The Alto Band Violin is an instrument that allows a violinist to sight read alto sax parts. Fan Tao, a leading string engineer from D’Addario, advised David Mills on high-quality strings that can be tuned a whole step below a viola, that is, BbFCG. With this instrument, when the violinist sees a note on the D space below the staff, s/he will play the second string open sounding a concert F as it does on Eb saxes. The jazz violinist can now use more “fiddle technique” because the open strings are more conducive to the flat keys favored by brass and reed instruments.

The instrument is fretted using the micro frets on a Fiddle Fretter. (A Fiddle Fretter can be easily removed without damaging the instrument.) With light touch in the left hand, the violinist can still play a smooth glissando across the top of the frets. The frets add new possibilities for “frame shifting,” double-stop playing within a rhythm section, and better intonation when playing in the midst of a loud horn section. The Band Violin uses a Schatten V-02 bridge pickup, and a modest amp or PA system easily brings the volume of the instrument up to the level of a sax while maintaining a beautiful, rich tone. The blend between an Alto Band Violin and tenor sax is an incredible sound.

The Bb Band Violin is essentially the same instrument using strings tuned down a whole step from a regular violin (FCGD). This allows the player to sight read Bb parts such as a trumpet, soprano sax, or clarinet. Schools that have only band programs and no orchestra can now add their string students into the mix without transposing any parts.

Band Violins sell for a modest price and are intended to be secondary instruments that give violinists and violists expanded opportunities in band settings. The instruments are set up as Alto Band Violins, however, an extra high string is included so the player can restring the instrument as a Bb Soprano Band Violin.