Acoustic Electric Strings Acoustic Electric Strings  

      Acoustic Tone – Number One ˜ Amplified Tone – Second to None

   From G. Edward Lutherie
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London 5–String Violin

Top of the line 5-string...

Our London 5-string violin is the result of 3 years of research into a new design with the sound, feel and look that's unique to Gary Bartig of G. Edward Lutherie. The arching of the top, width of the upper/lower bouts, width of the nut, and feel of the neck all add up to a 5-string violin that sounds as good as it feels. And the beautifully antiqued finish gives the look of an Italian classic.

Almost cheating physics...

To create a 5-string acoustic body that provides a deep low end, as well as a powerful clear high end comes very close to cheating physics. Add to that the challenge of designing for high level playability, with string spacing that's wide enough for proper fingering yet with a neck still comfortable to hold. Each dimension must be finely executed.

The challenge is met...

The London5 has the string spread of a 4-string violin - 5.3 mm at the nut, string to string, on center. To make the neck feel slim, we carve it with a slight V shape. And the radius of the bridge has also been perfected - our proprietary arching scheme facilitates smooth string changes while bowing.

Hear for yourself...

The following audio clips were recorded with the same London 5-string violin (with pickup installed). The pickup audio clips (DI direct input) were recorded at the same time as the microphone-only clips. We feel these audio clips demonstrate that our internal pickup has nearly no effect on the acoustic tone of the violin. Absolutely no equalization was used in either mic-only or pickup-only clips, however we did add reverb.

London 5-string audio clips! Mic only - Bach classical tune
London 5-string audio clips! Pickup only - Bach classical tune

London5 audio clips! Mic only - fiddle tune
London5 audio clips! Pickup only - fiddle tune

And our customers confirm...

"I love, love, LOVE this instrument! It has a beautiful, warm sound with so much depth and dimension to it, and it is lovely to look at and easy to play as well." – Cori S.

"Kelsey was overjoyed with her new violin. Thank you so much for helping me make her dream come true." – Roger A.

Peter Johnson playing his London 5-String (YouTube) Watch one of the many fabulous YouTube videos from London5 player Peter Johnson.

And from Darol Anger:

"Just used the London 5 string on a very large outdoor music festival gig in Arkansas, both as a duet with guitar and on 4 huge sets with Yonder Mountain. No way I was going to be able to use a microphone. But the tone from the London5's pickup was the best I've ever gotten out of any violin pickup. I am convinced by this instrument in every way. I think you have hit the bull's eye on this model. Acoustic or electric, it's absurdly high quality for the price. I think you're going to have trouble keeping these in stock once the word gets out!


Thank you for all your years of work in developing such an 'eminently' playable instrument!"


Mouse over thumbnails below
to view larger images.

London 5-String Front View

London 5-String Detail Showing Side Jack

London 5-String Back View


The London 5-String . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1799
(Case included; free shipping within US.)

The London 5-String with internal pickup: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2199
(Case included; free shipping within US.)

Optional Accessories:
L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic DI Preamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $169
5-String Violin Bow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $699

One week free trial...

Our instruments are available with a one-week free trial period (US orders only), with free shipping anywhere in the US. If you decide not to keep the violin, you pay only for return shipping.

Call Gary at 800-741-3045 to order.

London 5-String details...

Beautifully Antiqued Finish
Lightweight Internal Pickup Does Not Affect Acoustic Tone
No External Knobs or Wires
Top: Hand Carved Spruce
Back, Sides and Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Despiau
Strings: D'Addario Helicore, with 14" Viola C
Tailpiece: Wittner Adjustable
All Woods Are Aged
Case Included; Free Shipping within US

Your complete satisfaction –
our ultimate goal...

All our instruments are set up by luthier Gary E. Bartig in our Minneapolis shop. If you have special setup needs, Gary will work with you to accommodate them. And if you'd like to audition two violins for comparison purposes, just let us know!

Our warranty policy...

We provide a two-year warranty on the body of our instruments, and a 5-year warranty on the internal pickup. If your instrument needs repair after the end of either warranty, we will be happy to assist or advise on best options.

 

Audio clips recorded at Warehouse Studio, performed by Kip Jones.
Learn more about our audio clip recording methods.