Super Nice Violin Great Quality and Price

There are several reasons why the instrument tops I produce are acoustically Superior.    

First:  Quality Control.  I am very precise in my log selection, and how I cut each unit.   I start with straight splitting logs with no twist.  The log is the raw material, and the raw material has to be very high grade to produce superior tonewood.  

Second:  The sawing of each unit.  Before sawing, it starts with the splitting of each 18", 24" or 36" round.  To achieve acoustically superior tops, they have to start out as split "bolts".   Skill and precision are used to clean up one split face of the bolt so it is perfectly parallel to the sawn face.  This eliminates runout.  Good raw material can end up with average acoustics if it is sawn wrong!   

Third:  Density.  The Specific Gravity of my wood on average is .35.  This is considerably less than European and Sitka at .38 to .48.  This is a monumental difference.  The physics of this disparity is one of the keys to building a consistent fine violin.  Even most Canadian Engelmann is a fair amount higher in density.  Some of today's best violin makers are finding that a key to making the best violins is low density spruce.  Studies of the famous Cremona violins confirm this, as plates of violins averaged about 60 grams and most were not abnormally thinned.

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This is what people from around the world have said about my spruce that is used in all Simeon Violins:

People are using my wood around the world. From Brazil to Iceland to Italy to Singapore to Australia. Right here in the USA by many of the TOP contemporary violin makers.   Some of these customers say it best with these verbatim testimonials below.  The all upper case letters are as written.  Thanks to all of you for the comments!

The 6 tops have just arrived.  When I opened the box my jaw fell open as well, and I nearly fell over!   Spectacularly beautiful spruce, I've never seen better.  Thanks a million, they really are the business.  Dave in the UK,  September 2008  (my comment: these were some unreal one piece violin tops)

I took it to my 70 year old luthier friend who has studied woods all his life and normally imports from Europe.  It was the finest spruce he has ever seen.  David  April 2008

Thank you for the amazing wood I got last week.  I never thought a soundpost could make such a difference!   Per in Europe, August 2008

I received the spruce billet and I wanted to tell you that it FULLY MEETS my expectations.  It as just as you described.  Ronnie in TN August 2008

I FINALLY got around to opening up the package you sent......Well anyway, WOW!   The Spruce is gorgeous!  John in the UK  May 2008

I received my order today.  I cannot thank you enough for providing such quality wood.  To find someone who actually delivers on what they advertise is greatly appreciated.  Stan  June 2008

The practice top I bought from you has really sold me on your Engelmann...all the best...Dick, United Kingdom  August 2008

Just a note to let you know I just finished the first White Violin purchased from you.  The wood quality was better than previous whites I had made.  What I did not expect was the OUTSTANDING mature and mellow sound that I got from this violin.  The Engelmann Spruce top really made a difference.  I will be buying more of these.  Thanks once again!  Dave in PA  July 2008

"I frankly needed to replace the post in one of my violins - a 1984 Severin Shurger – American. This is a very good but not an "exciting" instrument. The post was placed by me on 1/26. The result was both remarkable and unexpected. The violin gained volume and clarity. Tonally the instrument was rounder and distinctly more pleasant. As previously, all 4 strings remained in balance..  I do believe the wood you are both using and selling is the basis for the virtual transformation of my violin.  It could be argued that I placed the post in a better location. This is unlikely as I used a marked target to position the sound post.  If this experience is repeated by others I believe you will be the distributor  of one of the most valuable violin accessories money can buy,,,,,,,and how little money it is.  Congratulations,     Elliot Reichbach, MD February 2008

The wood you sent me for the last violin I made gave the instrument a great sound.  It has been recognized as an outstanding violin by many professional players.  I would recommend this wood to any violin maker.  Thanks again, George B in MA  December 2007

Love the wood, Thanks!!   James December 2007

The wood arrived yesterday and I am very pleased.  The spruce cookie looks great.  Thanks again, A violin Pro in MD, December 2007.

By the way, I just set up a violin that I built using one of your low density 50 year old spruce units.  Amazing tone and volume.  Thanks, Ron in KY November 2007

The wood we ordered from you is the best we have found.  Thanks, Doyle in WV, November 2007

I am truly amazed by the quality of the wood you sent me and it looks even better to hold and see first hand than it did in your pictures of it.  I'm truly thankful to have dealt with an honest and efficient tonewood supplier.  Thanks Again,  Rob in the United Kindom,  November 2007  (this wood was the Combo Pack Fine grade)

After 100 violins, I made my first Viola.  An anniversary gift for my wife.  Well, at the quartet party, with the best talent and instruments, this new Viola stood out.  With the good ears of these professionals, (one pro in particular- with his $16,000 Viola by a well known maker) they insisted on a blind sound test.  The first blind test ....my Viola won.  The subsequent test with another player...and it won again!  It's the wood.   Thanks again, Gary    October 2007    (Gary- Thanks, but you have to be pretty damn good at building, so it is a combination, Simeon)

