Fiddle Hangout - Product Reviews and Shopping Advice 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?

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

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??

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.

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

Pernambuco Bow Identification

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:08:32 CST

With some less expensive bows available that has a type of wood as pernambuco, is there any way to detect if the wood is actually pernambuco? Thanks, Jerry

What violin is it?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:54:56 CST

I saw it on ebay and can't find anything look like this in internet.

Is there anybody every saw something like this before?

Thanks

Thomastik e2 strings and their terrible website

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 12 May 2013 22:44:00 CST

These are sold seperately. They're currently my favourite e string. They are multilayer steel wire, tin plated, as is the Vision e string. The e2 is usually a dollar more than the Vision string. Does anyone know if these are the same strings? Would Thomastik make two different strings that were so similar in construction and price? I wonder.

I tried looking at the Thomastik website. It's very poorly oraganized and it doesn't even mention these strings or the Peter Infelds or some others. The photos are still of the old school packaging. Terrible. It's looked the same since at least 2000. The translations from German to English are awful. It makes me wonder if their string making technology is as sloppy and out of date. Very unprofessional.

strings

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 12 May 2013 06:52:17 CST

Do heavy strings work better for high pressure bowing, and if so what brand should I try?

New Strings

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:05:50 CST

Hey guys!

So I'm looking to buy some new fiddle strings that I am in DESPERATE need of, but I'm not sure which brand is best. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Chloe :)

Academy of Bluegrass question

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 11 May 2013 08:06:52 CST

So I have watched Darol Anger give some great video lessons from the samples available. I had a question for anyone that has done this subscription.

This concept of the video responses, where you send a video of your playing and Darol responds with an instructional video taylored to your submitted clip.

Do you really get responses on a regular basis? There must be a limit on how often he'll respond? I mean based on the number of people throughout the country that might subscribe to the fiddle lessons. How can he really respond to all these videos on a regular basis. I just wondered if anyone has any insight into the scope of this process.

I'm looking at this as a supplemental aid to some lessons I get here at home. Maybe over the summer.

Thanks

Fletcher Bright and Bill Evans

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 10 May 2013 07:44:50 CST

I just saw over on the BHO that these guys put out a new CD, recorded at Mr. Brights home. The samples sound excellent!

http://www.billevansbanjo.com/bill-evans-store.php

American Made Fiddles

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 May 2013 15:54:46 CST

Where can I find American Fiddle makers? What would a beginner price start at?

What would you Pay???

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 5 May 2013 12:26:24 CST

I am curious about what folks would be willing to pay for a "real good" fiddle.

I have been playing for about 9 months now. I practice more now than I did a few months ago. I don't see myself voluntarily laying the fiddle aside in the future. I take my fiddle to jams now, and even though I love picking the banjo (and more competent), I am drawn more to the fiddle....probably because of the challenge, if my wife were to guess!

I have a nice beginner fiddle outfit (my guess would be about a $500 fiddle, if purchased alone when new) that I purchased 9 months ago when I started playing. I have no complaint with my present fiddle, but I do know that I want to get something better. I plan to keep my present fiddle, and in fact, I just bought a used Incredibow from a FHO member (you know how it is, on a whim!), and I plan to play my present fiddle/Incredibow if there is any hint of bad weather at a festival or outside jam.

I have no desire to play classical music (I am not drawn to it). I will just play folk music, gospel, fiddle tunes, and bluegrass. However, I have always appreciated the tone and "playability" of good instruments. I presently have 6 banjos, none worth less than $4K. I also own a nice Martin guitar. I need to sell a couple of banjos, just because I never get around to playing them. However, I have no desire to go out and spend that kind of money on a fiddle, if there is no difference to my ear between one of those and a $1500.00 German trade fiddle set up by a professional luthier, coupled with a good bow.

I drool over some of the $4-8K+ new handmade fiddles that I see produced by American luthiers, but as an amateur, I just don't know about one of those, either.

