Our 'Revamped' Shop

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

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

We started 'smooth sailing'

We had it all laid out...

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

Finished project

Result of initial project (optimized case room)

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

Hope to see you soon,
~ Cassandra General Manager

Everyday Instrument Care Tips

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

Everyday Instrument Care Tips

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

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

-Cassandra General Manager

Peg Tuning Tips

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

Peg Tuning Tips

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

Properly wound pegs will appear as follows.


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

-Cassandra General Manager

Vacation Hours

Independence Week Vacation Hours

at A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

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

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

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

Have a safe & Happy 4th of July!

A Wopperjonged Viola Bridge

A few days ago a long-time customer walked in with a viola that he had deemed as an online bargain viola. Purchased for just a few dollars, including shipping, this viola had served him over the past 3 years. With just a glance, it was impossible for Alex to miss something extremely wrong:


Yes, that is what the bridge looked like... warped, tilted, twisted, any of the above applied to the appearance and stance. The customer did not realize that all of these descriptions made the viola dysfunctional.

As a purchaser, online shopping may appear convenient, especially in possibly meeting budget constraints; however, it has a great potential to turn into a costly investment that may not have any real retail value. The bridge incident is a prime example! It costs about $100 to get a bridge made for the viola between labor and materials... luckily, we dug into our 'Bridge Graveyard' for this customer, simply placing on a 'functional enough' bridge for his needs.

Helpful Bridge Maintenance Tips
(violin, viola, cello, & bass)

• The side closest to the tailpiece should be perpendicular to the top
• The side closest to the fingerboard should be curved, with a small "pot belly"
  
• Generally, the bridge should be placed so the strings are centered on the fingerboard with the inner notches of the f-holes pointing towards the center of the bridge.
• The top edge of the bridge should look straight when viewed from above.
• Over time, due to tuning, a bridge will usually tilt or lean towards the fingerboard. The key is to monitor the position and straighten it according to the angle of the side closest to the tailpiece.
  
• If a bridge is not kept straight, it will warp, creating problems with tuning and tone
• Once a bridge is warped, there is no other solution besides having a new one made
• Adjustments on the bridge tilt should always be made by gently grasping the top of the bridge between strings 1-2 and 3-4.
• The placement of the bridge feet should always be done by grasping the feet. Often, tension on the strings must be partially relieved before moving the bridge.
• Never grab the bridge by the middle or you may break it!

In the end, be aware of your bridge. If you are uncomfortable adjusting the bridge, take it to a good violin shop, there should be no or little charge for this service. Also, be a smart consumer when finding online bargains.

Here's to straight bridges!
You will play in tune more easily, and the fiddle should sing!

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)