This is my new Dudley 5-String. This one was done a little different in that it was built on a std. sized Cannon violin pattern 14" instead of 14.5". The ribs were made a tad deeper much like a 14" viola. Still has a great C string. Its just a little more fiddly sounding which was what I was after. I also had the neck done as a 3 piece laminant (maple/ebony/maple). English sycamore back and sides. Old engelmann spruce top. 2 weeks old and sounding great !!

David Blackmon

The first Dudley 5-string is a little more viola-ish if you will....not like a viola. The new one being built out of different materials and a slightly smaller model is just different....a little louder in the upper harmonics with out being harsh...also a little crisper bow response. I suffer from a spinal cord-neck injury that happened to me 8 years ago, so the smaller model is a little easier for me to hold and get around on. I have larger hands so I had the neck made about a 1.5mm wider but I kept the string spacing the same.....hence it gave me a little more finger board on the edges so when playing on the E string it feels more like a std. violin. Everybody who has tried it really likes this feature so far. The trade off is a slightly wider neck...but not by much. I actually have 4 5-strings now 2 Dudleys, A Brunkalla 15.25 in. viola, and a Snow Strad. copy 5-String violin, I would love to sell the Snow and the Brunkalla by the way !!!

DB

If you want to hear this fiddle go to http://www.myspace.com/dudleyviolins It is the opening song on my page.