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Highlonesomef5 - Posted - 10/11/2022: 09:54:50
I have a Pfretzshcner/Roth violin that was built in the early 1960's. Thinking of taking up fiddle again and was wondering what strings would one recommend for this grade instrument? How often do you change strings? I put on a Thomastic metal tailpiece, would another help in getting better sound out of this fiddle?
I have the Brian Wicklund fiddle book. Can someone recommend another? Interested in BG, OT, Irish.
Edited by - Highlonesomef5 on 10/11/2022 09:56:22
Swing - Posted - 10/11/2022: 12:36:49
I would recommend using a Wittner composite tail piece...they are lighter and the micro adjustment tuners are great...just make sure that the distance from the bridge to the bump on the micro tuners is 1/6 the distance from the nut to the bridge..... as far as strings go...I am in the Dominant camp, mediums with a Larson Forte(heavy) E string... chaining the strings every nine months to a year seems about right ..... I can't comment not he Wicklund Book.
Play Happy
Swing
UsuallyPickin - Posted - 10/12/2022: 05:57:36
Hmmm .. well on the tailpiece I agree with Swing .... For starting out pretty much any set of strings will work. Fiber core strings drift / stretch out of tune, a bit more as they are breaking in. If you plan to investigate different tunings on your instrument choose a metal core string. It will work better for your fiddling. Prim and Helicore are two of the more recommended solid core strings. Dominant strings are excellent .... just a little bit pricey. When you get to be a "better" fiddler you can start investigating the MANY types / brands of strings. It is a journey all it's own. I would start with a medium gauge string. If your violin / fiddle has not been to a luthier recently you may benefit from a setup. A poorly setup fiddle makes learning / relearning more difficult. I can recommend Craig Duncan books on fiddling from Mel Bay. Otherwise, there are many specific books on whatever style you choose to learn. Fiddle On!
Highlonesomef5 - Posted - 10/12/2022: 06:21:11
Is it worth spending $200 (guess) to tune up a $300 fiddle?
DougD - Posted - 10/12/2022: 07:19:42
The basic choice is whether you want to use synthetic or steel core strings. For steel core, D'Addario Prelude are about cheapest decent string, and a lot of fiddlers (myself included) use Prim, which ar a little more. Pirastro Tonica are a good, inexpensive synthetic core string, and there are other choices. I've never bought from them, but the Quinn violins website has good information about strings. String choices have been discussed here many times - you can search the archive for ideas.
As for as the tailpiece, I use the Wittner, which I think is less thaan $20. The Thomastik is probably fine too.
None of this costs anywhere near $200. Whether its worth spending $50 on your instrument is up to you, but you already have it.
RobBob - Posted - 10/12/2022: 07:23:25
I bought a fiddle for $100 in a shop that didn't appreciate that the little, plain, blonde had a quite nice voice when she got the needed attention. It was a dandy fiddle that played a lot of gigs and dances. The price of an education in learning more about fiddles is priceless.
You will probably will have to experiment with strings and setup to get a sound that speaks to you. I'd lose that heavy tailpiece in favor of a carbon fiber one with built in fine tuners. There are a couple brands out there and they are very similar. Find a bow that likes your fiddle so they are compatible.
As for the Brian Wicklund books, they are good, but find other people who play fiddle and get immersed in the genre, and listen, listen, listen to all of the fiddlers you can.
Edited by - RobBob on 10/12/2022 07:23:35
Erockin - Posted - 10/12/2022: 07:53:50
quote:
Originally posted by Highlonesomef5
Is it worth spending $200 (guess) to tune up a $300 fiddle?
I just wanted to chime in and say I bought a $45 fiddle and spent $150 to set it up. I'm on day 17 of playing and start my lessons tonight. I'd say $200 getting it ready to play is a great deal! Just my 2 cents...
The Violin Beautiful - Posted - 10/12/2022: 17:31:28
quote:
Originally posted by Highlonesomef5
I have a Pfretzshcner/Roth violin that was built in the early 1960's. Thinking of taking up fiddle again and was wondering what strings would one recommend for this grade instrument? How often do you change strings? I put on a Thomastic metal tailpiece, would another help in getting better sound out of this fiddle?
I have the Brian Wicklund fiddle book. Can someone recommend another? Interested in BG, OT, Irish.
Those old Pfretzschner instruments are built like tanks. They're rather thick and heavy but they were made to withstand a lot of abuse from student players. There will be some tonal limitations from the robustness of the body and the hard varnish, but with a good setup and a decent set of strings, it can be made serviceable.
The old Thomastik tailpieces have been improved by the changes Wittner has made to the design. I'd opt for the Wittner Ultra tailpiece, which is inexpensive and works well.
If you play regularly, expect to change your strings about every six months. As far as string choices, it depends on your budget. If you want the best you can get from a set of strings, you could put on Rondos, but that would probably be overkill for this instrument. Dominants are quite good as a middle-of-the-road string that does everything. If you'd like to economize a bit, Tonicas are the next best set for a lower price.
There are steel strings as well, but they are much higher tension and will make this violin sound strident.
I wouldn't sink a lot of money into this violin, but a new setup and set of strings are well worth it.
RobBob - Posted - 10/13/2022: 07:34:03
I had a Pfretzschner from 1951 that was a good sounding fiddle. Well worth spending some money on.
hayesdt - Posted - 10/15/2022: 15:54:35
I also have a Pfretzschner Roth that I use for playing Old Time fiddle tunes and frequently jam with. I've tried synthetics on it, but for playing Old Time I much prefer Prim Medium steel strings, and they rarely if ever wear out. Prelude steel strings are also good (cheaper), but the Prims seem to have a little more clarity and punch for Old Time fiddle tunes.
I think the answer for you should mostly depend on the type of music you want to play with this fiddle which is, as you indicate, BG, Old Time, and/or Irish, rather than going for the "lushness" and sound complexities of synthetics that more Classical playing styles might warrant.
And, of course, Helicores are excellent too.
Edited by - hayesdt on 10/15/2022 16:01:15
farmerjones - Posted - 10/16/2022: 05:33:53
quote:
Originally posted by Highlonesomef5
Is it worth spending $200 (guess) to tune up a $300 fiddle?
Yes. It's a common thing.
I'm with DougD, Preludes, or Prims, but Dominants are fine. My first bow was crap. Just a reminder, don't forget a good serviceable bow.
