All Questions
53 questions
0
votes
2
answers
172
views
Changed string on violin, the string is in tune but my finger placement has to change
I changed the A string on my violin exactly 24 hours ago.
The violin nor the string has gone out of tune, the bridge is fine as far as I can see.
But now when I play with my usual finger placement on ...
- 3
0
votes
3
answers
674
views
Safe to remove ball from end of ball end string?
I (sort of) recently got a new violin and as the tailpiece does not match my earlier rental I now have a mismatched ball end E string from my extra set. Looking at the string it definitely seems like ...
- 161
10
votes
3
answers
3k
views
I broke my G string and my other 3 strings are out of tune too
It’s Thanksgiving break right now and I have a Christmas concert next Saturday December 4th, so I brought it over to my Abuela’s house to practice.
However, my grandparents keep the house hot, so my ...
- 103
3
votes
2
answers
602
views
Best way to practice difficult runs
Runs are very common in music; a typical run is a sequence of quick, short, slurred (not always) notes that either ascend or descend and often involve multiple shifts.
The approaches
I've learned a ...
- 315
8
votes
1
answer
178
views
How to approach the collé bowstroke?
This section is from the bottom of the second page of the First Movement of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. A specific bowstroke called collé is to be utilized in this section.
I am not a ...
- 315
1
vote
4
answers
694
views
Broken violin string during solo. What normally happens?
I'm not a violinist but I've seen a couple of online videos where a soloist breaks a string. They go to the leader of the first violin section and come back with a replacement violin.
What exactly ...
- 3,984
6
votes
1
answer
346
views
Divisi in Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings
I am looking at the score for Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings op.48, Violins I section, and I can see that there are double-stops. It is not marked divisi, but I'm listening to some recordings and ...
- 61
1
vote
2
answers
444
views
Will about 10 loose hairs in a violin bow make any difference when I use it?
It's something like the image above, just less loose hairss. While I was looking at it, I tried playing the violin, and some hairs got loose.
Do I just cut them off or yank them off? This little book ...
- 11
2
votes
1
answer
2k
views
What does ‘Unis’ mean?
I’m reading through the study score for Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique. There’s an indication I am unsure of. They refer to the Strings section.
(unis.)
After a Google, I discovered
several players in a ...
- 2,716
5
votes
2
answers
268
views
How to change the strings on my violin/viola?
It's time for a new set of strings. How do I change all the strings on my violin (or viola)? What are the gotchas I have to look out for?
- 5,630
1
vote
3
answers
159
views
I can't work out if these string sections are tied, slurred or phrased
Take a look at the below screengrab from the orchestra score of Sweeney Todd.
Are bars 1 and 3 (with the exception of the Bass) tied or slurred? In bar 2 the pitch does drop but in 1 and 3 it's the ...
- 2,716
2
votes
3
answers
1k
views
How do dirty violin strings (uncleaned rosin) affect sound and playability?
If I don't clean the rosin off my strings from time to time how will that affect the sound the strings make as the rosin builds up? How will it affect the playability, the way the bow moves over and ...
- 5,630
2
votes
2
answers
79
views
Does playing double stops wear violin strings more quickly?
Does playing strokes which apply more force to the strings, like double stops, spiccato and sautille, wear out the strings more quickly?
- 5,630
4
votes
1
answer
272
views
Open E String is in Tune but fingered pitches are sharp
My last e string broke so I got a new one. My e string is in tune when I play it together with the open A (i.e. the violin is in tune), but the higher fingered pitches are all sharp. I know this is ...
- 141
5
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Why do violin bridges support the lower strings at a greater height from the fingerboard?
It appears that violin bridges are typically designed asymmetrically to support the lower strings at a greater height from the fingerboard, as shown in this photo:
At the end of the fingerboard the G ...
- 1,130
1
vote
2
answers
410
views
Major differences composing for strings as opposed to piano
I have been been composing for piano for some time (with Sibelius), and now I have the interest to try strings (solo instrument for the beginning, e.g. violin). Obviously I cannot take piano scores ...
- 1,159
1
vote
1
answer
202
views
Is a ball-end the default end for a violin string?