I just wanted to let you know that I just completed my first violin with your wood.  I was so impatient to hear the sound that I probably skimped on the finish, but WOW- this violin- the first I have ever made- sounds better than the Master Juzek, and even sweeter than the Hannibal Fagnola I have.  And it is not even played in.  It is a pleasure to have the best sounding violin be one I made myself, and part of the credit goes to that excellent wood you sold me.  Thanks!!  doubledave  September 2007

The only thing your wood oozes is Quality!  Cheers, Mark  September 2007

I just wanted to let you know I recieved the Professional Grade Spruce Violin Top today and couldn't be more pleased.  I just finished a Fiddle that was made out of your "lesser" grade spruce and it still made a good fiddle.  Thanks again, Darrell  August 2007

This is the BEST top wood I have used for mandolins.  Thanks, Steve in SC, August 2007

My 100th violin was the best ever.  There is no question that your old Engelmann is the key ingredient.  My professional violinist spouse claimed this latest violin as her own.   Her colleagues say it is very special and love to play it.  Gary in IL,   July 2007 

Hi, I got the bass bars today and all i can say is "WOW".  This wood is exquisite.  I haven't seen any better in many years.  David  in NC  August 2007

Thanks again for the great wood.  Even the 5 violin sets for $50 I got on ebay is good.    Nathaniel,  August 2007

This wood is incredible!  This is primo numero uno wood!!  Thanks again, Jeff in OH

From William R. Scott, 2006 Gold and Silver Medal winner:   I have been working with wood from Simeon Chambers for the past two years and have been extremely pleased.  At the last VSA Competition, both medal winning instruments were made from spruce he supplied.  Great Engelmann Spruce!  I would recommend it to anyone.  My best sounding so far.  Photos can be seen at www.scottviolins.com/photo.htm.

This is the best top wood I have used for mandolins.  Thanks  Steve in SC,  August 2007

Thanks again Simeon, still the best wood on eBay.  John in VA

I just received the wood today and wanted to let you know how happy I am with it.   I will definately buy all my spruce from you in the future.  Thanks... Jason in CA

Just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know I received the mandolin tops today and am MORE than happy!!!  Thank you again, Jim in RI

I purchased before and you have the best wood ever.  Virginia, NC

Yes, the wood arrived.  Even better than I thought!  Your careful selection and convenient cut sizes makes my life easier.  The lovely fine even grain and sweet scent of the spruce, easily worked, not prone to splitting or cracking, is truly a pleasure to work with.   Errol, CA

Hello Simeon, I just wanted to say thanks for the nicest tonewood I've seen!  Also, I wanted to tell you and your customersof the fantastic soundposts that I make out of your Engelmann Spruce.  They have greatly improved the overall tonal qualities of every violin I have put them in.  Thanks again, Steve

The spruce tops you have sent me are the best I have used so far.   I made one violin and one viola with your spruce.  The sound was better than any I have made to date.  I hope to make a lot more.  George.  in MA

Your wood is exceptional !! the tone is fantastic !!! I am a builder and experiment alot , I will send you pictures of a project that I am building from an Arch top set I got from you. As I carve and sand the tone just gets better and better . I recommend you to all luthiers if they want great wood at a good price .

I received the wood today, and it is magnificent, it's way better than the photos on ebay.    Michael

Received top wood today.  It all looks fantastic.  The bearclaw is stunning.  Thank you.

Even with an extra 17.5% VAT on top of the cost, they are a tremendous value and I am delighted with them.  Ian, United Kingdom

We tested one piece with a Lucchimeter and it got the best rating EVER of wood in the school.   Simon, United Kingdom

I got your wood yesterday....It looks GREAT.....Thanks.  Dave in OR

The wood is better than I had hoped for.    Virginia

Just received your shipment with the one-piece top and soundpost material.  I'm in love!  Rudy

I made one of my best sounding instruments ever using your wood.  George

I'm making all my custome mandolins with your fantastic tone wood as long as the supply lasts.   Bill in IN

I just strung up my F body mandolin, built using one of your one piece tops.  This is my best sounding mandolin to date.  Wonderful wood!  Barry in PA

...Anyway, the spruce is fabulous!  High grade tonewood; I will be ordering more of that stuff from you.  Bob

I got the wood today, just fantastic!  Thanks for the extra piece also.   Bill

The spruce is fantastic, not sure I can stop admiring it long enough to work it at the moment. 

I can't express how greatful I am for your kindness.....

