BS: Is there a backpack fiddle?

Subject: Is there a backpack fiddle?
From: Petr
Date: 05 May 00 - 12:22 PM

Im just curious if anyone out there makes something like a backpack fiddle that one can take camping, kayaking etc. Some years back there was an article in Fiddler mag. on making a simplified fiddle (compact not necessarily great for sound and cannibalized from an old fiddle). Im thinking of making that my next woodworking project, any ideas? Cheers Petr.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a backpack fiddle?
From: Sorcha
Date: 05 May 00 - 12:35 PM

Not from me, but I have a friend who has subscribed to Fiddler for years, I'll ask her. Do you have any idea how long ago? Date or Vol # of mag?
I just take my regular fiddle camping, but I guess kayaking or canoeing would be anther story-----Maggie can't swim, and I would hate for her to drown!! Your other choice would be to get an el-cheapo from pawn shop or something and a lite-weight case. Buy something you won't get emotionally attached to.........

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a backpack fiddle?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 May 00 - 12:52 PM

What Hardiman the Fiddler does, depending on anticipated conditions:

Take the mandolin

Take the second-quality fiddle (old repairs, no volume, good for quiet campsites)

Take the good fiddle in the suspension case

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What I would do if I had no cheap second-quality one, and this would limit humidity/water concerns-- get one of the new plastic student fiddles. (See Elderly Music.) Might even float!!!

~Susan~

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a backpack fiddle?
From: Kaleb
Date: 05 May 00 - 01:06 PM

Elderly sell a travel fiddle that fits into a 24"x2" tube.
Not sure how it sounds but you can check it out here.

Good luck.
Kaleb

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a backpack fiddle?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 May 00 - 01:25 PM

Parkay!!!

With room for sheet music! Where does the music stand go??

~Praise

From Hardiman the Fiddler:

That travel fiddle was too amazing for me to pass up the chance to comment. While it looked neat, I don't think I'm running out to buy one---I think I'd prefer to try one out first. I think I'll stick with taking my old-beat up fiddle along instead.

Coincidentally, I recently took my good fiddle on a trip to Charleston, SC., and was quite nervous about taking it on the plane. Although it did not fit the dimensions for carry on luggage, I made it through without having to check it in baggage. What was incedibly useful was asking during the boarding process one simple question: "This is an antique violin, would you like to stow it, or would you prefer that I take care of it?" No one wanted to touch it! Even though it was in a suspension case, it fit handsomely into the overhead bin; since I did not have any other carry on luggage, I was amazed by the cooperation I got from USscare.

For camping, I prefer to take an old beat-up mandolin instead, since mandolins are less finicky about humidity, and they have no bow to go limp.

Hardiman

=============================================== [wrestling the keyboard back.... Hardi, Hardi, Hardi, are you referring to that old Sometimes Goes Limp thread, again??? I ask, is that any way to talk? ~Susan]

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a backpack fiddle?
From: Rex
Date: 05 May 00 - 02:06 PM

Fiddler Magazine (Vol. 4, No. 2, Summer 1997) has an article on a "Fiddle Stick, a do-it-yourself travel fiddle". These were made by Ralph Thompson from Montreal who wanted a quiet travel fiddle. He took a fiddle neck and fingerboard and mounted it on a solid piece of oak. The other one shown has the neck mounted on a turned chair or table leg. A later Fiddler Mag. (Vol. 5, No. 3, Fall 1998)has an article sent in by Jerry Scott showing his version of what he calls a tube fiddle. He made his own neck and according to the text, used a 2 1/2 inch shopvac tube for the body. He also added a pickup. This fiddle is similar in appearance to a factory made travelling fiddle I have. It has a simple neck and peghead with no scroll bolted on to a block of wood hollowed out underneath with a chin rest attached to the end. The label calls it a "Fiddl-ette" and "one of the 'ette instruments". It was made by the Gamble Hinged Music Company. This company still exists and makes sheet music for piano and accessories. I have contacted them to ask about the Fiddl-ette and just what were the other "'ette" instruments. They have no record of any of this. It appears to have been made somewhere in the '30s to '40s. Travelling fiddles are an interest of mine. Thomas Jefferson kept one in a bag tied to his saddle. What he had was referred to as a kit fiddle or a pouchette. I have seen pictures of a few. They are usually tear drop shaped instead of the hourglass though I have seen one that looked like an extremely thin fiddle. Another curiosity I have heard of but never seen is a "walking stick fiddle". There was a hollow end to hold the bow and a removable cover to allow the fiddle to be played. I know there is one in the Historic Musical Instruments Collection at Edinburgh. I know it has flame sound holes and so must be a hollowed tube but that is the extent of it. This is something of interest to me. If anyone has any more to add, please do.

Rex

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a backpack fiddle?
From: Rex
Date: 05 May 00 - 02:12 PM

Oh, and thanks Kaleb. The travel fiddle offered by Elderly Instruments looks pretty neat to me. I appreciate getting new ideas.

Rex

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a backpack fiddle?
From: Petr
Date: 05 May 00 - 09:31 PM

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all that info and so fast too. I think Ill try making one and see how it goes. (probably cannibalize some old cheapo fiddle and work from there) Petr.