Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle

Subject: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: Sourdough
Date: 13 May 04 - 03:45 AM

The other day, while doing some research that took me through a family's treasures that had accreteed in their attics during the past 100 years, I came across an old violin.

Burned into the back, just behind where the neck meets the body were the words "OLE BULL". Inside there is writing that says "Ole Bull - Made in Germany".

I am familiar with Ole Bull and his career and his entrance into US folklore for his wild fiddle playing. What I am curious about is whether or not there is anyone in this incredibly deep knowledge base of Mudcatters who knows anything about Ole Bull violins.

The instument itself needs to be renovated but it looks sound. I am wondering whether or not it is worth aving and whether or not there are some stories attached to this violin which I assume was manufactured under license to take advantage of Ole Bull's name.

Sourdough

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST,Botticelli
Date: 13 May 04 - 03:50 AM

Try Here: Click :-)

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST,Botticelli
Date: 13 May 04 - 03:58 AM

Here is a site where they are discussing Ole Bull :-)

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: Sourdough
Date: 13 May 04 - 04:16 AM

Thanks for the reference to that site but as I said, I am already familiar with Ole Bull, his career, and his entrance into US folklore for his wild fiddle playing. He even has a verse in "Old Dan Tucker". It was because I knew about Bull thatI recognized the fiddle as a possibly interesting item when I ran across it while researching historical papers for a biography I am writing.

What I am hoping for is that someone will know something about Ole Bull violins. It may even shed some light on the family of my subject since I know that they ran a music store in Elizabeth New Jersey during the second decade of the twentieth century.

As I said, this particular instument needs to be renovated but it looks sound. I am wondering whether or not it is worth saving. There may well be some stories about the significance of the manufacture of this line of instruments. It may be one of the earliest "endorsed" musical instruments named after a performer, something that became common with guitars and perhaps other instruments later.

Sourdough

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 13 May 04 - 04:27 AM

I have an Ole Bull violin and the sound is very good. I bought it a few years ago and it has been well worth the renovation. I would suggest you go to a local violin dealer who will give you advice on cost for renovation, and indeed if it is worth doing.
I will PM with some other details.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST,Botticelli
Date: 13 May 04 - 04:31 AM

Sorry, Sourdough, but I thought this piece of info from the second site might have helped you:

"There are a bunch of "Ole Bull" instruments floating around, but the vast majority are just factory violins sold by Sears & other companies until the 20th century, based on the stradivari instrument now know as the Ole Bull strad." :-)

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: Sourdough
Date: 13 May 04 - 04:38 AM

Sttaw: That first hand experience is good to know. I'll look forward to hearing from you. THis instrument was in a case that probably had not been opened for fifty years and has been sitting in a garage yet it looked to be in good shape. The glue had held and there were no insects chewing on it.

Botticelli: Again, thank you. I had missed the sentence you referred to when I scanned the article. It is useful information.

Soudough

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 08:42 PM

I too have an ole bull violin. It is in good condition but looks quite old. The case looks original and the writing inside the violin says Antonio Stradivaris Cremonis 1716. The neck is short.
Can anyone give me any information about the origins of this violin?

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST,Eddo
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 10:13 AM

I have one also and it plays pretty good for fiddle stuff. Mine says that it is a copy of the Strad made in 1730. After looking around for several hours the best that I can come up with is the following.

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Antique-Musical-Instruments-2370/2008/5/OLD-SMALL-VIOLIN.htm

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: open mike
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 04:55 PM

there may be more info or links here:
thread about Ole Bull including the song Oleanna.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 07:19 PM

Looks as though it is worth taking it to a decent Lutier and getting an opinion !

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST,2nd fiddle
Date: 23 Nov 09 - 04:56 PM

I too have an Ole Bull fiddle. The inscription inside of mine says:
Antonuis Straduarius Cremonensis
    Faciebat Anno 16
    Made in Austria

Mine has been in it's case in a closet for 60 years as I stopped playing it when I started high school. I'm not sure where all it was before I got it. My father gave it to me when I was in grammar school, it had belonged to my grandfather. I have tried to research the value of it also but have not found any more than you.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST,Jen
Date: 27 Nov 09 - 06:09 AM

I am having my Great-Great-Grandfather's Ole Bull fiddle refurbished after it stayed in a barn for decades. The last person to use it was my Grandmother, and that was when she was in High School. The fiddle had been used at square dances.