When buying violin strings I am often confused about what end the string has. For the E string it usually says ball-end or loop end, but often the other strings do not mention the end explicitely. Can ...
1
vote
2
answers
2k
views
Violin - How to keep fingers from touching other string when playing double stops
I am new to double stops. When I play a double stop where a finger is on a string while playing an open string (1st finger on the D string and open A string), my finger touches the open string, in ...
- 2,222
15
votes
8
answers
3k
views
Violin - Can double stops be played when the strings are not next to each other?
Suppose I wanted to play a double stop on the violin. The double stop played the G string and the A string simultaneously. Is this possible? Can you play a double stop on two non-adjacent strings?
- 2,222
9
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Drawbacks to using fine tuners on all violin strings?
I almost never see violins with a fine-tuner on any but the E string.
Is there any drawback to placing and using fine tuners on lower strings? (Other than the need to use strings with loop ends.)
- 1,130
3
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Can I use a violin G string for D?
I have ended up with some extra Pirastro violin G strings. What would the consequences be of using an aluminum-on-gut G string for D?
- 1,130
1
vote
1
answer
52
views
String instrument response vs. a nice ring [closed]
I've been hunting for a violin, and am wondering: do you find that response (how easy it is to articulate) is inversely proportionate to how well it rings? Does this difference somewhat go down as ...
- 59
3
votes
5
answers
2k
views
Holding a violin against the hips?
I cannot seem to find a reference to this practice anywhere outside of this video
(seen from the beginning (~0:32) of the video)
Is there an official term for this ...
- 133
1
vote
1
answer
853
views
What violin strings have the lowest tension without a bad effect on sound quality?
What violin strings have the lowest tension without effect on sound quality? I have a violin from China, it seems that strings have a too hard tension and deform the fingerboard slightly. I tune it a ...
- 355
0
votes
2
answers
206
views
Stentor violin buzzes on the B note
I've got a Stentor Conservatoire violin a couple of days ago and although it sounds really nice when I try to play the B note on the A string the violin "buzzes" somehow and produces a very different ...
2
votes
3
answers
641
views
Optimal storage conditions for a violin
What are the optimal conditions to store my violin in? A person in my orchestra recently suffered damage to her violin due to the strings tightening and breaking the bridge and I want to ensure I can ...
- 121
0
votes
3
answers
977
views
Fraying violin A -string
My violin's A-string is fraying (unravelling a bit) near the bridge. Right now, my playing is a little squeaky there but nothing very noticeable. Will this get worse or is it fine to leave the string ...
- 492
3
votes
1
answer
500
views
What are the major differences between Medium and Light gauge strings on a Violin?
Are Medium gauge strings easier on the fingers?
- 151
2
votes
3
answers
986
views
Tuning My Violin High
Usually violinists tune it to G3-D4-A4-E5. I play on a Gba violin, very basic. Can I tune it to D4-G4-D5-G5? I know it sounds crazy but I play Carnatic violin and this is how all instruments are tuned....
- 171
4
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Can a violin imitate the sound of an Erhu?
I don't know if this is "impossible" due to the different construction of the two instruments, but do you know if the violin can imitate the sound of the Chinese erhu? Here is a YouTube video for ...
- 321
2
votes
6
answers
4k
views
Do I have to replace all violin strings when E string broke?
I just received my violin 2 days ago.
My E string broke when I tuning it.
I enquired nearby musical instrument store and they only sell the whole set of strings.
So, do I have to replace all ...
- 357
5
votes
2
answers
16k
views
Notation for spiccato?
An older revision of Wikipedia article on Spiccato has an image showing what looks like a staccatissimo, with the caption "Notation for spiccato."
I question that—it may be that strings can use ...
- 185
3
votes
2
answers
745
views
Violin squeak during chord caused by old strings?
I am preparing to take the ABRSM violin test, grade 5. One of the pieces, Allegro (4th mvmt Sonata in E, HWV 373) by Händel (A:2), has a chord (measure 22, F♯, a♯, e) where my violin inevitably ...
