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The fiddle reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
216 reviews in the archive.
I recently purchased a fiddle from Royce Burt, Jones Creek #713. I wanted a fiddle that would challenge me to play better and one that I could expand into and learn how to control better tone and volume. I have been following Royce's YouTube posts for about six months. Finally, when the Jones Creek models came out, I sent him a check. Since I'm here in Florida, I drove the seven hours over to Royce's place to play some fiddles. To say that Royce is a gracious host is an understatement. He brought out twenty + fiddles for me to narrow down the voice I was looking for. When I had narrowed it down to three, we both played them for each other (Royce is an awesome fiddler!) We both agreed that #713 was 'The One'. His patience and hospitality were over the top and helped me get to the right choice. He even gave me some great playing tips and fixed a few issues on my other fiddle, no charge.
As for Jones Creek #713, it's a big, deep voiced Strad model that dominates the conversation if it wants to. Mid range is smooth and loud, high notes are very clear. Finish is a beautiful honey gold like a vintage Martin D45 top. Not glossy but not dull either. Lots of beautiful close grained spruce showing through the top and of course very warm golden aged maple on back and sides. All appointments are clean and it even has pearl inlaid peg tips that I didn't discover until I got home from Plant City. Did you mean to give me those Royce? I couldn't help becoming a believer in Royce's 'math' as he calls it. His graduations and voicing secrets are not an accident. He has apprenticed with some of the best, and he's hitting his stride at this point. I played a prototype he is working on. (look for some newer models soon that are pushing these fiddles even further). What else can I say, Royce is honest and easy to deal with. His fiddles sound great and they are affordable. I highly recommend Royce Burt as a luthier and all around great guy.
Oh, and if you're an FSU grad, all the more fun with Royce - Go 'Noles!
Overall Rating: 10
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