The full set

New pegs finish off a complete range of ebony-alternative fittings

FEATURED PRODUCT

'The goal was always to offer a full range of fittings, and now we have finally arrived,’ says Boris Haug from W-Fittings about the new Ebonprex pegs. The Swiss company, which was to created to test prototypes made from tropical hardwood alternatives, began using Ebonprex in 2021. It subsequently embarked on making a full set of fittings out of the material, the latest and final in the range being pegs for violin, viola and cello.

W-Fittings is the only company to use Ebonprex for fittings. The material is made of a beechwood laminate and is densified using resin (between each 0.8mm sheet) and heat. The wood is sourced from German forests and processed in northern Italy. ‘The beech is glued in the same direction, so you can work it like a normal piece of ebony and with the same tools,’ Haug says. ‘It’s a little denser than ebony and the fibres are straighter, so avoids the headaches you can get from today’s ebony supply, which is poorer than in the decades before.’ For the pegs specifically, the Ebonprex is ideal because of its similarity to rosewood, which is the more popular choice for pegs, he says. ‘It is smooth, much more stable and doesn’t alter with humidity as much.

‘When you’re aware of the devastating impact of robbing ecosystems of plants crucial to their health, you want to make sure you’re not a part of it and that your trade is aware of it,’ Haug says about the importance of using tropical hardwood alternatives. ‘And now that there’s a full set of fittings, you don’t need to worry about availability.’ Considering the growing amount of certification paperwork needed for tropical hardwoods, alternatives are all the more appealing, he explains. And unlike other alternatives, the pricing for Ebonprex is similar to ebony. ‘I’m confident that these alternative materials have a bright future.’

W-Fittings Ebonprex pegs from CHF104 (£95) email post@geigenbau.ag web www.w-fittings.com

TUNER

PITCH PERFECT

Snark’s new rechargeable clip-on tuner is made with titanium and is covered in rubber to remove ambient noise during tuning. It has a USB charging port, tunes from 415–466hz, rotates 360 degrees and features a high-resolution LCD screen.

It also includes vulcanised rubber joints, designed to resist temperature changes.

Snark Titanium clip-on tuner £32.99 email sales@jhs.co.uk web www.jhs.co.uk

VIOLIN CASE

PLAY IT SAFE

Negri’s new Quantum violin case is designed to absorb external shocks. It features an adaptable suspension system inside, has silicon plates to absorb shockwaves, and is reinforced by aluminium plates. It comes in both triangular and oblong shapes, which weigh 1.98kg and 2.3kg respectively, and in five colours. The velour-lined interior includes an accessory pocket and four bow holders.

Negri Cases Quantum violin case from €590 email info@negricases.com web www.negricases.com