My gut tells me that a $1500-$2500.00 fiddle and a $500-800.00 Coda bow will be as fine of a set up as I would ever want, need, or "grow into", and that it would probably suffice for a professional player of about any musical genre, as well.

I hope to make the 7 hour drive to Byron Berline's shop soon, or perhaps to a large shop (meaning lots of fiddles) somewhere in Dallas (Dallas is about 4.5 hours from me), but so many "fiddles" that I see at the retail shops are over $3500.00 (indeed, up to $100K). Do people actually buy those to fiddle on, or do they plan to use them professionally in orchestras for a 40 year career?

Should I go into a fiddle shop and just have them hand me fiddles blindly, knowing nothing about the cost, age, history, or where the fiddle was made?

I don't have a problem buying from individuals, but I also would feel badly if I had half a dozen fiddles shipped my way, and ended up sending them all back.

What say you all????

ER Pfretzschner

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 3 May 2013 19:20:34 CST

What can you tell be about my fiddle. ER Pretzschner 1961 S&R Model A211?

Strange violin that I don't know if it's a ER Roth or not.

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 1 May 2013 10:36:53 CST

I got a strange violin that missing the label so I don't know what it is. The case has ER Roth stamp on it. The violin has metal Champion style pegs and beautiful carved tailpiece. I don't know if it worths spending money to fix it or not.

If anybody ever saw any violin like this before, please help me out!

Here are the photos from the violin.

Thank you very much!

Katy Hill on my new fiddle from Ron Stewart

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:37:46 CST

Hey guys!

I got one of the fiddles that Ron had listed here a few weeks back. I have played it on 3 gigs so far and love it. I took a little video of me playing Katy Hill yesterday. Here it is:

GoStrings.com?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 20:30:38 CST

Hello,

Has anyone here bought from gostrings.com? I am thinking of buying some things from them but wanted first to see if anyone had bought stuff from them. Or does anyone know the best site to buy Kolstein violin rosin and suzuki method grade books from with reasonable shipping??

Thanks,

Kiara

Akord Kvint Violins

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:04:49 CST

I've been searching for info, reviews, prices, etc. on the violins made by Akord Kvint Ltd in Luby, Czech Republic. The only US dealer appears to be Petr's in Anchorage. Does anyone here have any experience with their concert servies of violins?

Don

String cleaner

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:53:36 CST

The other day I was (window-)shopping for strings on the Shar Music site and came across something called Royal Oak String Cleaner ("Solvent free, biologically degradable cleaner. Use regularly to get the best performance from your strings."). It has three favorable reviews on the site, but I had never heard of such a thing. Has anyone here used this or something similar?

http://www.sharmusic.com/Shop-Shar/Accessories/Care/Cleaner-Polish-amp-Cloths/Royal-Oak-String-Cleaner---Small.axd

~Rich

German trade violin. How Old ??

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:30:33 CST

I picked up this German trade/factory violin for little investment as a backup/festival fiddle.

I'm trying to get an estimate on its age and any other info I can. The label apparently fell out years ago. The person I purchased it from said his grandpa gave it to him when he was 8. He also said he remembers his grandpa telling him it was made in Nuremberg, Germany.

Due to his age, if it was made around the time it was given to him, that would make it from the 60's to early 70's. He doesn't remember if it was new when he got it.

Just curious. Thanks for the help.

Tanner

Carlo Bergonzi Anno 1733 Violin Original?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:24:34 CST

I am interested in violin shown below. It was the property of a conductor.
It looks very old. The F hole in the next indication is: "Carlo Bergonzi Anno 1733". Frame is shown below strings and other components attached to it.
I want to know what you think it is to be of value. Can I be seen in this original?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/918d0Lq0ZBL._SL1500_.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81JBXdmlmJL._SL1500_.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71MijDaB8XL._SL1500_.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71XUcHg6PcL._SL1500_.jpg

What kind of strings are these?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:35:09 CST

I need help identifying the strings that came with my Jon Gould workshop violin. The silk at the ball end is red with a black thread, with the E string all black. At the peg they are G = Brown, D = Pink, A = Black, and E = Green.

