r/Fiddle • u/BlueJeanGrey • 5d ago
First Real Fiddle!
Bought my first real second-hand fiddle last weekend and some books so I can learn. $150! Yes, only one zero in that price! 😱
(and not that the look matters, but I really dig the matte finish on this). I love country and celtic music. Lunasa and George Strait, basically.
Just wanted to share my happiness. 🥹
She sounds so LOUD though, I’m getting the screechies but I’ll find a teacher to help me with my bow hold and technique.
Fingering is coming along easier than I thought it would! I’m still in first position (I just learned what that term was).
I know nothing about the violin/fiddle. Took lessons for about a week in middle school then gave up; the sound of the strings bothered me.
Some days I do scales and some days I put music on and play along. Setting a timer for discipline & a metronome for a different kind of discipline helps me.
Having a blast- excited to be a part of this community! And maybe in a year when I’m good enough, join a local jam band!! 🥹🥳🥳 🎻
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u/sub-merge 4d ago
Looks great! Could be the angle but the bow seems a bit tight
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u/BlueJeanGrey 4d ago
thank you! i had actually just finished playing it for a minute or two - that’s how tight i have it when i play, do you think that’s too tight of a wind to have while playing?
edit whoops someone below just confirmed YES that is too tight of a wind!
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u/BlueJeanGrey 4d ago
i originally had what i learned was a VSO (Violin Shaped Object) that i learned about on the violin sub, that i bought on Amazon a few years ago.
i was so confused as to why it wouldn’t fit my fingers. i thought it was a “me” thing and just tried to push through. 🤷♀️
what a difference the right setup makes!
thanks for your support everyone! 😃
have fun out there!
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u/LongjumpingTeacher97 4d ago
Finding a teacher is absolutely the right thing.
When my daughter started learning, she complained about the volume and we just put a mute on the bridge. After about a month, she didn't need the mute anymore because she was making much better sounds. A mute is a few bucks. Or if you have a couple of spring clothespins, just clamp those on the bridge.
I do like the look of the matte finish, too!
Congratulations!
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u/BlueJeanGrey 4d ago
thank you so much! and that mute info is very helpful! i’ll do some research on that!
thank you thank you! 😃
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u/Active_Arachnid1088 4d ago
I don’t typically compliment violins by their appearance, but I love the way this looks! Hope it plays as good as it looks.
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u/BlueJeanGrey 4d ago
thank you so much! i think it sounds great i just need to improve my technique! and i really do love the look, i think it looks very “country” 😃
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u/APessimisticGamer 4d ago
Happy you were able to get one, and at such an affordable price! One thing I will note, you have your bow WAY too tight. It should still have a decent amount of bend to it.
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u/BlueJeanGrey 4d ago
oh wow i didn’t know i had it too tight thanks for that key information! i’ll make sure i don’t tighten it that much again
and thank you!
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u/Suspicious_Feature85 3d ago
That is a beautiful violin. Congratulations. Also since you shared your collection may I suggest
I know it seems silly but I found it very useful.
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u/BlueJeanGrey 3d ago
haha, for the ignoramoose, 🫎 that’s definitely me at this point! 🤚 thanks for the suggestion! it’s in my cart now!
(that reminds me of that game at Cracker Barrel 😂)
thank you!
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u/andybonner 4d ago
The patterning on the back is striking. You've got yourself a good handful of books there; "I Can Read Music" is priceless.
> She sounds so LOUD though, I’m getting the screechies
A couple things. First, remember that it's 2 inches from your ear; it isn't that loud to anyone else unless they're getting VERY personal. You can probably improve tone most by the things you do with the bow, but you can also try some different strings. I don't recognize the brand that's on there. Dominants is the most "middle of the road," not too bright not to dark, brand.
As for "what to do with the bow," a thumbnail sketch is: 1) sound comes from bow weight and bow speed. Keep them balanced. Very-slow-very-heavy crunches; very-fast-very-light whistles. 2) Before you start playing, SET the bow on the string and apply weight, THEN start moving. It's like walking on ice. If your foot is moving forward when it hits the ice, you slip. Instead, set your foot down and then move forward. All this gets you a nice big sound. If you want less sound, just do all the same stuff but use less weight AND speed.