The Custom Shop

4 vs 5 strings 

When designing a custom instrument it is important to think about how it will be used. Traditional stringed instruments have 4 strings, but adding a 5th string, a rather simple change, can greatly increase the range and playability of your instrument.  Neck and String Spacing: The neck of a 5 string instrument will be slightly larger than a 4 string by a few millimeters. The string spacing is slightly reduced between each string (approximately 0.5mm per string) to balance between overall neck width and string spacing.  Bow Angle: The bow angle will change slightly for the various strings with addition strings. But, just like with any instrument, it is merely a process of adapting and getting to know your new instrument.  

Cellos: E-C-G-D-A 

The 5th string added to a cello is a low E. This gives a fantastic low range allowing for additional bass lines to be picked up by the celloist in the group.   

Violins: C-G-D-A-E 

The fifth string added to the violin is a low C. This greatly increases the playability. In one instrument you can cover viola parts and violin parts due to the added low range. 

Strings 

It is the buyer decision as to what type of strings are included with the instrument. Any string brand will work on electric instruments. It is suggested to choose the same strings that would normally be used.  

Octave Strings: 

If you are looking for something different you can experiment with things like Octave strings for violins which play an octave lower than traditional strings. A cello sound coming out of a violin is sure to surprise a few people.

Wood can be divided into two basic categories. Hard woods and soft woods. Each type has properties that make them useful in certain situations. Most hard woods for example, bend much more easily than soft woods. Hard woods create excellent resonant chambers and are strong, but are also more dense. Some soft woods, such as spruce, used in the majority of instrument tops, are light weight, strong, and have excellent resonant abilities.  

Wood can also classified according to their acoustic properties. some woods produce warmer, more mellow and earthy sounds, while others produce more pure and bell like tones. Traditional instruments are composed of maple sides and backs with spruce tops.  

When making an electric instrument the wood choice will have an impact on the final quality of the sound. Of course the pick-up will be what drives the signal, the qualities and types of the material used should not be overlooked as the material will have a residual effect on the instrument's vibrations sensed by the electronics. In addition, the semi-acoustic performance series instruments are playable acoustically, and so a desireable acoustic sound may also be of importance.  

Wood Varities 

Hard woods: maples, spalted maple, rosewood, cocobolo, zircote, bubinga, blood wood, ebony, koa, kingwood, mahogany.  Soft woods: spruce, cedar, bass.  top  Selecting Materials The choice of woods can be customized for each instrument. Common woods include:  Top and back: various maples, spruce, cedar, koa  Sides: various maples, rosewood  Other wood choices can be discussed and will be decided based on wood qualities and availabilities.

Full Bridge 

A full bridge pick-up made by Barbera comes standard on Zamar instruments. Full bridge pickups completely replace traditional bridges. They are permanently installed into the instrument. Full bridge pick-ups will deliver the fullest and best sound. There are many other full bridge pick-ups on the market to choose from.  

Bridge Clamp-On

 Bridge clamp-on pickups fit onto regular instrument bridges. They are usually more inexpensive, but can still deliver a fantastic sound. A benefit is that they can be installed both permanently into the instrument or temporarily fitted, typically to the tailpiece. A temporary fit would allow you to easily use the same pickup on any instrument you want.  

Other Considerations 

There are also under-the-bridge pick-ups available. These pickups sit underneath the feet of traditional bridges and can also be installed for a temporary fit, however, the instrument needs to be de-strung to remove it. If you are interested in that can be discussed during consolations.  Microphone pick-ups are not recommended for Zamar instruments due to the reduced body chamber which does not have the same acoustic output as a traditional bodied instrument.

Inlays and accent pieces 

Custom inlays will be discussed during consultations.  Common inlays include:  Button: usually of ebony  Corners: accent pieces to match the instrument  Scroll: accent pieces fitted into the scroll  Materials Materials used for inlays are best used to contrast the main body material. Common materials include ebony, rosewood, walnut, zircote, bubinga, koa, bloodwood, and mother of pearl. Other inlay materials can be discussed during consultations. top  Original Inlays Designing your own inlays can be discussed during consultations. It would be best to provide a drawing that can be discussed.  Customized inlays, like the ones pictured here in the back of the peg box add a personal touch to each instrument.

Hardware

Peggs, tailpieces, chinrests, etc can all be selected throughout the production process.

Finishes

Instrument finishes can range from a French polish to show off the beauty of selected wood, to traditional violin finishes.