From time to time we make special edition instruments. These are not regular production instruments, but rather one-offs. Typically, we make these “specials” when we want to show off our best and/or most unique work at shows.

This particular instrument was made to be shown at a high profile art show (in the functional sculpture category) AND our most important Old-Time fiddlers’ convention (where we meet with many of our most valued existing clients and connect with new customers who actually buy high-end instruments rather than simply browse).

It goes without saying that there is only one of these available for sale. Another one just like it will cost you $3000 for us to make!

About the Instrument

We call this special edition instrument the “Philosopher King Fiddle.” That name sounds a lot cooler than “Violin with a Bearded Man Head Finial.” We could have set it up for violin playing, but we decided to set it up as a profession performance or competition fiddle.

This instrument has the classic Stradivari shape and it is graduated as a Strad. Other things that you may want to know about the instrument are listed below.

Materials: Old moderately flamed European maple back and ribs; tight grained very old spruce top; Indonesian ebony fingerboard with highly decorated shell inlay. The inlay combined with the wonderfully carved head, take this to a viusal level that could be considered over the top by contempory standards. The design of the instrument, whcih was built for a high-profile art show, is quite deliberately the same sort of decoration typical on many of the the fiddles made in the Southern Appalachians in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is what it is. Definitely a fiddle for a player who does not mind being noticed!

Note: We can change the fingerboard to a plain black ebony fingerboard for no additional charge.

Neck and Finial: The neck is carved and shaped by us from old European maple. The finial part of the neck (i.e. “scroll”) is carved in China by a workshop that specializes in historic violin scrolls and other finials. This particular shop does 100% of our custom carved finials (i.e "scrolls"). To date, we have had them do the bearded philosoper, several types of horse heads, several lion heads and a blindfolded Muse (Baroque symbol for Love) for a custom viola d'amore.

Varnish: Traditional hand-rubbed Italian oil. Pigment glaze layer contains raw umber, river madder root and Baltic amber. Result is a medium dark brown with a reddish highlight…very traditional! Varnish is not antiqued.

Tuning pegs: Wittner FineTune pegs

Tailpiece: Dov Schmidt “Harp” compensated tailpiece (ebony)

Strings: D’Addario Zyex synthetic core

Important Information

• The Setup:  Set up the way most fiddlers love (strings low at nut, medium height at bridge)
• The setup can be changed to an orchestral violin setup upon request.
• Strings: High-end strings chosen by Dr. Rickert for playability and best sound