Founding a Family of Fiddles
First musical success

By January 1962 we were ready for a real test in which experts could hear our six new instruments and compare them with good conventional violins, violas and cellos. Composers arranged special music, and professional players had a chance to practice on the new instruments.

Ensemble results exceeded all our expectations. We had violin-like quality and brilliance through the entire range of tones. Our soprano produced a high clear quality that carried well over the other instruments although the high positions on its two lower strings were weak. The mezzo tone was powerful and clear although somewhat viola-like on the two lower strings. The alto (vertical viola) was judged a fine instrument even with inadequate strings. The unique tone of the tenor excited all who heard it. The baritone produced such powerful and clear tones throughout its range that the cellist playing it in a Brahms sonata commented, "This is the first time I have been able to hold my own with the piano!" The small bass was adequate but needed more work. General comments told us that the new instruments were ready to stand on their own, musically, although much more work was to be done on adjustments, strings and proper bows.

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