I can't find a good reference, but I'm thinking they might be Pirastro Obligatos. I was thinking I needed to improve the strings that came with my violin, but it may be hard to improve from here.

--David

Gage Realist violins

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:37:54 CST

Anybody have or played one of the Gage Realist violins? I am considering a 4 string to add as a high quality stage violin, but I was wondering if anybody had any experience with them. Sonically I am looking for the most realistic and natural plugged in tone, as well as very good acoustic tone. I have an all-acoustic Henirich Gill violin that I just love, but I am not putting a pickup on it or taking it to the bars. I also have a custom Chinese acoustic/electric with a Baggs bridge that is very natural sounding, and a good acoustic too, but I am looking for something even better than that. The tone on that violin is warm but not real even across the strings. I have also played and loved my trusty Barcus Berry violin, but the tone can be a little unnatural and shrill on that one without EQ. I think a large part of the acoustic/electric violins is in the pickup, but it also is in the quality of the fiddle itself. If the fiddle is just a mediocre student violin unplugged then it will sound the same when amplified.

With the Realist violins, I am considering either of their four string models, the base and the pro. Any experience with either?

Bridge "Aquila" electric violin

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:20:24 CST

FYI:

I recently purchased a Bridge "Aquila" model electric violin in black, from the Electric Violin Shop. It has a hollow Kevlar/carbon fiber body. I've had it for a couple of weeks now, and have played it for performance a couple of times:

If you're willing to spend the money, I would recommend this instrument for someone looking for a well-designed and well-built electric instrument that retains somewhat of an acoustic sound, albeit through a piezo pickup. The piezo is visible as a green line running horizontally through the middle of the bridge, from the bass side all the way over to the treble side. The piezo wiring comes down into the body through a hidden hole of the treble foot. The wire is totally hidden and not visible.

Since the body is hollow, it has some natural acoustic resonance, which helps with the amplified tone. Un-amplified it is slightly louder than playing an acoustic violin with a heavy practice mute installed. The instrument is just a few ounces heavier than a standard acoustic, but is much stronger due to the Kevlar/carbon body. A few times I've stepped on the cord while playing, almost pulling it out of my hand, with no damage to either the body or the cord jack.

I have to say that this instrument feels very good in the hand. The neck shape is perfect (from my limited perspective). And playability is excellent. There is a nice balance between notes, and across strings. Also, only a light touch with both the left hand, and light bow pressure with the right, is necessary to get a note to speak well. Kudos go to Bridge for their design and manufacturing, as well as to EVS for the setup.

I did replace the stock Tonicas with Thomastik "Vision Solo" strings (medium gauge). This helped provide a tone closer to what I wanted. (I use Vision Solos on my acoustic violins).

********************************

If you're interested in trying a Bridge instrument, I'd heartily recommend the folks at the EVS (Electric Violin Shop: http://www.electricviolinshop.com) in North Carolina. They were a huge help to me, and answered my many questions with much patience!

Susie was my outstanding salesperson there, and Chris was also a huge help. EVS apparently is one of the largest retailers of electric violins in general, and Bridge in particular. In short, the whole purchasing experience was excellent, although I'm certain that I must have almost drove them crazy. Being new to electric violins, I had no idea what to expect.

One really helpful aspect is that EVS fully sets up all electric violins which they sell, prior to sending them out. I had first tried a Yamaha SV-200 from them, which I then exchanged for the Bridge, during the 10 day trial period which they offer.

The Yamaha setup was perfect. Yamahas usually are sold not set up when ordered from many retailers (Yamaha even provides user instructions for the setup in the SV-200 manual, assuming that the final user will be doing the setup). But EVS sets them up, checks and adjusts the bridges, string height, fingerboards,etc, and also tests each violin, prior to sending them out. They do this for all the manufacturers which they retail.

When I've had more time with it, I will provide more feedback on my experience. But since someone had started another thread asking about a Fender FV-1, I figured that I would start a thread on this, rather than hijacking their thread.

