Are there any Violin or Cello players out there?

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

What type of aftermarket power cord do people suggest with their string instruments?

Okay, just had chime in with that one.......

audiotweek, that sounds like quite an innovation.

Roomtunes makes wood platforms for string players, (as well as singers)

The combination of the two of these could be an amazing step forward in acoustic reproduction.

Thanks Mr E.

Maximum coupling is the key. I saw the platforms. With what I am doing now for floor standing instruments you would not need to have an additional platform. My device provides maximum coupling at the instrument side as well as the floor room interface surface. Looking for a wider audience of open minded musicians to try the pin out. Tom

$5000 for a fine instrument seems pretty cheap. Would these be good for young people who can't afford $50,000?

$5000 for a fine instrument seems pretty cheap. Would these be good for young people who can't afford $50,000?

I worked on photographing some beautiful older Italian made cellos over the course of ten years. The images are very technical and shot in large format. I think over that time we must have shot over 60 instruments, most valued in excess of what you mention. Eventually it will become a book. During that time I came to know Dr. Ray Carlsen, who established The Carlsen Cello Foundation specifically to get good instruments into the hands of gifted children who may otherwise not afford such instruments. Check the link and feel free to pass it on to anyone you think may be interested. I do not know the current status of the non-profit, nor the parameters for qualification. I have no doubt there may be other similar programs as well. My in-laws (mother and sister) are first viola and cello in the a local orchestra. I will ask them about these carbon fiber instruments and see if they have any strong opinions. From the site and comments there, they sound like a good value, as you suggest. I would also doubt they'd have the same kind of qualities a classical wooden instrument could impart, but then I'm not a musician. The difference in price certainly could mean the difference for many of having an instrument and not having one. Aren't there also programs that lease fine instruments?