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I just noticed this tonight, I had it mixed up in my head that the Soloist was one piece back, but the specs and every video I have been watching of the Soloist shows two piece.
The label inside does say Fiddlerman Soloist, but unless I am missing something, that back really looks like a one piece, like the Master?
The other part that is making me wonder is that it seems to be a bit brighter than I was expecting. I had compared reviews and demos before purchasing, and it seemed to me the Soloist had a less "in your face" bright tone than the other models, but that could also just be my playing. I did not know I could, but I should have asked for a video of the violin.
But, I was just plain too excited.

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Thanks for the response Cid, it reminded me of a couple of other things I didn't mention, or think of.
First of all, I am not unhappy, and I have faith that if I were, Fiddlershop will do their best to get me there.
First, I did not see the *usually* part, and that is no biggie then. It definitely has the tailpiece and tuning pegs of the Soloist and not of the Master, as well as the coloring. On that part I was just wondering.
As far as tone and the brightness I am hearing, there are so many factors involved. Yes, recording changes the tone a lot. Not only is there no such thing as a flat microphone, there is speakers on playback. And even getting to that point tone is highly affected by technique, the room, strings, so many factors.
Any frustration that I have, stems mostly from the point of "not knowing what I don't know" and even what I know, I am not capable of that level of playing yet, that will take some time.









my soloist is a 2 piece back. I tried the Kaplan amo's and I felt that they were too muddy on MY soloist for me. the vision strings that shipped with it were crisp/open/airy sounding..I now have obligatos and really like them but don't know if I can swing the 89.00 for strings all the time. depends on how much wear I get from them. I might go back to visions or even try another type..not sure yet. happy with how the obligatos sound so far. Not much in the way of help but some insight into what my experience has been with one so far with the strings. I think every violin is gonna be different even if it has the same name. you'll probably have to experiment with strings to find your favorite.





Congratulations Sasha it's a beautiful looking violin, I have a 1 piece, maybe with a bit of playing the strings and violin will settle down...
I almost cried with disappointment when I had vision solos put on mine, as they were expensive, and I was expecting so much more, they seemed so dull. But after playing for about 3 days they completely changed and sound awesome...I'm not sure if this happens with all strings but I think sometimes you have to kind of break them in a bit.
I was using the helicores before, which I liked a lot, but they were not lasting more than 3-4 months. I've had these visions on for about 6 months and they still sound amazing (when I hit the right notes!)
I presume that fiddlershop puts on what they think sounds the best, and they are sweethearts, good luck girl, I know how you feel!....I'm sure they'll help you figure it out.

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Mimi Aysha said
Congratulations Sasha it's a beautiful looking violin, I have a 1 piece, maybe with a bit of playing the strings and violin will settle down...I almost cried with disappointment when I had vision solos put on mine, as they were expensive, and I was expecting so much more, they seemed so dull. But after playing for about 3 days they completely changed and sound awesome...I'm not sure if this happens with all strings but I think sometimes you have to kind of break them in a bit.
I was using the helicores before, which I liked a lot, but they were not lasting more than 3-4 months. I've had these visions on for about 6 months and they still sound amazing (when I hit the right notes!)
It's a good idea to give every set of strings some time to settle in. Assuming you're practicing daily, it can take anywhere from 2 to 10 days. With most brands, new strings sound overly bright, sometimes harsh and metallic, for the first few days before the tone mellows out.


I am definitely looking at other strings, also wondering how long sets last. Of course, that depends on how much they are played.
I have been playing 3 - 5 hours a day, so I would assume the set it came with are well broken in by this point.








Sasha said
I am definitely looking at other strings, also wondering how long sets last. Of course, that depends on how much they are played.I have been playing 3 - 5 hours a day, so I would assume the set it came with are well broken in by this point.
A general rule of thumb is that a set of strings is good for 200-300 hours of playing time. String lifespan depends on what you play, the humidity, and the acidity of your sweat. When you replace your strings may also depend on the importance of sound quality; because strings gradually lose their overtones and their response slows over time, pros often replace their strings sooner, but students who don't perform regularly can get away with keeping strings on for a longer time.
I recommend replacing strings when they are noticeably duller but still playable (about 200 hours) -- that way you can use your old strings as emergency backups in case a string breaks and you don't have enough time to break in a new string before your next performance. Don't wait for them to go false or start unraveling.


Thank you everyone, and especially Fiddlershop for your responses and support (I did contact Fiddlershop and got some great support and tips).
So, follow up summary:
1) Piece back: Cool! I have a more special Soloist with one piece back! And yeah, does not make a difference in tone, durability, etc. but that piece of maple does look gorgeous! That explanation makes a lot of sense, it is very similar to maple top electric guitars.
2) As far as brightness and strings, over the last week I have found that is largely due to technique (lack of) and being consistent and also which bow I use. And also which strings. Hmm, I had the A and E pretty broken in, but the night when I posted, I had started playing the G and D strings more. First couple of weeks I was just using my Suzuki book, so the A and E are far more 'broken in' where I had barely touched the G and D. I am just going to call that one a 'blonde moment'.
I am very thrilled with this violin, and looking forward to making beautiful music with it.

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x Coach said
Great news! Congratulations on owning an even more special soloist violin. I love mine too. I upgraded to a Holstein 3 star bow which really makes it sound even better! Happy Fiddling.
Yeah, well, I guess not even 'more special' but to me it is, I love it!
As far as bow, I will upgrade, but I have set a couple of goals?/milestones? before I do so.
I have a few bows to choose from, and at least a couple of them feel decent and should not be hindering me for at least a year or so.
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