So far I have gotten it cleaned, gotten cracks glued, and had the fingerboard reattached. (I'm on a budget so I'm doing a little each month) Next month I plan to get a new bridge and have the fingerboard leveled. After that, new strings and bowhair.

Once it is fully completed I'll repost the results- I really hope I'm not throwing my money away on a substandard violin! (the allexperts link was a little discouraging)

Subject: I might be able to help in what ever you need(:
From: GUEST,Kai
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 07:42 PM

I am a direct descendant of Ole Bull, no joke, if I could I'd show you the papers. I have his very own violin (and I play on it for orchestra). Save the one you have. If it has anything to with Ole it is great...and a great amount of money. Save it. Treasure it.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST,ole bull
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 12:02 AM

I have my grandfathers ole bull complete with wood case that has a dalli loop on the end of it for a saddle horn. I would like to know more

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 12:34 PM

Some versions of "Cotton-eyed Joe" refer to an "old bull fiddle and a shoe-string bow". I've always assusmed that this referred to a string bass, but maybe it's a mis-hearing of "Ole Bull fiddle". Comments?

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 05:53 AM

Good day,
I run an instrument repair business and have a customers Bass fiddle in my workshop to restore. It is a very unusual instrument in that it has a Banjo body complete with vellum but a standard double bass neck .Judging by the neck dimentions etc it will be tuned as per a double bass. The body is huge,vellum is 30 inches or 760 mm across and the instrument is very heavy.
I have also been informed by the owner that these instruments were played on the old paddle steamers!
I thought it was a bull fiddle, but the word bull fiddle seems to be a loose term for a standard double bass or bass fiddle etc.
Does any one have a clue as to what this instrument could be?
Many thanks Rob Drake in Cape Town.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Sep 10 - 10:56 PM

mu name is Edward Rhea, I bought may Ole Bull fiddle from a local trader who has since passed on. I immediately recognized its unique tone and playabillity. A previous owner had it appraised in 1981 and in its condition it was worth $500 dollars. It has had many repairs some very noticeable yet it is still my favorite. I recently started playing it again only because no one will touch it and an istrument this great ought be played. I have enjoyed everyones opinions and links to info regarding the man and the instrument.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Sep 10 - 12:05 AM

Neat to read all of these, esp. from a direct descendant. Also the dally loop for a saddle!

Shame no one responded to Rob Drake's question. Any one? Maybe I'll start a new thread for him.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST,Ross Campbell (Cookie - stop combing your ha
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 08:07 PM

In response to Rob Drake - this recently sold on eBay:-

Bassix bass banjo

Alan Middleton (Fleetwood Folk Club) has a much older bass banjo which appears occasionally. I presume there were matching instruments of various sizes, corresponding to violin, viola, cello and double bass, probably intended to be played in quartets. I have seen equivalent instruments based on the Gibson "A" style mandolin shape. The bass mandolin was a magnificent instrument, seen in a pawnshop in Toronto more than twenty five years ago, regrettably not for sale!

As for Ole Bull violins, I may be on the track of one - I'll let you know.

Ross

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST,tito
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 02:40 AM

hey to the guy with the Antonio Stradivaris Cremonis violin you need to go get that thing appraised by a professional and then get it appraised by another pro, if it is indeed an original stradivaris it could be very well worth in the millions, it is quiet literally the rarest instruments and they are said to be the best quility and sounding....peace...

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST,anna
Date: 18 Feb 11 - 08:17 PM

I have an Ole Bull fiddle that came from my grandmothers house. My grandmothers parents came through Ellis Island in the 1800's from Germany so I think the fiddle my have come from Germany. It is in "ok" shape and has a case that seems pretty primative. I guess I want to know if it is worth anything? I see mixed opinions so if someone know please tell me.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST,Louis
Date: 05 Jan 16 - 12:54 AM

Mine was repair in 1928 by E.Froment,there is no tags on the inside that I could see except E.Froment the neck has mother of pearls in it it is a 4/4 according to the measurements , but can't find maker mark or year, case looks like a coffin,

Subject: RE: Folklore: Found: An Ole Bull fiddle
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 05 Jan 16 - 11:26 AM

As I read these posts, I am saddened. Saddened to hear of violins left in attics, in garages, in barns, where temperatures get extremely hot or extremely cold, where dry air destroys glue and leaks can cause mold.

Instruments should be kept in the same climatic conditions we would keep a baby in.