The functionality of Mallion differs from the violin in that it is just as spectacular, but it can be far more  physically demanding.  Because of the powerful weight, design and mass of the instruments, they must be played with more strength and will.  Not only is the Mallion violin bladed on either side of the body (a highly useful distinction for defending one's self or ego), but it is too heavy to be supported by the chin and shoulder.  Instead, it slides onto an attractive leather and steel harness, called the Passion Hame, which lays across the shoulder and alleviates most of the weight.  Without using the chin to support the instrument, the player is allowed the freedom to perform vocals and play at the same time.      The rest of the weight is supported by one of two ways: supporting the neck of  Mallion with the palm of your hand as a fiddler plays the violin, or by use of the Sissy-Bar. The Sissy-Bar is an adjustable light bar of steel that will attach to your belt, acting as a triangular support.  It is highly recommended for those collectors who wish to play it, but have been educated in classical violin or viola and are fundamentally or technically opposed to bending the wrist while playing.  Except for one college semester and a few years in middle school, I am primarily self-taught; my few Fiddle playing tutors that I have learned from never pushed my to hold the violin classically.  Therefore, I have no problem playing Mallion without the aid of the Sissy-Bar, but I still recommend it to anyone who buys one of my violin or viola designs. Mallion, the violin, has five strings, the lowest string being a C, and progressing in the usual fifths up to G, D, A and E.  It has a roll bar to protect the bridge from being destroyed by the weight of the instrument. Megion, the viola, is the same basic design as Mallion, but measured as a viola in length.  It is also a 5-string design and can either be strung up as a fifth higher than a viola (having the same register as Mallion) or a fifth lower, the lowest string being an F.  The accessory items, such as the Passion Hame and the Sissy-Bar are the same design as for Mallion. Barbera Transducers, my personal preference of transducers, make for a stunning sound.  Additional information on these transducers can be found at www.barberatransducers.com.