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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: Is a five string (yev 105) advisable for a complete noob


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.fiddlehangout.com/archive/53647

nathan - Posted - 06/18/2020:  09:32:49


Hello there,

Im a fiddler wannabe, which means I never owned a violin or played one.

Due to noise considerations, I decided to buy an electric fiddle and settled on a yamaha yev 104.

Unfortunately they seem to be rare right now and I found a used (like new) yev 105, which is half the price of a yev 104.

Do you think its O.k to buy it as a beginner?

Pros:
1. Less than half the price of a yev104
2. That Fifth string could be nice up ahead.

Cons:
1. Added complexity for a beginner, on an already hard instrument to master. (Though my plan was to initially ignore the C string)
2. When switching to an (acoustic) 4 string, might be funky feeling.


What do you think of this issue?
The music style Id like to play on it, is the celtic/irish/ scotish style.

Thanks a bunch
Nathan.

Brian Wood - Posted - 06/18/2020:  12:21:21


Okay, I'll take a stab at this but it's just an opinion. There's no right or wrong for your question. But I'd say starting with a 5-string wouldn't be your best choice. Getting used to 4 strings and the repertoire of tunes that can be played on that (endless, really) is where I'd recommend a new fiddler start. My own experience with 5-strings is pretty limited. I've only played a couple of them. One of those I made myself with the idea that my musical world would find vast new horizons. Truth is I hardly ever play it, and when I do I am always trying to figure out ways to use the low C string. It ends up being in the way. I've made a viola too, which I also don't play much, although I can see its usefulness (or a 5 string) as a second part instrument below a violin.



If I ever make another 5-string it probably would be a larger body viola with an E rather than violin size with a C. But to me the 4-string violin is the main thing.

Woodcutter - Posted - 06/18/2020:  13:29:31


I agree with Brian, Nathan. Four strings is hard enough to learn --- the fifth will only complicate trying to find the right plane for the 1 or 2 strings you want to play. Just guessing here but I suspect there's a reason so many play 4's rather than 5's (although it could also be just cuz it's more traditional). You mention noise considerations --- not sure what you mean --- if you're worried about being too loud where you are practicing be aware that there are a number of good mutes available for standard non-electric fiddles. And there are plenty of good fiddles at reasonable prices.

nathan - Posted - 06/18/2020:  13:51:33


Hi Brian and Woodcutter thanks very much for your replies!



O.k I was suspecting that would be the answer.

Woodcutter, I will try to find a fiddle with a a good muter, but is it possible to silence it to the level that someone in another room will not hear the noise?



In any case Thanks.


Edited by - nathan on 06/18/2020 13:52:18

RinconMtnErnie - Posted - 06/18/2020:  15:27:52


I own both a YEV 104 and and older SV 120. Those are great for practice at home unamplified. You may be able to find something similar on Craigslist (other electric violin). I would not start with a YEV 105.

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 06/19/2020:  06:06:36


It seems to me that the primary advantage for a five string violin is in playing harmony to another instrument. That C string adds some fine tones. Also, a quality four string instrument is available at a much lower price. Lastly when five string instruments began to appear someone asked Spade Cooley if he was planning on getting a five string and his reported reply was " Five string , I've bee n lookin' for a three string". Or something to that effect. I have to say four strings are plenty for me. R/

DougD - Posted - 06/19/2020:  07:09:08


nathan - I think you outlined the pros and cons pretty well. Its up to you to decide. I've never played a five string and barely have seen any, but I don't see why you shouldn't try one for the reasons you outlined. Since you have no experience anyway I don't think it would seem strange. If you don't like it you can always sell it on.

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