Chinese Violin, 4/4 size (FFC-006)

I have mentioned in my website commentary that there are some spectacular violins coming out of China that deserve to be heard and played. This is one of them. This instrument is beautifully crafted. One of my friends nicknamed this violin "The Firebird" because of the dazzling, flame-like figure of the maple back, ribs and neck. It's true...this fiddle is an eye catcher; it is beautifully finished. However, I would argue that both the player and listener will be blown away by the big, clear and precise sound of this violin. More on that in the tone section.

The violin has been re-graduated, along with a high quality bass bar, quality sound post, bridge and Thomastik Spirit strings. The pegs, fingerboard, nut and saddle are all very good ebony. The top is a narrow to medium straight-grained spruce; the back, as mentioned above, is a perfectly matched two-piece maple with a striking, flame-like figure.

The tailpiece is a Wittner carbon graphite piece with gold-accented fine tuners built in. These new "space-age composite" graphite tailpieces are terrific. They are light, bring out tone, and are very well constructed. The tailcord is a Wittner steel tailcord. I use them on my own violins. They never stretch, are very light and thin, improve tone, and are very very strong. Unless otherwise noted, re-voiced violins are equipped with bassbars and sound posts made from tonewood master Simeon Chambers' 60-year-old Engelmann spruce. It's the best!

The price is good to go, and I don't expect this one to last for very long.

TONE: This violin has no trouble expressing itself. The sound is big, clear, and inclined to the bright rather than the dark side. It is very playable, and the highs are quite sweet and clear. If you are a shy and retiring type, you might not want this one. It wants to speak. The wood needs to be played, and I suspect this violin will only improve with age.

Sound Sample: Please be forbearing and keep in mind that I am no Paganini! This was recorded with a humble iPhone; if you do not have a sophisticated sound system on your computer, try to use headphones so that you can hear as much as possible what is being played. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPMvNVt5Ag8

**As a rule, we do not include chinrests when a violin is purchased. We've found that customers are very picky about that, as they well should be. There is nothing worse than an uncomfortable chinrest. Many players prefer their own chinrests, and there are hundreds of different models out there. If you are a brand new player or someone who would be happy to receive a "Guarneri style" chinrest, we will include one at your request.

TERMS OF SALE: Filius Fiddles, LLC guarantees all violins sold are functional and playable right out of the box. Any repairs done on the instrument are guaranteed upon arrival, less any abuse or negligence on the part of the owner. Starting from the date of delivery, you have two weeks during which to try out your new fiddle, let it settle in, make any string changes if so desired, and play it in different venues so that you can get a good idea of its ability. Should you care to return or exchange it during that two-week period, no problem! The buyer pays for return shipping. As long as there is no change in the integrity of the instrument, no sign of negligence or new damage, a full refund will be sent.

Also, after that two-week period, should you wish to exchange the violin for one of equal or greater value, that is doable. Simply contact me and we can make that happen.