None of the airy fairy subtle dynamic stuff, just playing the string you are on, and never lifting the bow from the string(s)

Oh - you mean the way I play ... !

Here's a book every fiddler should read....

And here's the book I'm learning from! :-)
As violin ---> fiddle

UGH sorry I don't know why it's so huge, I set width at 250px

Thanks for all these book recommendations folks. I'm particularly interested in the Havas book since I'm all about reducing tension ( my bugbear).
 

This concept, related to finding the correct left hand position through double stop fifths : Violin in fifths masterclass by Rodney Friend has been discussed recently on violinist.com.  I have found it useful for improving intonation because you get immediate feedback from the fifth. 

My first book....

quote:

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Originally posted by JonD

 I'm all about reducing tension ( my bugbear).
 

 

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Herbert Whone dedicates the first chapter to...'Feeling Awareness in the Body'.

( Eh? What happened to all the usual violinist bashing around here? :-)
And wow JonD, I can’t believe you visit violinist.com!

ANyway Cool. I hope people share their tips and thoughts on relaxation, awareness, etc!

"And wow JonD, I can’t believe you visit violinist.com!"

Yes and they didn't even kick me out after I admitted I'm a self-taught fiddler! :-D.

Regarding relaxation: This may sounds weird, but the thing that's had the had the biggest impact on my playing in that regard is keeping both thumbs soft and relaxed. Naturally that means their contact points with neck and bow have to be optimized to achieve that. This has taken some experimentation, especially the left since I play without a shoulder rest. This is nothing earth-shatteringly new, and many tutorials mention it in one way or another, but for me it's been a game changer.

quote:

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Originally posted by JonD

"And wow JonD, I can’t believe you visit violinist.com!"

Yes and they didn't even kick me out after I admitted I'm a self-taught fiddler! :-D.

Regarding relaxation: This may sounds weird, but the thing that's had the had the biggest impact on my playing in that regard is keeping both thumbs soft and relaxed. Naturally that means their contact points with neck and bow have to be optimized to achieve that. This has taken some experimentation, especially the left since I play without a shoulder rest. This is nothing earth-shatteringly new, and many tutorials mention it in one way or another, but for me it's been a game changer.

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The thumbs make a much bigger difference than is often realized. One of the biggest problems that causes a jerky bow stroke is a locked thumb. Once the thumb is locked, it tends to lock the wrist up as well. Releasing tension and optimizing position pay huge dividends.

I remember my father getting after me about the right thumb in early lessons. I didn't yet understand the importance of it and it seemed like such a small thing to hammer away at, especially while trying to learn so many other things at the same time that seemed even more vital. In retrospect I am eternally grateful for having it drilled into me. 

I returned from the luthier with a freshly tweaked and restrung fiddle last night. I also acquired a new (old stock) pernambuco bow. In my world this is by far the best equipment and best set up of my fiddling career. I find that I have to learn how not to fight the bow. Imagine that. Back to basics, indeed. Early days, but I feel more energized by fiddling now than I have for some time.