OLD VIOLINS VERSUS NEW VIOLINS
A growing number of top musicians, who can play whatever they choose, are choosing modern instruments. The old violin makers, viola makers and cello makers didn't possess all the secrets of value associated with their craft. It is well known that they were constantly experimenting, changing the size, proportion, contours and thickness of the violins they made. And most of these instruments have since been altered to improve their performance.
Instrument makers today have before them the finest works of the old makers as examples and inspiration, for their examination and study. And they have the accumulated experience of all who have come since.
Frequently, musicians who have done extensive comparison shopping conclude that they would have to spend well into six figures on an antique instrument to equal the sound they have found in a good new instrument. Jaime Laredo is quoted in a 1991 New York Times article as saying, "I've been shocked when students have asked my opinion of old Italian or French fiddles that cost $50,000 to $60,000. Often, they're just pieces of junk." Isaac Stern, in the same article states, "If musicians can't spend at least $250,000 on a stringed instrument, they'd do better with a fine new one, provided they take the time to test it under battle conditions in a good concert hall."
"Old versus new" comparisons have been going on for years. The results are usually the same, with the modern instruments comparing very favorably with the old ones. An example is the comparison which was organized at the Fourth American Cello Congress. An audience of about 140 musicians judged the sound of 12 cellos, six new and six old. The new cellos were the work of contemporary cello makers, one of them a Burgess. The old cellos represented quite an impressive selection: A Gagliano; two Goffrillers; a Montagnana; a Stradivari; and a Tecchler. To keep the comparison as objective as possible, the player was blindfolded, and a large linen screen was placed between the player and the audience. When the audience of cellists handed in their ballots, the top scoring cello was old; the second, third, fourth and fifth highest scores were by new cellos; sixth and seventh were old; 8th-new; 9th-old; 10th-new; 11th-old; 12th-old. An old instrument got the highest score, but famous old instruments also got the two lowest scores. As a group, the modern cellos scored much higher than this collection of famous old cellos.
A survey by Strings Magazine found that 58 percent of their readers find the sound quality of modern instruments to be superior or equal to vintage instruments, and that 71 percent find the craftsmanship of modern instruments to be superior or equal to old instruments.
A Music Connections offers restoration and repairs!
Daniel Swetlik, A Music Connection
(888) 322-3406 Fax: (650) 344-1588
E-mail: dswetlik@yahoo.com
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Cello/Bass Stand
Reg. $79.00
On SALE for only $49.00
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Reunion Blues Bass Bow Quiver
Reg. $38.95
On SALE for only $27.95
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Scott Cao Da Salo Viola, FREE SHIPPING!
Reg. $1,500.00
On SALE for only $1,280.00
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Scott Cao Cannon, Violin only FREE SHIPPING!
Reg. $1,200.00
On SALE for only $1,080.00
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The Loar Golden Age Mandolin, FREE SHIPPING, Free Set up, Hard Case
Reg. $799.00
On SALE for only $599.99
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Scott Cao 750S Guadagnini, Handmade,Violin only 1/4 1/2 3/4 4/4 FREE SHIPPING!
Reg. $1,300.00
On SALE for only $1,150.00
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Scott Cao Guadagnini Cello Outfit FREE SHIPPING!
Reg. $2,600.00
On SALE for only $2,395.00
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Scott Cao Stradivari Cello Outfit FREE SHIPPING
Reg. $2,600.00
On SALE for only $2,395.00
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Scott Cao, Peter Guarneri Outfit FREE SHIPPING!
Reg. $2,600.00
On SALE for only $2,395.00
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Scott cao cannon stv-750 FREE SHIPPING! Violin Only
Reg. $1,399.00
On SALE for only $1,080.00
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CREMONA PREMIER "STUDENT" OUTFIT- VIOLIN 4/4-1/4
Reg. $349.00
On SALE for only $279.00
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Johnson Trail Blazer Travel Guitar
Reg. $129.00
On SALE for only $94.95
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Student Trumpet
Reg. $259.00
On SALE for only $189.00
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Blue Ridge Guitar
Reg. $949.00
On SALE for only $699.00
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Cremona SC-150 Cello, Ebony 4/4 - 1/4
Reg. $545.95
On SALE for only $399.95
Cremona SC-150 Cello
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Cremona Student Bass
Reg. $895.00
On SALE for only $675.00
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Palatino Crack resistant Bass
Reg. $825.00
On SALE for only $725.00
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Student Clarinet
Reg. $295.00
On SALE for only $189.00
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Electric Upright Bass, FREE SHIPPING!
Reg. $899.00
On SALE for only $659.00
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