I am very impressed with its tonal qualities and graining.  The piece i bought was not your highest grade but is as good as anything the UK suppliers sold at a similar grade.  David, UK

....my daughter's harp, it has amazing resonence.  Steve in AZ

I received my tonewood today...I will be ordering more tonewood from you and not from other places.  Lynn

I just got this F-5 strung up tonight that I made from your old Engelmann and man oh man what a sound this thing has!!!!!!!!!  Tremendous bass and incredible volume!!!!  This is just after being strung up for a couple of hours!!!  I love this wood!!!!  This is truly a rare breed of Engelmann.  Thanks again for your experience, honesty and your knowledge of cutting wood properly!!!    Jeff

I have never experienced a wood of this caliber. The Englemann Spruce that I recieved from Simeon was incredible. I made one violin and one A Model mandolin using this wood and both sold immediately.   Against a Frailey mandolin, the analyzer said it was as good or better, and I can hear it!   A music teacher friend of mine who has played mandolin for 45 years, including on the Grande Ole Opry, and he told me that he would never look for a mandolin with a better sound. (than the A model from Simeon's wood).

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Thanks to those that took the time to write.  I really do appreciate it!  It says something about a person that takes time out of their schedule to do this.  For those of us that operate that way, we understand it.  Telling people that do a great job is important.   Very important for all of us who take pride in our work!  THANK YOU!

  Thanks for looking and bidding on my auctions.

Some thoughts on the wood you may be using now, or considering:

If you are going to spend 200 hours or more on an instrument, is an extra $40 or $50 for the best top available too much to pay?  I am sure that you can buy Sitka Spruce, Canadian Engelmann Spruce and even supposedly "decent" European Spruce for $20 or something around that figure.  Well, occasionally some of it may be just dandy, but most of it will not make an excellent sounding violin, viola, mandolin or whatever you make.   What really are they selling if they can sell it for $20?  Tonewood that is acoustically high quality is actually pretty rare.  A tonewood seller knows when something is exceptional or rare, and selling rare units for $20 is foolish, as they will not remain in business for long.  Or, perhaps they mix in low quality with high quality units and waste 200 hours of somebody's time when they sell one of these low grade units mixed in.  If you can tell the low from the high grade, and you only use the high grade, you have a higher cost anyway.  You buy a bunch more tops and only use some of them.  If a top wood unit is exceptional, it will not be $20, or $30 or $40.  It will be more than that.  

I will sell you a piece of wood for between $12 and $120 that you may spend 200 hours on.  I will tell you that I am completely confident in the acoustic quality of my product.  I won't insult you with your potential time wasted, by selling an inferior product.  The wood I sell will not end up diminishing the effort and skill you use to make your instrument.   You are not guessing when you buy wood from me.   Perhaps you see what I am saying here.  Why take the chance of putting in all those hours, and expert craftsmanship to make an average sounding instrument!  It does not make any sense.  Does your wood supplier have testimonials like those above or some data behind their product?  I am not talking about the testimonials of "I get my wood from so and so, he's a great guy"  If there is not excellent data or something compelling to indicate that you get wood that is similar to some wood that was particularly good or made an award winning instrument, you should consider at least trying a unit of my wood.  You can also buy $25 and $30 wood from me if you like, acoustically excellent.

To take it one step further regarding data, the 2010 VSA Convention in Cleveland featured many entries into the competition using Simeon Chambers Tonewood.  In fact there were nine tone awards and one Gold Medal awarded in the violin category.   10 Awards for tone of 238 instruments  (the Gold Medal means the tone and workmanship both warrant a medal, thus 10 awards for tone).  Simeon Chambers Tonewood tops were used in 4 of the 10  instruments getting those awards.  Also, in the viola category there was a Silver for Tone and a Certificate for Tone awarded (2 tone awards using Simeon wood, 13 total Viola tone awards, 139 entries).    

It is hard to say how many of the 238 violin entries used Simeon wood, but probably 12 to 20.  In any case, Simeon wood works well.

Think about this:

It is super tough out here. Small business in America is under pressure.  As an example, eBay now charges their commission on our shipping charges, 10%!  Another margin squeeze for us ebay sellers.  This is getting dicey for many of us out here.  If you work in a corporate or government setting, or have a pension from the same, think about supporting us small business people out here by buying from us if we have good products.  Many small businesses in the USA that produce great products will not make it.  There will not be a substitute either.     Quality suppliers will disappear.   We are getting squeezed out here. 

eBay charging their commission on our shipping charges is pathetic.   What will they think of next?   Maybe they need the earnings to "beat" by a penny to keep the ponzi stock game going.  That is what it is about for public companies, beat the quarterly earnings estimate by a penny.  The stock goes up, and generally the market gives it a higher P/E ratio as well for the consistent "beat".   Guess what?  The executives are compensated with stock options.   The stock goes up, their options vest and they make money.   The whole game for  public company execs is short term stock price increases.  They do not look at the long term anymore.  This is what happened in 2006 to 2008 in the financial stocks.     The commission eBay takes on the shipping charges will help them for a quarter or two, but then the analysts will build that into their earnings models and the effect will be gone.  We ebay sellers are stuck holding the bag.  These ebay executives are creating the end of ebay.