Turtle Fiddle
Back: Unfigured Maple
Top: Italian Spruce
Neck: Maple
Antiqued oil varnish
Body length: 363 (13 7/8″)
Bouts: 164, 112, 302
Ribs: 29.5 all round
String length: 330
Stop: 194
This is a follow up to the Dimpled Viola. The sides on that instrument reminded me of reptile skin and that inspired me to try make something that played up those reptilian qualities. The dimples on the viola, which were somewhat random have been formalized, enlarged and made symmetrical about the centerline. Read more about the ideas behind this fiddle
The Turtle Fiddle is based on the Korchanski Del Gesu, which I have used many times and this fiddle, despite its appearance, sounds very much like my other versions. If anything it is possibly a little more responsive than usual.