Best wishes,

Frank

L'archet Brasil bows?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:08:50 CST

I went to a shop/luthier the other day to fix a problem with a muted D note on my A string. While I was there I tried out center mount chin rests. I fell in love with the Flesch center mount flat. Man is that chin rest comfortable.

Since I had time I tried out a pile of bows up to $600.

Right now I'm have a L'archet Brasil De Marchi full mount nickel Pernambuco bow on trial. I really like it so far. Seems to be well made. I like the way it plays for me.

What's the going rate for this bow? It seems very reasonable price wise to me. How about the quality of L'archet Brasil bows as a whole?

Thanks,

Tanner

Fender FV-1 electric violin

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:00:43 CST

can anyone tell me about this violin

Raoul Rettberg violin

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:34:42 CST

Hi Folks,

I found this fiddle at a Salvation Army. It is a Raoul Rettberg.

I know nothing about violins; I play banjo and guitar. I bought it because I was attracted to the wood and the obvious quality of craftsmanship.

I tried looking it up on the internet, but all I found was an auction result from 2004. There is an XX (1920?) scratched into the side of the peghead. The label has “reconfigured 1926” written above the maker’s name. It also came with a Thiers bow.

I know he was a Boston maker, but anyone have an idea of the history of the maker and perhaps the scarcity? Anyone know what it may be worth? It’s full sized and unrestored. Thanks for your help!

Art Galbraith CD

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:53:41 CST

This is probably old news, but there is a CD of Art Galbraith's tunes available out of the UK. It's the tunes from the LP "Dixie Blossoms" plus an equal number of tunes recorded in 1984 but never published. I love Galbraith's style and touch, and what he does with a tune, and I'm not the only one. Vance Randolph deemed him "the best Ozarks fiddler I ever heard." Cost me about $23 with postage, but well worth it IMHO.

You can find it here: http://www.mtrecords.co.uk/ Product number is MTCD509, Dixie Blossoms CD.

Advice for newbies looking for instruments

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 08:16:30 CST

I don't really follow the "you have to have the most expensive fiddle you can afford or the student will simply be turned off altogether" theory. Plenty of people start off with whatever they can get their hands on and trade up, it's just nature - most people would say that my first guitar was unplayable and would turn away any aspiring guitarist, but the hurdles it presented made me a much better guitarist in the long run.

I was lucky enough to come into a well set up student fiddle as a hand me down, but I had to beg to get it and it had a nasty tone. But, If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't be playing period.

Remember, one person's hundred dollars is another's five thousand, when I was a short order cook in my late teens trying to afford rent and food the thought of buying multi-thousand dollar violins was about as feasible as buying the Mir Space Station.

So take it easy when your pushing new fiddlers to spend, spend, spend... Your advice may turn them off more than a crappy fiddle.

Also worth noting is that expensive doesn't always equate to the instrument your after, I've played $5000 fiddles that I didn't like as much as the $500 one hanging below it.

I think the best answer for people interested in learning fiddle is to find a violin shop and see if they rent or can set up payment plans. Shops will listen to you, take all your needs and goals into consideration and get you into a far better instrument than those cheap chinese packages on ebay. Those things are almost entirely unplayable and not worth setting up properly. Setups are important, I've seen a proper setup turn so-so fiddles into gems.

Just my 2 cents... happy fiddling

1990 scherl & roth r301e4

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 07:29:36 CST

i am a beginning fiddle player and have fortunately stumbled onto this web site.

i just bought (for cheap i should say) this violin off ebay( i know---never buy with out playing it first-but i did anyway)

does anyone else own this model?

assuming proper set up---is this ok to learn on?

any and all insight or information will me greatly appreciated.

thank you

The Old Texas Fiddle, a CD by Howard Rains.

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 4 Apr 2013 20:05:06 CST

This new CD by Howard Rains arrived today and its really nice. Old time Texas fiddle tunes and lots of them. Howard is a fine player of the old tunes. I highly recommend this recording. Fiddle, banjo, guitar on the old tunes. Good stuff!

mathias thoma MT 525 violin

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 1 Apr 2013 16:55:12 CST

I just bought a violin its a Mathias Thoma MT 525. I cant find one anyplace. it looks to be made really well and has beautiful wood. anyone ever hear of this model?

