Fiddle Hangout Forum Feed

D'Addario Helicores vs. Preludes

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:35:51 CST

Any opionions from folks who have used both?

New HEADWAY violin pick-up system

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:17:17 CST

Mint, new in box, un-used. Sells new for $147 plus shipping on Amazon.

I'm selling for bargain $106.00, Priority shipping included, USA only. In classified Ads.

See top rating at

http://www.amazon.com/Headway-Band-Violin-Pickup-System/dp/B000LPSNBW

Glenn Godsey

Any other Rv'ers on this Forum?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:31:46 CST

Are there any other Rv'er's on this Forum who love to camp and play music?

My husband and I have a 27 ft Rv with a couple of slides. It's not new but very comfortable. We have graduated from a 20 ft Class B camper van which was a lot of fun when we were younger. We love to go to Music Festivals and camp with friends - especially music friends.

There's nothing more fun than sitting round a campfire and jamming under the stars:) Barb

Warchal strings

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:52:35 CST

Does anyone play Warchal strings? I currently play Pirastro tonica and violino. How do Warchals compare? Thanks

I'm going to be late for WORLD FIDDLE DAY!

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:45:00 CST

World Fiddle Day. Trying to get in the spirit of things I dutifully learned a tune, figured out how to use a web cam, produced a wee video of my first ,not too good effort but for the life of me I can not see how to upload it to the Hangout? Can anyone help me?

Old Unlabeled Fiddle #2 w/video

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:15:09 CST

http://www.fiddlehangout.com/classified/5494

Very nice old unlabeled fiddle. Beautiful 1 piece back. Excellent craftsmanship throughout. Great deep tone/volume. No open cracks/seams/issues. Set up for old time fiddling. Wittner tailpiece, Prim strings.

Video sound sample - youtube.com/watch?v=sG-ElXeHufo

Chinrest included, will ship in old beater case.

Old Unlabeled Fiddle #1 w/video

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:18:46 CST

http://www.fiddlehangout.com/classified/5492

Nice old unlabeled fiddle. 1 piece back. Great deep tone and volume. Recent work by professional luthier - glue/cleat saddle crack, new fingerboard, new bridge. No open seams, cracks or issues. Set up for old time fiddling - Wittner tailpiece, Prim strings.

Video sound sample - youtube.com/watch?v=eL4dbYW9iIE

Chinrest included, will ship in old beater case.

Billy Contreras destroys "Black Mountain Rag"

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:07:11 CST

This is some intense hoedown fiddlin. At a contest no less. Billy is amazing IMO.

Violin construction and tone question

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:44:57 CST

What is it about the construction of a violin, that makes a violin open or airy sounding vs. having a strong core with good projection? I not asking about violin set up. That can change things to a certain point. But there's a limit on what that can do. I've already tried the dampening things with the set up.

Is it the density of the top, thickness of the center of the back, ????

Learning the finger board again

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 21 May 2013 05:37:41 CST

I just purchased a new (to me) fiddle and decided not to put the tapes on and see what happens. It feels like I am learning the finger board all over again. I have a few hours on it and it's starting to feel better but am curious if this sounds like something some of you have experienced? Thanks

Dave

basket case HOPF? fiddle

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 21 May 2013 01:35:33 CST

My wife and daughter bought me an old basket case fiddle for my birthday. They gave 30.00 bucks for it and a non haired Germany stamped bow. The fiddle back is branded as a HOPF, and a small paper tag inside says Made in Germany. I believe it is a copy of a HOPF. The 2 piece top has no cracks nor does the 2 piece back. It has no corner blocks and only has lining strips where you look through the F holes. I took it apart due to a loose neck. I learned from another post the neck is a through neck. I have 4 other fiddles and none of them have a neck like this. The wedges are there and I think I can clean it up and put it back together. I want to install corner blocks and lining strips. Someone used a pocket knife to ream out the peg holes and installed metal style pegs. One peg is incomplete and all the plastic ends were rotten and broke during disassembly. I think I can ream the peg holes out and install new pegs. I got to find a reamer and peg shaver for that. When I get time I will post some pictures. I probably should have just hung it on the wall to look at. But I got to play it. Any thoughts out there?

