Just like Magic Fluke's renowned Fluke, Flea and Firefly
ukuleles, the Cricket shares the same distinctive design and quality features.
The Cricket is a full-scale violin, also available in 14" Viola scale tuned CDGA. Versatile enough to satisfy seasoned
violin and fiddle players looking for an affordable, durable travel
instrument as well as beginner students seeking a fully
set-up,
ready-to-play first instrument. Furthermore, the Cricket is made in the USA.
With its unique open headstock and use of
simple Grover friction pegs or optional geared Pegheds, the Cricket
Violin is remarkably easy to tune or restring. Like our other
instruments, the body is molded of a high quality, glass reinforced,
durable thermoplastic for stiffness and resonance. The arched top is CNC
machined solid spruce with a choice of solid walnut, mahogany or maple neck. The
included chin and shoulder rest is adjustable three ways to accommodate
all players. The end result is a surprisingly full range, warm sounding
violin that's comfortable to hold and easy to play.
11/26/18 Update - Viola scale is finally available. 14" scale on the same body tuned CGDA.
3/14/17 Update - Added
black to the color options including a black stained walnut neck - very
sharp. Viola scale option should be available in April. Designed around
a 14" scale, it promises to be a great alternative for a compact travel
instrument for both practice and performing with the excellent built in
'Open to Source' pickup.
12/15/16 Update - After
evaluating a number of different strings, we settled on Thomastik
Alphayue as the best match for the Cricket adding both volume and warmth
to its tone.
These are now standard and a real bargain for a synthetic string.
3/20/15 Update – New Open Source Sensors
pick up is now available. This high quality U.S.A. made soundboard
transducer is a big improvement over the previous system. Known for
their warm, accurate acoustic sound reproduction, these custom made
pickups give the Cricket a surprisingly big rich sound. Because of the
unique mounting between the sound post and the top, no preamp is
required which means no battery to worry about, super light weight, AND
lower cost.
9/16/14 Update – Finally dialed in the adjustable
chin/Shoulder rest along with a few other improvements.
The chin rest was shifted further away from
the instrument and the shoulder rest was tucked further under the instrument
providing a more balanced support. The neck was also modified to allow for an
additional 1.5” of unobstructed top plate area. This combined with the downsizing
of the sound holes, resulted in a more balanced output with improved low end resonance.
The pickup transducer was also moved further under the bridge for increased
response plugged in. Everyone’s support and feedback has been very helpful as
we continue to make improvements – thanks.
Testimonial & Video
"As a professional musician that's always on the go, it's wonderful to finally find an instrument that is so durable, smaller than my full size acoustic violin and all without sacrificing any of the comfort or sound quality & volume."
"I can't match it with any traditional violin I own. They always lose something when plugged in but the Cricket seems to find its voice. I go from playing slow ballads at home over an SR Jam amp to boisterous pub gigs with this thing. Never any distortion even if you push the highs. This is a quality pickup."
"- Great amplified acoustic tone, no feedback/distortion - Rugged design great for klutzes like me - Easy to reach high notes thanks to slender body - Easy on the back (I can play 3-hour stretches without any trouble)"
