Virzi Tone producer

[b.pat]

I know that this is one of those qustions that has come up before , but I can't seem to find the answer on any of the boards.
What is a Virzi tone producer?
What are the pros & cons? Why don't you see them used any more?
I know I'm showing my ignorance, but I keep hearing the term and I'm tired of just nodding my head and pretending to know what is being talked about.
Thanks, B,Pat http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[John Flynn]

Try this:

http://www.mandolincafe.com/archives/faq.html#virzi

[John Flynn]

Here is a picture of a Virzi:

http://www.rigelmandolin.com/images/woodleylarge.jpg

[tjg]

Here are some pics of a virzi in Thile's Dude.

Virzi (http://www.buddyscustoms.com/dudenbostel/page5.html)

[b.pat]

Thanks, The pictures are great. Now, does it work? and why don't you see it used in most modern mandolins?
B.Pat

[evanreilly]

In reality, I think more builders offer the Virzi as an option now than ever before. Lynn Dudenbostel will install one (and Chris Thile has/had one in his mandolin); Randy Wood offers it as an option, Rigel does, Doug Woodley has installed them.
I wouldn't be surprised if Gibson offered them upon request.

[Bob DeVellis]

I think the downside is that, while you get a more complex tone, you also get a bit less volume. For bluegrass, that may not be the best tradeoff and bluegrass is the major musical form for mandolin these days.

[John Ely]

Some like 'em, some don't. I've never heard a Virzi equipped mando, so I have no opinion. BobD's information fits my perception that bluegrass mandolin players generally don't like them.

[JeffS]

I found this link last night while researching the Virzi (http://www.siminoff.net/pages/virzi.background-2.html). I never found what I was looking for, and that is does the patent that Virzi had still exist today? And if so who owns it?

[Ken Waltham]

I got to say, for myself, I don't care for them. For me, they mute, or take away the very thing about the Loar tone that draws me to it.
I guess the complexity thing may have a point, howbeit, I think pretty small. I have had both, and the difference between one with and one without is striking.
Ken