Date: 30th October 2000
Contents:
1. Web site Changes
2. New Pictures
3. New Links
4. The Electric Violin Book
6. Ask Andy:
Bow Bugs
Mail (male ?) Bugs
1. Web site Changes
I have added a link in the 'Related Sites' to John Pauley's 'REV Beat Unlimitted' web
pages. Here you will find details about his band and the courses he runs for electric
violin. Also included are some very good sound clips of what you can do with an electric
violin. Thanks John.
2. New Pictures
Some superb new instruments found this month have been added to the gallery.
Check out the amazing E. F. Keebler instruments from the States.
Pictures of Verdi violins and cellos from Argentina and
Pictures of Electric Basses from Ray Ramirez in Spain.
3. New Links
I have added the following:
121 - The largest data base of music industry related web information in over 50 countries
(so they say)
Links added to the lists fro Ramirez and E.F.Keebler
4. The Electric Violin Book
Is there anyone in the States who would like to and be able to be a US distributor
for the book? If there is please let me know and I will pass on your details to the
publisher.
5. Ask Andy
This month I had a lady visit me with two violin cases. She said she
wanted them tidied up and checked over. When I opened the cases each violin was wrapped in
cloth and covered in bow hairs!. Nearly 50% of the hairs were severed about 2 inches away
from the bow frog. This was a serious case of Bow Bugs! in fact it was a Violin Case of
Bow Bugs!! The bug (and it may only be just one) has the formal name of Anthrenus Museorum
or 'museum beetle'. The bug is actually a larva of this insect with a length of 2-3mm.
This larva eats the hair. They live on nothing but keratin, the protein material which
makes up animal hairs. They do not drink and do not need very much oxygen. In museums they
are a scourge as they can eat an entire butterfly collection leaving just the pins or
devastate any stuffed animals. Although the larva prefers the dark and hair to eat, the
adult insect prefers light and pollen.
This is all very interesting but what should you do if you find that your bow hairs have been 'mysteriously' broken, in a case you perhaps have not opened for some months? Take the case outside with the bows (leave the violin in-doors) and brush out the case well. Vacuum the case with a nozzle. Cut the bow hairs off the bow at the head and frog end and either burn them or put them in the dustbin. Leave the case, open in sunlight or under bright light. Spray the inside of the case with some insecticide or pet flee spray or leave a small piece of insecticide strip in side. The pesky critters should then be sorted out.
I would appreciate ideas for future 'Ask Andy' questions - product reviews, technical
discussions, making
items??? Let me know what you would like to know.
Talking of bugs, I had another computer bug recently and had to rebuild my email system. In the process I lost about 2 days worth of incomming mail. If you sent me an email and I have not replied please can you send it again. Sorry about that.
I hope this has helped you.
Any suggestions for future discussions, Click to Email me
Bye for now,
Andy Holliman