Kromski Sonata drive?

fairyspunfibers wrote

on Feb 21, 2010 3:27 PM

Dear All,

I have wanted to purchase a Sonata ever since trying out my friend's - it spins like a *dream* and I am sooo in love with it!  What I can't figure out is whether it is adjustable between being a double-drive and Scotch tension, or if it's just ST?  I'm sure there are several folks here who would know :-).  Since my budget is really tight, this may be my only chance to get a really versatile wheel. 

Currently, I have a Babe production wheel which uses Irish tension.  I have learned to spin nearly any type of yarn I need using it, BUT...there are times when I feel like I have to practically stand on my head to do so. 

IF a Scotch tension-only wheel is almost as versatile as a DD/ST, would I be just as well off just getting a Babe Scotch tension flyer-lead conversion kit, or ... not? 

Hope my questions made sense - and thank you in advance for any advice you can give!

Connie

Denise Jackson wrote

on Feb 23, 2010 8:03 PM

Connie,

Looking at the Kromski website, it looks like it is set up for just Scotch tension. The tensioning device is at the opposite end from the drive band.

My advice is buy a wheel or conversion kit you are comfortable with. Scotch tension is adjustable and can spin anything. I have a Louet with Irish tension. I spin anything I want: spider thin to chunky. I know people who have wheels that can do both DD/ST, but only use one. It's comfort level.

Kromski is a good wheel. A wheel that is perfectly suited to you will almost read your mind. Think about your budget. How long will you keep this wheel? What do you want to spin? Can you find a good used wheel nearby?

Everyone will have an opinion of which wheel is best. They are right, that wheel is best - for them. Listen to your gut.

Denise

fairyspunfibers wrote

on Feb 24, 2010 1:34 PM

Dear Denise,

>Looking at the Kromski website, it looks like it is set up for just Scotch tension. The tensioning device is at the opposite end from the drive band.

Thanks for taking the time to help me out!   So - there IS a difference in where the ST is located depending on whether the wheel is convertible, or not?  I wasn't sure at all, not knowing what to look for, or anything - thanks so much!

>A wheel that is perfectly suited to you will almost read your mind.

Yes, you nailed it!  The Sonata did everything I asked it to do - no fuss, no fiddling  - sweet as honey - AND she's "used", so is being sold under the price of a new one.   I guess if a fully-convertible wheel isn't going to do much more for me than what an Irish-tensioned one does, then I probably don't need the Sonata, no matter how wonderful it is.  ::sigh::    Well, I do love my Babe (ugly as she is, poor thing), and she doesn't give me fits at all.  Maybe I'll just spend those few hundred dollars on more fiber :-)  As if my fiber room isn't already stacked to the ceiling...

Connie

Denise Jackson wrote

on Feb 24, 2010 5:51 PM

I'd go for the Kromski. But I don't care for Babe wheels. That is my prejudice. I tried one that wasn't put together right and it has changed me ever sense. If you wanted a wheel that did everything and made your heart sing and you looked forward to touching it every day...well...

I'm not helping, am I. There will be the wheel like the favorite sweater and the wheel that is like the cashmere sweater. Having more than one wheel isn't a sin. You can always sell the one you don't use.

minnet wrote

on May 29, 2010 5:19 PM

"A wheel that is perfectly suited to you will almost read your mind."

I love how you said this.  

I was totally set on getting a Kromski Minstrel.  Until I used the Symphony and then I was completely gone.  That is all I wanted.

The wheel I chose will be my partner for life....my spinning soul mate.  I want it to be the perfect fit for me.  I wanted a wheel that would go far for me.

Try to spin with different wheels....The Kromski wheels are beautiful.  I knew I wanted one and was so dead set on getting the one I picked out,  until my spinning  teacher put the symphony in front of me and said,  "Now try this one."  Even she knew what I didn't.

psor wrote

on Oct 27, 2010 11:38 AM

Just to jump on the Sonata band wagon.  I have a 35 year old Ashford Traditional (bought the kit new), a Golding triple-flyer (wanted the jumbo/plying bobbins), a Kromski Polonaise (still think it's the most beautful wheel I've seen) and ordered a Sonata the moment it arrived in country (again wanted the jumbo/plying bobbins and by then I was thoroughly hooked on the beauty and craftsmanship of Kromski wheels).  I spin on the Sonata more than all the others combined.  It is an absolute joy.  If for some unimaginably horrible reason I could only keep one wheel (One wheel?   That is a truly horrifying thought.), it would be the Sonata.  It's also a wheel you'll be able to pass on to your grandchildren instead of eventually tossing it into a landfill which is where the Babe looks like it originated.

Michele Dixon wrote

on Oct 27, 2010 2:50 PM

I'm also a die hard lover of Kromski Wheels, especially the Sonata. Mine, too, came off the first ship and is the only wheel I have. Last year I purchased a Woolee Winder for it and now we spin beautiful, continuous yarn together.