Merchant warning: Firebird Arts & Music

[Czanne]

I hate to write this because for many years, one of my favorite childhood writers (who is also a doll person) has had a strong relationship with Firebird Arts & Music that appeared to be successful, but as far as I can tell, Firebird no longer exists as a functional enterprise.

I purchased a 7 inch violin and an 8 inch mandolin from them on 27 January, and used PayPal to process the payment. After a week without any communication except the automated order confirmation, I pinged for a status update and got no response. The next week, the same. And again. And again. On 26 February, I opened a Paypal dispute case. They also seem to have gotten no response. As of today, I have gotten my money back.

I don't know if something is wrong on their end -- I hope not -- but for the immediate future, as a purveyor of miniature instruments and swords, they seem to be unreliable.

[Trethowan]

At least you got your money back. Sorry to hear that you had a bad experience, though.

[Czanne]

That's the good thing about PayPal.

[victoriavictrix]

Yeah, I hate to say this, but I have not heard a single word from the folks at Firebird for about four years. They just seemed to drop off the map. Teri hasn't responded to my emails. I'm as much in the dark as the rest of you are.

I think if you are looking for miniature instruments and the like your best bet is ebay.

[Kirahfaye]

I think if you are looking for miniature instruments and the like your best bet is ebay.

Just use the usual Ebay caution. I bought the cutest solid wood MSD violin on Ebay (don't remember the seller anymore) and months later was told by a friend in a string quartet that it's actually a YoSD sized cello....

[Czanne]

I think if you are looking for miniature instruments and the like your best bet is ebay.

Just use the usual Ebay caution. I bought the cutest solid wood MSD violin on Ebay (don't remember the seller anymore) and months later was told by a friend in a string quartet that it's actually a YoSD sized cello....

Yup! I played cello until the choice of dorm space for (pick three) me or textbooks or clothing or cello got made for me. On the other hand, if one's world isn't a perfect Earth analogue, those minor variations are to be expected, and the historical differences between bass viol, viola de gamba and viol are far less than the differences between the modern bass, cello, viola and violin. Musical instruments go through a lot of experimentation in development. So if the instrument works with your player's size, go for it. (Given that Primus's Les Claypool has been known to play his electrified acoustic standup bass like an electric bass guitar (horizontal, with and without bow), music has room for innovation.)

[DollyKim]

Most of my 1/6 scale dolls play 1/8 scale guitars because there's plenty of highly detailed 1/8 scale instruments. I did go with wooden stencil shapes to make customs for one guy. I've also repainted some Barbie instruments more realistic colors.

There are some holiday ornaments that make decent doll instruments.