Jonathan Cooper: Guadagnini Violin Model

Submitted by elbohead on 1/19/2008

Where Purchased: J, Cooper violins Gorham, ME, USA

Year Purchased: 2005
Price Paid: $10,500 ($US)

Sound

I prefer a "sweet" sound, as opposed to a more traditional, bright bluegrass sound. This fiddle suits my tastes perfectly. Of the 6 instruments I tried, this was the mellowest, and the most even sounding from the open G, all the way up the neck. Though I'd like to consider myself a bluegrass player, I feel I'm at my best playing a waltz, and this fiddle just sings so sweetly! After owning it for over two years, I've noticed that it's really opened up, and projects better now than when it was new.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Jon took the time to "tweak" the setup to my liking, and has made subsequent adjustments free of charge.

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

Well, this instrument is HIGHLY antiqued, which is one of Jon's signature features. I've had people ask me how old my fiddle is, only to look puzzled when I reply..."Oh, about 2 years". Let's just say that if I were to answer "102 years", it would seem more believable! Jon offers a wide variety of beautiful finishes, all of them pleasing. I'll give it a six based on what OTHERS might think of the finish, but I love it.

Appearance Rating: 6

Reliability

I've gigged with it, camped with it, jammed with it, paddled a canoe with it....you get the idea. It's a very well made instrument. I met Jim Van Cleve of Mountain Heart at a festival and asked if the fiddle he was playing was his Cooper. "Yup". he replied. "I beat the s*** outa this thing, and it sounds great!".

Reliability Rating: 9

Customer Service

Like I said, Jon performs routine maintenance free of charge. He is a master craftsman, and a true gentleman.

Customer Service: 10

Components

The only thing that I would upgrade is (are) the fine tuners. Everything else is top notch.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

1. Yes, I would recommend a Cooper. It's probably worth more now than when I bought it! 2. It's insured, so if it's stolen, I'll get another one. (But I prefer to keep this one). 3. I love it. It's my Harley Davidson. My fishing boat. My Corvette! (And I can't hurt myself with it!) 4. I wish I'd actually commissioned a new fiddle from Jon. I think choosing the wood and the finish as well as discussing tone would have been a great experience. I'm considering doing just that in the future. 5. It's the nicest fiddle I've played. Though I have not played bunches, it is far and away my favorite.

Overall Rating: 10