Giving Up the Tuner

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:27:32 CST

I've known for a while that I need to quit relying on an electronic tuner for anything but an A and really learn to tune by ear. I'm not sure that I can do it in a noisy jam setting, so I might have a moment of weakness now and again there, but I'm going to try to go cold turkey.

Anyone want to join me in this endeavor?

Has anyone seen/played one of these Chinese violins?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:48:40 CST

http://stores.ebay.com/joyeemusic/Master-/_i.html?_fsub=373834019

Just curious if anyone here has tried one of these. They all seem to pretty much have the same tone description. These makers have been making violins for quite a long time and the wood they use is 15 to 20 yrs. old. There's got to be something wrong, right??? They are pretty instruments, but pretty doesn't matter if they don't sound good. They aren't expensive so not much of a risk, but could have extra fees... who know how much those are??

Viola afterlength?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:48:23 CST

Hi All. I've got a nice viola with a 15-inch body that I'm setting up. It's the first I've worked on. Any advice on bridge and afterlength measurements?

thx

Randy

VIDEO: Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line - Bike Ride

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:03:13 CST

Here is Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line performing Bike Ride for the WAMU's Bluegrass Country YouTube channel.

That's Joe Overton on the banjo and Aaron Jonah Lewis on the fiddle. There are some really cool and bizarre harmonics being played on this performance. In the arrangement along with the fiddle plucking it almost sounds like an electronic beat.

1998 Strad Copy w/video

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 20 May 2013 07:02:18 CST

Hey -

I am listing 5 fiddles, all ready to play, set up for old time fiddling. All have a link to a video of me playing the same thing on each for comparison. Here is a 1998 Strad Copy -

http://www.fiddlehangout.com/classified/5490

Nice newer copy of Strad model fiddle. Label reads "Georg Hermann 1998 copy of Antonius Stradivarius". No cracks, repairs or issues. One small chip one underside edge of top, otherwise in excellent condition. Bright sound with great volume. Set up for old time fiddling. Wittner tailpiece, Helicore strings.

Video sound sample - youtube.com/watch?v=kerxLxgs_bw

Chinrest included, will ship in old beater case.

$50 shipped and insured / US only

Old Guarneri Model w/video

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:53:00 CST

Hey -

I am listing 5 fiddles, all ready to play, set up for old time fiddling. All have a link to a video of me playing the same thing on each for comparison. Here is a Czech Guarneri Model -

http://www.fiddlehangout.com/classified/5486

Nice old Czech made Guarneri copy. (labeled Copy of Josef Guarnerius - made in Czechoslovakia). Great tone and volume. Excellent condition, no open cracks, seams or issues. Set up for old time fiddling. Wittner tailpiece, Prim strings. Recent work by professional luthier - fingerboard planed and center seam glued and cleated.

Will include chinrest and ship in old beater case.

Video sound sample - youtube.com/watch?v=RSCLmauabPI

$50 shipped and insured / US only

Old Stainer Model w/video

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:51:31 CST

Hey -

I am listing 5 fiddles, all ready to play, set up for old time fiddling. All have a link to a video of me playing the same thing on each for comparison. Here is a F.A. Glass Stainer model -

http://www.fiddlehangout.com/classified/5488

Nice old Stainer model. Labeled Friedrich August Glass. Beautiful wood on back. Nice, even tone. No open cracks, seams, or issues. Set up for old time fiddling. Prim strings.

Video sound sample - youtube.com/watch?v=NQfi4TNO-p8

Chinrest included, will ship in old beater case.

$50 shipped and insured / US only

Old Maggini Model w/video

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:48:45 CST

Hey -

I am listing 5 fiddles, all ready to play, set up for old time fiddling. All have a link to a video of me playing the same thing on each for comparison. Here is an old Maggini model -

http://www.fiddlehangout.com/classified/5487

Nice old Maggini Copy fiddle, set up for old time fiddling. No open seams, cracks or issues. One old repair on rib side/corner (pictured), stable and secure. Recent work by professional luthier - new fingerboard installed. Excellent deep tone and volume. Set up with Wittner tailpiece and Prim strings.

Video sound sample - youtube.com/watch?v=6X5AB4gXaMo

Chinrest included, will ship in old beater case.

$50 shipped/insured , US only.

