|
I wished to build a “modern” Electric Hardanger Violin. This is the instrument that was used to test out various set ups. To cut a very long story short …. It did not work – Hardanger violin bodies are significantly different to the modern violin body for very good reasons. However I also set the instrument up as an 8 string “Mandofiddle” and this is very interesting, in a very strange way.
It is currently set up with 8 equi-spaced strings tuned e11e11 a1a1 d11d1 g1g but can be tuned any way you wish. With the equal spacing it is possible to bow each string independently or with its adjacent neighbour or as 4 string chords, the possibilities are endless…………………..with the right practice.
It is too expensive to build this as a commercial product, I have finally put the project to bed following my recent trip to Musicmesse and discussing costs with a number of makers so this will remain a one off instrument.
The instrument is fitted with the standard Sonic Violin pickup and preamp system – full details are best read on my website.
The instrument has a short scale length of 310mm, similar to a Hardanger; this is achieved with a shortened neck. The pegbox has a double nut to ensure all strings run freely. I have fitted perfection pegs to enable fine tuning with steel strings. The instrument is currently strung with Helicore.
The fingerboard retains the channel to fit sympathetic strings and I will include the custom tailpiece, traditional Hardanger Bridge top, replacement nut and sympathetic strings so it may be changed over if required.
|
