Links and Endorsements
Here are some of the artists that are playing Dudley Violins or Guitars and what they have to say. There are also some links to other music sites.
Tania Elizabeth
Tania Elizabeth is one of the most energetic and talented fiddlers on the music scene today. The Grammy nominated Duhks have a very unique blend of Bluegrass, Celtic and Rock that will rock you back on your heels! Tania’s Dudley 5-string turned out better than I expected. Tania is in the studio making a new CD using her new Dudley 5-string! www.duhks.com/
“After years of making do with the same fiddle since I was 9 years old, I have finally upgraded in a big way. The biggest difference in my musical life has been my new 5-string fiddle, built by Barry Dudley. I can't even begin to explain how much I love this instrument, but I'll try!
Several months back, Barry had approached me about building a custom fiddle, and we started a dialogue about what we both liked in fiddles (balanced, big, slightly dark sound), and how creative we wanted him to get (very). Barry built the back, sides and neck out of Bubinga, an African wood often used by luthiers for harps and bass guitars. It has been used in high-end drum shells as well, but I have never heard of it being used in violins or violas.
I have been so impressed by this fiddle – I've done several studio sessions now since picking it up a few months ago, and there are a couple of things that I've noticed.
Usually when fiddles/violins are new, they lack depth and balance – they sound immature and are often unusable for recording for several years until they round out a bit. This fiddle sounded great from the moment I started to play it, and as it matures I am starting to get a sense of just how fantastic it's going to be in 5, 10, 25 years from now. I have officially demoted my beautiful sounding, reliable 110 year-old fiddle/violin that I've had since I was 9 to "second fiddle" (ha-ha) in favor of this 9 month old baby monster.
The overtones that I'm getting on this fiddle are unlike anything I've ever observed or experienced on any other fiddle. It can sound like an electric guitar when played close to the bridge with light pressure with the left hand and fluctuating pressure on the right hand. Played more classically, it has a wonderfully rich, expansive tone that can be orchestral sounding or more directed, depending on how you choose to play. I've had so much fun layering string parts in the studio.”
“Barry's innovation and dedication to his craft are consistently producing high-quality stringed instruments that I would recommend to anyone looking to diversify their sound and expand their tonal range.” - Tania Elizabeth
David Blackmon
David Blackmon has played with such greats as Jerry Reed, Randy Travis, Driving and Crying, Collective Soul and the Allman Brothers to name a few. To say he is “A Monster” is an understatement! David used a Dudley 4-string to record their new album “Faces”. He is currently playing a Dudley 5-string.
“I just received my 5-string fiddle made by Barry Dudley. The fiddle turned out fabulous !!! I would highly recommend Barry Dudley to anybody who wants a killer 5-string fiddle. I have spent a lot of money on fiddles throughout the years and this one has THE SOUND I have been looking for. He seems to be able to do anything with wood. ” - David Blackmon
www.bluegroundundergrass.com/
Darol Anger
Fiddler extraordinaire is playing a Dudley 5-string!! I made Darol’s 5 string from Bubinga.
Darol also has started a new website for 5-string players. It is new so check it out and get involved! www.darolanger.com
Five String Violins - All Discussions
Patrick Daly, Dublin Ireland
Patrick Daly is a composer, educator and fiddle player form Dublin, a graduate of the Masters Degree in music and media technology from Trinity College Dublin. I encouraged Patrick to give me more information about himself but he is too modest! Not only is he a great musician but a really nice guy.
"Barry, I am so thrilled with this violin, it sounds amazing. Powerful and with full warm tone, the balance across the strings is perfect, it feels really great to play, thank you so much!" - Patrick Daly
Jessie Burns
Jessie Burns is an extremely talented Celtic fiddler touring Europe playing with a group signed with Columbia Records. Jessie is playing a Dudley 5-String!
Lindsey Pruett
Lyndsay Pruett is a young and extremely versatile violinist. She lives in Nashville, TN and plays in numerous projects including Futureman's Black Mozart Ensemble, Serenatta Latin Ensemble, trip-hop outfit The Janissary, and several other side person gigs ranging in style from bluegrass and folk to classical avant-garde to rock 'n roll. Lyndsay graduated from Belmont University with a major in Commercial Violin Performance and is now among the few young string players in Nashville who are doing sessions and various gigs around town. She loves her new Dudley fiddle because it has expanded her voice and vocabulary into a new range that is delightful to her musical sensibility.
“I can't believe how big the resonance and power is on this fiddle so early , it sounds soooooo great plugged in ! - Lyndsay Pruitt
Tom Vadnais
Tom is a true artist that has produced some of the photos on my website. You can easily tell the ones I took! Tom is a professional photographer of extraordinary talent. Tom has won many awards and competitions. On his website Tom exhibits many of his photos and details how you can purchase these beautiful works of art. Tom also teaches photography and if you would like to learn how to take great photographs contact Tom.
Links
Five Feathers Music – If you ever wished you had a back up band you could just put in the CD player and play the lead parts, this is the site for you. Marvin Taylor has created “Band in the Pocket”. A series of CD’s of different styles, blues, jazz etc. www.fivefeathers.comCheck this site out! www.fiddlingaround.co.uk/ Chris Haige has this site that showcases all types of Jazz Fiddle information from around the world.
Member “Violin Society of America” http://www.vsa.to/
Member “Guild of American Luthiers” www.luth.org
Official Luthiers Forum www.luthiersforum.com