|
BACK TO SCHOOL: TIME FOR AN UPGRADE
Summer 2010
There comes a point when a much loved student violin starts to run out of steam, and in order to progress as a player you have to bite the bullet and invest in something a little better.
At Evans-Pughe Strings we have a number of 19th, 20th and 21st century French, German and English violins that we believe fit well into that 'step-up' category.
Pictured on the left, for example, is a lovely 7/8th sized early 20th century French violin from the Mirecourt school, labelled 'J. Didelot' for £1200, that would suit a player with small hands. We also have various 19th century French instruments including a full sized violin from the workshop of Jean-Baptiste Colin for £2600.
For something contemporary but still Gallic in origin, we would thoroughly recommend one of Yves Antoine Gachet's violins, which start at £3000. (Yves is a gifted young maker who used to work for Strings as a restorer).
 Older German-made instruments are always a popular choice. We have a good 19th century trade violin 'after Maggini' on the wall at the moment and if you have a little more to spend, an Arnold Voigt (pictured right) at £2000. Of course, Voigt settled in England and this particular fiddle was made in London in 1890, so it's really quite English! And for a little extra variety, assuming the owner of Strings hasn't sneaked it home again (she seems to be falling for it), we have a slightly quirky Philipp Keller for a similar price.
If you are interested in trying an example of a mature contemporary (40 years old) English instrument, there is a violin by R L Halliday, labelled '1967, No,11', retailing at £900, which was recently put into full working order in our workshop. [If you visit us, you can take the opportunity to compare the Halliday with a 21st century contemporary Strad-influenced violin (below left) from English-maker Nigel Crinson - although maybe first check your bank balance in case you are hopelessly smitten!].
 All these are listed on our violin pages.
Finding a new instrument can take time and is often an intensely personal choice. You may 'click' instantly or you may find the qualities of a particular violin growing on you the more you play it. If you would like to make a day of it and don't know the area, Hitchin is a pleasant market town surrounded by villages with pretty country pubs (perfect for lazy lunches discussing the merits of one instrument against another). The Fox at Willian might fit the bill or a little nearer to us on the outskirts of Hitchin is the Anglo-French Highlander Pub, which has a rather good 'ethically conscious' wine list.
You can turn up to our shop on spec to try out any of our instruments (we're open 9.30-5.30 Monday to Saturday) or if you want to be sure there's a try-out room free, phone us first and make an appointment (01462 426012).
Back
|
