Hey guys.
I'm in the market for a new fiddle (finally outgrown my student one) . The local luthier wasn't sure as to what to recommend for playing Irish tunes specifically, so I was wondering if anyone had any good suggestions. I've been told older German Hopf fiddles with nice strings go well...
Slainte'
Hopf have a long tradition as instrument makers and sold lots of acoustic guitars. http://www.hopfguitars.com/
But - generally when buying a fiddle you should ignore brand names and see what suits you.
I think its as much to do with the set up of the fiddle as it is the style. I think the only real concern is the bridge. I prefer them a little flatter than the classical arch.
Really its finding an instrument you enjoy playing on and like the sound of. [and can afford ]
Saying that get a loud one. you can always mute it if its too loud but the other way....
Yeah, I actually had that done to my current one. I was just asking opinions, specifically on the Hopf brand, as I've got someone looking to sell me an old one...just can't do the travel to play it :S
Hopf fiddles are of really variable quality, even the old ones. I have one from the early-mid 1800s that was my great- great- grandfather's. It's not a very good fiddle and pretty much a struggle to play. I certainly wouldn't recommend buying one without playing it first.
I agree with kuec. Much more important that you love the sound of the instrument, regardless of the make. I have a few instruments, and my first is still my favourite: an 1895 German copy of a Guarnerius. It isn't overly valuable, but I love the sound of it. That being said, I've played almost identical instruments that I've hated.
In a nutshell, play a load of violins that you can afford and wait to fall in love...
If you live in the UK, and are not averse to being less-than-conventional, you could get one from Tim Phillips: http://www.timsviolins.co.uk/
They are actually really nice-sounding fiddles. And Tim is a really nice guy, too.
For what it is worth - I have an old mid-1800's Hopf that sounds sort of growly and nice to the listener. I can't stand it because it sounds boomy and echoey to me. My friend has a similar 'vintage' Hopf that plays and sounds soooo fine. I love his fiddle; my favorite fiddle ever. As for my Hopf, I'd sell it in a New York minute (whatever that means). Wouldn't buy one without playing it.
Hopf's are not always Hopf's. Some were made in the Hopf shop and have a distinctive brand burned on their back near the button, some also have on inside. If you've ever seen the real one and a fake one you'd notice. I also look to other features to find the good ones. Internal things. Properly set up many are nice sounding instruments, usually preferred by folk musicians. I have 3 of them. two are real nice, one is in reconstruction cause some I#@%t butchered it. Needs a neck replacement. The really good one is sweet and rich. Go for the sound.
Caution. someone, earlier said he liked a flat bridge. Be sure the Finger board and the nut match that curve, or you will have problems playing it.
Hopf Fiddles
Hopf Fiddles
Hey guys.
I'm in the market for a new fiddle (finally outgrown my student one) . The local luthier wasn't sure as to what to recommend for playing Irish tunes specifically, so I was wondering if anyone had any good suggestions. I've been told older German Hopf fiddles with nice strings go well...
Slainte'
# Posted on February 9th 2008 by Shmorgan
Re: Hopf Fiddles
Hopf have a long tradition as instrument makers and sold lots of acoustic guitars.
http://www.hopfguitars.com/
But - generally when buying a fiddle you should ignore brand names and see what suits you.
# Posted on February 9th 2008 by kuec
Re: Hopf Fiddles
I think its as much to do with the set up of the fiddle as it is the style. I think the only real concern is the bridge. I prefer them a little flatter than the classical arch.
# Posted on February 9th 2008 by session savage
Re: Hopf Fiddles
Yeah, me too : )
# Posted on February 9th 2008 by Shmorgan
Re: Hopf Fiddles
"... the only real concern is the bridge. I prefer them a little flatter than the classical arch."
You could find a fiddle that you like and then ask for the bridge to be altered to your specifications.
# Posted on February 9th 2008 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: Hopf Fiddles
Really its finding an instrument you enjoy playing on and like the sound of. [and can afford
]
Saying that get a loud one. you can always mute it if its too loud but the other way....
# Posted on February 9th 2008 by piobagusfidil
Re: Hopf Fiddles
Yeah, I actually had that done to my current one. I was just asking opinions, specifically on the Hopf brand, as I've got someone looking to sell me an old one...just can't do the travel to play it :S
# Posted on February 9th 2008 by Shmorgan
Re: Hopf Fiddles
I have just finished making my own fiddle. It looks great and sounds much better than I expected. Great conversational piece too.
Dont know why I posted that... it doesnt really help you does it?
# Posted on February 9th 2008 by session savage
Re: Hopf Fiddles
Meh, good to hear though. I've been thinking of getting into the building side of it.
# Posted on February 9th 2008 by Shmorgan
Re: Hopf Fiddles
Session Savage did u make it from scratch or was it a kit?
# Posted on February 9th 2008 by Red Robin
Re: Hopf Fiddles
Hopf fiddles are of really variable quality, even the old ones. I have one from the early-mid 1800s that was my great- great- grandfather's. It's not a very good fiddle and pretty much a struggle to play. I certainly wouldn't recommend buying one without playing it first.
# Posted on February 9th 2008 by fiddlebliss
Re: Hopf Fiddles
I agree with kuec. Much more important that you love the sound of the instrument, regardless of the make. I have a few instruments, and my first is still my favourite: an 1895 German copy of a Guarnerius. It isn't overly valuable, but I love the sound of it. That being said, I've played almost identical instruments that I've hated.
In a nutshell, play a load of violins that you can afford and wait to fall in love...
# Posted on February 9th 2008 by marvamillion
Re: Hopf Fiddles
Yeah, get a loud one, and jion the volume arms race like every other fecker
# Posted on February 10th 2008 by ...
Re: Hopf Fiddles
Yep, banjo's box's and pipes are loud ! fiddles are easily drowned, which perhaps is ok for some people.....
# Posted on February 10th 2008 by piobagusfidil
Re: Hopf Fiddles
If you live in the UK, and are not averse to being less-than-conventional, you could get one from Tim Phillips: http://www.timsviolins.co.uk/
They are actually really nice-sounding fiddles. And Tim is a really nice guy, too.
# Posted on February 10th 2008 by Joe CSS
Re: Hopf Fiddles
The best pipes, boxes and even banjos are no louder than a fiddle.
# Posted on February 10th 2008 by ...
Re: Hopf Fiddles
"The best pipes, boxes and even banjos are no louder than a fiddle."
What ? Even with inappropriate apostrophes added ?
# Posted on February 10th 2008 by wolfbird
Re: Hopf Fiddles
For what it is worth - I have an old mid-1800's Hopf that sounds sort of growly and nice to the listener. I can't stand it because it sounds boomy and echoey to me. My friend has a similar 'vintage' Hopf that plays and sounds soooo fine. I love his fiddle; my favorite fiddle ever. As for my Hopf, I'd sell it in a New York minute (whatever that means). Wouldn't buy one without playing it.
# Posted on February 10th 2008 by oriley
Re: Hopf Fiddles
Hopf's are not always Hopf's. Some were made in the Hopf shop and have a distinctive brand burned on their back near the button, some also have on inside. If you've ever seen the real one and a fake one you'd notice. I also look to other features to find the good ones. Internal things. Properly set up many are nice sounding instruments, usually preferred by folk musicians. I have 3 of them. two are real nice, one is in reconstruction cause some I#@%t butchered it. Needs a neck replacement. The really good one is sweet and rich. Go for the sound.
Caution. someone, earlier said he liked a flat bridge. Be sure the Finger board and the nut match that curve, or you will have problems playing it.
# Posted on February 13th 2008 by Fiddleshed