Thanks Sunnybear. The wiplstix looks like just the thing. It's about the same price as the one I was looking at and it includes a cool little carrying case and bow. Nice!
I've always fancied getting a Dancing Master's kit. Trouble is, the ones I really crave are in a particular shop (I can see them now) and cost about £20,000 (sterling) apiece. They're delicate, too, so I've never dared ask to try one. Don't think i'll be getting one any time soon.
These modern ones - at least from the pictures; I haven't actually seen one in the flesh - don't really do it for me. They look too much like the constuction of modern 'Appalachian' dulcimers.
Well, I just want something to take with me when I can't take a real fiddle. You know, something to have fun with and stave off fiddle withdrawal while travelling.
I can't see spending serious money on something like that myself, I'd rather put the money towards real fiddles and bows.
I've ordered my Wiplstix and I can't wait for it to arrive. It's obviously not a fine instrument, but that's not what I'm looking for. I just want a functional travel fiddle to play when I can't take a standard fiddle with me.
I've played a WiplStick, too. The tone is quiet, but unmistakably "fiddle" They're very comfortable to play with that little inflatable "chin-rest/shoulder-rest combo" (really just a short piece of bicycle innertube!).
I've also made my own "practice fiddle" from a clear section of spruce 2x4. It turns out that spruce is more resonant than maple (probably why makers use it for fiddle tops) and mine was a bit louder but still quiet enough to play while my wife was watching TV without bothering her.
The Wiplestix arrived yesterday, and I've had some fun playing around with it.
I was surprised by the size of it, even though I was expecting it to be small. The case is only 2 feet long. The fiddle itself is 21.5 inches long and 2 inches wide.
The bridge on mine had fallen during shipping, but there was no damage.
I seated the bridge and began tuning up...and quickly popped the A string. I haven't used steel strings in a long time and the peg was stiff, so I got a little too aggressive with turning the peg. No big deal, I had a set of Helicores that I had no other use for, so I strung them up.
I found that the strings didn't fit. The tailpiece has a decorative curve that places the high strings farther away from the nut than the bass strings. The E string wrapping didn't make it to the nut at all, and the A string ended up with the wrapping halfway into the nut, causing buzzing. I had to scrape off some of the wrapping with a fingernail, and then things were OK. The next time I change strings, I may try to lengthen the tailgut (which is made of picture wire).
Another problem I found while changing strings is that the endpin (pitch pipe) can be accidentally pushed into the instrument. I had the fiddle resting on my knee while changing strings and the pitch pipe ended up pushed flush with the body of the instrument; I had to fish it out with pliers. If it fell all the way into the instrument it might be difficult to get out. I wrapped some tape around the pitch pipe to keep it from being pushed in again--problem solved.
After all of that, I was finally able to play it. I was surprised at how much it feels like a real full-sized fiddle; as far as the left hand is concerned it's basically the same. The sound is very quiet but not bad, it really sounds like a fiddle. It's not just a novelty, it qualifies as a musical instrument.
The bow that came with mine is a wooden 1/8 bow with synthetic hair, worth the $25 paid for that option. It fits perfectly in the case with the fiddle. It takes an adjustment to use such a short bow...I kept drawing it clean away from the instrument at first. It's fine for what this instrument is meant for.
This thing does what it was meant to do and does it very well. It is extremely compact and easy to carry--you can throw it in a backpack or duffle bag with no problem. It feels and sounds like a real fiddle, but is very quiet. You can't distrub anyone with this thing unless they are practically standing next to you.
It's perfect for practicing on the go, and also great for learning tunes on...just play it along with your favorite recording, it has just enough sound for you to hear it but not enough to drown out what you're listening to.
It's not loud enough to play with other instruments, though it just might be barely loud enough to play a few tunes around the campfire on a quiet night.
The case is plain white PVC pipe, very tough and watertight. I plan to paint it to make it look a bit less like a pipe bomb.
All in all, it was money well spent. It's great to take along when you can't take your fiddle. Perfect for practicing and learning tunes on.
thanks for the thorough reply...I'm really interested now, especially because I travel frequently. fortunately, christmas is coming...! fingers crossed.
I've played Wiplestix and find them fun, but I just purchased a 1780 Dancing Masters Kit made in England. and after a few adjustments, new strings and sound post movement. I was surprised at the intimate beauty of the sound. Since I do Rev war re-enactments I thought it would be a perfect traveller for a soldat to carry. But I don't want to just carry it around as it is rare. You should still try to find one.
