Nippon
no info.
submitted 4/17/2008

Submitter

mattiskim

Where Purchased

Smakula Music, Elkins, WV

Year Purchased

2006

Price Paid

700 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

Very nice fiddle sonnd. This is a fiddle not a VIOLIN, Bright, squeeky, loud fiddle sound. Not a lot of bottom [ this may be by string choice I havent had a reason to change to other strings]
smooth playing. IT SOUNDS LIKE A FIDDLE, even when I play it. I had to get a attached mute so my wife wouldnt go crazy.

Sound Rating

7

Setup

Set Up by Bob Smakula, Elkins WV--Very well done. with fiddle bridge [ flat] and new pirastro comcor strings]

Setup Rating

10

Appearance

Very nicely made strad copy. 2 piece flame maple back, light brown to red color the pre-war Japanese standard. It has some odd shapes in the style[ compared to a trad strat] but this is just a style factor in these japanese made things.

Appearance Rating

6

Reliability

It was reconditioned by B. Smakula. It seems very solid. I have seen others of this type used by jammers and teachers with great success. Always have a backup.

Reliability Rating

7

Customer Service

Bob Smakula is very easy to work with and quite a reconditioner and set up guy. He has great service and customer relations.

Customer Service

10

Components

It came with a new soft case and fiberglass bow. A new good bow would help. For fiddeling it should be ok as is. I added a mute to the strings after seeing my teacher with one. I was in pretty good shape for being 70 yrs old and going through WWII.