#gaboon vampire

Viola parts are really rare, compared to Strad. standard, school-quality violin parts.

Viola parts, particularly 5-string violas, extended downward a fifth, are even more rare.

Mark Wood's Viper is a really popular design. A lot of people are playing them.

Hardware is a good investment.

Fiddles are pretty modular.

It's the hide glue.

It's fairly reasonable to swap-out a fingerboard or a neck, or a body and just transfer over the custom hardware.

I really love making musical instruments and acoustical sculpture!

Why Gaboon Vampire?

Hmm, the hinges are not coaxial. What to do?

Mortice the taller one? (Lose wood thickness)

When projected onto the bridge, the fingerboard is really about 8mm too narrow. The fingerboard and tailpiece elevations look good.

Helicore Strings are too Short! Even "LONG" 16" to 17".

This special length F string is designed to fit the Wood Violins Viper 6 and 7-string violins, which have an angled tailpiece that requires a longer than normal string. ... And, they have been out-of stock since December.