Old Strad Model w/video

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:46:47 CST

Hey -

I am listing 5 fiddles, all ready to play, set up for old time fiddling. All have a link to a video of me playing the same thing on each for comparison. First up is an old "Conservatory" Strad model -

http://www.fiddlehangout.com/classified/5489

Old Strad copy (label reads Copy of Antonius Stradivarius - made in Germany). Also has "Mays Badgett , Atlanta, GA" label inside - likely from a repair. Stamped "Conservatory Violin" on back of scroll. Has numerous old repaired cracks on the top, all are stable. Great deep tone. Set up for old time fiddling, Helicore strings.

Video sound sample - youtube.com/watch?v=oPNnwI61dSU

Chinrest included, will ship in old beater case.

$50 shipped and insured / US only

sheet music

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:01:08 CST

I've been trying to find fiddle sheet music for "The French Song " by Lucille Starr . If anyone can help me out I sure would appreciate it. Thanks

fiddle teachers in Denver

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 19 May 2013 23:51:23 CST

I've been taking lessons with a classical teacher at Arapahoe community college. for various reasons I want to switch to a fiddle teacher.

I want somebody who teaches by ear, not sheet music or tabs. I like Celtic, country, Cajun, old time, and some bluegrass and such.

I like playing solo stuff or playing in a group both as accompaniment and taking solos. I also like using the fiddle for accompanying singing like some do with Rye Whiskey.

now I've narrowed down my choices to Annie Savage and Ron Jones. Annie teaches at Swallow Hill, Ron teaches at a fiddle store and is closer. They both said in their bios that they teach by ear.

Has anybody heard of these two? what do you think, if you have?

are there other teachers you like I should look into?

note I want to meet somebody in real life so don't recommend Skype teachers and such.

thanks for any help you can offer.

Advice for a classical violinist trying to fiddle?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:08:25 CST

Hey--

I've been playing classical violin since I was 7 (I'm 25 now) and have only recently discovered the wonderful world of fiddle music. I'm loving it, but I'm having considerable difficulty with some facets of it.

So, here are my weak spots in particular:

1. I have always read music, and have never put any thought into figuring out keys or what is a fifth of what or anything of that sort. I don't get how to even begin figuring out how to improvise or even determine what key something is in. It's a big problem and I'm seriously jealous of you guys. My "ear" just isn't trained that way. Any advice?

2. I can't play fast enough. This pertains specifically to the Appalachian fiddle songs I've been trying to learn. Leather Britches and Forked Deer and stuff like that. I watch fiddle players shredding at a ridiculous speed like it's no problem and in the meanwhile I'm struggling trying to get half that speed. Is it just a matter of practicing until you're blue in the face, or are there better bowing techniques, or what?

I'm sure I'll think of other questions, too. Thanks in advance!

Big Eared Mule

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:08:08 CST

John Salyer's version

Wheel Hoss

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:04:36 CST

I think it's a great OT tune also.

Are you a melodic improvisor - or are you more lick oriented?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:33:44 CST

To a large degree, I must be a melodic improvisor. Whether listening or playing, I like to hear the melody of the tune - not to hear so many licks around the chords that the melody becomes largely unrecognizable. It is wonderful in a jazz group or among advanced musicians to hear very complicated riffs, but for the rest of us,we'd like to have a chance to join in at our level, wherever that is.

I've never been satisfied with my improv skills - and probably never will be, and at this point, I know I need to work on learning more theory, understanding chords, and learning to APPLY that knowledge if I ever get there. Sometimes in a jam, the leader will call out the chords. That can be very helpful if you have not come from a guitar or piano background. These days, I try to approach a jam at least being familiar with the chords in the most common tunes. It helps me more than anyone else.

I'd like to be able to use licks to put a twist on my playing so it's clear that it's a swing tune as opposed to a bluegrass vocal - or maybe backing up a folk or country singer. Also, I'm finding licks very useful as fills to play in the pauses at the end of lines. So I do a lot of listening to those great players. Vassar and Bobby Hicks, Stuart Duncan, Mark O'Connor...the list goes on and on. Some are more notey than others but all are masters. Many of the newer young players are mind boggling. They have had the advantage of learning from those who have gone before and paved the way.

