Connolly & Co., the exclusive U.S. distributor for Thomastik-Infeld musical strings, has announced the availability of a new rosin that promotes better bowing response for violinists and violists. The new Dominant Rosin optimizes the performance of synthetic core strings, including the popular Dominant, Infeld Red, and Infeld Blue brands manufactured by Thomastik-Infeld, Vienna. The rosin is composed of a delicate blend of fine natural resins and exotic wax, resulting in a soft, tacky rosin that does not get gummed up on bow hair. It also produces less dust compared to harder rosins. Available in an elegant protective black tin package, Dominant Rosin became available through retailers in December 2003. For more information about the Dominant Rosin, contact Chris Rohrecker, manager of sales and marketing, Connolly & Co., tel. 631-757-0110; 8 Vernon Valley Rd., East Northport, NY 11731.
Meisel Stringed Instruments has introduced a new line of bags for transporting a cello or bass together with all its accessories. With their rigid 20 mm foam padding, the bags combine lightweight portability with the strength and durability needed to protect instruments. The new bags also protect the hands of musicians as a result of their economically designed handles that reduce stress on hands when instruments are carried to school, practice sessions, and performances. Available with or without wheels, each bag has zippered accessory compartments of various sizes plus a bow pocket. The versatile cello case also includes two shoulder straps, providing students with the option of carrying an instrument backpack-style. For more information, contact Meisel at 800-MEISEL-M (634-7356); fax: 800-362-5020; email: info@meiselmusic.com; or www.Meiselmusic.com.
J. D'Addario is pleased to introduce the Kaplan Solutions line of single strings. Kaplan Solutions strings are precisely designed to solve specific problems for high-end players. Years of exhaustive research into the materials and design of strings evolved into a different way of thinking: rather than base the string line on a core material, Kaplan Solutions uses various materials in both core and winding to solve specific problems that high-end players occasionally notice in attributes like response or sound. Input from professional musicians and luthiers was an integral part of the development of Kaplan Solutions. The Kaplan Solutions line will be available only as single strings.
The inaugural Kaplan Solutions string is the non-whistling E string, which eliminates the whistling sound sometimes heard when the open E string is played while crossing from a lower string. The string's unique design comes from a thorough scientific study into the cause of this whistling; it also makes a sweeter sound that can better match the sound quality of the lower strings, which makes it excellent for playing chords. The Kaplan Solutions non-whistling E string will be available in the first quarter of 2004. For more information on Kaplan Solutions strings, please visit www.daddariobowed.com.
Instruments and Bows
CodaBow International, Ltd. is proud to announce the newest member of the family of fine performance-bows, the CodaBow Electric™. The Electric's shaft is engineered to capture the precise string vibration and natural overtones of the instrument while minimizing unwanted surface noise. Designed with the requirements of electric instruments in mind, the CodaBow Electric also performs well on acoustic instruments. Appreciated for its comfort and control, the Electric offers the quick, clean response essential for high-energy playing. It features a contemporary look with a prismatic finish on the state-of-the-art shaft and a high-tech engineered ebony frog with an electrified Coda sign inlay. The Electric combines style and performance at a reasonable price. For more information, visit the website at www.codabow.com.
Johnson String Instrument announces a Modern Maker Series, created to bring together players and makers for an afternoon of performance and lecture. During the performance, musicians play on instruments and bows by some of the world's top contemporary makers represented by Johnson String Instrument, followed by a lecture by one of the makers. These events serve to highlight the renaissance of new instrument and bow making that has evolved over the last decade. The series debuted in 2003, with a concert by the Arden String Quartet and a lecture by instrument maker Oliver Radke from Germany. The most recent event, in October 2003, featured a lecture by renowned bow maker Georges Tepho from Quimper, France, and music by members of the New England String Ensemble. For more information about Johnson String Instrument's Modern Maker Series, to be held in Newton, Massachusetts, throughout 2004, visit johnsonstring.com or call 800-359-9351.
Meisel Stringed Instruments is plugging into the jazz, rock, and country markets with the introduction of the Spitfire E-Fusion 6000E electric violin. This innovative, lightweight violin offers all the excitement of a wired electric instrument, while maintaining an authentic traditional acoustic sound.
