All Accessories articles – Page 12
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FocusFirmly fastened: the Schilbach Kevlar tailgut
Using military-grade materials to improve set-up stability Kevlar is familiar to most people as a material used inside bulletproof vests. According to German manufacturer Schilbach, however, this strength also makes Kevlar a useful component in the tailgut that fastens an instrument’s tailpiece to the button at the ...
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FocusPinky promise: the Pinky Hold bowing aid
By helping to anchor a student’s little finger in place on the heel of their bow, the Pinky Hold is designed to avoid stiffness and encourage the development of muscle memory. Made of soft, hypoallergenic silicone and available in a range of colours, it weighs 3g and ...
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FocusA cut above: Lee Valley stainless steel pocket plane
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Canadian woodworking firm Lee Valley has produced a limited-edition version of its pocket plane in corrosion-resistant stainless steel and with a nickel-plated lever cap. The plane measures approximately 115mm by 30mm and weighs 285g; its blade measures 22mm across and is set ...
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FocusCore values: Warchal Timbre violin strings
A new answer to an old problem – and novel packaging too Developing a string with the warmth of gut, the stability of synthetics and the projection of steel has long preoccupied engineers faced with the complex demands of 21st-century musicians. As Warchal founder Bohdan Warchal explains, ...
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FocusFirmly grounded: the Cellobrett endpin anchor
The Cellobrett has been designed to offer the security of a cord-fixed endpin stopper with the flexibility of one adhered to the ground. According to the manufacturer, the polyoxymethylene plastic body neither squeaks nor ‘rings’, will not slip against any floor surface and is suitable for straight ...
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FocusStay Tuned: the Jameasy bluetooth practice device
Clipped to the scroll of the violin, the Jameasy device monitors intonation and rhythm and displays its findings via a smartphone or tablet connected with Bluetooth. Hundreds of pieces at numerous levels are available from the Jameasy music library, with detailed visual feedback given for accuracy of ...
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FocusHot off the press: A violin to download and print out
In 2014 David Perry created the F-F-Fiddle, an electric violin for which anyone (in theory) could download the ‘parts’ and ‘print’ them out on their 3D printer. Building on subsequent technological advances, Perry has now designed the Modular Fiddle, a 3D-printed acoustic violin with parts – or ...
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FocusDo different rosin brands actually perform differently? We put 7 to the test
The Strad’s editor Charlotte Smith and contributing editor Pauline Harding put seven rosins to the test and discover a world of difference between brand and type
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FocusPrimavera: Lightweight entry-level violin case
This lightweight, entry-level case for violin or viola features a Styrofoam shell designed to provide thermal insulation and protection against damage from accidental impacts. The case, available in a shaped model weighing 1.05kg and an oblong version weighing 1.61kg, includes a full-length music pocket, a stitched handle, ...
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FocusThe Tonara teaching and practice app
Using artificial intelligence to help make practice more useful and rewarding
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FocusPickup or microphone? Choosing what's right for your bowed string instrument
With such a variety of electronic pickups, microphones and now hybrid systems on the market, finding the perfect amplification solution isn’t always easy. Kimon Daltas considers the options
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FocusGvido digital music score device
The dual electronic screens of the Gvido digital music score device replicate the appearance of traditional sheet music and allow users to ‘turn’ pages at the touch of a button and annotate parts using a special magnetic pen. Weighing 660g and 6mm thick, it can store some ...
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FocusCoruss synthetic bow hair
According to the manufacturer, Coruss synthetic bow hair matches natural horsehair in blind tests for tone and articulation. Compared with natural alternatives it offers greater durability and resistance to very humid or dry conditions, doesn’t degrade when stored for long periods of time, and uses no animal ...
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FocusHeart and soul: Anima Nova adjustable carbon fibre soundpost
An adjustable, carbon-fibre alternative designed to offer enhanced control to the luthier and superior sound to the player
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FocusAsk the experts: choosing, changing and caring for your strings
String makers receive all kinds of questions from players about their products. Chloe Cutts explores their responses to the most common queries
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FocusTitanium: the perfect material for instrument fittings?
Tough and light, titanium is thought to be the leading material for stringed instrument adjusters and fixtures, but does the metal have acoustic benefits too? Peter Somerford investigates
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FocusProfessional string players reveal their favourite accessory
We asked six string musicians to name the one most treasured addition to their kit – though for some it was doing without something which made the difference
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FocusLuthiers' favourite gadgets from ancient plant matter to the latest tech
We asked some top makers and restorers to share their favourite labour-saving devices, and got a fascinatingly broad range of responses
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FocusCan these new tailpiece designs raise the tonal game of your instrument?
Until recently, the importance of an instrument’s tailpiece was barely realised. Vicky Sharpe talks to some of the craftsmen who have been experimenting with different materials and designs to help maximise an instrument’s sound quality
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FocusMaking a carbon fibre bow in 10 steps – photo story
Founded in 1999, Arcus has developed a reputation for making lightweight, durable bows from non-traditional materials. Company director Bernd Müsing explains how a composite bow is made, from initial design to first hair fitting
