Violin/Fiddle: Fittings

Subject: tailpiece
Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2004 16:41:02 -0500

What is the difference between a plastic tailpiece and an ebony one. How much would an ebony tailpiece cost?
How do you recognize a good violin?
Thanks!

Greetings,

Violin fittings are critical in many ways to a violin's construction, playability, longevity and tonal quality...

I couldn't answer your questions fairly in one e-mail...my suggestion would be to find some books on violin construction which will give you a true window to that world.

Plastic tailpieces are normally found on inexpensive low quality violins...it doesn't mean that they're not functional...certainly, they will work...and fulfill the needs of the student as he/she progresses...

Now, upgrading a cheaper violin is not going to make it sound or play better...there's usually a weak link such as the top's construction, that will hold back a violin from being effecitvely upgraded. You would then be pouring money into a student level, cheap violin, that will not make it any more than it is.

If you have a violin with cheaper fittings, then this violin qualifies these cheaper fittings...now, if you have an older violin of vintage quality that needs upgraded fittings, you wouldn't compromise with anything less than the best fittings you can afford. Of course, in this case, you would only want a qualified restorer to do the work.

An ebony tailpiece can cost anywhere from 20-150+ depending on the quality and manufacture.

How do you recognize a good violin? This is another question that would take pages and pages to answer...mainly, if you're looking to purchase a violin, it's always best to have someone knowledgeable with you...to ensure that you're making a good investment. When purchasing a student level violin, this wouldn't be required...as long as you're purchasing through a reputable store. Purchasing used high-quality violins is another story...so many need work and set-up on them; whereas, buying new from a reputable dealer will ensure that you have a fully functioning violin that's properly set up to play on...

Best of luck to you in your research efforts, Mickey

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2003 16:50:20 -0900
Subject: boxwood or rosewood fittings

Hi, could somebody please explain what the difference is--not just in terms of durability but also w/in the context of tone. Thank you!

Greetings,

Yes, there is a supposed difference in tone influenced by the type of wood used on fittings...the tailpiece, chin rest and the tuning pegs. However, it's a subtle one that the average beginning student cannot discern. It takes a highly attuned ear to tell the difference in tone based on different fittings. More tonal influence is caused by the placement of the soundpost, the age of the violin, the choice of strings, the quality of the bow...and so on...

I, personally, look at the functionality and aesthetics of fittings over the tonal attributes.

Hope something here helps, Mickey