2001 Charles "Speedy" Shepard 5-String Violin

Charles "Speedy" Shepard built violins in Salisbury, NC. Apparently, one was used by Rascal Flatts. At the time he made this he would have been 73 and, sadly, he passed-away in 2014. The fact that he played fiddle a bunch definitely informed his build, though -- this sucker handles well and and is fun to play. I've encountered lots of quirky small-build fiddles that seem to not put the player first in order of importance. This is one that does.

Yes, and let's admit it -- the odd shape to the body is also enjoyable. The "point-less" upper-bout design does give a bit more freedom to hop-around with the bow and it gives it a different look that'll have questions asked, no doubt.

Being a 5-string instrument, it's a bit of a compromise design. Either you bulk the top cut and bracing slightly to deal with the extra tension or you deal with it in other ways (structural fatigue) down the line. This one bulks the build just a hair and as a result it's not screaming-loud acoustically but it does have a good, solid, clean tone. The low C has enough volume to be heard in a smaller group, too, and the instrument is very responsive.

Installed through a side-plate is a jack and volume control for the in-bridge Schatten pickup. I noticed that it had a hair of ground hum when the volume was up so I added a ground from the jack to the (metal) tailpiece and thus the strings. This helps keep it quieter in use. The pickup sounds smooth and has good output for a passive unit. My preference is always for K&K pickups, though, and if someone wanted one installed (internally) in this, that would not be a difficult job. The Schatten will be more useful in a high-gain setting, though, where you want the body-sound to be less sensitive so you can avoid feedback.

The fit and finish is nice and it features a tightly-grained spruce top over super-figured maple for the back, sides, and neck. The fittings are all ebony except for the tailpiece which is metal and fit with fine tuners.

Repairs included: added ground wire for tailpiece, minor setup and adjustments...

Top wood: solid spruce

Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple

Bridge: maple

Fingerboard: ebony

Neck wood: maple

String height: fiddle (quick)
Strings: unknown, synthetic cores

Neck shape: medium C/V shape

Neck relief: straight

Scale length: 13"

Nut width: 1"

Body width: 8"

Body depth: 1 1/2" + arching

Weight: 1 lb 4 oz

Condition notes: it's quite clean and shows only the mildest wear throughout. The finish has a bit of an "antiqued" color to it and I'm pretty sure the "star" on the tailpiece is a later addition (it's a sticker).

It comes with: a foam/hard case and rosin.