- 135
4
votes
1
answer
11k
views
what is the difference between 135B Violin String and 135 Violin String?
I need to buy a string and my instructor has recommended me to buy a dominant string. I noticed there are at least two types,
Thomastik Dominant 135B Violin String Set 4/4 Size
Thomastik Dominant ...
- 143
2
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Why is the D string so loud compared the other strings on Violin (when doing pizzicato)?
I'm working on trying to play chords and such on a violin as if it were a guitar or another stringed instrument, but I noticed when I play chords (like the G chord), the open D note rings out and is ...
- 163
4
votes
6
answers
5k
views
Violin String snapped, and so did spare. Will I damage my violin if I leave it with 3 strings?
So, my A string snapped last Saturday and as a result I re-strung it with one of my spare strings. I should note that at this point, after tuning it, the sound was coming out a little strange (or ...
4
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Why are violin string so expensive?
What exactly is about violin strings that make them so expensive in comparison to guitar strings? Is there something about the manufacturing process that is just more expensive?
Does it have ...
- 15k
9
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Buying nicer violin Strings
I have been playing violin for a little more than a year now and plan to continue playing. I play for about 20-30 minutes a day.
I want my new strings to make a marked difference in the sound of my ...
- 295
4
votes
2
answers
4k
views
What should be clearance of the violin strings from the fingerboard at the bridge end?
The violin strings rise away from the finger board as it reaches bridge, right?
What should be the optimum clearance of the strings at the bridge end from the fingerboard?
I am asking this ...
- 43
6
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Getting a good sound from a 5 string violin
A while back I bought a violin with five strings, i.e. there in an extra low C on it. However, as the body of the violin is the same size as that of a normal violin, so whenever I play on the C-string ...
- 240
4
votes
4
answers
2k
views
How do you practice the violin, self taught?
I am an adult beginner violin student.
I'm currently trying to teach myself.
I would like someone to help with a run down of everything they do when they practice, step by step.
- 49
2
votes
3
answers
243
views
How do I tune my violin when I cannot yet do it by ear?
I have a few tuning apps but they give me some strange info like G8 instead of G, is this number the octave?
- 121
2
votes
2
answers
7k
views
Tuning the violin E string
I'm beginner in the violin and while tuning the E string using a chromatic tuner I've noticed it has two different tuned spots. One is kind loosely producing an squeaky sound and another one is ...
12
votes
2
answers
8k
views
What is the proper way to notate the end of a section played "sul ponticello"?
That is, what is the standard way to tell a string player to play normally again?
- 2,305
6
votes
1
answer
347
views
Bow hold and broken thumb? Suggestions?
So it feels like I'm fighting the bow due to the angle of my thumb, it's not impossible but I could use a few pointers or suggestions. The standard bow hold is mildly ineffective for me.
- 209
14
votes
5
answers
5k
views
Can a 24-year-old learn to play violin/viola proficiently?
I've seen a few of these questions asked, but it seems like most of the students to be where just starting out in music. They didn't have limber fingers, couldn't read notes. That's not a bad thing ...
- 209
4
votes
2
answers
2k
views
How does the violin strings' gauge affect the instrument's functionality
There are several gauges in violin string, heavy, medium, thin etc.
I know the heavier the strings the louder the tone, but
Does it affect the richness (complexity of overtones etc.) of the tone?
...
- 2,013
4
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Mathieu Crickboom "The violin" method
My teacher insist on teaching Mathieu Crickboom's The violin books. The violin has 5 volumes. it usually take 5 years for 5 volumes.
I don't know is it good method?
what's the most famous method ...
- 143
4
votes
2
answers
973
views
Why does my violin's A-string show signs of damage after only a week?
I changed my A-string on my violin due to accumulated damage (over 1 year of playing) about a week ago. Now the new A-string has tiny dings and what looks like slight unraveling. The damage seems to ...
- 140
1
vote
3
answers
658
views
String ball end sizes, specifically "Size Gold E String Ball End"? - Violin
What are the the different string ball end sizes for a violin? Specifically, what does "Size Gold E String Ball End" mean?
I have come across this description here and am trying to figure out why ...
- 205