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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/53702
BanjoJoeFitz - Posted - 06/29/2020: 06:30:30
I'm a complete noob at fiddle. I got offered a junky fiddle one day for free, and couldn't say no to that offer! I'm already well acquainted with old time music as I mainly play frailing banjo. I recently bust a string, and I'm curious as to what strings would you all recommend for a beginner fiddler?
stumpkicker - Posted - 06/29/2020: 07:24:08
Well, first of all you should replace all the strings. Second, if you’re a banjo player with no fiddle experience you’re in for some sticker shock when you buy violin strings. But on the other hand they will last you six months to a year depending on how much you play a day. A good starting set would be the D’addario prelude strings. Good luck!
ChickenMan - Posted - 06/29/2020: 09:38:25
Prim strings do the trick for me. About $30-32. Should last a couple of years if you are not too particular :-)
Lonesome Fiddler - Posted - 06/29/2020: 13:20:09
I enjoy Chromcor, but Prims seem to be the first choice among the OT fiddlers I know.
WyoBob - Posted - 06/29/2020: 14:06:13
I was where you are 10 months ago: Clawhammer banjo, old time music, given a free fiddle. I spent a lot of time going through the Hangout archives learning all I could about fiddle stuff especially strings.
My first good fiddle (new) had Prelude strings and they represent a good value at around $16.00 (in this country). I've tried the "Fiddlerman" and "Helicore mediums (the "A" string "gave it up" after 4 months) and the Prim's work much better for me and are on my two fiddles. At around $26.00/set (from Southwest strings with free shipping in the USA), I think they are an outstanding value. From what I've read, they're tough as nails and seem to last a long time for most folks. I like the sound and feel of the Prims and don't see myself changing to anything else.
BanjoJoeFitz - Posted - 06/29/2020: 15:00:20
quote:
Originally posted by stumpkickerWell, first of all you should replace all the strings. Second, if you’re a banjo player with no fiddle experience you’re in for some sticker shock when you buy violin strings. But on the other hand they will last you six months to a year depending on how much you play a day. A good starting set would be the D’addario prelude strings. Good luck!
I'm forced to change strings currently as my E string burst. I also play bass, $50 for four decent roundwound strings! I spend ~$15 a month on banjo strings, so $32 (the price of preludes in Canada) for up to a year ain't too bad!
BanjoJoeFitz - Posted - 06/29/2020: 15:01:03
quote:
Originally posted by ChickenManPrim strings do the trick for me. About $30-32. Should last a couple of years if you are not too particular :-)
What are these "Prim strings" you speak of? Is Prim the band? I'm used to the generic D'Addario and Ernie Ball haha
Lonesome Fiddler - Posted - 06/29/2020: 15:46:02
Prim Strings. Made in Sweden since 1943...thank you very much!! You're welcome!
farmerjones - Posted - 06/29/2020: 16:16:02
Yep. If yer just going to try it out, Preludes, are good solid core, less expensive.
Prim are better/brighter, long LONG last, but they'll cost more.
I could rattle off reviews of a bunch of other brands (do a search) but . . . . I'm feeling lazy.
BanjoJoeFitz - Posted - 06/29/2020: 17:25:40
quote:
Originally posted by farmerjonesYep. If yer just going to try it out, Preludes, are good solid core, less expensive.
Prim are better/brighter, long LONG last, but they'll cost more.
I could rattle off reviews of a bunch of other brands (do a search) but . . . . I'm feeling lazy.
Think I'm going to go with the preludes as they're cheaper and I'm really trying not to break the bank. Trying to fund a banjo upgrade first as that's what I mainly play, and I don't even know if I'll be able to take fiddle lessons (that's the hope)
farmerjones - Posted - 06/29/2020: 18:57:53
quote:
Originally posted by BanjoJoeFitzquote:
Originally posted by farmerjonesYep. If yer just going to try it out, Preludes, are good solid core, less expensive.
