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DougBrock - Posted - 02/22/2021: 16:47:35
Wanting a violin that I could take with me anywhere, no matter the temperature or humidity, on Friday I bought the Glasser base model ($525) without electronics (the neck rest and tailpiece on the base model can easily be changed out). I had read lots of reviews, so I can’t say there were any huge surprises.
The violin is a little heavier than my wood violins. Craftsmanship is good. I like the looks of the material, and I like the traditional violin form, both for the body and the scroll.
The violin IS quieter than my wood violins. The A string, in particular, sounds muted (it actually reminds me of playing with an orchestral mute). Once I start playing, though, I soon forget the quieter volume (and quieter isn’t always a bad thing, both around the house as well as for my hearing) and just enjoy playing.
I’m curious to see how other strings might sound on the Glasser. Reviews are good for the included Larsen strings, but I can’t help but wonder how a set of Helicore strings might affect the volume (and the A string in particular). I couldn’t find any discussions online about anybody trying different strings. I’ll find out for myself one of these days.
I have a carbon fiber guitar (CA Acoustics Bluegrass Performer) that doesn’t have any kind of volume issues, but it was about four times as expensive as this Glasser violin. I’ve long wished for an affordable carbon fiber mandolin for travel, and if one were available with similar quality at this price point, I’d grab it up in a minute! :)
So, I’m a happy customer, expecting happy years of hauling this violin around for trips and jams.
Flat_the_3rd_n7th - Posted - 02/22/2021: 19:24:08
Thanks for this review, I've been eyeballing one in a 5-string. Yes, I've read they're quieter, so I imagine the only fix is strings. I'm not familiar with Larsen. I love Helicore, but IMO they are, and are reviewed as, the 'warmest' steel string. Prims are viewed as the brightest, so I wonder how they would do on that Glasser. Or, even Red Labels.
At any rate--I'm a traditionalist, but I'm also intrigued with tech, especially if it is reasonably priced.
"Honest, honey, it's the last one..."
DougBrock - Posted - 02/22/2021: 19:42:07
quote:
Originally posted by Flat_the_3rd_n7th
Prims are viewed as the brightest, so I wonder how they would do on that Glasser. Or, even Red Labels.
I tried Prims on another (wood) violin and didn't care for them - they seemed quiet and small, somehow. I was suprised because they are so popular with the Bluegrass crowd. I pulled the Prims off pretty quickly, so I could probably try them on the Glasser. I have a new set of Helicore that I might try first. That's what I have on my main (wood) violin, and they have seemed about the loudest of any strings I've tried. Lots of possibilities (unfortunately, lol).
Flat_the_3rd_n7th - Posted - 02/23/2021: 05:31:51
Does it have a bass bar and soundpost?
What do you see inside the body?
DougBrock - Posted - 02/23/2021: 08:01:59
quote:
Originally posted by Flat_the_3rd_n7th
Does it have a bass bar and soundpost?
What do you see inside the body?
Yes to bass bar and sound post.