Early on, I was told - don't play the melody behind the vocals - or behind any other instrument when they are taking their break because that's their moment in the sun. So a lick or occasional long note seems to be less intrusive.

That's where I'm at. Where are you?

The banner ad . . .

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:18:52 CST

just invited me to a Roman orgy.

Are they paying for the air ticket? Perhaps I could scam them by going to Rome, but skipping the orgy part.

World Fiddle Day - Music Posts

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:05:59 CST

Here's my post for World Fiddle Day.

The Girl I Left Behind Me

http://youtu.be/gSNlt8b9PpA

ENTER THE DRAWING

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 18 May 2013 15:56:54 CST

As well as being an aspiring fiddler I am also an artist/art teacher and have for 4 years been trying to figure out the hangout's invitation to " Enter the Drawing." I thought " Hey , I might just get lucky if I submit one of my drawings." I have just realised that this is an American way of saying " Prize Draw." More fool me. ( By the way, Google Images > dundeepie ,if you would care to see any of my work?"

Isn't this silly?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:13:23 CST

So I began traveling a hour each way to take fiddle lessons. There are teachers around here, but no one teaches bluegrass fiddle. Everyone around here is contra or celtic. So I finally find a bluegrass fiddle teacher an hour away. After all this, what is the first tune I ask to learn? The Clarinet Polka. We have been working on it for the last 3 lessons. Is that silly? I love that tune!

Confused about humidity...

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:12:32 CST

In a nutshell...my fiddle case and one of my guitar cases have hygrometers (sp?)... Both read humiduty way up beyond normal ... Don't know what I can do about it because we do not have air conditioning. But here's the confusion: I got a Martin D-18 several years ago that cracked not long after I got it...the other day a luthier said the wood needed hydrating very bad or more cracks would soon follow. I think this guitar was a lemon...mainly our house is cool and damp most of the winter and hot and humid during summer...I've had no other instruments crack, plus the wo cases with hygrometers are showing high humidity. I heard Nartin had a warehouse fire around the time we got tis guitar, and I'm really wondering if they made some guitars with damaged wood? I realize I'm talking guitars insteada fiddles here, but I've never done anything fr humidty...cannot control conditions in our house except for up until two years ago when we heated with wood and I kept a pot of water on th stove...now we took out the woodstove and just have space heaters...most of the house says cool and damp...anybody got deas abou this? Thinking to sell the Martin and never purchase another of their products ( we emailed them about this a few years back and they were like...oh well...).

Here is another great Darol Anger vid.

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 18 May 2013 07:03:50 CST

This show with Darol Anger Grant Gordy, Karl Doty and Joe Walsh is so good! there are several other videos of other songs from this show. Darol is playing a fiddle he got from me last year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8QwR1c7O60

The Big Day has finally arrived.

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 18 May 2013 06:03:10 CST

Yep it's really here. World Fiddle Day.

http://worldfiddleday.com/

So do something fiddlish.

Byron Berline's Autoboigraphy Available

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 18 May 2013 05:05:57 CST

My longtime friend's book is now available HERE.

Anyone interested in Blues Fiddle?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:48:26 CST

I've just written a book called 'Patterns on Your Fiddle - Unlocking the Secrets to Improvising Blues.

My books are all about pattern and do not require any music or tab reading. You just need some Blues backing tracks which you can easily download off the computer for free. Or you can play along with other musicians.

Please check out my web-site www.jenniewilliams.com where you download a free sample.

http://www.campoutva.com/music.com

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:34:55 CST

women fiddlers needed for my banjo and other plaYers at this festival in Va next week.

I mean, like, if there arent any fiddlers why go

Easier Tunes for Beginning Fiddlers

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:15:11 CST

I'm trying to think of tunes to work on.

I've gone through most of the simple melodies I know really well (Amazing Grace, Red River Valley, I'll Fly Away, Put Your Little Foot) and I can do a few fiddle tunes at %75 speed (Drunken Hiccups, Whiskey Before Breakfast). I think I'll start working on Tennessee Waltz today.

Can anyone suggest tunes that would be good for beginners? Thanks!

hova

Ash violin

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:58:11 CST

I've never tried an ash violin. The scroll looks very odd to me. Would wood like this be stable, in the long term?

