One of my Fiddles is ringing on my "A" String Fist finger position B...All of the sudden it just sounds really ringy wierd...Any suggestions...Did try another A String same issue.
Edited by - Creole on 12/05/2022 17:31:25
Do you have fine tuners and might one be loose? I'd check everything metal that could vibrate or be loose.
Doesn't sound like issue of the string, but the B note resonance. As mentioned can be caused by some loose part, like fine tuner; or chin rest, or sometimes tail piece touching the top. Sometimes can be a gap in ribs/sides coming slightly unglued. These can be tough to track down where originate.
The other thing it could be... is simply resonant tone from the body/set up. A certain frequency just wants to howl... esp compared to surrounding notes. Some follow the hum test... hum into f holes, moving pitch up/down and can notice a note that seems to pop out. These are perhaps tougher to deal with, but might be tamed somewhat by setup, sound post, bridge tuning, maybe strings? Probably need a luthier to figure it out; might be only a degree they can fix based on fiddle construction.
Do you have Helicores on your fiddle? If so, try an "A" string from a different manufacturer. I used Prim A's and they worked much better than the Heli's A. (I have given up on Helicore mediums and now use Prim and Chromcor.)
quote:
Originally posted by WyoBobDo you have Helicores on your fiddle? If so, try an "A" string from a different manufacturer. I used Prim A's and they worked much better than the Heli's A. (I have given up on Helicore mediums and now use Prim and Chromcor.)
I do have Helicores on this one that has the issue yes. Have wondered how Prims play. Do they sound similar??
quote:
Originally posted by alaskafiddlerDoesn't sound like issue of the string, but the B note resonance. As mentioned can be caused by some loose part, like fine tuner; or chin rest, or sometimes tail piece touching the top. Sometimes can be a gap in ribs/sides coming slightly unglued. These can be tough to track down where originate.
The other thing it could be... is simply resonant tone from the body/set up. A certain frequency just wants to howl... esp compared to surrounding notes. Some follow the hum test... hum into f holes, moving pitch up/down and can notice a note that seems to pop out. These are perhaps tougher to deal with, but might be tamed somewhat by setup, sound post, bridge tuning, maybe strings? Probably need a luthier to figure it out; might be only a degree they can fix based on fiddle construction.
Lots of good advice to check under the hood here...thank you.
quote:
Originally posted by Creolequote:
Originally posted by WyoBobDo you have Helicores on your fiddle? If so, try an "A" string from a different manufacturer. I used Prim A's and they worked much better than the Heli's A. (I have given up on Helicore mediums and now use Prim and Chromcor.)
I do have Helicores on this one that has the issue yes. Have wondered how Prims play. Do they sound similar??
The Prims and Chromcor's sound just as good to me and the A strings are light years better IMO. But, your ears and fiddles will tell you what's best for you. Playability is fine. The windings on the Prims are a little courser than the Chromcor's but both sets of strings play just fine. You get used to any difference after playing a bit.
The Prims are $30.00 and Chromcors are $50.00 delivered from Southwest Strings. Hard to go wrong by trying out the Prim's due to the low price (and long life).
There's 3 or 4 fiddle players in our O.T. jam that use Helicores and they all have extra A strings on hand. I never had an unwinding problem with my Heli "A's", just weird acting, "wonky" sounds. I gave the remnants of my Helicore adventure to my fiddle buddies and they now have some extra A strings and I have strings that no longer frustrate me
.
Sounds like solid advice Bob...Much appreciated.
Doc
My A string started making some odd vibrations once, and I recall it was due to my fingerboard getting nicks in it over time. I got it smoothed out, and it was fine. I would not have guessed that without a luthier- I was ready to guess it was a soundpost issue.
Hey Donna...yea that was my first worry....BUT today I figured out it was actually my Bow. Apparently have spots not holding enough rosin. I need to get a good one...If anyone has any suggestions...I am looking for around $80 to $100...range. Have only seen Fiddler mans line so far.
It sounds like you just need to get your bow rehaired. It's like getting your old bow back, brand new again. I'm so glad I've learned to do this (thanks The Violin Beautiful!), and unless you really didn't like your bow to start with or it's getting bent out of shape, it definitely saves money.
But ... I wonder how that lines up with the specific problem you were having especially on your A string? Luthiers are our friends. If you don't know one, you owe it to yourself to find one. I know a lot of folks around here are do-it-yourself types, which is great and awesome, but sometimes talking to an actual professional can keep you from buying more stuff you didn't really need in the first place.
Edited by - Earworm on 12/07/2022 09:20:11
Before yogurt your bow re-haired, try cleaning the hair..there are several very good videos on YouTube about this... it only take a few minutes and the procedure is simple.... then apply your favorite rosin a little extra heavy the first time ...I think you will find that this will prolong the life of the hair.... worse that can happen is that you still have to re-hair the bow....I did this a couple of weeks ago and I am pleased with her results
Play Happy
Swing
Donna yea I need to find a good one. This issue I was able to figure out because I have 2 fiddles and when I tried it on #2 it did the same. Grabbed my Black hair cheapy bow that I never use and BOOM issue gone. I will however be checking out Prims like WyoBob mentioned as the Helicore A string has def been an issue. David...yes you give good advice there. I want to clean it as a back up bow...It is a $35 bow off Amazon however so since the Wife says I deserve a better one well heck.. LOL
The thing about fiddles is that what you are experiencing may be one or more of many things happening. Yes the aluminum wound Helicore A wears out quickly. The titanium one lasts longer. Prim strings , being stainless steel do last longer. A small wear spot on your fingerboard can cause a howling tone. Y will likely be able to feel it. Rosin buildup on the string itself may do the same thing. Not after you changed strings of course, future reference. A slightly moved soundpost can cause all kinds of tonal trouble. I have cleaned the horsehair on my bows with an alcohol wipe. It seemed to do just fine and did not shorten the hair life noticeably. I re-hair my bows every three years. Check the fiddle body to make sure you do not have a loose spot between the side and back or front. And as stated above fine tuner nuts loosen over time and have to be tightened. Good luck..... R/
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