Michael Todd II violin comments

"So, to put it out where everyone can read it, my new Michael Todd II violin arrived yesterday, inconveniently while I was mowing the yard. Oh, the humanity! So I had to wait two hours or so before finally getting around to opening the box. Chills and suspense... What would it look like? How would it sound? Despite the wonderful experience I had emailing Todd and Erik, I was still, of course, apprehensive. The Jon. Krausch bow came out first, a beautiful thing. Then the very nice lightweight Dart-style case. As someone raised with hard, spring-clip-closed cases, I was impressed with even the low-cost alternative, what with the velcro flap, zipper, and big pocket. Everything was so light (I'm used to electric basses and banjos) I feared perhaps they had forgotten the violin, but no.... On opening the case, it slumbered beneath the satiny cover, a hint of deep ruddy finish peeking through. My fears of orange violins trembled for a moment as I pulled away the veil - then! Behold! What a lovely thing. Just an utterly lovely thing. The oil finish is wonderfully satiny - it's hard to describe how something can be shiny but not glossy - a really wonderful look. I didn't even catch the antiqueing until I really looked at the deeply grained spruce top... but looking again, there are light imperfections and rubs in the finish, very tastefully done and looking incredibly authentic. In fact, it looked more like the old antique violin I had played in high-school than I ever expected. The color is deep and very warm, ranging from a reddish yellow-ochre to a deep burnt umber, yet somehow never seeming to touch upon the dreaded orange. I cut away the packing from the bridge and tailpiece, the fittings all very graceful and smooth. Running a finger across the strings they whispered little tones - very nice, just in that. So the bow got rosined up and I pulled the Michael Todd out of the case. Let me mention here the beautiful flaming on the maple - 1/4" wide stripes just everywhere, ribs, back, neck and scroll, all with the same warm and rustic red-brown finish. My only disappointment - the tuning was slightly flat. Probably because of the trip from a colder Wisconsin to a warmer-than-it-should be Pennsylvania. I will not go into my trepidation over touching the tuning pegs, but it ended up they turned fairly smoothly and in no time we were ready to go. Now, I haven't played in seven years. I was a little shaky. But the tone that came out - that RANG out, SANG out of this violin - so sweet and clear even under my anxious stroke - almost as if the violin wanted to play better than my present abilities allow. In ten minutes or so I was playing some old favorite tunes again, and it seemed to have a bouncing, brilliant, laughing sound, with a strength I'd never gotten out of a violin before. I had to dust it off and hang it up last night, but it's calling to me to play it again, just to get that wonderful sound out once more. If the sound does "open up" more - it will be beyond wonderful.

I had inquired about a violin that would be rustic and old-seeming, good for Celtic and traditional music, and the last violin I would ever need to buy. This Michael Todd fulfilled all my expectations and then some. My thanks to StringWorks for not only running a wonderful business, but also living up to it in the end and providing a really top-notch instrument that truly does fit my needs, my hopes, and my home. It already feels like it has always been here. And the best part is - after all the inquiries, answers, waiting and excitement - the best part is after seven years I can play violin again. Hallelujah!

Forgive me for going on so long! As an adult returning to the instrument, it was just so amazing to find StringWorks and have this all work out so well.

Blessings and gratitude to Todd, Erik, the luthier who set up my violin and everyone at StringWorks!" - D.K.

(follow-up comments) "The violin arrived here late yesterday afternoon and I can’t tell you how thrilled I am with it.  I did post a rather wordy and long-winded review on the discussion board, but that doesn’t begin to sum it up.  It is truly a wonderful instrument, worth every penny.  I’m all anxious about keeping it nice and taking care of it and all, but I’m sure once we get “settled in” everything will just calm down and we can just play and play and play… While I was waiting for it to arrive I happened to read some articles online about how you brought StringWorks about, and I’m just very impressed with your honest approach and resulting success.  In this day and age it’s hard to believe, but StringWorks really is the real deal.  I’m just starting out selling my artwork, but I can hope someday to get things to work out so well.  It’s all quite inspiring.

I’ve got a new violin calling me now, so I’ve got to go play.  I’ll be sure to mention StringWorks to anyone thinking about an instrument (I already have done some promoting for you on another message board!).  It’s been a wonderful experience and I’m grateful for it.  Blessings to you and yours! " - D.K.