richardsachs@juno.comrichardsachs@juno.com9/7/04 1:17 PM
> i can't for the life of me understand why the
> famed cremonese fiddle maker's remaining works are so costly.
> the ones that are played have had SO MANY parts replaced in
> the hundreds of years since their manufacuture that i wonder
> what is really left.
... if you mean the famous Strads and Guarnieri's (and German Klotz basses) - it is really only the body and finish of the instrument that defines its godly sound. Tuning pegs, strings, even finger boards are acceptable to be replaced - they wear out like bike parts!
It is the shape, material, finish, and varnish of these instruments that are integral to the sound - which is why I like original paint on bikes (how's that for bringing it back on-topic?) One could argue whether or not the 'ride' of a bike is affected by the paint, since the pleasure of riding may partly depend on the glances you have of your frame when reaching for the shifters or water bottle :-) Plus - think of the pleasure you bring all those riding next to you who slow down to applaud your vintage steel - and then speed ahead on a non-descript, ugly, carbon monster!
Greg arnold nyc