Do luthiers get nervous working on instruments like this. What is the best violin you've worked on Olaf and how did you feel about it.

@AskOlaftheViolinmaker

Жыл бұрын

I know what you mean... In the end they are still just violins. So I treat it the same as most good repairs... and REALLY clean up my workspace before I start... My favourite instrument I worked on was a beautiful Guarnerius Del Gesu from 1743... Guarneri always had a beautiful flow to his work that the almost perfect Stradivarius violins lack. I am also so surprised how often those high level instruments are actually not set up to sound their best. Just a couple of changes like an acoustically engineered bridge and putting the soundpost in the right place could really lift the tone. Even soloists sometimes don't know how much better their violins could be.

@CynthiaSingsClassical

Жыл бұрын

@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker I appreciate your knowledge. 😁

@Sarah-ll2rg

Жыл бұрын

@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker I love Hilary Hahn's story about getting some adjustments made to her second Vuillaume before she bought it because she had a hunch it would open up more (and it did)

@liamnevilleviolist1809

Жыл бұрын

@@Sarah-ll2rg I remember listening to one of Ms. Hahn's first live (recorded) performances on her new Vuillaume. I knew it would be a big adjustment seeing as the Strad design is far different to the Del Gesu design. Her Strad model Vuillaume squeaked like hell!!! But yes, it *has* calmed down. I'm glad she has choices for her violins.

@Dan-lv2ih

Жыл бұрын

@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker Wow! Grateful you are sharing your knowledge.

Do you imagine, in 300 years, some other group like Two Set saying something like: "WE JUST GOT OUR OLAFS!!"

@danayang7712

Жыл бұрын

That'd be amazing! 🤩

@hilalaslan897

Жыл бұрын

Aww, that would be great 🥺

@kamikazemashiron445

Жыл бұрын

this needs to happen fr

@JamesCello

Жыл бұрын

Amazing comment ❤

@petesmith6434

9 ай бұрын

Great thought!

Two "brothers" more than 300 years ago were sitting in the same workshop. 300 years later, after many trips and different hands and probably not "seeing" each other all these years they meet again in Australia. How cool is that?

Hearing the history of both Strads from a luthier who is a respected craftsman was a great video. I enjoyed you going over each violin and giving your expert eyes on the repairs pointed out things I might had not noticed. Thank you for your reaction, your knowledge and your videos.

That's so cool that through love of classical music Brett and Eddy make us discover such cool characters like Olaf

It's always astounding to be an outsider watching a master at their craft. The way that Olaf can read the history of the violins in scars I can't even detect is a true sign of his skill and experience. I am overjoyed for Bret and Eddy to have this opportunity. Watching their video, I was surprised at just how distinctly differently the two violins' voices sound. They really have a unique character to them in the same way that living beings do; like the voices of brothers. Your analysis and explanation here really shows what creates that character and Bret and Eddy show how to bring that character to life.

I m not even a viololinist but ever since I have watched twoset, I find myself clicking on these type of content. And wow it's great to learn new stuff from people who are so knowledgeable and passionate about it. I wish I could learn your craft. Seems so amazing to be able to produce an instrument that will later be used to produce beautiful music and an outlet to human expression. Keep up your good work. Who knows some day when I m your age, I might get to see people going crazy about olaf violins. 🙌🙌

I have a violin that was made more than a hundred years ago. I'm not a professional but play as often as is possible. I just had it to the luthier for new strings and he found 2 places where the seams were letting go. What a difference the repair and new strings made in how it sounds! Hearing about all the repairs on those two violins makes me appreciate mine even more. I have heard so often that cracks in the top plate or the back destroy the sound and value of a violin. I feel that either we have no real idea of how wonderful the straps were or we are quite wrong about how much good repairs damage violins. Thank you for this video. I know I don't have a stradivarius but I feel that I am more of a caretaker than an owner of my instrument.

Thanks for making this reaction video Olaf!! Always can learn a lot from your videos!! It's great to hear a professional luthier talking about these two Strads in so much detail!

Love your videos Olaf! But a small comment: those double-blind tests didn't show that 'sometimes' people can't tell the difference between a Strad and a contemporary high-quality violin, but that they CONSISTENTLY cannot tell the difference. In other words, when statistical inferences are applied (as with all science) to allow for random variance, there is zero evidence that Strads 'sound better'. Furthermore, one of your previous videos actually informed me about why that might be -- I had no idea that older violins were often covered in those patches to mend and secure cracks, etc., which you explained compromises their tonal quality. With that in mind, I would already have hypothesized (before any empirical testing) that a modern, well-made violin would sound better (or at least as good) as a Strad, which is confirmed by the double-blind tests. edit: In other words, if I was a better violin player, I would take one of your gorgeous violins over a Strad any day! :D Also, I guess later in the video with your 'Elvis's guitar' analogy, you essentially make the same point, that the value of these instruments is not (really) based on their tonal quality.