My travel fiddles I build are bigger than wiplstix but smaller than a regular fiddle, like 'kits' or 'pochettes'. Also, I have a breakdown composite bow that folds in half for smaller travelling package without using a dinky little bow.
The top in the picture was redwood with an induced arch, and it cracked after some swings in humidity. I am replacing it now with a spruce top that I am carving with a slight recurve and arch. It's a little under 4" wide. What I am shooting for is a faux historical look with hopes of appealing to Ren fair minstrels.
Kit Fiddle
Kit Fiddle
Has anyone played one of these things?
http://larkinthemorning.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_EAR033_A_Kit+Fiddle_E_
I'm temped to buy one to fiddle around with when I don't want to carry a fiddle case around, but I worry that it won't have enough sound to be useful.
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Marklar
Re: Kit Fiddle
You'd be able to carry it on a Ryan Air flight. Just stick it down your trouser leg 
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Kit Fiddle
Nope. If you get it, let us know what it's like!
Sara
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Celtic Lass
Re: Kit Fiddle
that is a "pochette"...french for pocket..Niel Gow travelled with one as well as did Thomas Jefferson....
Michael THompson is one of the current makers of pochettes, but they are not the $250.00 pos that LOTM is carrying..
for a decent but affordable version that will actually produce "music", look at the "Whipplestick" made by Doug Whipple
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Sunnybear
Re: Kit Fiddle
Thanks Sunnybear. The wiplstix looks like just the thing. It's about the same price as the one I was looking at and it includes a cool little carrying case and bow. Nice!
http://www.wiplstix.com/ws/what_is_wiplstix.html
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Marklar
Re: Kit Fiddle
Wow, that little thing looks cool! Has anyone on this board ever played one? Wonder what they sound like?
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by aikifiddler
Re: Kit Fiddle
I've always fancied getting a Dancing Master's kit. Trouble is, the ones I really crave are in a particular shop (I can see them now) and cost about £20,000 (sterling) apiece. They're delicate, too, so I've never dared ask to try one. Don't think i'll be getting one any time soon.
These modern ones - at least from the pictures; I haven't actually seen one in the flesh - don't really do it for me. They look too much like the constuction of modern 'Appalachian' dulcimers.
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by ethical blend
Re: Kit Fiddle
Well, I just want something to take with me when I can't take a real fiddle. You know, something to have fun with and stave off fiddle withdrawal while travelling.
I can't see spending serious money on something like that myself, I'd rather put the money towards real fiddles and bows.
I've ordered my Wiplstix and I can't wait for it to arrive. It's obviously not a fine instrument, but that's not what I'm looking for. I just want a functional travel fiddle to play when I can't take a standard fiddle with me.
I think it will be fun and handy to have.
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Marklar
Re: Kit Fiddle
Oh, I'm all for good, practical, and cheap, don't get me wrong. Doesn't stop me drooling over some of the fine instruments out there though.
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by ethical blend
Re: Kit Fiddle
benhall, if you drool too much, you risk warping the wood with all the moisture...
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Reverend
Re: Kit Fiddle
Michaels pochettes run about 2k I believe...the bottom and the neck are one solid piece and the bottom is carved out sort of like a dugout canoe....
here are some pics of Michaels pochettes, and one of him playing it in the preferred position
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/sunnybear1/Gbday03JinkDiddlechristmas058.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/sunnybear1/100_0034.jpg
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Sunnybear
Re: Kit Fiddle
here is a picture of Dr. John Turner (10x National US Scottish Fiddle Champion) with a pochette
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/sunnybear1/Gbday03JinkDiddlechristmas055.jpg
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Sunnybear
Re: Kit Fiddle
or http://www.springersmusic.co.uk/Library/Instruments/Violins/V%20Wstick2.JPG
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Davetnova
Re: Kit Fiddle
I have played a WiplStick. they are fairly quiet, perfect for practicing in hotel rooms, etc.
Dan
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by curamach
Re: Kit Fiddle
I've played a WiplStick, too. The tone is quiet, but unmistakably "fiddle" They're very comfortable to play with that little inflatable "chin-rest/shoulder-rest combo" (really just a short piece of bicycle innertube!).
I've also made my own "practice fiddle" from a clear section of spruce 2x4. It turns out that spruce is more resonant than maple (probably why makers use it for fiddle tops) and mine was a bit louder but still quiet enough to play while my wife was watching TV without bothering her.
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by KeepFiddlin'
Re: Kit Fiddle
screetch, let me know how you like your Wiplstix, I'm also interested in getting one. sounds perfect for late night practicing in the dorm!
