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(3 votes) 
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I really like the idea of kids starting to learn about bowed strings on a small 5-string Viola!
If I'd been in the market for a wood instrument when I started out (even though I'm an adult), I would've definitely considered a 14" 5-string Viola (I've seen someone makes them) - or the slightly bigger 15" Fiddlerman Concert 5-string Viola, instead of a Violin! I was really leery of size at the time, because I remembered how much trouble I had trying just a full size Violin when I was a kid, so I chickened out & chose Violin over Viola.
As it is, I still have a terrible time with drastic changes in humidity here & rambunctious Grandkids to consider - still don't know if I'd feel safe leaving a wood instrument out all the time... wonder where early Fiddlers hung their fiddle in log cabins, with big families & my weather(?)
Anyway, for sheer durability, wish someone made 1/2 size 'CF' Violas for kids...preferably with 5-strings! I'm having a hard time - not wanting to hand over a delicate instrument to my young Grandchildren. 😬
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Not directly related to your post, but you did ask at the end.
They stored them in barns and on porches, for one thing. Sometimes they put rattlesnake rattlers inside to keep rodents and pests aways. The rattle would be disturbed by insect wings, movements, etc and the rattle sound kept them away. I saw that on a PBS documentary years ago, probably more like decades ago.
It may be that they were better at repairing weather and climate damage. Lewis and Clark, from a book I read years ago, had three fiddles with them. They did not play them, other members of the group did.
So, I suspect, people were more adept at fixing their own instruments back then. I remember seeing photos somewhere of them just hanging on walls. There was a display like that at a little museum I was at when the kids were little.
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@Mouse -
Thanks, I remembered the post about rattlesnake rattles supposedly keeping spiders from nesting, but I sure cringe thinking about a fiddle on a porch (or covered wagon) during a hot rainy spell!
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luckily ..around the time of guarneri, carrier released this model. oh what stradivarius couldve done with better humidity control..
https://www.carrier.com/reside.....midifiers/
sadly i still empty dehumidifier buckets. think my monitor has crept up to 68% R.H. this week
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@ABitRusty -
🤭... SOOOO tempted to continue the humorous direction this is going in.
Thank you for reminding me my situation could be much worse!
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oh it wasnt directed at you.. more me for being so anal about my music room humidity.
im getting more relaxed about it though. i mean..if people do fine at summer festvals like clifftop.. a few % points off of 50% should be ok. 😉
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