Okay. So I'm in the rather fortunate position of having been granted financial assistance for a new fiddle. Trouble is, I have no idea where to look! I know of Dave Mann's shop in Hexham and I have a couple of contacts in Scotland, but other than that, I don't know where to start.
I've been playing for about 20 years and have had my current fiddle for about 12-13 of those 20 years. It was bought for me by my parents and took me through A-levels, a BMus and an MA in Limerick. I don't think that's half bad for £500, but I've outgrown it. I did some time ago really!
I'm aware that a fiddle is a personal instrument, as is any instrument. Every fiddle is different and what is right for one person, isn't right for another. I just wondered if anyone has any idea of any other places/people I might try and look at in my search.
The one problem is that because I'm on a rock in the middle of the Irish Sea, I'm quite limited as to how many times I can go across. Also, I'm a teacher, so there's another limitation with regards to travel - even though my boss is a fiddle player, I don't think he'd look kindly on me taking absences just to look for a new fiddle! There's virtually no chance of me getting what I want over here though, so I need to look further afield.
Tim Phillips!! He rocks, and so do his fiddles. I have one.
Here's his website: http://www.timsviolins.co.uk/
You'll find there are some on the Sesh who disapprove, and think that his fiddles are silly, or something. You'll find they are wrong.
Take a trip to a large metropolis, (New York say? The exchange rate is good). Find out where all the violin sellers are before you go. Make appointments before you go. And stick as many under your chin as you can.
I'm not a fiddler but the Tim Phillips ones are gorgeous and beautiful and amazing. And they sound cool as well. If anyone disagrees with me, they are wrong.
If travelling to look at what dealers have got Nick Woodward at Bristol Violin Shop is a very good bloke, (and a fiddle player.)
Roger Claridge in Oxford has quite a large stock (without paying for expensive premises.)
Then there's Waters in Wallingford near Oxford, Cremona House in Bristol etc etc.
I reckon one could try a lot of violins in a couple of days round here without getting into London costs...
If you can afford it, consider having a fiddle made for you by Mickey de Hoog (Dublin area, I believe) or Gerry O'Connor, both excellent makers. You can hear Gerry's work on his Journeyman cd, and Kevin Burke plays a de Hoog.
Well, Kevin can make most fiddles sound great. I've heard his de Hoog fiddle several times close up and it's a terrific instrument--well balanced, big rich bass end, sweet treble, focused, clear, and plenty of projection. I heard a r\umor that Sean Smyth also plays a de Hoog (after losing his family heirloom fiddle to tragic backstage vandalism).
Some violin shops here in the U.S. have approval services - meaning they'll actually ship you the violin you're interested in so you can try it out at home. Here's one:
My Tim Phillips fiddles sound gorgeous and Tim is a lovely person. I love the uniqueness of each of them. I'm trying to find time for a weekend in Wales so Tim can make an adjustment to a bridge for me - which he is happy to do. Tim has also been happy for me to borrow fiddles to try out before making a decision and even couriered one to me so it arrived before I had to leave for a festival weekend..
I don't play any other fiddles these days!
Don't know anything about Tim Phillips fiddles but, if you go to Scotland, try Maureen Morrison at Stringers in Edinburgh. I bought a fantastic cello from her (not at London prices) and she's a very nice lady and easy to deal with. There is a website for the shop, http://www.stringersmusic.com which I'm just looking at and it seems that she has now opened a shop in London as well.
I'd give Maureen a ring.
If you haven't done so already, try Charlie Webster near Inverness (Scotland) on 01463 861 214 who refurbishes old fiddles and makes his own. Lovely guy, very enthusiastic, who will match a fiddle to your style of playing.
Benhall.1 - you may not like Tim's violins, and you may think they look stupid - that's all a matter of taste - but they ARE good quality. You cannot say they sound awful. They sound like violins. Good violins.
You're wrong, Joe CSS. I've seen and heard Tim's fiddles close up. I've played Tim's fiddles. They look and sound awful. Actually, it's a shame to dignify them with the name 'fiddle'.
A freind of mine has a Tim Phillips and it's a very good instrument. I like it. However, I think you could probably get a better old one for the same money.
WoodBridge Violins in both Woodbridge, Suffolk and/or Norwich, Norfolk - great selection of old violins/fiddles and bows.
They know what they are talking about and have a very good reputation around these parts.
I've had several dealings with them and they have been first rate, lend out fiddles and bows for a decent try and take them back when you decide it ain't right!
luthiers...paul bradley galway...peter boardman donaghadee....brian phelan fenit co. kerry...there are plenty more...often with long waiting lists...look up clasical sites they know about fiddles...
