Stroh violin workings

[penman]

Maybe slightly OT but..... In a previous thread I was searching for a Stroh violin. Having finally had so much success that I now have 2 originals, for the curious here are some pics of the workings of the Stroh. The pictures show how the soundpost is attached to the aluminum diaphragm or resonator from the inside and outside. For those who want to know

[Nat]

The man who takes care of my viola has a Stroh in his shop, which I've played. Ghastly noise, but what an interesting gizmo (I can't quite call it an "instrument"!). You're so luck to have found one!

[penman]

The sound of a vintage and properly set up Stroh is actually pretty good, but more suited to fiddling than classical. There are some newer ones out there that are really horrible sounding. Nat, is the one you tried a labelled "Stroviol" ? There are also some German made Stroh copies, and French ones. Just like an exhibition soundbox, the resonator and soundpost connection need to be properly adjusted, and there's also a rubber isolator that's usually petrified. For reference you can listen to the post 1904 Charles D'Almaine Victor recordings, he's playing a Stroh on them, and you have to listen real hard, some of the lower notes particularly on the D and G strings lack some overtones you get from a real violin, but otherwise you'd be hard pressed to tell. Also on cylinders he's playing a Stroh. Check out "Sailor's hornpipes" Blue amberol 1964, or Amberol 776 on the UCSB site. This is absolutely a Stroh.

[Nat]

Interesting - thanks! I won't be able to get to the shop where the Stroh is for a few weeks yet, but I'll be sure to check and see.

Incidentally, the shop now has a Victor portable and is about to have an Edison Fireside restored by yours truly. He's really featured them in his trying-out room, along with the Stroh.

[penman]

Nat:

I'll be interested to hear what you find out. As you know the originals are not easy to find, and condition may not be ideal, their adjustment and repair is more suited to experienced orthophonic repairmen, the diaphragm being a thin ridged piece of aluminum, than luthiers The new ones are very much like the crapophone version of an old one, in fact I think they're made in the same place.

[CptBob]

I played one this afternoon. I think it would take me a while to get a decent sound out of it. Playing it was like playing an electric violin for the first time, strange and unforgiving. I'm sure I could get used to it, not sure about the weight though.

[edisonphonoworks]

I was someday thinking of putting together a 15 piece cylinder recording orchestra. I do most of my recording in Chicago, I have 3 recording heads there, and a large space to record. Would need some S violin players.

[penman]

Tried to bump only the photos but got the whole thread instead