Author Archives: KindaScratchy

About KindaScratchy

I'm a novice fiddler and mandolinist. I've played the guitar for many years and also play the recorder, fife, flute, and, more recently, tin whistle. I work in the communications field and, in addition to music, I enjoy photography, writing, gardening, golf and travel.

This Italian created a violin with strings made of spider silk

Posted on November 9, 2016 by KindaScratchy

Join the forum discussion on this postFrom thelocal.it: An Italian student’s violin using spider silk was the winning entry in an award for innovation in London, celebrating the work of international students in the English capital. Luca Alessandrini, a post … Continue reading →

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Violin made from Winston Churchill’s cigar box to be auctioned

Posted on October 21, 2016 by KindaScratchy

Join the forum discussion on this postFrom www.classicfm.com: A violin made from the famous Prime Minister’s cigar box is expected to fetch between £500 and £1000 at auction this month.The instrument was made in 1956 by the self-taught violin-maker William … Continue reading →

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99 year old fiddler blows everyone away with Opry performance

Posted on August 27, 2016 by KindaScratchy

Join the forum discussion on this postFrom CountryRebel.com Violet Brumley Hensley, also known as the “Whittling Fiddler,” has been a musician for most her life, a fact made apparent every single occasion she takes stage.  At 99 years of age, … Continue reading →

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School boy undergoes surgery after being hit in eye with violin tuning screw

Posted on April 11, 2016 by KindaScratchy

Join the forum discussion on this postFrom The Violin Channel: A legal battle has erupted in Newport, California after it is alleged that a school boy suffered a serious eye injury, after a violin he was using snapped – sending … Continue reading →

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Violin making in Denmark, part 1: 1700–1840

Posted on March 27, 2016 by KindaScratchy

Join the forum discussion on this postFrom The Cozio Carteggio Newsletter: The history of the earliest Danish violin makers, who continued their craft despite the Napoleonic wars, shortages of wood and Denmark’s bankruptcy By Jens Stenz In the history of … Continue reading →

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More string players of today should listen to singers past and present

Posted on February 20, 2016 by KindaScratchy

Join the forum discussion on this postFrom The Strad: The great string players of the past embodied the ‘singing’ style that signifies their relationship with vocalists of the time. Why can’t today’s stars capture the same atmosphere, asks Tully Potter. … Continue reading →

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Bluegrass Underground Special airs February 19th on PBS

Posted on February 18, 2016 by KindaScratchy

Join the forum discussion on this post Bluegrass Underground is a musical adventure series that shines a light on purveyors of musical authenticity in a space unlike any other on (or under) Earth. Bluegrass Underground emanates from the Volcano Room, … Continue reading →

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Guitarist performs on the world’s last playable Stradivarius guitar, made in 1679

Posted on February 9, 2016 by KindaScratchy

Join the forum discussion on this postFrom GuitarPlayer.com: The name Stradivari is typically associated with violins, violas and cellos. The instruments made by the celebrated Italian family in the 17th and 18th centuries are among the most rare and coveted … Continue reading →

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Rare violin used to record ‘Star Wars’ soundtrack stolen

Posted on January 13, 2016 by KindaScratchy

Join the forum discussion on this postFrom ABC 7 New San Francisco: SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The search is on for a rare violin that was stolen out of a car in San Francisco last week. The violin is worthy … Continue reading →

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New record set for world’s most expensive violin bow

Posted on November 4, 2015 by KindaScratchy

Join the forum discussion on this postFrom The Violin Channel: Beares Auctions, London has announced a new world record for the most expensive violin bow ever sold in history at auction. The silver and ebony mounted violin bow, made by … Continue reading →

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