Catherine the Great’s husband, Peter III, played the violin “pretty well,” we are told. That in itself was no reason for her to have had him strangled. She had plenty of other reasons.

I love it when Eddie cups his hands behind his ear listening to Brett play in the concert hall. If you've never done this yourself it makes a massive difference in the amount of sound information coming into your ears. This is so fun!

Thanks for sharing your insight Olaf, I'm so excited for the concert and your comments add a lot to the interest!

Olaf, this is a great video with thoughtful and insightful detail into these two wonderful and historic Strad's. Tarisio brought these two Strad's and a few other violins to the Colburn Conservatory in Los Angeles, in September. It was a unique opportunity to examine and play these instruments, especially for a mere mortal and amateur violinist as I am. My first impression upon holding the violins was awe and admiration, true historic works of art. In my humble opinion, I was deeply impressed by the stunning varnish of the Regent, and more so by its sound! Deep and round in the low registers. One of the concertmasters of the LAPHIL showed up that day, and after she played the Regent she said "this thing has a boombox inside!" The Empress Caterina is a fantastic violin, with a completely different voice than the Regent. I find it fascinating how two violins from the same maker, the same year, having distinct voices. Kudos to Tarisio for their viewing events and the unique opportunity to experience the instruments.

your videos are so entertaining, and as a musician, it is always awesome to find out how our instruments work

you should do a poll to see what the instrument makeup of your viewers are. I'm a flute player. Thanks again for the excellent content.

@wakingtheworld

Жыл бұрын

Include non-players too! A bit like the TwoSet audience I imagine: mixed. They also have a lot of non-musician subscribers... and many of those later become musicians (like myself)... The variety of musicians prob encouraged by their producing vids with a wide appeal...

Thanks for the deep dive into the background and state of these instruments. I’m glad whenever his violins are used for concerts because since his name is a household word it just raises the interest and awareness. I love that even given their age these instruments still do an amazing job at their original purpose. That’s so rare for anything in our lives today.

This was interesting. Love that you mentioned the double blind tests on sounds of violins and how ppl really can't tell difference between them and moders. The superiority of the sound is a self-perpetuating myth

Thanks for the expert discussion of the role of winter and summer grain lines in a violin top plate. A lot of amateurs don't have a clue about how master makers choose tone wood. Btw, Catherine the Great was not Russian. She came from what is present-day Saxony and spoke Russian with a heavy German accent.

I wonder if the piece will influence the selrction of which Strad Breet will use for the Mendelsohn. Both he and Eddy both like the feel of the Empress but also love the bold sound of the Consort/ Maybe after the concert you can ask why they chose the instrument. I am finding this so interesting.

It would be awesome if you could make more videos where you go through famous violins and explain the finer details. Very interesting!

Oh awesome it’s nice to get a luthier’s opinion on those two strad

Thanks for sharing your expertise with us. I really enjoyed watching. I love 2set because of them I first learned of Janine Jansen and found classical music in my early 70’s. I now listen at least an hour every day. A whole new world has been opened for me. I love chamber music as well as full orchestra. I love Beethoven Op61 and have favorite conductors as well. All because of those two goofballs. ❤

Earlier today I match with a local bow maker, and the experience was just so cool and amazing!

Stunned by Olaf's French pronounciation! And of course, his expertise.

I can't believe they get to play on something owned by Catherine the Great! That's amazing!

This is very fascinating! Thank you for posting this.

Learned a lot! Thanks, Olaf!

I really enjoyed this video! Many thanks!

So interesting; thank you so much for the video, Olaf!

This is VERY exciting. I love learning from your videos. Thanks Olaf!

I love your video! Thank you for the breakdown from your POV

Love everything you do, Olaf.

Thank you, Olaf! Informative and insightful video, as usual. We appreciate you sharing your wisdom with the world 😊

Very detailed assessment Oaf, thank you.

I love twoset violin! Thanks for the great video.

We love watching Twoset's!

Really enjoyable and informative video. Many thanks.

Very detailed introduction. I always learn something new watching yourself videos. Keep it up!

Thanks for your content..you've helped me hugely, and a nice guy to boot ❤️❤️❤️

Interesting explanation! Thank you Olaf!

