The Old No. 54

The New Wide–Bodied 4–String Violin

Gary Bartig's latest innovation combines the power of a 5-string violin with the familiar feel of a 4-string. Made specifically for AES Acoustic Electric Strings, it's Gary's newest design for the player who wants a warm sweet tone, that's clear and loud too!

The Backstory...

Most historians attribute the first violin to Andrea Amati in 1558, and since that time only minor changes have been made to the instrument - the neck and fingerboard were lengthened, the neck angle revised, and the chin rest was added. For the most part, however, the overall dimensions of the violin have changed very little.

Due to these long-established violin dimensions, the tone of modern classical violins is powerful enough to be heard throughout a large concert hall. The soloist's violin is also bright-sounding in order to be heard above an entire orchestra.

History Updated: Sweet and Loud...

That said, the violin design as we know it is not optimized for today's players of alternative-style music. Today in the jazz, folk, Cajun, ethnic, old time, and bluegrass world there is often only one violin player, who is likely looking for an instrument that sounds thick, even from note to note, sweet, and loud.

Enter the Old No.54, featuring a slightly wider body than a standard full size violin. The neck width and length are the same as a standard full sized violin for a familiar feel. And the tone is thicker and sweeter than a standard size violin with plenty of volume.

Add Our Proprietary Internal Pickup...

...and the result is an instrument that does it all for the player of jazz, folk, Cajun, ethnic, old time, or bluegrass. And if you do play classical music, you'll be the envy of your fellow musicians!

Pricing

The Old No. 54 with Gary's patent-pending internal pickup . . .$2125
(Case included; bow not included; free shipping within continental US.)

                 Call 888-688-0069 to order today!

Optional Accessories:
L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic DI Preamp . . . $199

The word from Gary...

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Old No. 54 Details

Hand-Applied Oil Varnish, Beautifully Antiqued
Lightweight Internal Pickup Does Not Affect Acoustic Tone
No External Knobs or Wires
Top: Hand-Carved Spruce
Back, Sides and Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: German
Strings: D'Addario Zyex
Tailpiece: Wittner Adjustable
Vibrating String Length: 329mm
Width at the Nut: 23.2mm
Body Length: 360mm
Neck Length: 130mm
Total Length: 601mm
All Woods Are Aged
Case Included; Bow Not Included; Free Shipping within Continental US

VIDEO: ARTISTS PLAYING THE AES Old No. 54
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