Are there any Violin or Cello players out there?

Reading the testimonials, they should be a must listen. My daughter plays the viola. Her instrument was beautifully crafted in China. As anyone knows, there is a huge range of quality coming out of there. When one comes in that is right, they are a super buy, and can have a wonderfully open and resonant sound.

I just mention this, because one should not dismiss unfamiliar builders. The best racing bicycles are made from carbon fiber. The lugged steel bikes of yesteryear are gorgeous, but are not seriously considered for racing anymore.

I would love to hear one of the Luis and Clark instruments. At first thought one might think they are akin to the cheap plastic student instruments one can find in a catalog. Carbon fiber is nothing of the sort. It is light, ultra tough, and beautiful.

Seeing all the testimonials from professionals, it still remains a miracle to me that anything but wood would be considered acceptable. If you do get one, let us know how you like it.

I have played the violin/fiddle for over 50 years now. I've always used a conventional acoustic instrument, although I almost bought a Zeta hybrid at one point. The Luis and Clark web site presents some interesting info and at 5K plus for a new violin, they must be serious about the quality. Makes me wonder if the carbon fiber body does a better job of keeping the instrument 'in tune'? That is one thing that still amazes me about some of the great artists, particularly in the jazz world; that they just do not get their instruments in perfect tune before recording.

I play the cello and am familiar with the Luis and Clark instruments. They are not for everyone. They sound very big, project well but lack the sweetness and neuance of a good wood instrument. Some will use them as an outdoor instrument as they are not affected by weather and are a bit more durable. I have talked to many who like them and others that don't. My recommendation would be to try one for a period of time before making a purchase choice. My favorite cello was a Carl Becker, wonderful. But the reality is that the very fine cello's make audio seem really really inexpensive.

I am not a player..I have developed a direct coupled purely mechanical End Pin for cello and bass that increases string and wood reactance, decreases wrist and forearm fatigue with a gain in acoustic output as much as 1.5db/50%. Tom