The mystery of a pawn shop violin (+ FREE Sample Library)

[dionysus]

W.T. Fisher was probably a poor man in the Ozarks, who could not afford a violin but knew woodworking and knew he could make one. So he did. It sounded good, and he was proud. It probably entertained his family and the families of his friends and neighbors.
I think it’s fantastic you’ve saved the samples so the sound can be saved and used forever now.
It’s something very special, this small piece of American folk instrument. It’s a sound not many people get to hear today.

[gsboss]

you are preserving sounds we didnt even know existed. cataloguing and archiving these things is a big deal for me so thanks for your work.

[abroadwin]

Pretty crazy to think of an amateur in the distant past lovingly making this instrument for themselves only to have its sound captured in a virtual instrument used by countless people here in the present. I'm sure their mind would be blown seeing this. Thank you so much for all of the amazing work you do!

[andycordy]

Everything about this video has you in it, from the nature of the instrument you found, your happening to have a few violin bridges kicking around the place, your tenacity in trying to find out about the maker and your optimistic investment of time getting it to a playable state, to your choice of "Cassette pong" among the effects presented by the LVX delay unit (which inspired me to google it-excellent). A delightful piece of work.

[richsackett]

When you were talking about the records you examined, I was surprised you didn't follow up on any of the "farmer" ones. This instrument was obviously made by a farmer. Every detail shouts it. The handwriting is by the Greatest Generation or before.

[Tom_Losh]

I had an ex-in-law who was a truck driver, and in his spare time he hand made several violins. I looked him up in the '40 and '50 census and sure enough he was a truck driver and there is no mention of his violins. (No, his last name was Powell, not Fisher.) Good luck on some random family member out there seeing this video, recognizing that violin, and contacting you.

BTW: I like that sound of it. Much nicer than I expected.

[absinthetic]

I’m also in Philly, so now I 100% HAVE to check out that Pawn Shop you mentioned on South St.

[craftminerCZ]

Missed opportunity to make the title of this video "W.T.F. made this violin"

[InformationIsTheEdge]

That was really impressive! It looks exactly like what a farmer with no spare money would make to satisfy his/her musical bent. My father grew up on a farm and the credo of all farmers was, figure out how to do it yourself or how to do without it. SO MANY of them were expert engineers, electricians, plumbers, masons, carpenters, auto mechanics and farmers out of necessity. Not only did the locals NOT have to go without, I bet they were thrilled to hear the music that came off that beauty!

[merman]

I love the homemade look of the violin and the sound of the samples. I wish you luck with finding out more about the creator, it would be amazing to have that backstory in more detail. Maybe he was a farmer, who carved his own fiddle for a hoedown?

[stephenkane]

I work at the said pawn shop and you're a genius

[hrlarson]

I love the sound of that fiddle! Feel like I really have to make a boxfiddle. That slightly nasal and distorted tone is wonderful.

[brucelawson]

Everything about this is so wholesome - from the generosity of making the sample format and VST, to the research and documentation of it, to calling it "Decent Sampler" cheers me up. I'll be happy to write to Buckingham Palace and suggest you be granted honourary British citizenship and perhaps be made Sir Dave, keeper of the King's round robins.

[irbomusic]

I'm loving the new video format with all the b-roll footage, it looks really professional like I'm watching a documentary lol

[TadDoylemusic]

The depth of care and research that you put into these instruments is remarkable and at the very least entertaining. Thanks for all that you share with all of us.

[ConditionOfMan]

David, your efforts to restore old instruments and share their unique sounds with the world has always moved me. This instrument calls out to me. I'm literally weeping messy tears. There is something about rustic things that gets me right in the core and this is just a beautiful example of that. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[PatrickMacCready]

Literally the definition of contributing to society. Thank you David.

[msmith]

If only W T Fisher knew his fiddle was heard and digitally) played all over the world.

Always grateful for the free DS samples, David.

[jensbomholt]

It sounds very comforting. And I like the framed painting on the wall. And the way you play this instrument. Everything radiates a basic beauty.

[thekathal]

God it sounds amazing, i love how soft the sound is, I think the fact that it has so few extreme frequencies gives it such a lovely modest sound.