1) Are strings available?

2) Are cases available?

3) Is music available?

4) Are recordings available?

5 )Where can I purchase an instrument?

6) How much do octet instruments cost?

7) How many octets are there and where are they kept?

1) Are Strings Available? The SuperSensitive String Company www.supersensitive.com makes matched sets of durable strings for all the octet violins. The company is currently working on an upgraded line for many of the octet violins. Recently, strings for the bass and contrabass have been added. Alto players can try SuperSensitive’s long (20”), light-gauge viola strings as well. Many conventional sets from other manufacturers will also work for the basses. Octet instruments with tunings and string lengths similar to conventional instruments, for example, the baritone and mezzo, can use any commercially available string.

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2) Are Cases Available? Yes, for most new family violins.

Treble Violin: The treble violin will fit into a half-size violin case. These are commonly available from many sources. Take note, however, that a half-size case will not accept a full-size bow.

Soprano Violin: A soprano will fit a three-quarter-violin case. These are commonly available from many sources. Take note, however, that in most models a three-quarter-size case will not accept a full size bow.

Mezzo Violin: The mezzo fits nicely into a case intended for a 15” – 15 ¼” viola. A wide variety of styles at various price levels are commonly available from many sources.

Alto Violin: Oblong cases for alto violin are currently available at Singing Woods Violin. These are basic lightweight foam cases. This case will not fit the Hutchins model alto. Hutchins altos still require a custom case or bag, although there are creative ways to adapt non-musical-instrument cases for the purpose.

Tenor Violin: Shaped cases for either the Spear or Hutchins model tenor violin are currently available from SInging Woods Violin. These are basic lighweight foam cases. Take note, however, that at present these cases will not accept a full-size bow. The tenor will fit in many standard half or three-quarter size cello cases, but these may not accept a full size bow, either.

Large Instruments: For the baritone, small bass, and contrabass, bags are a more economical choice. Custom case and bag makers can be contacted to make a padded bag for your instrument. Singing Woods Violin will be importing a case for the Spear model baritone violin in the second quarter of 2009. This case will not fit either of the original Hutchins models.

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3) Is Music Available? Music and pedagogical material are currently being prepared by Singing Woods Violin and the Hutchins Consort. This will include music of varying difficulty as well as music for subsets of the octet. Transcriptions and adaptations also will be offered as well as music written especially for the new violin family. Please check back for word on availabilty.

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4) Are Recordings Available? There is a small, but growing number of discs. At present, these can be ordered through CD Baby www.cdbaby.com along with other recordings produced by independent artists who play individual octet instruments. Additional recordings are available on the Hutchins Consort web site.

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5) Where Can I Purchase an Instrument? A list of qualified luthiers is in preparation and will be included on this site when ready. All names listed on our pages will be highly experienced luthiers who have been well-trained in the techniques of free-plate tuning. A list of luthiers can also be found on the NVFA web site.

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6) How Much Do Octet Instruments Cost? The list given here is intended as a general guideline for planning purposes. Prices shown are in US dollars. Please keep in mind that these amounts in the last column reflect prices typically paid for hand-made, built-to-order octet violins from experienced makers based on the current market. Singing Woods Violin does not attempt to regulate the prices asked by individual makers, so these amounts may vary considerably. Several organizations and private companies, including Singing Woods Violin, are working to provide quality instruments for beginners and students at lower cost. Please check back for updates.