Charles Horner
Standard
submitted 1/1/2008

Submitter

Ms. Jayne (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Rockwood Tennessee

Year Purchased

1991

Price Paid

1500.00 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

Even, full tone up and down the fingerboard. I switched to synthetic strings recently and they are a good match for the fiddle. She is mellow, and sweet with a wide range in dynamic ability. The tone doesn't break - it doesn't matter how loud you play. I have a classical/old time fiddle background and also play backup quite a bit for various and sundry occasions. I don't have a pick up - I've thought about it, but can't bear to put the hardware on her. I'm thinking about getting another Horner and putting a pick up on that one. We'll see...

Sound Rating

10

Setup

Fiddle was set up, but Mr. Horner is pretty much finished when the varnish dries. Have had the nut filed, a new bridge, and most recently a new tailpiece as the custom one he made would not allow me to play without fine tuners. I have decided to put the fine tuners back on the custom tailpiece and use it again. I prefer the personality and the ability to fine tune a little more easily in the Tennessee weather. I would prefer to buy a Horner and have it tweaked than play any other kind of fiddle.

Setup Rating

7

Appearance

The fiddle sold herself. She is pretty. The stain is dark with some lighter areas on the shoulders and belly area. She has a one piece highly flamed back with a smally inlay in the center/top of the back. It looks like a shield type coat of arms design. The tailpiece also had a flower design inlay and the pegs have dots on the ends. There was a mark in the varnish near the fingerboard where the previous player had held it when not playing. Mr. Horner told me when I got it that Curly Fox owned it before me.

Appearance Rating

10

Reliability

He made the chinrest, tailpiece, and pegs. The fine tuners were functional. Nothing spectacular, but they worked until I decided to try not using them. The tailpiece wouldn't hold the string without fine tuners, but I really don't care. I prefer the originality of the custum made tailpiece WITH fine tuners. I depend on my violin. I do not carry a back up with me. I've never needed to. If I did, it would be another Horner and purely for the fun of it.

Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service

He is a great conversationalist. Very smart and fun to talk to. He just has some fiddles out when you get to his workshop and you buy one or you don't. I don't know if there was/is a warranty.

Customer Service

10

Components

The whole violin is a standout component. No cheap parts. Solid, sturdy, and incredibly light (in weight). I got a new bow, of course, but I do not consider a bow to be "part" of a violn package. (Nor the case.)