Prim are better/brighter, long LONG last, but they'll cost more.
I could rattle off reviews of a bunch of other brands (do a search) but . . . . I'm feeling lazy.Think I'm going to go with the preludes as they're cheaper and I'm really trying not to break the bank. Trying to fund a banjo upgrade first as that's what I mainly play, and I don't even know if I'll be able to take fiddle lessons (that's the hope)
Cool. Btw, what are you aiming for, banjer-wise?
BanjoJoeFitz - Posted - 06/29/2020: 19:03:08
quote:
Originally posted by farmerjonesquote:
Originally posted by BanjoJoeFitzquote:
Originally posted by farmerjonesYep. If yer just going to try it out, Preludes, are good solid core, less expensive.
Prim are better/brighter, long LONG last, but they'll cost more.
I could rattle off reviews of a bunch of other brands (do a search) but . . . . I'm feeling lazy.Think I'm going to go with the preludes as they're cheaper and I'm really trying not to break the bank. Trying to fund a banjo upgrade first as that's what I mainly play, and I don't even know if I'll be able to take fiddle lessons (that's the hope)
Cool. Btw, what are you aiming for, banjer-wise?
I had hoped to be able to get a fretless tackhead from a dealer in the states, but he no longer ships to Canada. Currently it looks like I'm either going for a Washburn or the Deering Goodtime Americana. Sadly the banjo scene here in Newfoundland isn't that big, so I don't have that many options unless I want to get the instrument shipped.
farmerjones - Posted - 06/29/2020: 19:38:02
quote:
Originally posted by BanjoJoeFitzquote:
Originally posted by farmerjonesquote:
Originally posted by BanjoJoeFitzquote:
Originally posted by farmerjonesYep. If yer just going to try it out, Preludes, are good solid core, less expensive.
Prim are better/brighter, long LONG last, but they'll cost more.
I could rattle off reviews of a bunch of other brands (do a search) but . . . . I'm feeling lazy.Think I'm going to go with the preludes as they're cheaper and I'm really trying not to break the bank. Trying to fund a banjo upgrade first as that's what I mainly play, and I don't even know if I'll be able to take fiddle lessons (that's the hope)
Cool. Btw, what are you aiming for, banjer-wise?
I had hoped to be able to get a fretless tackhead from a dealer in the states, but he no longer ships to Canada. Currently it looks like I'm either going for a Washburn or the Deering Goodtime Americana. Sadly the banjo scene here in Newfoundland isn't that big, so I don't have that many options unless I want to get the instrument shipped.
Yes, i live in a rural area. So i buy much stuff online. Research is time well spent and a good return policy has much value as well. I learned much over on the sister forum Banjer Hangout. Best of Luck! FJ
boxbow - Posted - 06/30/2020: 04:27:18
I had good luck with Jargar heavies, better luck with the Preludes and the best luck with Prims. I just tried a set of Prim Orchestra on my fussiest fiddle. In the past I've had Prim mediums and loved them. The orchestra (means heavy gauge, I think) windings have a rough texture that tries to grab at my fingers, but I seem to be getting used to it.
stumpkicker - Posted - 07/01/2020: 14:23:32
quote:
Originally posted by BanjoJoeFitzquote:
Originally posted by stumpkickerWell, first of all you should replace all the strings. Second, if you’re a banjo player with no fiddle experience you’re in for some sticker shock when you buy violin strings. But on the other hand they will last you six months to a year depending on how much you play a day. A good starting set would be the D’addario prelude strings. Good luck!
I'm forced to change strings currently as my E string burst. I also play bass, $50 for four decent roundwound strings! I spend ~$15 a month on banjo strings, so $32 (the price of preludes in Canada) for up to a year ain't too bad!
$15 a month on banjo strings? My experience has been that a$5 set should last 3 months easily.
Edited by - stumpkicker on 07/01/2020 14:26:02