# Posted on September 27th 2007 by magstress
Re: Kit Fiddle
Will do, it shipped today so I should have it soon. Once I've had a chance to play around with it for while I'll post my thoughts on it.
# Posted on September 27th 2007 by Marklar
Re: Kit Fiddle
The Wiplestix arrived yesterday, and I've had some fun playing around with it.
I was surprised by the size of it, even though I was expecting it to be small. The case is only 2 feet long. The fiddle itself is 21.5 inches long and 2 inches wide.
The bridge on mine had fallen during shipping, but there was no damage.
I seated the bridge and began tuning up...and quickly popped the A string. I haven't used steel strings in a long time and the peg was stiff, so I got a little too aggressive with turning the peg. No big deal, I had a set of Helicores that I had no other use for, so I strung them up.
I found that the strings didn't fit. The tailpiece has a decorative curve that places the high strings farther away from the nut than the bass strings. The E string wrapping didn't make it to the nut at all, and the A string ended up with the wrapping halfway into the nut, causing buzzing. I had to scrape off some of the wrapping with a fingernail, and then things were OK. The next time I change strings, I may try to lengthen the tailgut (which is made of picture wire).
Another problem I found while changing strings is that the endpin (pitch pipe) can be accidentally pushed into the instrument. I had the fiddle resting on my knee while changing strings and the pitch pipe ended up pushed flush with the body of the instrument; I had to fish it out with pliers. If it fell all the way into the instrument it might be difficult to get out. I wrapped some tape around the pitch pipe to keep it from being pushed in again--problem solved.
After all of that, I was finally able to play it. I was surprised at how much it feels like a real full-sized fiddle; as far as the left hand is concerned it's basically the same. The sound is very quiet but not bad, it really sounds like a fiddle. It's not just a novelty, it qualifies as a musical instrument.
The bow that came with mine is a wooden 1/8 bow with synthetic hair, worth the $25 paid for that option. It fits perfectly in the case with the fiddle. It takes an adjustment to use such a short bow...I kept drawing it clean away from the instrument at first. It's fine for what this instrument is meant for.
This thing does what it was meant to do and does it very well. It is extremely compact and easy to carry--you can throw it in a backpack or duffle bag with no problem. It feels and sounds like a real fiddle, but is very quiet. You can't distrub anyone with this thing unless they are practically standing next to you.
It's perfect for practicing on the go, and also great for learning tunes on...just play it along with your favorite recording, it has just enough sound for you to hear it but not enough to drown out what you're listening to.
It's not loud enough to play with other instruments, though it just might be barely loud enough to play a few tunes around the campfire on a quiet night.
The case is plain white PVC pipe, very tough and watertight. I plan to paint it to make it look a bit less like a pipe bomb.
All in all, it was money well spent. It's great to take along when you can't take your fiddle. Perfect for practicing and learning tunes on.
# Posted on September 30th 2007 by Marklar
Re: Kit Fiddle
thanks for the thorough reply...I'm really interested now, especially because I travel frequently. fortunately, christmas is coming...! fingers crossed.
# Posted on October 1st 2007 by magstress
Re: Kit Fiddle
I've played Wiplestix and find them fun, but I just purchased a 1780 Dancing Masters Kit made in England. and after a few adjustments, new strings and sound post movement. I was surprised at the intimate beauty of the sound. Since I do Rev war re-enactments I thought it would be a perfect traveller for a soldat to carry. But I don't want to just carry it around as it is rare. You should still try to find one.
# Posted on November 30th 2007 by Fiddleshed
Re: Kit Fiddle
My travel fiddles I build are bigger than wiplstix but smaller than a regular fiddle, like 'kits' or 'pochettes'. Also, I have a breakdown composite bow that folds in half for smaller travelling package without using a dinky little bow.
here are some pics:
http://www.seatoskyinstruments.com/TRAVELINST/FIDDLE/index.htm
Rory
# Posted on December 5th 2007 by rdguit
Re: Kit Fiddle
Reviving this 2 month old thread; I am working on one of these.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e396/arbarnhart/AB%20Folk%20Instruments/fiddle-in-progress.jpg
The top in the picture was redwood with an induced arch, and it cracked after some swings in humidity. I am replacing it now with a spruce top that I am carving with a slight recurve and arch. It's a little under 4" wide. What I am shooting for is a faux historical look with hopes of appealing to Ren fair minstrels.
# Posted on February 9th 2008 by arbarnhart