In that price range, you might be better off looking at fiddles already floating around. Most of the good makers that I know of start at $7,000 to $10,000 and go up from there.
Just a sampling of some current makers--no endorsement implied:
I recently bought a fiddle from a luthier in Vermont, Marc Gregoire, and have received nemerous complements about the instrument. His price would likely be at the top of your range. His web site is: www.members.aol.com/vtviolinmaker.
Good Luck!
He is based in Chigago (or just outside) and makes a great fiddle with a very distinctive voice and they're right in your pricerange. I just bought one from him with a Black Walnut back and sides. It's a stunning instrument both visually and tonally.
Good Fiddle Makers?
Good Fiddle Makers?
Hi all!
I am in the market for a new fiddle. Does anyone have any suggestions for a maker or seller? I am in the Chicago area.
I am looking for a fiddle with a rich, powerful sound... and pricing in the 3000-5000 range.
Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!
# Posted on March 7th 2005 by picking up that fiddle
Re: Good Fiddle Makers?
In that price range, you might be better off looking at fiddles already floating around. Most of the good makers that I know of start at $7,000 to $10,000 and go up from there.
Just a sampling of some current makers--no endorsement implied:
Douglas Cox (in Brattleboro, Vermont) http://www.coxviolins.com/
Paul Bradley (Galway, Ireland) http://www.paulbradleyviolins.com/index1.html
Mark Hollinger (Missoula, Montana) http://people.montana.com/~hollinger/
Jim Wimmer (Santa Barbara)
William Bartruff (Minneapolis, Minnesota) http://www.bartruff.com/ (photos and prices)
Gregg Alf (Ann Arbor, Michigan) http://www.alfstudios.com/
David Van Zandt (Seattle, Washington) http://www.vanzandtviolins.com/Default.htm
Hank Taylor (Tallahassee, Florida) http://www.taylorviolins.com/
Wayne Beckman (Helena, Montana)
Mick de Hoog (Dublin)
Joseph Curtin (Chicago I think, or maybe Michigan--starts at over $20,000)
Carl Becker and Sons (Chicago) Their web site includes photos of a Cox violin, among others). http://www.carlbeckerandson.com/
Also, here's a listing of violin makers in all price ranges.
http://www.stringsmagazine.com/issues/Strings120/PricingGuide.HTML
# Posted on March 7th 2005 by Will CPT
Re: Good Fiddle Makers?
oh wow!! thanks so much!
# Posted on March 7th 2005 by picking up that fiddle
Re: Good Fiddle Makers?
I'm not sure that Otis is a good fiddle maker - most people think he's a great fiddle maker...
http://www.fiddletree.com/
# Posted on March 8th 2005 by octogreg
Re: Good Fiddle Makers?
I recently bought a fiddle from a luthier in Vermont, Marc Gregoire, and have received nemerous complements about the instrument. His price would likely be at the top of your range. His web site is: www.members.aol.com/vtviolinmaker.
Good Luck!
# Posted on March 8th 2005 by ceoltoirbeth
Re: Good Fiddle Makers?
Don't overlook William Harris Lee Violins, 410 south Michigan Ave, Chicago, www.whlee.com
I have one of his instruments and it is excellentand not terribly expensive
# Posted on March 13th 2005 by Nfg
Re: Good Fiddle Makers?
You might want to try Martin Brunkalla. Here's his web page: http://brunkalla.com/
He is based in Chigago (or just outside) and makes a great fiddle with a very distinctive voice and they're right in your pricerange. I just bought one from him with a Black Walnut back and sides. It's a stunning instrument both visually and tonally.
Martin is great to work with too.
# Posted on March 14th 2005 by iampeterfonda