|
Thickness Graduations Book
After many
requests for our out-of-print book, we are working on an expanded revision
of “Classic Thickness Graduation Maps”.
The book is used by makers, enthusiasts, researchers, and acoustical
scientists to help understand what the famous old Italian (and other)
makers were trying to achieve.
Dozens of new maps are being added, including more instruments by the
best classic Italian makers.
The
book will be available for purchase (by mail or in the shop) in the middle
of May. Price is US$200 plus $10
shipping ($15 Canada and International). All sales for the book are through Kenmore
Violins in Seattle.
More
info is here
Recently finished new violins
& violas:
New
Strad model violin, JS Loen, 2007
SOLD!
New 16”
Brothers Amati model viola, JS Loen,
2007
New
16” Brothers Amati model viola, KV workshop, 2007
Instrument Rental Program
After many inquiries and considerable thought, we have introduced a line
of rental instruments that we believe are superior to products offered by
other stores, at low prices and friendly terms (two-month minimum, then
month-to-month). Returns are allowed at any time. Please note that 80% of rental payments
can apply to the purchase of an instrument outfit. These instruments are
appropriate for young students or adults.
Premium-quality rentals are also available (please ask of more
info). Fractional sizes beginning at 1/8 size are available for violin, and
13” for viola (please inquire about cello).
Prices:
Beginner violin, $29.50/mo, viola, $39.50/mo, cello, $44.50/mo.
Intermediate violin $40; viola $50; cello, $60.
Our instruments are properly made (mostly European), set up with
professional-quality strings (Pirastro or Thomastik on violin/viola), and
hand-carved French bridges.
Perfection Planetary Pegs are an option on full-size violins
(fractional violins have German Wittner tailpieces for easy tuning).
Intermediate instruments often are older European instruments. Bows are properly made (often German
Dorfler, restored older German, or carbon fiber). Core cases are used
(selection may vary depending on instrument type).
Our rental program is of modest scale so that we can guarantee fine
quality and careful attention to customers’ needs. Supplies are limited!
Are you interested in trying out a few violins (viola,
cello, bows, etc)?
That’s great, but it’s
always a good idea to call ahead and let us know what you are looking for
(price range, tonal flavor, old vs new, nationality, and other
preferences). We will select a few
possible choices, assure that they are in top condition, and have them
tuned up and ready for you to try when you arrive.
Please note that
master-grade instruments (above $5,000) and bows are kept at a different
location. Please contact us at least
one day before your visit if you wish to see these. Thanks!
If you want to trade-in your Kenmore Violins instrument using our generous 100%
trade-in policy, p
l e a s e bring your sales
receipt so we know how much to credit your exchange.
Care and Feeding of Fiddles (violin, viola, cello,
bass…)
A few tips here.
European violins, violas, celli
in stock
We recently obtained some good new instruments
made in Poland, Romania and Bulgaria, in
addition to our large selection of older European violins. These are well
made from fine Balkan woods, and are highly affordable for beginning
students and intermediate players.
Prices are competitive with Asian instruments, but we believe that
quality is superior.
Now Handling Sheet Music, Books,
CDs & DVDs for Violin, Fiddle, Viola, Cello, Bass & Mandolin
We are offering a selection of sheet music
and instructional books. These include:
-Essential Elements 2000 for
Strings for violin, viola, cello
-Suzuki method books and CD’s
-Classical scores by major composers
(Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi, etc.)
-Classical selections for violin, viola,
cello, bass
-Instructional books/DVDs/CDs (technique,
improvisation, theory)
-A variety of books/DVDs/CDs of
violin/fiddle styles, including Celtic, Early Music, Old Time,
Ragtime/blues, Cajun, Tango, and other styles. Also Bass, Mandolin, and other
instruments.
-Repertoire Builder Series
for fiddle and mandolin (by Phil and Vivian Williams)
-Fake books (comprehensive selections of
tunes used by professional musicians in gigs).
Perfection
Planetary Pegs
Enjoy easy trouble-free tuning, and no need for fine
tuners on the tailpiece! Suitable
for student instruments as well as fine performance instruments.
Professional installation is recommended (special tools and considerable
skill are required). These were
invented by a cellist and work especially well on celli.
These
are provided at no installation fee on any instruments bought from Kenmore
Violins (including previous sales).
Please call about having them installed on your instrument. Next business day service is available in
most cases.
Avoiding low-quality instrument woes
The web, and “big-box
stores”, offer violin (viola, cello, bass) “bargains”, and a lot of these
have been coming into the shop lately.
The sad owners face additional costs (generally at least $200;
strings, pegs, bridge, post; often more than the purchase price) to make
their instrument playable. Often
it’s not worth putting more money into these VSO’s: “violin-shaped
objects.” They will never fulfill a
player’s needs.
To avoid problems, it’s
best to play and evaluate an instrument before buying, find reliable,
knowledgeable sellers offering generous trial periods and guarantees, and
develop a friendly long-term relationship with a local service person.
|
