Doublestop Magazine

Welcome to Doublestop Magazine

Doublestop Magazine exists simply because I enjoy reading about the violin (and other stringed instruments), and I know others do, too.

I was a latecomer to the violin, relatively speaking. I was not one of those five year olds lugging a quarter-sized instrument to class. Instead, my early musical education was distinguished only by a lack of success. At one point, my piano teacher informed my parents that it would “okay if Karl didn’t continue with lessons,” his way of gracefully letting an uninterested and untalented child off the hook.

So, it was to the surprise of myself and those around me that I developed an interest in the violin as an adult. But once I picked up the instrument, I took to it with a convert’s zeal. This included reading anything I could find on the subject (recent favorites include Violin Dreams and the Violin Maker). These books and articles gave me a good grounding in the history, construction, science, and mythology of the violin. And yet, I still wanted more.

But here’s the thing: I’m not a professional musician, and I don’t aspire to be one. I’m quite happy as an amateur. I know there are many others who play as an avocation, not a vocation. I think there is room for a magazine that speaks to people who simply enjoy string instruments, players, and music.

Above all, the magazine will reinforce the enthusiasm that string players have for their pastime.

Doublestop Magazine is a publication that sees the violin as the starting point for a literate exploration of the subject. This is a magazine that isn’t limited to a single genre of music, but can instead range from classical to bluegrass and all the points in between. I hope the articles we publish will inform, yet not be overly arcane. Above all, the magazine will reinforce the enthusiasm that string players have for their pastime.

And, best of all, as a web publication, Doublestop Magazine can be read for free, without any subscription fees.

We hope to feature many writers on a variety of topics. If you’re interested in writing for us, please contact us.

In the meantime, you can subscribe to the RSS feed or the email newsletter to stay up-to-date be notified about new articles on the site.