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Fiddlerman Soloist Question
Label inside says soloist, but back is one piece
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Sasha
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January 9, 2020 - 8:14 pm
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7051C726-FE6C-4EBF-BD59-85BB3D9E5AEE_1_201_a.jpegImage Enlarger

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. :D

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Mouse
January 9, 2020 - 9:12 pm
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@Sasha  I can’t tell if you are exactly unhappy with the violin or just surprised. If you are unhappy, you can contact the Fiddlershop and they will make you happy.

Even the same model violin vary in sound. If you want it mellower, contact Fiddlershop. Maybe a string change will help. Did you specify exactly what you wanted in sound? I am not sure what the policy is in a string aet change, but contact them to see what you can do. Videos are not always accurate and it depends on which strings are on the violin.

Do you mean big projection or just too brightwhen you said “in your face”? All these things can be discusssx with the wonderful folks at The Fiddlershop.

I noted in the description of the Master is said it is usually a one piece back. It could be the back of the soloist is usually a two piece back, meaning they could be one piece, I don’t know,

But if you are concerned it was labeled wrong, give Fiddlershop a call with your concerns. I would do it ASAP.

The Bumblebee Flies!

Please ignore any typos. My typing ability on a real typewriter did not transfer to these device key pads.

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x Coach

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January 9, 2020 - 9:56 pm
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I own a soloist, it has a two piece back.

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x Coach

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January 9, 2020 - 10:12 pm
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There is a new soloist being played on YouTube this evening, check it out, compare it to yours.

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Sasha
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January 9, 2020 - 10:45 pm
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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.   :D

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.

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Mouse
January 9, 2020 - 11:14 pm
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You are welcome, Sasha. You could try different strings next time. Obligato are mellow. Fiddlerman strings mellow my violin, I quite like them and bought 4 extra sets for spares. 
I am sure you will get some combination you will fall in love with. It takes time. From what I have heard, that will change over time, also, over the years simply by the violin being played. 

Enjoy your lovely purchase! I have the Concert Deluxe with Kaplan strings and just love that violin. It is bright with the Kaplans, but a mellow sort of bright. I have another warm violin, with Fiddlerman Strings, for non-fiddle or non-spirited happy songs. I just prefer to play the more upbeat on a bright violin. The warmer violin is not a Fiddlershop purchase. I found it locally. If I didn’t find this shop, I would have purchased it from Fiddlershop.

Have fun with you Soloist. I am drawn to that one, but am not in need.

The Bumblebee Flies!

Please ignore any typos. My typing ability on a real typewriter did not transfer to these device key pads.

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ABitRusty
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January 10, 2020 - 12:24 am
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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.

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Fiddlerman
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January 10, 2020 - 8:51 am
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The thing defines a Fiddlerman Soloist instrument have to do with the workshop it comes from, the quality of the wood and the makers. The recipe is consistent with every FM Soloist. Usually you won't receive a 1 piece back when you order a Soloist because there are people who actually make the request for a 1 piece back. We get a small percentage of 1 piece back Soloists depending on how the Maple looks before the quarter cut. If a piece of Maple is special enough they'll go ahead and use the full piece instead of joining two pieces.

There is no advantage or disadvantage of having a 1 piece back but some people just like the idea of having a 1 piece back.

Remember that you have a 45 day satisfaction guarantee. We can help you find strings that suit you better. The visions are kind of bright as far as string comparisons go.

Thanks for your purchase! Hope you have a lifetime of enjoyment with it. These instruments get better and better with age.

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Mimi Aysha
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January 10, 2020 - 10:51 am
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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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x Coach

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January 10, 2020 - 2:10 pm
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A special piece of maple, Sasha, your a lucky girl! I guess my two piece is just average. LOL

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AndrewH
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January 10, 2020 - 2:51 pm
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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.

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Sasha
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January 10, 2020 - 4:14 pm
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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.

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AndrewH
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January 10, 2020 - 7:10 pm
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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.

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Sasha
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January 15, 2020 - 9:35 pm
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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

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January 15, 2020 - 10:22 pm
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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.

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Sasha
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January 15, 2020 - 10:36 pm
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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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Fiddlerman
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January 16, 2020 - 8:58 pm
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I'm very happy to hear this Sasha. Thanks for the update :)

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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