Archive for category: testimonials

“I knew I wanted to be a musician from a very young age. However, there was not much out there that was exciting and innovative and different in the string world. But then I discovered Wood Violin and after playing a Viper, two years prior to owning my own, I knew that one of Mark’s instruments was what I needed to take my music to the next level. I got my seven-string Viper when I was just a

Freshman in high school, and it changed my life forever! Now when I walk on stage, I make a statement even before playing a single note. On top of that, the tone quality of a Wood Violin is way beyond that of any other electric stringed instrument out there. Before Wood Violins, I was limited as to what I could do to make a living as a string player. Now, the possibilities are endless.”

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Elizabeth “Zee” Irelynn Crain is a freelance string player, and vocalist, as well as a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. As A Tennessee native, born and raised in Music City, she has been constantly surrounded by the music scene and the influence of the many great artists of Nashville.

Zee began taking violin lessons in the Classical Suzuki Method at age four, learning primarily by ear, and has since grown to have a deep love and passion for music. At age thirteen, Zee also began taking viola lessons and joined the viola section in her local orchestra.

In November of 2013, Zee was asked to join Mark Wood, and nine other students, on stage at the MuzArt World Foundation event called “We Are Hope” in Salt Lake City, UT. In February of 2012, Zee became the worship leader for Shelby Avenue Baptist Church in Nashville, Tn, where she played guitar, violin, and sang. In June of 2008, Zee was one of two violists who played as part of the featured musicians of the Hannah Montana Orchestra for “Hannah Montana: the Movie”.

Currently, Zee plays violin, viola, and sings with her alternative-style quartet called Harbingers of Awesomeness, which was formed in the summer of 2013, with fellow instrumentalists and electric string-players Nick Schaefer, Michael Lucarelli, and Adam Rafferty. Zee attends Trevecca Nazarene University on scholarship for viola and is working towards her degree in Commercial Music Performance with an applied study in violin, emphasis in Recording Tech. On campus, she is part of the Trevecca Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Band as well as Lab Band II, which is an electric jazz/blues/rock group, in which she plays her Viper and sings.

Zee is in the process of writing and recording her first album, which she hopes to have released by next fall. Along with violin, viola, and vocals, some of Zee’s other instruments include guitar, piano, and flute.

“Mark Wood’s violins have given me an incredible edge in the rock world.  The versatility and range of the 7-string fretted Vipers give me the capabilities of a violin, guitar, and bass..not to mention it looks awesome! Vipers offer high quality sound whether clean, distorted, or through effects, also great for studio recording as one instrument can cover violin, viola, cello and bass.”

Marcus Ratzenboeck is an accomplished violinist in both classical and rock music genres and has been an active and successful solo, chamber, orchestral, and studio performer for 20 years.  After graduating from Florida State University with a Bachelors of Music in Violin performance, Marcus completed his Masters in Music at Indiana University.  He was then appointed Principal Second Violin of the Louisville Orchestra and Adjunct Professor of Violin at the University of Louisville.  Marcus was a member of the Louisville String Quartet often recording and touring.  He was also Concertmaster of the Louisville Bach Society.  Currently Marcus is a member of the platinum selling rock band “Tantric” serving as a songwriter and the electric violinist of the group performing on 7-string “Vipers”.  Tantric is a rigorously touring band with over 8 top ten active rock chart singles and four album released under Warner and Maverick Labels.  

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“Wood Violins are by far the most professional electric violins on the market today. For anyone who is looking to take their craft seriously, this is a must have. I personally play a 5-String Viper Violin and wouldn’t dream of playing anything else. The instrument itself is a showstopper, with its unique and unusual aesthetics. But the greater appeal for me lies in the warm and beautiful tone that is nearly impossible to find in an electric violin. I perform all over the world, and audiences are continually fascinated by my instrument. I would recommend Wood Violins in a heartbeat to any violinist out there.”

 

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Jennifer Spingola, known as Spags, has been amazing audiences around the world for years now with her virtuosic technique, inventive arrangements, and compelling performance style.

Widely knows on the scene as “the DJ violinist”, Spags creatively merges the classic violin world with the modern music world. Her unique artistry keeps her in demand throughout the United States, as well as internationally, where she can be heard performing at socialite parties, exclusive weddings, trendy nightclubs, sophisticated wineries, international trade shows, and high fashion runway events.

Classical training from an early age, on both piano and violin, along with a music degree from the Pennsylvania State University are responsible for shaping her technical foundation, while her undeniable love for a soulful groove, an infectious hip hop hook, a contemplative melody, or a raw rock n roll beat, are at the heart of her playing. Her intrinsic desire to remain connected to her listeners allows her to remain relevant across a broad spectrum of audiences. She literally plays all styles of music and can seamlessly jump from Dr. Dre to Frank Sinatra without skipping a beat. While it may seem there is no rhyme or reason to the diverse and eclectic repertoire that can be heard pouring out of her cutting edge, 5-string, viper violin, Spags will simply explain, “I just play music that I like”.

Some of her recent highlights include personal performances for Magic Johnson, Mitt Romney and Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, to name a few. She has toured with rock legend Dee Snider of the band Twisted Sister as well as Latin piano sensation Raul di Blasio and performed as the opening act for Steve Vai, Jaylib, Foreigner and the band FUN. Additionally she produces and performs in runway shows for many of LA’s top fashion designers.

Spags has been featured on NBC Nightly News, LA Talk Live, KUSI Morning Show, U-T TV San Diego, San Diego Living, and WE-TV Platinum Weddings and has performed on several prime time drama series, including ABC’s “Dirty Sexy Money” and “What About Brian”, as well as NBC’s “Chuck”. She has also traveled around the world, on three overseas tours, performing for our troops!

Keeping a steady finger on the pulse of current trends, and consistently raising the bar for industry standards, Spags continues to rise to the forefront of the music industry, where she can be heard bowing her way into the hearts and souls of those around her.