ALEX W GRANT VIOLINS

SEPT 2014 ISSUE 15

D IVERTIMENTO

WHAT SIZE VIOLIN SHOULD I PLAY? This is one of the most common questions/issues we come across with children – and getting the size right is important! A violin that is too big will be a struggle for the child to play, may create bad intonation and bowing habits, and could cause physical problems like bad posture, back or neck pain, and tension in the arms and hands. On the other hand, a violin that is too small will make the player feel cramped and uncomfortable. As a general guide, have the child hold the violin, curling their hand right around the end of the scroll. The arm should neither be uncomfortably stretched, nor too bent.

The chart below gives a rough idea of the arm length and age that should usually correspond to each violin size. With the child’s arm outstretched and palm facing up, measure from their neck to the base of the hand. However the size of the child’s hand is also a factor, so this chart only gives a general indication. If in doubt, choose the violin that comfortably fits the child, rather than sticking rigidly to a ‘violin size’ criteria.

The only sure way of getting the right fit is to actually try out violins for size, with someone experienced in advising which size is most appropriate. Here at Alex Grant Violins, we are always happy to help with recommending a suitable violin. We stock a full range of sizes, from 1/16 violins up to 4/4 full size.

IN THIS ISSUE:

What size violin to play ? What size violin is it?

Magancore cello strings

Flinders Quartet news 2014 Cello Challenge Cello

Recent Staff Changes

Fine instruments and bows at our Hawthorn store

New look web page

The range of violin sizes:

WHAT SIZE VIOLIN IS IT? Sometimes a violin may be unlabelled, or the size not specified on the label. Manufacturers’ measurements for each size are unfortunately not standardised, but the chart below gives an indication of the measurements for each violin size.

Violin size 1/16 1/10 1/8 1/4 1/2 3/4 7/8 4/4 Length of body (cm) 20 23 25.5 28 30.5 33 34.5 36 Total length (cm) 37 40.5 43 47.5 52 54.5 57 59.5

Size (cm) Approx. Age Violin Size

58.5 + 12 + 4/4

56 - 58.5 10 - 11 3/4

51 - 56 8 - 9 1/2

44 - 51 6 - 7 1/4

43 - 44 3 - 5 1/8

39 - 43 3 - 5 1/10

35 - 39 3 - 5 1/16

PAGE 2 DIVERTIMENTO

RECENT STAFF CHANGES

Our Collingwood store recently welcomed a new assistant, Rafael Grassi. Rafael recently relocated to Melbourne from Brazil, and is enjoying the new life experiences of living in another country. A violinist, Rafael was a member of the Espirito Santo Sinfonia in Brazil, as well as various chamber music groups, and he hopes to find opportunities for playing in Melbourne. Rafael enjoys working in Grant Violins and looks forward to helping you in the shop.

2014 “CELLO CHALLENGE” CELLO On 20 August, the 2014 Adelaide International Cello Festival “Cello Challenge” instrument was handed over to its new owner, Professor Tanya Monro. Ben Puglisi’s shop in Church Street, Hawthorn was the venue for the evening. Joining Tanya was Mark de Raad, Chair of the Festival Committee, and the Cello Challenge team was represented by Rainer Beilharz, Volker Beilharz, Robert Arcaro, Alex Grant and Ben Puglisi. Missing from the team, but no doubt there in spirit, were John Simmers of Brisbane and Frank Ravatin, France.

The cello, which was constructed during the festival, has spent the past few months having its beautiful overcoat of varnish applied by Rainer Beilharz. Everyone involved was delighted with both the appearance and sound of the finished instrument. The cello has

now returned to Adelaide, to its new home. Plans are afoot to promote all three “Cello Challenge” cellos (2008, 2011 and 2014) in a concert in Adelaide later in the year. Photos courtesy of Ben Puglisi, Atelier Puglisi.

