Lorelei

Well, I did it again. Yep, another fiddle. This one should do it, though. It was made completely by hand for me by John Larrimore, a well-known maker who creates exceptional violins of authentic Guadagnini (Italian) pattern. This instrument has a one-piece back of beautifully flamed red maple, also used for the sides, neck, and scroll. The top is tightly grained spruce and the ebony fingerboard was fashioned from the fingerboard of an old cello. I closed the deal with John for this instrument while it was still "in the white" (before the varnish had been applied). Consequently, I was able to specify the color of the oil varnish (reddish-brown), rosewood fittings (tailpiece & inlaid pegs/button), fine-tuners, and Dominant strings.

After trying the finished instrument, I knew instantly that it was the best I had ever played. I took it with me to Swannanoa and played it for a week, really enjoying every minute. This instrument was very carefully graduated and is quiet & sweet under the ear, at the same time projecting a beautiful tone to anyone within listening range. The soundpost and bridge are a little out of adjustment now, but that happens with any new instrument. I'll take it by John's place sometime in the next day or so and he'll get it back into top form in short order. This process will repeat with decreasing frequency for the next year or so until the instrument is completely played in, after which it will become fairly stable.

The instrument was christened "Lorelei" by its maker's wife. I like the name. It feels appropriate, since I have in years past spent time at the legendary Lorelei Rock on the Rhine river in Germany and any good fiddle has a kind of 'siren' quality about it.

As an aside, I plan to sell two of my remaining instruments, though I haven't yet decided which of the three to keep as a second instrument.