Hello,
I started playing bass with a Irish fiddle band about 4 years ago and really enjoyed it, I loved the energy the fiddle brought to a live performance, compered to playing in a rock band with the standard line up. So a few years back i got a cheap acoustic violin and learnt the basics of setting up and playing. I got to know a hand full of songs and even jammed with band mates and that went well, so iv bought the cheap Stagg S shaped electric fiddle to try and help me make the next step toward gigging.
What is the general advice for setting these types of violins up? should i get new pegs, bridge, tuners etc? if so what ones would you guys recommend?
Cheers
I don't know what shape those are in, or what kind of pickup and electronics they have, but to start with, maybe the minimum would be new strings, a tailpiece with fine tuners (that'll help to deal with cheap and stubborn pegs), and the bridge worked on a bit to get the proper string heights over the fingerboard.
If you went all out, a new bridge, pegs fitted properly, tailpiece with the tuners, new strings, maybe the fingerboard checked out for proper scoop and radius.
I am very partial to heavy gauge Zyez strings with either a Pirastro Wondertone E, or a Jargar heavy E. Helicores are also extremely good strings, and probably the most used strings on electrics, a statistic I pulled out of my @ss just this minute.
quote:
Originally posted by CraigosWhat is the general advice for setting these types of violins up? should i get new pegs, bridge, tuners etc? if so what ones would you guys recommend?
As far as setup goes, the bridge should be cut well just like it is for an acoustic instrument, because string height, curvature, thickness, and flexibility are still critical. The fingerboard should be properly shaped, as should the nut. The pegs need to work smoothly so you don't have issues tuning.
Since the body is solid and doesn't resonate, you don't need to use great strings. A cheap set like Helicore, Alphayue, or Tonica will be fine. For a true electric, the sound is determined by the amp.
There's also another forum called The Fiddle and Alternative String Forum. Has a very comprehensive electric violin section. Not to chase anybody off. But why not scratch where it itches?
Thank you for the info guys ??. Iv had a look on the other forum and there is a full thread about setting the Stagg up, so thats very useful, thank you.
If i was to get a new peg, bridge, tuners etc set, how much should i look to spend?
quote:
Originally posted by Craigos
If i was to get a new peg, bridge, tuners etc set, how much should i look to spend?
For the things you listed, I'd budget $200-$300. If you have a full setup done, you might need to add $100-$200.
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