VIOLIN-GADULKA - Traditional Balkan GADULKA (Rebec) with VIOLIN Fingerboard

This is a rare model of a newly constructed traditional Gadulka combined with Violin fingerboard and corpus alike. This is actually a contemporary string instrument which has preserved the features of the traditional gadulka instruments of the past. This instrument was invented in order to enrich the musical possibilities and qualities of traditional gadulka. This is how the combination of a gadulka and violin appeared. This modification came into existence in 1951 (it was invented by two Bulgarians) and started to be used by the Bulgarian radio ensemble. Afterwards the violin gadulka began to be made by order only, for professional players and students from the music schools.

Violin Gadulka is a soprano instrument, with four stringed violin fingerboard. Its shape and make are Christo and Nikolay Stefanov's idea.
The instrument can be described as a gadulka with a violin fingerboard. What is more specific here is that violin-gadulka has 4 strings (gadulka has only three), the bow is longer compared to gadulka (made of sycamore tree), mensure length is almost the same as with gadulka (35,5cm/14incha). But it can be played as violin as well.
The materials employed are: acacia and spruce for the corpus, mahogany for the neck (fingerboard), bullÂ’s horn for the string board.
This instrument we offer you is of unique make, for the master made it while working on developing electric gadulka model. That is why on the horn stringboard is made a hole: it is intended for electrical equipment.
The tone range is between G/ Sol of the small octave and E/ Mi of the fourth octave. Instrument length: 58,5 cm/23 inches Bow length: 73cm/28,8 inches
Generally speaking, tuning, fingering (strings are pressed by fingers, not by nails as it is with gadulka) and the sonority of the present instrument correspond to the ones typical for classical violin. The violin gadulka is played in a straight position, just as gadulka. However, in order to create a more artistic effect, one can hold it as violin, too. So you see that the instrument we offer you is an extremely interesting hybrid between gadulka and violin.
Bulgarian folklore music motifs are played more often on the three strings La(A) - Re(D) - Sol(G), whereas the first string Mi(E) is used less often because of its harsh timbre.

THIS INSTRUMENT IS PERFECT. It has unique sound and rich tonality that give the player an opportunity to make a whole variety of experiments and improvisations.
Please note that the tonality of the instrument can be changed by the master, by replacing some of the strings. If you need the instrument to be in a tonality different than the one of the listed instrument, please contact us in advance. Thus you will know whether the tonality you have in mind is obtainable.

About the master: Nikolay Stefanov, Christo Stefanov's son, has learnt the skills of string instruments making from his father and has been a recognized master for 15 years now. Nikolay is known for his creative approach, desire to experiment and use innovative technologies. His greatest achievements are inventing the prototype of gadulka violin we were selling as well as a special technology of varnishing which he uses for the make of "special" gadulkas.
Both a musician and a master, Nikolay is constantly looking for new ways to add to his mastership. He has been constantly consulting university professors and professional musicians that assist him in finding how to make the best of the instruments he crafts. The result of his efforts will definitely please every professional musician!
NIKOLAY STEFANOV'S INSTRUMENTS, AN EXAMPLE OF WORKMANSHIP, ARE THE RESULT OF TRADITIONAL OLD CRAFT TECHNOLOGY. THEIR QUALITY IS GUARANTEED!