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forestabri - Posted - 06/26/2007: 14:47:25
I have an Anton Beder violin, and the woman who set it up for me (Nell O'Neil in Nevada) told me it wasn't very high quality. She says it is a pre WW2 German student instrument. She went over the whole thing and put steel strings on it and it sounds really tinny to me, and I would prefer a mellower tone. I've already spent too much on it for what it is probably worth and I'm wondering if it would be worth it to try different strings in an attempt to alter the tone. The perlon (sp?) strings at Elderly Instruments are $36, so I don't want to do it if it is a waste of time and money. As it is, I play with a mute to cut the nasal quality. Maybe I should sell it and get a Gianna? Please advise! Thanks.
Brian
Rachel Streich - Posted - 06/26/2007: 15:38:37
Perlon strings would mellow out the tone at least somewhat, IMO. Of course there's only so much a new set of strings will do to improve the tone of an inexpensive fiddle, so I wouldn't expect miracles 
, but I think you will be able to hear a noticeable difference in tone between the perlon strings and the steel strings you have on there now.
Look at it this way -- you can invest $36 in a new set of strings for your present fiddle, which may improve the tone enough that you can continue playing it for a while longer -- or you can sink several hundred dollars -- or more! -- into a new fiddle . Personally, I'd try the perlon strings first. Even if worse came to worst and you end up buying a new instrument, the perlon strings don't have to go to waste -- you can always take them off the Anton Beder fiddle and put them on whatever new fiddle you buy.
Hope this helps --
Rachel Streich - Posted - 06/26/2007: 16:58:42
quote:
Originally posted by forestabri
Thank you Rachel, that helps a lot. I going to be very careful putting on strings at these prices! I just looked at the Thomastik Dominant set for $39.70. They also have a set of "Infeld Reds" which "enhance the darker overtones" for $46.90. Any preferences or ideas about which might work the best for me? Thanks!
Brian
) -- or if a string happens to break -- then I go ahead and replace the whole set..forestabri - Posted - 06/26/2007: 17:29:47
Thanks Rachel, I'm going to order a set of the Thomastik Dominants. BTW, I'm boomchucker from the BanjoHangout. I also play clawhammer.
Brian
Rachel Streich - Posted - 06/27/2007: 09:13:19
Good to "see" you here, Brian .
Thomastiks are good quality strings; I figure you can't go too far wrong with them, no matter which ones you get. Its just a question of finding the right ones for your fiddle.
Last night I noticed the winding on my A string starting to come unraveled 
-- time to stop by my local violin shop and pick up a set of Infeld Blues and see how I like 'em. I'll let you know.....