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/msd/3780700907.html

Help with old violin

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:14:54 CST

I was given an old violin that's been in my family for a while. I don't have any specifics on when it was purchased or for how much. I'm basically trying to determine if there's any value in this violin or if I should just find somewhere to donate it. Based on the inscription inside the violin, it was made by Herman Schifferl in 1895 in Minneapolis, MN. Any help in understanding possible value for this violin would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

Lost/Found Fiddle Bow

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:44:05 CST

Does anyone know who left a fiddle bow backstage at the Doyle Lawson Bluegrass Festival in Denton, NC, probably May 9th?

Drop me a line if you know anything about this. I have the bow.

Wally Hughes

one_horseman@yahoo.com

http://www.campoutva.com/music.com

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 17 May 2013 03:57:00 CST

women fiddlers needed for my banjo and other plaYers at this festival in Va next week.

I mean, like, if there arent any fiddlers why go

Slowing down videos.

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:20:58 CST

What is the best software for slowing down videos. I know you can do it thru VLC player and such. I saw where amazing slow downer has a program. Any suggestions

kathy c in ky

Low Tension String?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:54:42 CST

I'm a little confused by hat they mean when they rate string tensions as low/medium/high.

Does that refer to the amount of tension the strings exert on the body of the fiddle. If so would low tension strings be better on a older fragile violin?

Thanks

Ongoing bet over Billy in the Lowground...

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:38:47 CST

The leader of our BG band has been letting me practice a few easy tunes in D on the fiddle with the band...normally I'm on guitar. Well, he's mentioned Billy in the Lowground, which I don't do because of C being tough..,he keeps mentioning that. Today I sprang into action and I'm now obsessed...I told him by July 4 th, our first practice after the 4 th, I will play Billy in the Liwground, up to speed with the band, or I'll buy him a Coke. If I can do it...he buys me a Coke...this is big time gambling here, a lot at stake...but mainly, it's got my fiddlin burners goin strong on high heat...yes, all the noting, droning, avoiding oopsie strings in C, all the bowing...I'm ready to get down and get n this thing...BITL or bust!!!! I might make a youtube blog of my progress!!!

how to play the guitar

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:29:22 CST

I know many people they play guitar well . they are well known as guitarists and famus. I hope one day I become a good guitarist. I am trying to best.

Playing without double stops

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:59:52 CST

I have learned to play quite good. However, I am wondering, can you be considered a good fiddle player without using double stops? Does anyone know if any of the old time fiddlers played without using double stops?

fiddledee

New Group added for Northern Va folks..

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:30:16 CST

I started a group for folks in Northern, VA area who may be interested in an Beg/int level (slow?) Old time Jam.

http://www.fiddlehangout.com/group/northernvaoldtimejammers

I figure Somebody has to from around here besides me.

Who've You Seen/Heard Live?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:09:55 CST

Which musician currently do you enjoy seeing/hearing/feeling, smell...(uh...let's just go with the former shall we)...live. I'm lucky in that I can traipse on down to my local pubs and find this lady playing a few feet from me. Here's my friend Kathy Barwick playing "Angelina the Baker":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJfUI1OJCqA

Moreover, I've the Sutter Creek Theatre a few miles down the road which has featured Alisdair Fraser, and the Honey Dewdrops:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md95ZYMquR0

And I sat in a few times at the local Celtic session with FHO member and great Celtic fiddler, Linda Relph:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUgVqQxb-S0

Hey look! It's another bowing thread!

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 16 May 2013 01:27:14 CST

In light of recent attempt to craft a new improved style of bowing threads I humbly submit this simple trial idea..

Here I have posted a video of a fiddler whose bowing I greatly admire, and invite you all to watch it a simply make any remarks that come to mind of how he using the bow. Despite not being very good at this type of analysis myself, I suspect some of you are rather good at it. Maybe after reading your insights and going back to the video I may even begin to learn how to break this stuff down myself. Right now all I've good is "Gosh, he certainly makes it look easy doesn't he?" But I suspect we can do a little better if we all put our heads together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsMril_qCHk

Warning: non-OT content

Every Which-A-Way Bowing

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:24:23 CST

Why not just cover all the bases? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRgR_7-bwKY