Neil Gow 22C Travel Violin

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What differentiates the Neil Gow 22C from the Neil Gow 21C is all about ergonomics and usability.

Both instruments, while actually quite modern under the surface, are based on our extremely popular Neil Gow Pochette, an interpretation of an 18th Century pochette (pocket fiddle or kit) on display in the Burrell Museum in Glasgow, Scotland. The body of ALL of the Neil Gow family of instruments by Don Rickert Lutherie, while longer than the historic original on which their design is based, and have a full 4/4 size playable string length (nut to bridge), is 13 inches. This is one inch shorter than a 4/4 conventional violin. Most players do not notice this small difference in body length. For other musicians, especially novice and intermediate players, that one inch difference is important.

In addition to the slightly short body issue, we are constantly seeking ways to make the process of attaching the chin rest and shoulder rest adaptor as simple and easy as possible.

In summary, the slightly short body and quest for the perfect chin rest and shoulder rest solution for a backpacker violin, has resulted in the new Neil Gow 22C Travel Violin. The chin rest, which does not have to be removed in order for the instrument to fit into its case, also adds one inch of length, as shown in the photos.

A design bonus is that the track to which the adjustable shoulder rest adaptor is attached is permanently affixed to the chin rest. The whole affair (chin rest and shoulder rest adaptor track) is designed so that is very securely attached to the instrument by a single screw to the end pin.