Need lowered tuning string advice

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 15:42:49 CST

Hello all,

I actually need 2 pieces of advice;

#1 - I need to find some strings that would sound good even when tuned down a whole step. From my limited experience, some do, and some don't. Now I'm using Prims for that purpose, and they work well. But I'm open to other suggestions. I just saw a set of Prims at $31 and would like to go cheaper than that!

#2 - I need a good place to buy rubber sleeves for the brackets of my chin rests. The old rubber ones are very worn and cracking.

Thanks in advance for any help you could give!

E H Roth Label

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 09:41:08 CST

I am looking at purchasing a 1950's Roth violin. It has the proper brand but I have some concerns about the paper label which looks like the edges have been trimmed. It is too far to drive to just to check out the label and was wondering whether anyone had a good picture of a 50's Roth label.

Thanks

Jack

Super fiddle II

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:40:50 CST

Finally got a couple of prototypes in on the fiddle project I mentioned a couple of years ago, and just finished setting the first one up. Sounds great so far! Dark, for sure. Very slightly muted so far, but focused, which many people like, but it's early yet. Just posting to gauge interest, see if anyone is still interested.

The idea was to adapt the body design of my 5-strings down to a 4-string fiddle, the thinking being that it would be much darker, something that many fiddlers like. We actually shrank the plates down to violin length, although the lower bouts are wider than a regular violin. New fiddles usually sound awful on the day they are set up; they sound much better after settling in over night, and much better yet after a month or so. Even so, this one sounds really good on the first day. Nothing's really finished; I need to do some final post and bridge tweaking, and then take everything apart and polish it, put it all back together, ready for company. It's DARK, that's for sure, and sweet on the high end. Even though it's dark, it's pretty focused so far. I'll take it home and play it tonight, maybe take some preliminary pix. Might get an early sound sample after it settles in for a couple of days and gets some final tweaks.

Broke a lot of rules again on this one, but looks good so far.

Case information

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 07:24:32 CST

I've been looking at cases online and would appreciate information/advice. My wishes are for: latches, not zippers (mine broke, as most eventually will); subway strap for waiting in long security lines at airports, and squeezing down airplane aisles; good protection for my fiddle. I'm leaning toward the Bobelock 1060 fiberglass but have a question: my fiddle teacher just bought one and is disappointed that her fiddle (and mine) kind of slosh around in the case - it isn't a violin shaped interior, just an open space; does anyone who has this case have this problem? Also, what does having or not having 'suspension' in a case mean? This case is in my price range; the Half Moon fiberglass case also looks good except for lack of subway strap and less accessory room. Thoughts?

Silakowski FIddles

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:03:27 CST

I just received an amazing John Silakowski 5 string fiddle. It is very balanced from the open C to high up on the E string. It has sweet full double stops and it just sings. The experience was excellent and I had plenty of time to make sure it was what I wanted with no pressure to keep it. John used to have a long waiting list but is now close to caught up and there are some of his bench made 4 strings that may be on the market soon too! I have heard some people did not know where to call so here is the number: 270-816-4831.

No financial interest here just a very happy Silakowski four and five string owner.

Just added photos I received before it was setup....