Spot who doesn't log on very often! Thanks very much for all your suggestions - didn't mean to start a debate! Stringers is where my sister got her 'cello from, as far as I'm aware, so I'll look into that. I've got to get a trip sorted in TT practise week some time, as that's the only real time I can make it over. I'm looking to get one before August if possible. I'm really looking for a second hand fiddle with a bit more of a meatier (I can't think of the technical word for 'meatier'!) tone than my current one. I'll have to ring up a couple of places and see if by any chance they'll look upon my kindly and ship them out (long shot I know, but worth a try!).
New fiddle - where to look?
New fiddle - where to look?
Okay. So I'm in the rather fortunate position of having been granted financial assistance for a new fiddle. Trouble is, I have no idea where to look! I know of Dave Mann's shop in Hexham and I have a couple of contacts in Scotland, but other than that, I don't know where to start.
I've been playing for about 20 years and have had my current fiddle for about 12-13 of those 20 years. It was bought for me by my parents and took me through A-levels, a BMus and an MA in Limerick. I don't think that's half bad for £500, but I've outgrown it. I did some time ago really!
I'm aware that a fiddle is a personal instrument, as is any instrument. Every fiddle is different and what is right for one person, isn't right for another. I just wondered if anyone has any idea of any other places/people I might try and look at in my search.
The one problem is that because I'm on a rock in the middle of the Irish Sea, I'm quite limited as to how many times I can go across. Also, I'm a teacher, so there's another limitation with regards to travel - even though my boss is a fiddle player, I don't think he'd look kindly on me taking absences just to look for a new fiddle! There's virtually no chance of me getting what I want over here though, so I need to look further afield.
Any ideas and suggestions would be great.
# Posted on April 2nd 2008 by ManxFiddle
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
Tim Phillips!! He rocks, and so do his fiddles. I have one.
Here's his website: http://www.timsviolins.co.uk/
You'll find there are some on the Sesh who disapprove, and think that his fiddles are silly, or something. You'll find they are wrong.
# Posted on April 2nd 2008 by Joe CSS
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
Take a trip to a large metropolis, (New York say? The exchange rate is good). Find out where all the violin sellers are before you go. Make appointments before you go. And stick as many under your chin as you can.
# Posted on April 2nd 2008 by llig leahcim
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
I'm not a fiddler but the Tim Phillips ones are gorgeous and beautiful and amazing. And they sound cool as well. If anyone disagrees with me, they are wrong.
llig's advice is probably wise also.
# Posted on April 2nd 2008 by mehitabel23
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
If travelling to look at what dealers have got Nick Woodward at Bristol Violin Shop is a very good bloke, (and a fiddle player.)
Roger Claridge in Oxford has quite a large stock (without paying for expensive premises.)
Then there's Waters in Wallingford near Oxford, Cremona House in Bristol etc etc.
I reckon one could try a lot of violins in a couple of days round here without getting into London costs...
# Posted on April 2nd 2008 by TomB-R
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
If you can afford it, consider having a fiddle made for you by Mickey de Hoog (Dublin area, I believe) or Gerry O'Connor, both excellent makers. You can hear Gerry's work on his Journeyman cd, and Kevin Burke plays a de Hoog.
# Posted on April 2nd 2008 by Will CPT
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
I disagree with you mehitabel23. I think they look and sound awful.
# Posted on April 2nd 2008 by benhall.1
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
West Country Violins always has some nice "experianced"
instruments.
I've never done business with them, so this isn't an endorsement. Maybe worth a look.
http://www.westcountryviolins.com/page--welcome-page--splash.html
Fr.J.
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by Fr.Jack
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
I just returned (30 minutes ago) from a Kevin Burke workshop and concert..
yes, he has a nice sounding fiddle (and a quite "elegant" style of playing too!)
quite a nice evening
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by Sunnybear
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
as far as Tim's fiddles, I guess I am more of a traditionalist...don;t have a clue what they sound like, though
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by Sunnybear
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
Well, Kevin can make most fiddles sound great. I've heard his de Hoog fiddle several times close up and it's a terrific instrument--well balanced, big rich bass end, sweet treble, focused, clear, and plenty of projection. I heard a r\umor that Sean Smyth also plays a de Hoog (after losing his family heirloom fiddle to tragic backstage vandalism).
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by Will CPT
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
Some violin shops here in the U.S. have approval services - meaning they'll actually ship you the violin you're interested in so you can try it out at home. Here's one:
http://www.sharmusic.com/fidpolicies.asp?catID=101
Maybe you have something like that near you?
