and we must tell of their visit!

Upon their arrival, we realized that this young boy is our youngest customer at 21 months. Soon after arriving, he looked around the shop pointing and informing us: "bass", "violin", "violin bow"; he was obviously overwhelmed by the shop.

When Alex opened the case, there was a not only a broken bridge, but a hair-less bow! Immediately, we all jumped into action - a 'new' bridge from our 'Bridge Graveyard' and then a new bow and rosin. As all of this was all being pieced together, the young boy was as patient as possible while growing more and more excited.

The boy looked on in awe as Alex tuned the violin and rosined the bow. Then, it was his turn! Come to find out, he had never been able to actually make a sound with the violin due to the bow's condition; so... all he could do was play a little then giggle!

We finished up business for the day with this family, watching as the young boy marched out the door, violin and bow in hand!

- Cassandra
General Manager at A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

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)

Clocks and Squirrels!

Squirrels
This week has been quite exciting here at the shop! A while ago a gentleman brought in a cello he had handcrafted for his daughter with a koala bear carved on the scroll. Today he stopped in again, but to purchase a violin case for a violin he had just completed for another daughter.

Upon the unveiling of his new creation, we were all very impressed to see an adorable squirrel and his big tail carved onto the scroll! He had also done some impressive and unique purfle on the back including the letter "A" for the first letter in his daughters name. It is always nice to see modern creations, especially with such the fun carvings!

Aside from this violin and the previously mentioned cello, he has also made two violas and a violin; all of which have uniquely carved scrolls. I think it's safe to say the squirrel violin made everyone's day a little brighter.

Clocks
Earlier this week, the clock on our main floor broke down. We decided it wasn't much fun to look up expecting the time, and seeing something way off. This called for a little bit of creativity. Cassy wasted no time on this one! The following day I came in to grab something from the shop and Cassy had all of the makings of a clock on my desk. A little bit of deliberating about how our new clock should look, and I was out the door! After creating a clock out of an old broken violin, a local calligrapher, Penni Burkum, made the finishing touches with traditional pen and ink. We hung it up the following day and sure enough, not only does it look great, it's keeping time! Everyone here at A. Cavallo Violins, LLC has never been happier to be on schedule!

~Gabriel

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.

Show Opening

Hello friends! It has been some time since our last post due to preparations for the opening of The Art of Sound: An Exhibition of Today's Master Violin and Viola Makers. Good news is that everything went off without a glitch on Saturday for our opening event. With the show room revamped, the instruments displayed across the shop, a complete catalog of makers and instruments, a price list finalized, and a deep cleaning of the shop we were finally ready. We filled the shop with friends, food, and good performances, accompanied with a wine tasting.

Earlier in the day on Saturday we sold the first violin from the exhibition. Vladimir Logashov's violin finished in 2008 found a home. Throughout the evening we also spoke with a couple of potential buyers. Our point in telling you this?!?! If you're interested in purchasing you best stop in sooner than later because the interest level is high!

Also, if you would like to join us for our event this weekend there are still some seats left, just contact us directly. "Hear from the Mater" will be hosted by Stephanie Voss who is a Certified German Master Violin Maker and will be speaking about styles and methods of violin making.

On top of all this, we were featured in the Sunday Omaha World Herald. To read the story, follow the link.

If that isn't enough to get a violin/viola lover inspired to join us, then I don't know what would be. This is a rare opportunity to see 102 instruments by living makers in the same shop!

Contact us at:
1.877.838.6222
acvsales@gmail.com

Warm regards,
Cassandra

General Manger