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I am proud to own and play on a 5 string violin made by American instrument maker John Silakowski who, in his own words, makes fiddles that "are good for playing in the parking lot or that are good for the studio, under the microphone." This is perfect for me as I tend to do a good bit of both types of playing.
The top is a fine grain Alaskan Sitka Spruce and the back and rest of the body are Indiana Red Maple. My instrument is label number 9005-16-5 which translated means that it was the maker's 16th 5-string fiddle and the 59th fiddle he ever made (he also makes the normal 4 string variety). I'm not entirely sure when it was made, but I've narrowed it down to somewhere between 1995 & 2000. This particular instrument model is an enlarged Strad which is very rare as the maker normally makes enlarged Guarneri Canon models. |
My Fiddle - Silakowski #16
Photo Credit: Kellie Mueller Photography
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LUTHIERI'm grateful to take my fiddle to Fred Carpenter and his fine crew of fiddle fixers at The Violin Shop in Nashville for all my repair & tune ups (pun intended.) Their expertise and service is hands down the best and they have a great shop of instruments and supplies as well. I've sent a few other professional folks their way to have everything from bow re-hairs to instrument repairs and each one has walked away as hardcore a fan as I am.
My instrument is insured through Anderson Musical Instrument Insurance Solutions, LLC. Other music retailers I recommend are Young Musicians, Corner Music, Shar Music, Williams Fine Violins, & Southwest Strings. |
StringsBuying a set of strings isn't as straightforward as one might think...many violinists use a different brand for each string to get a particular sound and since I've got that 5th string to worry about, I not only create my own pack, but then I purchase a viola C string as well. Here's the breakdown of what I'm currently playing on...but let's be honest....that could change tomorrow...you know string players...
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Everything ElseA few years ago a chance encounter with a violist on the road spurred me to write a blog detailing all my favorite gear and where to get it. You can check out that blog post by CLICKING HERE to find out what I use, or see the quick breakdown below.
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