About 9 months ago I decided I wanted to learn how to play the fiddle. I stumbled upon Fiddle Hangout and began reading some of the forums looking for advice on buying a fiddle. I had read about Royce Burt’s fiddles and sent an email inquiring about one from his youtube channel that I liked. At the time, the fiddle was a bit out of my price range because I didn’t even know if I would be able to learn how to play or even like playing the fiddle. I ended up going with a rental to begin with, and 3 weeks into the rental I bought a nice violin for a local violin store. While my original purchase suits me well, I was poking around in Fiddle Hangout again, and was reminded about Royce Burt’s fiddles. I read so many good things about them that I knew I just had to have one. I contacted Royce and began the process of finding the fiddle that was the right one for me. The experience from my first contact with Royce 9 months ago, to holding one of his fiddles in my hands and playing it has been nothing but wonderful! He created a special youtube video for me demonstrating 4 fiddles that met my criteria. I picked one and it was on it’s way to me the next morning. He offers a trial period, so you can confidently order a fiddle from him to try out. I am so excited to have my Royce Burt fiddle! I am also happy to have gotten to know Royce — I’ve never had such a great online buying experience.
I have two of Royce’s fiddles — two outstanding instruments from a genuinely nice man.
I am contemplating getting one of his old fiddles in the future. I love old things.
I dont think I've ever heard a single bad thing about the fiddles Burt revoices. The man has firm idea of what makes a fiddle sounding violin, and knows how to adjust and revoice instruments to fill that idea.
I have one of his fiddles, is my player of choice. Nothing but good this to say about him.
I went to Royce's house a few years ago and took up most of an afternoon trying out probably 25 or so of his fiddles. He was a patient and gracious host. I finally bought the one that I think he liked least out of the lot.
I later had him rework one of my fiddles that had a lot of sentimental value to me. I liked the tone, but it had always seemed muted and heavy; like there was just too much wood. I asked Royce to try to open up the sound without changing the tone. I really didn't think he could accomplish that trick, but he did!
Same experience for me as well. Royce is a super gentleman professionally and personally. He produces stellar fiddles through his re-graduation techniques. I bought #1318 (a Del Gesu regraduation) about 6 months ago after he had also reworked an old saxony lion head for me. Both are killer instruments. He has two more from me in his shop now for his magic. The YouTube videos of Royce’s fiddles are worth watching/hearing. But beware, it will flare up your fiddle aquisition syndrome.
My Royce Burt #1280 is on the left. The fiddle on the right is a very old fiddle I found at a local fiddle shop. It has a few cracks that I had repaired. It sounds okay, but nothing like #1280. I just like it because it is over 100 years old and shows its age. Someone must have played this one a lot. I’ve named it Scruffy. I enjoy playing them both, but 1280 is my favorite.
Edited by - LRomano on 01/14/2026 17:53:33
Scruffy :p Good luck with your new fiddle!
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