HANDCRAFTED VIOLINS
Are you or your child coping with a factory instrument with factory tone? Help is here!
I make string instruments, and have some instruments for sale.
They are all to my own design, with deep arching for a mellow tone.
Maple backs, sides and neck, with spruce face. Fingerboards, tailpieces and chins for each instrument are cut from the same pieces of Rimu.
Strings are always Pirastro Tonica (is easier for me to compare tone between instruments).
Note that each instrument has a unique purfling design, and the back of each scroll is carved with a Kowhai motif.
Varnish is traditional shellac and rosin combination.
The construction history and details of each instrument can be found on my website
"violinsbyjoel.blogspot.com...
I have a case available, price neg.
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions regarding any of them. Prices are negotiable, but please be mindful that these are not knocked out in a factory - each is hand crafted by myself. They are not Strads, they are Dodds!
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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5% Second half of November
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44.6% 1st December
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16.7% A week before Christmas
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32.4% Whenever you wish
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1.3% Other - I'll share below