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Akos Balazs is a talented young maker from Budapest
in Hungary. His work is neat and well thought out. Best of all
- his instruments sound really good.
Akos has three grades of instrument - Gold, Silver
and Bronze. Just as a medal is awarded at the Olympic Games - based
on performance, Akos has adopted this simple grading system to
identify the quality of each instrument that he makes. Obviously
the Silver Series represents his mid-quality instruments.
As mentioned in our first paragraph - all the instruments
that Akos produces are of the highest quality and standard. The
difference in the grades is as follows;
1) The Gold Series; Akos makes the Gold Series
instruments entirely by himself. The quality of the timber used
is always excellent and every attention to detail is paid in
the making of these instruments.
2) The Silver Series; The Silver Series instruments are - in the
main - reworked Hungarian and Romanian instruments. Akos selects
and purchases the best instruments from other makers in Europe.
To make sure that the wood is dry - they are then stored for two
or three years. Reworking the instruments includes rethicknessing
work, fitment of a new bass bar, fitment of a new neck and fingerboard,
complete varnishing work and a full fit up.
3) The Bronze Series; The Bronze Series instruments are very similar
to the Silver Series instrument - except not quite so much time
is spent in the reworking and finishing work.
No - not always. Sometimes the work is done
by his colleagues. To reassure all prospective purchasers that
the work is done to Akos's own high standards he comments; "In
order to guarantee a high quality of work, I myself control and
finish each stage of the work".
Really there are lots and lots of things that make
this instrument a real winner. As you look at the images of the
instrument here are a few to consider;
1) The model; The model - an elegant violin outline - has been
designed to suit a great number of players. In particular a slightly
reduced measurement to the depth of the ribs makes this a very
manageable instrument.
2) The wood; The Yugoslavian spruce used to make the table is particularly
attractive. It has a stunning straight even-medium grain. The Bosnian
maple used to make the back, ribs and scroll is also of high quality
and shows a nice horizontal flaming.
3) The varnish; The "antiqued-style" rich red-brown
varnish over a yellow ground is absolutely superb in colour,
texture and application.
4) The feel; The feel of this instrument is spot on. There's a
really nice slim feel neck to allow total freedom of movement for
the left hand and just take a look at the string length stat. It
is only 105.5cm - which is perfect for small hands.
5) The set-up; The set-up is absolute perfection. The following
have been fitted;
i) A first class set of individual brass machines
of German manufacture.
ii) A high quality and reliable endpin unit that also comes from
Germany.
iii) A top quality French bridge, manufactured by Aubert.
iv) Aluminium bridge adjusters.
We think that the sound quality of this instrument
is absolutely awesome. There are those rich deep dark sounds similar
to the instrument that all the pros seem to use - coupled with
responsiveness that is absolutely delicious.
For a named instrument of this quality - the price
could easily be a lot, lot more.
This instrument really looks and sounds the biz. For anybody wanting
an instrument to get them right the way through music college and
into the profession then this Silver Series instrument by Akos
Balazs represents tremendous value for money. Pro jazz players
too will be mighty impressed by its slim feel proportions, superb
sustain and colourful sound quality.
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