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Dick Degraaf is a concert violinist in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Below are several emails from him.
Thursday, January 29, 2009 5:49 AM
Subject: RE: Violin
Hi Peter;
First of all, today, I had the chance to try the violin. I am glad I made the decision to send it to you again, because it has improved so much, far more than I espected. The Canone, now, inspires me to play on a much higher level. I am sure you know the feeling of lacking inspiration, just because the violin doesn't sound the way you like. I also hope, Mr. Khismatulin will have the same thrilling experience!
If there would be an orchestra with string players, all having your bass bar, how would this sound like? Maybe we will know in the next years, when more musicians will take the "risk" to send their violin to you!
Thank you again,
Best regards,
Dick.
Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Subject: RE: Canone
Hi Peter:
The violin just arrived.
It sounds terrific! The G string has improved, but also the other strings sound more powerful than before. I already put the evah strings on. The bridge is still on its original place. It has not moved at all.
Thank you for your work; We will keep in touch.
Best regards.
Dick
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Subject: RE: Canone
Hi Peter:
It is unbelievable but the Canone is still improving in sound and character... For now I am happy playing my solo pieces. It sounds very well. When I play in the orcherstra, I have no difficulty in playing when the brass is loud. That is really a big difference comparing to the time before the 2nd adjustment. My opinion is the violin now sounds as good as an Guarneri del Gesù, maybe even better; Do you agree?
Best regards,
Dick.
February 2, 2008
Hi Peter,
A few hours ago, the violin did arrive. Everything is OK.
As promised, I will give you my first impression: the violin sounds superb. The e-string shines like a star with lots of overtones. It is really very easy to play and the sound is rich and full. But I also think the violin will still grow in sound.
I've never played on a real Guaneri. It might be interesting to compare your exellent work on this violin with the real "IL CANONE"...Peter; Thanks very much!
Now I can practice with much more fun and ease, because the violin will help me a lot. I really hope many more musicians will try your new bass bar; it makes a big difference in playability, sound and power.
Therefore I will write you again after a week or so, when I get used to the difference in sound. Then I will be able to give a still more refined opinion about the changes in sound.
Best regards,
Dick de Graaff
February 22, 2008
Hi Peter:
You were right, this violin carries very well. I still have a question: I am looking for a good way to insure the violin. The problem is, hearing the sound, everyone would expect this is a very expensive violin. But, you know, I paid little money for it.
To insure it, I will need a taxation paper of a certificate, and I will have to go to a violin maker...When something happens, like theft or damage, now there is no way the insurance company will be able to pay for a violin that is good enough to replace the "canone"...
Best regards,
Dick de Graaff
April 3, 2008
How are you?
I really enjoy playing on the "canone"! I played a solo with the orchestra last program and the violin was marvelous. But now, there is a new chance for me to sell the contavalli violin in the Netherlands to a colleague of my orchrestra. I will buy the violin of his daughter in reverse, which is a hungarian violin: Joannes Toth from 1931 with a bright sound, Stradivari model. The violin will cost me about 7000 euro, which is I think a good price. The only problem is, the upper blade is a little bit stiff with a few repairs. It certainly will need your patented bass bar, for the sound lacks power and depth. But to start with, the sound is much better than the canone in the beginning. When everything is arranged, can I send this violin to you?
With kind regards,
Dick de Graaff
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