"Violin Viola" from Old Violin House

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:41:19 CST

Because this board was such a great source of information to me when I was trying to figure out if it was worth taking a chance on an ebay fiddle, I thought I should report on the experience. A "Revolutionary 5-String Violin Viola #3007, Warm Tone, by Vecchio" arrived today, five days after being ordered from Old Violin House on ebay. I admit that my expectations were not all that high, but I am hugely impressed with the quality of the sound. The finish is quite pretty, although it does seem a bit odd for an "antiqued" look to be quite so even - but then it is sitting next to a fiddle that is quite a lot older and looks like it might have been carried about in a burlap sack during Bonaparte's Retreat! The deeper ribs definitely give it a bit of a boxier feel than a 4/4 violin, but it feels comfortable. The finger board is slightly wider than my fiddles' and the strings are slightly closer together, but I can easily play strings independently and the double-stopped fifths will be easier to play. It definitely needs to be be set up - the bridge lowered/replaced, new strings (although this may just be a preference - what's on it aren't bad at all, but I like Helicores) and I need either fine tuners or geared pegs (and again, this may reflect my inability/impatience with tuning). The sound is full, and warm and relatively even across the strings - I expected (hoped?) that the C string would have a full sound, which it does, and I am pleasantly surprised by how genuinely good the high E sounds. Does it sound as good as a KC or Dudley? Absolutely not. But it sounds a lot better than a $1500 5-string violin I tried (which did not have the wider ribs) and it definitely sounds more like a fiddle than a viola. It only cost a total of $560, including shipping, a lightweight foam case and a serviceable bow. (Note that this same model is being offered in both the ebay store and on Old Violin House's new website - the website lists it for a price that includes free shipping, but the total ebay 'buy it now" price plus shipping was almost $100 less.)

If I have half as much fun with it as think I might, and continue to improve as a player, maybe later on I'll be in a position to ask an American maker to sell me one of theirs.

Boston area luthier recommendation needed

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:38:37 CST

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a luthier who is within an hour or so drive of Boston that they would recommend to set up a new Chinese fiddle and also to give a "check up" to a lovely Peter Paul Prier viola that I recently acquired that hadn't been played in a dozen years. Thanks in advance!

Looking for information on a "brand" (Remenyi)

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 8 Mar 2013 14:20:07 CST

Hi there, having played and taken lessons for about 6 months I decided to find my own fiddle instead of renting, the process of elimination has possibly led me to settle on an Eastman 305 however!

My father in law said I can have his old fiddle (he upgraded years ago) it's a brand called Remenyi, the quote on the paper inside is The Remenyi Art Violin, he tells me he paid about 800.00 in 1991. My problem is it needs to be restrung before I try it! An investment in itself, I'm trying to decide if it's worth it so am looking for anyone who has played this type of Violin before.

Thanks!

Old fiddle need info, will sell

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 7 Mar 2013 11:34:59 CST

I found an old fiddle at my Grandpa's home and need to identify it. All it says is "Made in Germany" on the inside. No other identifying marks or numbers. Any help will be appreciated.

Kolstein Violin Rosin

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 6 Mar 2013 21:50:53 CST

I know a lot of you are thinking oh no, another rosin thread. I decided to try Kolstein rosin because our bass player, Chris Enghauser raves about there bass rosin. Well I went to there website and they do make a violin rosin so I decided to give it a try. Kolstein violin rosin is a very dark rosin. It adheres to the bow extremely well. Better than any rosin I have ever used. It has a nice smooth playing quality, it also has a nice controllable bite or attack with bow changes and can get gritty when needed as well. All of these sounds are very easy to manipulate with bowing technique. I give Kolstien Violin rosin a two thumbs up. I had been using Andres A Piacera been rosin before but I got tired of.paying $33 a cake, and while it was nice rosin, every time I dropped it, it went in to a million pieces. I also had to reapply rosin in the middle of an hour set or more. I tried Andrea Solo and while it did adhere to the bow a little better, it was too expensive evertime I dropped it or left it at a playing job.....$30 down the drain. Kolstein is affordable, around $11-13 online. It also has an indefinite shelf life. It does not produce much dust and is very easy to modulate different sounds from very smooth to raw and raunchy. It had great bite when asked for and grips the strings very good, even on very light passages. Kolstein has always been a go to rosin for bass players. I highly recommend trying there violin rosin. It has some very nice playing qualities and the price is right..........David Blackmon

New Leftwich & Higginbotham CD: The Lost Child

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 6 Mar 2013 07:25:54 CST

Brad Leftwich and his long-time musical partner and wife, Linda Higginbotham, have released a new CD of studio and live recordings from their early years performing together in the 1980s. Some tracks are from their first LP, long out of print, called "Buffalo Gals."

