Yo' all, Stan wrote: >. . I think it has been mentioned by one person that Stradivarius (and others, >notably Amati, Guarneri, etc.) instruments are not usually found today in >their original form......longer necks, increased angle of the neck, longer >fingerboards, higher bridges, etc., to conform to the changes in taste of the >violin sound in the time since the late 16th c. A few museums have original >instruments, but they haven't been played regularly, either. So are they >still Strads (or others)? Everyone seems to agree that they are, at least >the marketplace tends to value them regardless of the later alterations >nearly universally made. Good point Stan. I was wondering when someone was going to mention this. The older concert violins doing the concert circuit are changed practically beyond recognition, yet they remain sought after instruments primarily as a result of the hype and mystique which surrounds the products of the older makers. Violin trading has many similarities to some of the political rubbish and 'hooplah' which accompanies some 'respected' pianos makes. There are some very good contemporary violin makers who get a fraction of the prices paid for some older instruments. Often it seems that the only fault with the good modern instruments is that the maker is still alive. It's high time this stupid bias was eliminated. Jim Coleman senior wrote: >I was just wondering, if a Strad has been restrung and >fitted with a new bridge and pegs, is it still a Strad? > >Then how about a "golden Tourt bow (sometimes selling for >$20,000)? If it is re-haired, is it still a Tourt? > >I think the Steinway position is just so much hype. Well said Jim. It's time our industry matured to the point where we might consider the merits or otherwise of an instrument on its performance, worrying a little less about which 'stable' it came from. Ron O -- ______________________________ Website: http://www.overspianos.com.au Email: mailto:ron@overspianos.com.au ______________________________
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC