We have spent well over 1000 hours of research & development time on the V-Gear(tm) Travel Violin. Extensive real world consumer testing of our most prototype versions revealed several key discoveries.
Little user interest in a take-apart version (violins are not that big to start with!)
The Guarnari type (over the tailpiece) chinrests were causing numerous problems, which can be summarized as: too big for the small instrument, requiring extra (undesirable) bracing, case-fitting issues, etc.
- The folding "ebonized" ABS shoulder rest holders had too much flex and scratched the backs of the instruments.
- The instruments took a lot of effort to build, making an affordable price impossible.
Fixing these problems inspired a complete redesign, resulting in an-easier to construct, better sounding instrument, with better ergonomic attributes.
- The instruments are now built around a space frame (trade secret), allowing the use of extremely thin veneers for the sides (carbon fiber sides will also be available).
- We have developed a much stronger "wing" design for the shoulder rest adaptors.

- The new design utilizes a Wittner 'over the tailpiece' chinrest.

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