A must-have for fans of Brad and Linda's, and any student or person interested in old time fiddle. Brad set the standard for all who follow in his footsteps, and this is a great way to hear how it all began. As many know, he had family connections to, and learned directly from Tommy Jarrell, and he and Linda visited many legendary old time musicians during the 70s and 80s.

https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bradleftwichlindahigginb

Thinking of getting a ToneRite

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 3 Mar 2013 12:38:13 CST

I have it on good authority that some high end shops keep a whole bunch of violins under these things for demos. And for uber highend violins people are paid daily to play them.

So I'm pretty confident they work.

If you play your fiddle every day (or even every other day) it will not do a thing. It just keeps it played in, if you're not playing it enough.

My concern though is, would it accelerate using up strings life span and perhaps the bridge.

Over time strings sometimes sink into the bridge and "Playing" your fiddle is what uses up string life time.

So if this thing is "Playing it" will I just be feeding it strings and bridges faster?

If a high volume shop is turning over violins fast enough then this makes perfect sense to use.

But I'm not sure.

They are way over priced, but they do seem to work.

Charlie Daniels bow

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 3 Mar 2013 06:31:16 CST

My daughter is the proud recipient of Charlie Daniels bow. Is it worth much? She was offered 2000 at the concert but I don't think she will ever part with it.

Black dye or real ebony?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 2 Mar 2013 17:46:35 CST

Hello, I just purchase a new Paesold 803A off of Ebay from an authorized Eastman dealer. After playing it several times I began to notice that my fingertips were turning dark gray. I first thought it to be the strings, but when I rubbed my finger along the edge of the fingerboard several times my finger came away black. Is this some sort of polish coming off? Is ebony ever dyed or is this not real ebony? Looking back on the listing I realize that it said nothing about being ebony. I just assumed it would be after reviewing Paesold products. Is this a sign of a cheaply made violin?

And do most violins come with plastic tailpieces rather than ebony?

Thanks in advance,

Noel

Any negatives regarding ARCOS Brasil bows?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:37:45 CST

I know there are lots of opinions out there but I didn't see any comments regarding ARCOS brasil bows. I have two to try for a short time, they are both much better than my student glasser bow. But my main concern is all the great comments about Coda bows. The ARCOS bows cost about $250, similar to the prodigy I guess. Should I keep trying others. I've only been playing for about a year. Can definitely tell a difference with the ARCOS bows but I don't really have enough experience to compare "better" bows to each other as my skills are limited. Any suggestions?

Notation software

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:51:18 CST

I use Tabledit most of the time and it works okay for me. I have a friend who wants something more, the nice thing what ever they get, I get to use too. So, does anyone have any experience with Sibelius 7 and/or Finale PrintMusic? Or Songwriter? Which one is best? The goal here is to input hymns and transpose them for other members of our church orchestra.

Student Fiddle Advice

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:57:05 CST

I've been renting a student violin for the last three months but would like to go ahead and purchase one. The shop I'm renting from has a good deal where you can rent for credit towards a purchase, however I don't like the fact that it limits my purchase to only the violins sold at the shop. I've done a lot of reading as to what I should be looking for so I know the answer is very subjective but any guidance will be helpful and most appreciated. I have almost come to the conclusion of buying a GEMS II Gliga, since it has a good reputation and already setup upon delivery. However I'm a little apprehensive because I've read a few posts about the neck being to wide for a fiddle player. The luthier at my current violin shop also said the same thing when asking about the Gliga brand (he could also just be trying to sale their brand of violins). My hands are very small so if that's true then I will quickly be discouraged from learning the fiddle, an already hard-to-learn instrument. I have an infant that needs constant care so I don't have the flexibility to visit many violin shops. I would much rather be able to buy a violin, have it properly setup and ready to play on arrival. Any thoughts on the Gliga? Do you have recommendations on another student violin or know of any shops in Georgia that offer solid student selections at a decent price? Thanks so much for your time!