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Mellowing a harsh sounding fiddle

Posted by oldtimer on Tuesday, October 30, 2007

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One of my favorite "harshness reducer" tricks: Get some Blu-Tak, or other poster temporary stickem, and a penny.

Knead a small wad of the stickem and stick the penny to the BACK of the fiddle, Stick it about 1/4" from the edge on the side opposite the chinrest, about 1 1/2" from the centerline. DON"T PRESS HARD ENOUGH TO CRACK YOUR FIDDLE.

This will reduce the metallic edge from the sound of most fiddles. If you want more, try a quarter. I have some old thin Chinese coins I use.

No one will ever see it and it takes off the edgy sound without muting too much.

Or do what a lot of famous classical soloists have done. Drape a small folded hand towel over the chin rest and part of the top to the right of the tail piece.

This mellows the sound noticeably.

4 comments on “Mellowing a harsh sounding fiddle”

kubasa Says:
Tuesday, October 30, 2007 @12:42:43 PM

Thanks for the tips.  I use the hand towel but I don't play classical.  I mainly use it because having my neck against the fiddle was like rubbing 100 grit sandpaper against it.  The towel really serves two purposes for me.  I really should be a product tester for the Gillette razor company!

Sky Says:
Saturday, November 10, 2007 @6:45:07 AM

A penny under the fidddle,  one cent
A new towel over the chin rest,  couple of bucks
Glenn's experience and knowledge,,  priceless!

It's always a special treat to hear your wisdom in matters concerning
the fiddle. Friend, it truly is priceless. Thank you.

PeachyPicker08 Says:
Saturday, August 16, 2008 @7:31:59 PM

You are AMAZING!

oldtimer Says:
Friday, July 3, 2020 @12:33:54 PM

Thanks, folks!

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