Featuring a quality Shadow piezo pick-up molded into the bridge, the 6000E produces a resonant and supple violin sound. The electric violin also features a built-in pre-amp with volume control to ensure a full, rich sound output. In addition to its technological features, the 6000E has an attractive body design, created by award-winning designer Rich Roland, that blends contemporary and traditional influences. Extremely lightweight and easy to handle, the violin is available in a variety of finishes, including natural wood grain, natural blonde, black, metallic red, and antique sunburst. The 6000E fits all 4/4 violin cases and accessories. For more information, contact Meisel at 800-MEISEL-M (634-7356); fax: 800-362-5020; email: info@meiselmusic.com; or www.Meiselmusic.com.
Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, recently unveiled the SVC-50SK Silent Compact Cello, The innovative Silent Compact Cello was designed to provide a strategic, lower price-point option for new electric cellists and students. Made of Alder wood (which is also used in electric guitars), players of alternative string music styles will appreciate the look, sound, and feel of this cello. Ideal as a first electric instrument purchase or for players looking to practice silently or travel conveniently, the Silent Compact Cello will also appeal to schools looking to form a more cost effective electric string quartet. The unique Silent Practice feature will enhance sound and allow amplification or input of accompaniment. The new Silent Compact Cello follows the extreme success of the original, selected from more than a thousand industrial design entries to receive a Bronze Industrial Design Excellence Award (IDEA). For more information, visit www.yamaha.com.
Hot off the Press
Latham Music is proud to announce the release of the viola and cello versions of the new fiddling method, Fiddling for Classical Stiffs, by Edward M. Caner. Complete with slow-fast accompaniment CDs, these books teach style and bowing techniques that will have any classically trained player sounding like an authentic fiddler. Sample scores are available at www.latham-music.com.
Sharp Mountain Music is expanding its musical offerings to include string quartet music suitable for gigging. The first offering is a folio titled Arco di Amore, containing creative arrangements of popular love songs through the ages. Sharp Mountain Music is also proud to offer the first string orchestra title in its new Studio Orchestra series. Perfectly Natural is a challenging piece that grooves in 7/4 time signature. For more information, visit www.sharpmountainmusic.com.
Northfield Press now has available complimentary CDs of Intermediate Selections for String Orchestra, performed by the Clarence, New York, High School Orchestra. Order this CD from Northfield Press, 63 Tristan Lane, Williamsville, NY 14221. Please note: All of these musical selections are available as MP3s at the website www.northfieldpress.biz.
Muse Method Finger Pattern, an innovative method of teaching and learning finger patterns on stringed instruments, was first introduced at the ASTA with NSOA National Conference in March, 2003. By using a few templates and baseboard to simulate a fingerboard, the Muse and Muse II visually teach the four-string finger configurations of all possible finger patterns in a systematic way for violin and viola. Its features include rainbow color coding for each set of finger patterns in major and minor keys, and letter coding of each template for the descriptive study of each finger pattern. In addition to finger patterns, Muse II applies solfège to teach scales as well. Because Muse Method points out the cyclic nature of all stringed musical instruments, it simplifies the teaching of finger patterns in a brand new way. It will be available from most mail-order catalogs. For more information, please visit www.musemethod.com or send email to info@musemethod.com.
G. Henle announces the release of the following material: Ludwig van BEETHOVEN – Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61 – REVISED Edition, HN 326; Ludwig van BEETHOVEN – String Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 127 – URTEXT Edidon, HN 740; Study Edition, HN 9740; Ludwig van BEETHOVEN – String Quartet in C-sharp minor, Op. 131 – URTEXT Edition, HN 742; Study Edition, HN 9742; Ludwig van BEETHOVEN – String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132 – URTEXT Edition, HN 743; Study Edition, HN 9743; Max BRUCH – Violin Concerto in G minor, Op. 26 for Violin and Piano, HN 708; Ernest CHAUSSON – Poeme Op. 25 for Violin and Piano, HN 738; Edvard GRIEG – Violin Sonata in C minor, Op. 45 for Violin and Piano, HN 700; Franz Anton HOFFMEISTER – Violin Concerto in D Major for Violin and Piano, HN 739; Felix MENDELSSOHN – Variations, Op. 17 and Other Pieces for Violoncello and Piano, HN 669; Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART – Single Movements K. 261 K. 269 & K373 for Violin and Piano, HN 707; Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART – Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Major, K. 211 for Violin and Piano, HN 705; Alfredo PIATTI – Twelve Capricci for Violoncello Solo, Op. 25, HN 746; and Carl STAMITZ – Viola Concerto No. 1 in D Major for Viola and Piano, HN 758. For more information, visit www.henle.de.
