Developing my Wallace 5-string violin
2024
I’ve done upwards of 40 (or more!) conversions of regular violins to 5-string violins. These are called fiddolas, since they are almost always played by fiddle players who want a fiddle size instrument with a C string from a viola. The conversions are great, but they do have their drawbacks. Unless I am replacing the neck completely (which I have done), usually a conversion has the regular neck with a shim used to widen it, and then a flared fingerboard. I cram in all the 5 pegs into the regular 4-string pegbox.
I developed a few custom 5-string violin models, starting off with an Amati model, and then making an extra small (for a 5-string) version for a smaller player. When it came time to design my definitive version, I ended up choosing the Titian Strad, a favourite Strad of mine. There is lots of technical information and photography of this instrument, making it an excellent choice as a jumping off point for a model.
For my Wallace 5-string, I stretched the whole instrument by 2%, on all parameters, making it just a little wider and longer. Not too long though, because I wanted it to feel like a fiddle, not a viola. It comes in at 365mm long, which is just 1cm longer than a standard violin. The stretching only added 5mm to the length, so I stretched the lower bout another 5mm. This makes the playing length still very similar to a violin, but adds some volume to the body.
The neck and scroll were a real treat to design, because I didn’t have to compromise anymore! The neck is wider, and the scroll is longer. I still like things to feel pretty close together so my width at the nut is 27mm. I’ve seen instruments wider and also narrower, so these feels right in the normal range.
Because each instrument I make is unique, I can adjust things like the shape of the neck, corner style, f-hole design, scroll style, without making major changes to the overall form that I have developed.
Below you can see the completed 5-string next to one of my 4-string violins, which is 355mm long. The 4-string is an Alard inspired Amati style, so the overall look is quite different as well.