Absolutely awesome! Also awesome that they were loaned those instruments! Very educational! Thanks much! 😎🎻🌞

oh Master Olaf! It is so great to hear your wisdom! :)

I was thinking about researching a bit of information/history of those Strads out of curiosity as soon as I was able and the next moment I find your video! It was really enjoyable. Thanks Olaf!

Thanks Olaf. This was really interesting!

TIL! So informative, thanks

Yes! It makes me excited to hear you say that you'll be making many more violins!

Thank you, Olaf. This has been another truly fascinating video. I am one of the non-string players subscribed to you (though my very first instrument was viola). I love getting all this insight on these beautiful instruments.

Thanks, Olaf, that was quite I retesting to see the violins through a luthier’s eyes!

Thank you for this deep dive on the instruments! So interesting to learn more about the violins with the input of a professional. Schöne Grüße aus Köln! 👋

Very interesting breakdown! 😊 Nice one Olaf!

Thanks for your thoughts

This is such a great video to compliment the original.

I love the sound of the regent. ❤️

Thanks so much for sharing the information about the Strads! I always learn a lot from your videos. Hope the Brett and Eddy do well at the concert; I'm looking forward to it, even though it will be 4:30am my time.

@MissTwoSetEncyclopedia

Жыл бұрын

Hello, fellow European ! It will be the middle of the night for me as well, we're kinda used to it by now... 😊

@amandamiller3766

Жыл бұрын

I think I have good news for you! If I'm not mistaken the live stream will be around 1:30 or 2:30pm in Europe (Singapore only being 8 hours ahead of us rn). Well, of course, that poses a whole set of other issues, like being at work or in school at that time. So don't really know which one ist better🙈

@MissTwoSetEncyclopedia

Жыл бұрын

@@amandamiller3766 Hey, that IS good news, thanks ! 😊

Great unique work indeed, Mr Olaf!

Great to hear from you.

Danke an Olaf - das ist großartig!

WOW! This is fascinating. I've never seen a Strad up close, but your keen eye I am getting a deep dive into what makes a Stradivarius such a wonderful and valued instrument. A++++ for all your knowledge and for sharing with us! Brett & Eddy got really fine instruments for sure! Thank you good sir! Bravo!

I'm really looking forward to their Singapore concert

Thanks for making this so educational Olaf; glad we're all excited for this concert!

Thank you! Just the question I was wondering after watch twoset video.

Great video, really interesting to hear about the history of these violins. It would be a quite nice topic for a series of videos; talk about the history and the characteristics of the violins played by the great masters

I have a cheap Violin but don't play anymore...every time I watch one of your videos, I learn something new. Thank you for sharing Olaf. I just love looking at Violins. Cheers

I am so happy for them, they deserve them so much. I am also quite sure, that they will be lend two Stradivarius violins for a longer period in future and that would be so amazing. Thanks Olaf for talking us through these two instruments, I enjoyed it very much. Could you explain, how violins, that have multiple repairs even on the topplate can still have a beautiful sound? I always wonder how this is possible. ❤

Thank you for making this reaction video from the perspective of a master violin maker. It really helped learning more about Stradivarius Violins. But I still have a little question about the tailpiece and the chin rest of the Regent, Superb. As you said it has the boxwood tailpiece and chin rest in this video. But I believe these are not the original chin rest when they receive it from their Ins story and also from their previous video visiting Tarisio in NY. It seems has black chin rest as well. I have a guess that this boxwood chin rest is THE chin rest from Brett's widenhouse violin. I am just very curious if it is common changing the chin rest by oneself to make it suits one better? (as I am only playing the piano not the violin) I would be very grateful if you could answer my questions. Have a nice rest of your day. 🥰

You and twoset hade made me listen really careful to violins when I go to a concert. Despite being a crappy musician myself I always recognise difference in sound from different instruments. But now I listen so much more. I recently have been to a concert with Sokolov and another concert with Maria Duenas. And that was a big difference in sound. Without you.Brett and Eddie I would not have been so attentive. Thank you.

Very interesting video Olaf ! Impressive pronunciation when you say «français ».

Whoaaa... Glad you did a follow up, Olaf. What fascinating insights into the history and 'wear and tear' of these instruments. I didn't actually know about the strengths of the summer/winter grains and have been giving my own (rented) violin the once over. Mine has a single piece back. Is that better for sound quality without the join in the middle? Edit: And I'd never even have considered how the quality of steel of the tools would affect the making of violins!