FLINDERS QUARTET On 2nd September, Flinders Quartet gave a performance at the Collins Street Baptist Church; this was an hour of pure, serene enjoyment, in contrast to the hectic Melbourne CBD outside! The performance began with Elena Kats-Chernin’s “Joyce’s Mob”, a warm, dynamic musical piece in four movements – each of them portraying the personality of a family member of the composition’s commissioner, Joyce Evans. The Flinders Quartet transitioned from that joyful and carefree atmosphere, into the intimate melancholy of Schubert’s 13th String Quartet in A

minor “Rosamunde”. For all those who attended, this was a true chamber music experience and a master class as well. Flinders Quartet’s next concert is 28th October at 1pm, featuring Dvorak ‘American’ String Quartet, Wolf Italian Serenade, and a new work by Paul Dean. More information on the quartet and their upcoming concerts can be found on our Events Diary or their website - flindersquartet.com

LARSEN MAGNACORE CELLO STRINGS Larsen has recently released the Magnacore A and D cello strings to compliment the Magnacore C and G strings which have been steadily growing in popularity over the past two years. The Magnacore A and D, available in medium and strong tensions, offer more power and tonal substance than the standard Larsen cello strings. These strings offer a wide variety of sound colours from bright to dark, combined with a new clarity and brilliance while maintaining the famous Larsen roundness of tone. Larsen also claims that these new strings have a distinctly improved lifetime in performance.

PAGE 3 DIVERTIMENTO

F INE INSTRUMENTS AT OUR HAWTHORN STORE

3/4 violin, c.1900, labelled ‘Geronimo Grandini’ by J.T.L.

This is a French instrument, from the workshop of the prominent Mirecourt firm of J.T.L. It is of unusual quality for its 3/4 size, and would be ideally suited to someone who is an advanced player but not yet ready for a full-sized violin.

The violin is a warm honey colour, with an attractive one-piece flamed back. It is fitted with Evah Pirazzi strings. The lower register has warmth and power while the upper register is sweet, and the sound is clear and open throughout.

40 cm viola, c.1900, labelled ‘Geronimo Barnabetti’ by J.T.L. This viola is also turn-of the century from the J.T.L. firm. Its upper register is clear and sweet. It is a lovely dark caramel colour, with a two-piece flamed back, and is fitted with an ebony chinrest and Pirazzi/Helicore strings.

Violin bow, JTL, stamped ‘A Buthod’, 61g This is a lovely bow - well weighted, it is very responsive and comfortable to play. It produces a full rich sound, and extremely clear and effortless spiccato. It has a silver adjuster, silver mounted frog and winding, an octagonal stick, and a

brown snakeskin look thumb leather.

Violin bow, ‘Al Sandner’, 61g This bow handles well; it gives a clear sound and a good spiccato stroke, and feels light in the hand. It also has an unusual carved frog and ebony adjuster, both with an inlaid diamond pattern, which adds an interesting decorative touch. It has a silver mounted frog and winding, and a bone tip.

The following are a selection of fine instruments and bows currently at Alex Grant Violins, Hawthorn. There are many more in store, so do drop by and have a play.

Our wall is updated weekly with information and new releases, feel free to post or leave your comments.

http://www.facebook.com/grantviolins

WWW . GR ANTVI OLIN S . COM . AU

26 Smith Street Collingwood Victoria 3066

Phone: 03 9417 4930 Fax: 03 9417 4980

Email: admin@grantviolins.com.au Mon—Fri 9.00 am—6.00 pm

Sat 10.00 am—2.00 pm

556 Glenferrie Road Hawthorn Victoria 3122

Phone: 03 9815 0603 Fax: 03 9819 5641

E-mail: hawthorn@grantviolins.com.au Mon—Fri 9.00 am—5.00 pm

Sat 10.00 am—5.00 pm

ALEX W GRANT VIOLINS

UPDATING…. The updating of our site is progressing and, after months of hard work, the new format instrument pages are starting to appear in a steady trickle on our web so have a look and see what catches your eye!

We ask for your understanding during this period – once it’s all finished we hope the new website will be the place where you can find out even more about Alex Grant Violins and the services we offer, the products we stock and how we can help you. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or queries you would like us to address in future newsletters.