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by airport
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
My Tim Phillips fiddles sound gorgeous and Tim is a lovely person. I love the uniqueness of each of them. I'm trying to find time for a weekend in Wales so Tim can make an adjustment to a bridge for me - which he is happy to do. Tim has also been happy for me to borrow fiddles to try out before making a decision and even couriered one to me so it arrived before I had to leave for a festival weekend..
I don't play any other fiddles these days!
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by Tarrantella
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
I think the world is neatly divided into people who love Tim Phillips fiddles and people who hate them.
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by mehitabel23
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
Don't know anything about Tim Phillips fiddles but, if you go to Scotland, try Maureen Morrison at Stringers in Edinburgh. I bought a fantastic cello from her (not at London prices) and she's a very nice lady and easy to deal with. There is a website for the shop,
http://www.stringersmusic.com which I'm just looking at and it seems that she has now opened a shop in London as well.
I'd give Maureen a ring.
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by Chief Wanganui
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
Stringers is indeed a very good shop
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by llig leahcim
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
If you haven't done so already, try Charlie Webster near Inverness (Scotland) on 01463 861 214 who refurbishes old fiddles and makes his own. Lovely guy, very enthusiastic, who will match a fiddle to your style of playing.
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by west-coaster
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
Benhall.1 - you may not like Tim's violins, and you may think they look stupid - that's all a matter of taste - but they ARE good quality. You cannot say they sound awful. They sound like violins. Good violins.
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by Joe CSS
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
Manx, I play a James Beatley & I love it. I think it's a great Session Fiddle.
If you are over in Dublin, you should give him a call. He sells his own of course, but he always has a few 2nd hand Fiddles too.
Here's a link to his website:
http://www.beatley.ie/
Cheers
Dick
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by Ptarmigan
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
You're wrong, Joe CSS. I've seen and heard Tim's fiddles close up. I've played Tim's fiddles. They look and sound awful. Actually, it's a shame to dignify them with the name 'fiddle'.
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by benhall.1
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
"I think the world is neatly divided into people who love Tim Phillips fiddles and people who hate them."
Guess which camp I'm in.
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by benhall.1
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
I would reckon, benhall.1, that you are probably in the hate camp. But that's pure speculation.
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by mehitabel23
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
Why get a new one? There are no new Stradivarius' . Watch the local small ads or see what's advertised on the web in, say, Liverpool or Dublin.
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by Ebor_fiddler
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
I think you are a young lady of considerable discernment, mehitabel23.
How's Archy, btw?
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by benhall.1
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
A freind of mine has a Tim Phillips and it's a very good instrument. I like it. However, I think you could probably get a better old one for the same money.
# Posted on April 3rd 2008 by llig leahcim
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
Charlie Webster is well worth a visit. He is fanatical about his fiddles and extremely honest. He`s not east to get to, though.
# Posted on April 4th 2008 by Old Codger
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
How about Crehan's in Dublin?
# Posted on April 6th 2008 by awildman
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
WoodBridge Violins in both Woodbridge, Suffolk and/or Norwich, Norfolk - great selection of old violins/fiddles and bows.
They know what they are talking about and have a very good reputation around these parts.
I've had several dealings with them and they have been first rate, lend out fiddles and bows for a decent try and take them back when you decide it ain't right!
# Posted on April 7th 2008 by UKCITTERN
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
I think if you're not going to get a Tim Phillips, you could always get a Stradivarius. They're quite good too.
# Posted on April 8th 2008 by Joe CSS
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
luthiers...paul bradley galway...peter boardman donaghadee....brian phelan fenit co. kerry...there are plenty more...often with long waiting lists...look up clasical sites they know about fiddles...
# Posted on April 9th 2008 by infiddle
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
Spot who doesn't log on very often! Thanks very much for all your suggestions - didn't mean to start a debate! Stringers is where my sister got her 'cello from, as far as I'm aware, so I'll look into that. I've got to get a trip sorted in TT practise week some time, as that's the only real time I can make it over. I'm looking to get one before August if possible. I'm really looking for a second hand fiddle with a bit more of a meatier (I can't think of the technical word for 'meatier'!) tone than my current one. I'll have to ring up a couple of places and see if by any chance they'll look upon my kindly and ship them out (long shot I know, but worth a try!).
# Posted on April 9th 2008 by ManxFiddle
Re: New fiddle - where to look?
That'll be 'me' not 'my'. First week back is never good.
# Posted on April 9th 2008 by ManxFiddle