I Pulled the Trigger – Fiddlerman Master Violin
Posted on October 10, 2019
I know this seems sudden and crazy since I did only just get my cheap baby fiddle. But what I learned from my experiences with it for just a few days told me all I needed to know to make a choice on what I consider to be my forever fiddle going forward.
I already knew I loved the dark deep tones of the Fiddlerman Master violin from video comparisons I’ve watched. I don’t think there’s been another fiddle that drew my ear the way this one did. I watched several videos posted by the shop for various fiddles in this make for other customers. There’s slight variation between the instruments, but most of them had the same deep sound that I discovered I really like in a violin.
This morning, I was reading a comment from Jim at Fiddling for Older Folks where he noted that he’d discussed the same fiddle with the shop, but without all the accessories. I, too, really don’t need another Fiddlerman carbon bow (I have one that I’ve been using quite happily), more rosin or another case. He confirmed that they quoted him a lower cost for requesting the violin alone.
So, this morning, I emailed Fiddlershop and inquired about it. I also asked about the 7/8 size fiddle and if there was a huge noticeable difference in sound between it and the full-sized instrument. I explained that smaller fiddles fit me better, and I have not yet tried a 7/8 fiddle (which I know can be hard to find). So I asked if this felt too large, if I could exchange for a different size.
The response came quickly from the folks at the shop. They were just fine with lowering the cost by selling the violin alone. They also said they had the 7/8 in stock and that it sounded very near the same as the full-size instrument. They also noted their 45 day policy where I could switch out the instrument if I got it and wasn’t pleased.
I was happy with all these answers, and having pretty much made up my mind, I pulled the trigger on buying my forever fiddle.
The hardest part of this is going to be the wait! I’m super excited about it, and I feel like at almost 9 months into learning to play, with a little stumbling in the middle, I’ve decided to seal the deal and make the commitment to keep going. This violin is way beyond my skill level, and I really doubt that I’ll ever outgrow it… so I’m looking forward to meeting my forever fiddle.
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Archived Comments
Jim Guinn - Thursday, October 10, 2019
I just watched The Online Piano & Violin Tutor's video review you posted. The Master has a deep, beautiful sound. So, tempting....
Aywren - Thursday, October 10, 2019
Yes, it's exactly that deep sound I love. Sometimes viola tempts me because I've learned that I really like nice, resonant lower notes. But let's not go there. I already spent enough today! :)
Jim Guinn - Thursday, October 10, 2019
Great!!! I am so happy for you! :) I have been writing back and forth with Cristina at the Fiddlershop about the Master, and now the Artist. While I love the Master, I am hesitant that it only has one fine tuner. I know I can have it fitted with 4 fine tuners, but since it was not designed to have them, I feel it is like "downgrading" it if I have them outfit it with 4 for me. Maybe, I'm crazy in my thinking. Anyway, I also like the Artist. I just can't decide right now, and will wait until I am sure. Hope you love the Master, and I want a "full report" once you have it and have a chance to play it. Congratulations!
Aywren - Thursday, October 10, 2019
Thank you!
Not having 4 fine tuners is my only concern with this fiddle. I also considered having it fit with 4, but then decided to leave it as is. Like you, I felt like I didn't want to change up what the fiddle came with originally.
I did some research about how the heck you tune without fine tuners, and people say that it's a bit annoying to learn at first, but eventually, you get the hang of it. I hope I will! Apparently it's good to have less weight, and a lot of more advanced players look for violins with only one tuner as a sign of it being a more advanced violin. Who knows.
And yes, you can bet once I get my hands on it, I'll be posting about it!