I found your comment about the personality of the player matching that of the instrument interesting. Like your client, I’m an introverted cellist who prefers the darker, more reserved I instruments. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us 😊

Loved this SO much. Always wanted to hear something of this ilk about the Strads. --non musician

Thank you Olaf 😊

Thank you for another entertaining and informative video. I found the obervation of instrument choice based on personality (e.g. introverts preferring deeper sonorous sounds, less projection) really interesting. As a non-string player (flautist), I'd never considered this connection but it definitely echoes the preference in instrument sound I developed while looking for my current instrument.

I knew you were really really good, but when you spotted the repair of a single layer of wood in the grain!! Sirrah, I bow to you!!!

I'm so glad you showed us the close ups & pointed out repairs & cracks! It really shows how fragile they are. What are the black marks under the tailpiece on the Caterina? It looks like scratches. 10:44

Such beautiful Strads!!

KZread algorithm led me here after watching TwoSet. I don't know anything about violins. Although I enjoy the occassional concerts. Subscribed.

Dear Sir, I Have been addicted to your videos since I found you. I watch every one I can. You have inspired me beyond what I already was and thank you Sir. I just ordered a cheap ass violin just to look at and tune with any luck. I am going to order 2 cheap kits to build for my brother and I

I hope they can come in to your studio with them and do a video

Wonderful to see the instrument up close through the eyes of a professional luthier who can recognize repairs invisible to the rest of us.

that's so cool to watch an expert talking about something he knows so lot about...

I love the violin! I cannot play one, ( the only thing I can play is the radio,🤣), but to me it’s woodworking at its finest! I have restored several that had extreme damage done to them. Working on them has given me a greater respect for the luthier. Love your videos, please keep them coming. Brad

Would love to know how these two violins were transported. Did someone accompany them or were they just put in a box and sent by overnight delivery? Thanks for the wonderful videos!

@oxoelfoxo

Жыл бұрын

(Ed) yeah they had them delivered. i didn't that part in the orig video and I forgot where Tarisio was located

@Casutama

Жыл бұрын

@@oxoelfoxo I don't think so, I think they had them delivered.

@AskOlaftheViolinmaker

Жыл бұрын

Usually they would send a person to deliver them...

@dees3179

Жыл бұрын

There are people whose job is to courier things of value. They often do this for museums and the art world as well.

What’s a bushing? This was very informative, really enjoyed the video! I wished that twoset had told us a bit more about the history of the strads in their video, but I guess they were just leaving that job to you! 😂

@jamesbarros950

Жыл бұрын

A peg bushing is used when the pegs have worn through the walls of the pegbox and don’t sit properly anymore, so you drill the holes wider, fill them with the bushing material, then can re drill/reem the holes to appropriate size and position for the pegs.

@TheMessyDeskxyz

Жыл бұрын

@@jamesbarros950 right! Guessed it was something like that but your explanation made it clear, thanks!

Now is the new golden age for violin making.

I agree with you about the sound of famous violins

Very educational

The tone of these violins is so sweet.🎃

Hi Olaf, thanks for making this video! It was great, seeing an analysis of these two instruments. I learned a lot. One thing I was wondering: the Superb had a grafted pegbox (which would be expected in an old instrument like this) but I didn't notice this in the Empress. Is the graft well hidden or was the entire neck replaced?

A video about your violin that you are making at the moment would be nice.

I once played an Amati. I don't remember which maker but it was real because it belonged to a violinist in the Atlanta Symphany Orchestra.

Man, the stories these instruments could tell. Blows my mind that THE Catherine the Great owned that one. You make a good point about the value being tied to history... JB Vuillame made violins 150 after Stradivarius, which is a similar distance to Vuillame and now. Could be you next ,Olaf 😉

I remembered Irish washerwomen with my Irish music book. Different arrangement than my mandolin book but I got it without looking at the music!

your insight is so fascinating

Really enjoy watching your Luthier work and this video was interesting talking about the strads in detail. Do you know much about Joshua Bells stad 1713 Huberman got stolen in 1936 and was missing for 50yrs. I would love for you to do an indepth episode with analysing this strad in close up. I have the poster of it and on both sides of the lower bouts there are what looks like out lines of rectangle pieces that have been replaced. I would love to hear your professional views on this violin. Many thanks Paul (England)

Great insight. I think there’s a little bit of delay between the audio and video so it doesn’t quite line up when you’re speaking.

314 years. Pi is everywhere!!

0:32 OW!!!

I never heard about the black edging before, really interesting--are there any Stradivarius examples where that has been restored?

I noticed TwoSet are playing with noticeably better instruments now and their playing level suddenly went up a few notches. So that was why.