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Roger Green started the topic Re-voicing Fiddles in the forum Fiddle Setup and Repair 2 months, 3 weeks ago
I’ve met maybe 10 fiddlers over the past couple of years who have had fiddles re-voiced. I’m wondering if anyone on Fiddle Video has had any experience with that. If I understand correctly, the process could involve adjusting the thickness of the top & bottom plates, maybe working with the sound bar and other adjustments.
The fiddlers I’ve met that have had that done swear by the results for improved tone & volume. Several of them in Maryland, where I use to live, and a few more here in South Carolina, used the same person, Royce Burt in Florida. I’ve also heard that Ron Stewart, banjo & fiddler for many bluegrass bands, offers that service too.
Anyone care to comment?
I’ve heard a lot of legendary stories about Royce. You can also see lots of his material on YouTube. Seems pretty compelling.
But I’ve also heard a poor sounding fiddle will always be a poor sounding fiddle.
A friend had his great grand father’s civil war era fiddle revoiced. I heard the after and it was not remarkable.
I also have a fiddle from my great grandfather. Has what I believe to be a repair date of 1870. I really enjoy playing it but it doesn’t sound all that great. I’ve considered having it revoiced several times, but I always talk myself out of that notion. Sometime, I’ll pick up a fiddle on an antique store and have it revoiced out of curiosity.
There was a fiddle hanging on the wall of a Cracker Barrel restuarant. I offered the manager $40 for it. But he said I’d have to go through their corporate HQ to get it. I passed on that one but it would be the kind of fiddle I’d consider revoicing.