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New Products
Angels Tertis-model viola; Samuel Shen SB190 Rogeri hybrid bass; Meisel adjustable chin rest; Humidipak humidity-control system; and Shar Presto Impulse violin bow; plus, in Classic Gear, the Korg CA30 tuner
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Angels Tertis-model Viola
The J.S.900VA Tertis–model viola, from Angels Strings, incorporates an ergonomic design made famous by violist Lionel Tertis. The instrument is narrow in the upper bout for easier playability. Wider lower and C bouts are designed to resonate the C-string with a relatively short body, though acoustically, violas with a narrow upper body typically lose some power in the low end. That was the case with our review model. But overall, the sound was warm with a nice edge—responsive and even—and the instrument was easy to play. According to Angels, this model is built in a workshop by three people. Our review model was well set up with Helicore strings and sported an attractive, natural-looking, shaded varnish.
Tertis-model viola:
• 15 to 16.5-inches
• Wood naturally dried over 50 years
$2,100, angelsstrings.com
Samuel Shen SB190
Rogeri Hybrid Bass
Samuel Shen’s new bass model, the Rogeri SB190, combines solid spruce top and willow ribs with a flat, laminated-maple back for stability. John Sprague of CSC Products, distributors of Samuel Shen Stringed Instruments, explains that as an instrument moves, the maple back stresses the softer spruce top, so a more stable back will cause fewer top cracks. The laminated back also lends extra strength for rougher environments such as clubs and touring. The body is large for a 3/4-size, but the top of the flat back folds in at a fairly steep angle to improve playability.
Model: Rogeri SB190
• Size: Large 3/4
• String length: 41¼ inches
• Materials: Spruce top, solid willow ribs,
flat laminated-maple back
• Varnish: Hand-rubbed oil
• Made in: China
$3,995, cscproducts.com |
Meisel Adjustable Chin Rest
Violinists have different physical requirements, so any new chin rest offers still more options in the quest for comfort. The new adjustable Meisel V808 chin rest is mounted on a small pivot that allows a custom angle, albeit within a small range (the ability to tilt the rest farther forward would be welcome). The height is adjustable by a few millimeters. The cushioned rubber cover is quite comfortable, providing just enough extra grip for a feeling of security.
• Fits 4/4 and 3/4 violins and 13- to
14-inch violas
• Cushioned rubber cover
• Includes chin rest key
$39.95, meiselaccessories.com
Korg CA30 Tuner
This stalwart tuner seems to “listen” to overtone-rich bowed strings better than many others in its price range—and it packs in the features as well. The needle display registers accurately and is easy to read. Use the built-in mic or plug in an external mic or pickup for noisy circumstances. The tuner “recycles” quickly when switching strings. It can also be calibrated to a variety of concert pitches—but watch out, that calibration button is located perilously close to the On-Off button!
Tuner features:
• Chromatic
• Detects pitches from C1 to C8
• A-440 calibration
• Automatic power off
• Internal speaker generates reference tone
• Line in for tuning with mic or pickup
About $20 on the internet, korg.com |
Humidipak Humidity Control System
After extensive testing, D’Addario has just relaunched the Humidipak in-case, two-way humidity control system. The original Humidipak was recalled because of concerns about possible varnish damage. Each reformulated packette contains a salt, water, and gel solution that absorbs or releases moisture to maintain an ideal 45–48 percent relative humidity inside your case. Slip the packette into the padded mesh bag, put it in your case, and that’s it. Humidipak comes in a high-absorption formula for superdry climates. When new, the packettes have a firm, but slightly squishy feel. When they are hard to the touch, it’s time to replace. Keeping your case closed while playing will prolong the useful life.
• Use in case
• Maintains ideal relative humidity
• Humidity control system with pouches
and three packettes, $26
• Replacement packettes, $6
• Special high-absorption model for
arid climates
daddario.com
Shar Presto Impulse Violin Bow
Don’t confuse these bows with Shar’s Presto bow for the advancing student. The new Presto Impulse woven carbon-fiber bow is a step up in terms of style and finish. Our review sample tracked smoothly from frog to tip and drew a confident, even tone, though it could have been a touch livelier on the spicatto. A different example might have performed slightly differently: though these are fabricated from man-made materials, there is some variety in the blending of resins, so that each bow feels different. The head design is graceful, the classic-looking frog is precisely made and perfectly fitted to the stick. Comes with a handsome velvet-lined bow case.
Impulse Bow (Violin Only)
• Braided carbon fiber
• Hand-fitted frog and button
• Includes bow case
$699, sharmusic.com
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