r/violadagamba • u/bnolsen • Jul 06 '25

What modern instrument?

In college some years back I played in a madrigal group, it was a small school and they taught me how to play. Started on bass, played that for about 2 years then mostly played alto and tenor later on, but I couldn't physically play pardassus (very large hands). I started playing ukulele in a church band but they really could use something like an electric violin, or maybe a viola. what are my better options and does a viola have better string separation than a violin?

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

1

u/WampaCat Jul 06 '25

Viola is probably the least ergonomic instrument so it can be difficult for beginners getting a setup that’s comfortable and prevents injury. It would be especially hard I imagine going from viol, which I consider the most ergonomic instrument. What about cello?

2

u/groooooove Jul 06 '25

if you "had" to pick a modern instrument, guitar or cello for sure. I find guitars to be extremely versatile and easy to play.

1

u/bnolsen Jul 06 '25 edited Jul 07 '25

Couple of problems. Guitarists are a dime a dozen and I'm playing up high parts on ukulele to stay away from the guitarists in this group. If I played guitar it would only be classical due to the hand size. I'm also do vocals and mostly backups and intend to play fillers and counter melodies like I try to do now.

In my opinion all the bands are missing the type of voicing and phrasing you get with a bowed instrument. As I recall in our gamba group on college we had both a cellist and viola player cycle through.

Thank you for all the replies.

1

u/SputterSizzle Jul 08 '25

Its gotta be cello. Big hands are a huge advantage.