Starting the violin

[Jo]

Sorry to be that guy.

An instrument I've always been fascinated with, I've wanted to play for a long time.

Was wondering if anyone had any helpful (however general) tips/things to look out for, dos/don'ts



edit: (also sorry for hijacking the forum in this way, hope all's well)
edit edit: (oh god i wish i'd never posted anything now, embarrassing. nice comparison of the Xiu Xiu/OP content contrast based on most recent posts - comparing this thread to Xiu Xiu's 'from "eat death, orphans!"')

[Alea]

Haha, I was "that guy" so to speak a year and a half ago when I picked up the violin. Are you taking lessons? I would really recommend it, it's helpful for starting out with hitting notes accurately and clearly, especially when you get into position work. Do you play any other instruments?

[Jo]

I play the guitar and the mandolin (a bit). I've taught myself both of those but I was thinking that it'd be best to get lessons for the violin as the idea of a fret-less instrument scares me a bit!

[Jo]

Also, does anyone have any suggestions on any well priced 'makes' that would be suitable for a starter?

[Elise]

Ive just started this year! Violin is /hard/, and depressing when it just makes awful awful sounds, but Im assuming it will be rewarding at some point haha

[Alea]

It's definitely a long process, and you have to really stick to it and stay motivated. I'm currently able to play well enough to accompany my band but there are still off notes here and there.
As for violin makes, I don't really know what's best because I started on a nameless one (all I know is that it was made in China), but I prefer when the strings are closer to the fingerboard because they're easier to press down, if that helps at all.

[haydendavenport]

Here is the violin I recommend:

www.musiciansfriend.com/orchestral-strings/silver-creek-model-2-violin-4-4-outfit

If you get a preamp and turn down the treble, and turn up the bass, it sounds beautiful. Especially with a noticeable amount of reverb. I recommend you read the reviews.

I will tell you though, that I got the violin for $179. It had a crack in it that didn't at all affect the tone, or its functionality. It was totally worth it to get the cracked violin instead of the new one. I don't care enough about the aesthetics of the violin to let such a deal get away. Right now they have the model in used condition for $287.99, which I would recommend doing.

I previously owned this violin:

www.musiciansfriend.com/orchestral-strings/silver-creek-sc3el-acoustic-electric-violin

It is made by the same company. For the price, the tone is excellent, but I do prefer the tone of the first violin. They are made by the same company. I would say that the tone of the cheaper violin is a tad more harsh.

The more expensive violin doesn't have a pickup. So I bought the realist pickup. It sounds very very good, but it doesn't have a volume knob. The cheaper violin has a volume knob.

Overall, I would recommend you purchase the more expensive violin, and a good pickup, thought both violins are very good for their price, and boast excellent reviews, the more expensive violin sounds better. (Not a big surprise.)

[haydendavenport]

Oh, and just as a side note, I got the acoustic (more expensive) violin because I stepped on the neck of acoustic-electric, and snapped the head off of it right before a gig. I had the head glued and screwed back on, but bought a new one, expecting the violin not to hold up... Months later, after not touching it, the violin was still in tune! It has always kept its tuning. It's actually a quality piece of equipment. The purely acoustic violin doesn't stay in tune for nearly as long, but the pegs move more easily. The tuning has never been a problem for either though. I only have to tune the acoustic once per gig or practice session.

[Jo]

Cheers for all the tips! Those instruments look great, but I'm quite poor at the moment! I managed to pick up a very cheap (£21/$33)second hand violin from eBay. I'm fairly sure it's 3/4 (which wasn't specified in the description, harrumph) but I think the main thing at the moment is getting used to actually playing with a bow, as this is completely new to me. I need to change the strings as they're quite rusty and I also had to buy a new bow for it, as the hair on the one it came with was completely wrecked. (also, the archaic case containing the whole outfit was literally infested with some hideous crawling insects (think Imhotep scarabs) but I won't go into too much detail with that - you get what you pay for I suppose!)

In spite of all this, me and my new friend are having a lot of fun at the moment! As soon as I've got a steady income I'll maybe invest in something slightly higher quality, if I've stuck at it (which I hope to), and also, lessons!

But thanks y'all, let me know of any other tips if you think of them! Also, any literature which you've found particularly helpful! x

(Happy Victoria Day to any Canadian posters, if you are celebrating!)

[haydendavenport]

Oh yes,

Getting used to the bow is definitely the worst part. I still am not very confident in my bowing ability.

As far as literature goes, I have only been playing Vivaldi excerpts, and some exercise books, but there really isn't anything I would recommend. Except for practice a lot, haha. And if you aren't satisfied with the sound of your current violin, I would recommend saving up for a better one. Violins can sound great, and they can sound terrible. I would hate for you to get discouraged simply because of your instrument. I have been in that boat too many times.

But if you need any advice or anything else, let me know, and I will be glad to help!

[haydendavenport]

Oh, some tips:

Try practicing in the mirror to help keep your bow straight.

I would recommend taking lessons for at least 6 months if you can. And if you can't, at least try to go onto youtube and google to learn how to correctly hold the bow and violin. I had/have a lot of trouble with holding the bow exactly right.

[Jo]

Thankyou!

[kiera.]

Get yourself a Sevcik exercise book and a Suzuki book. It may be boring as hell but that shit works! Having said that though, there really is no substitute for having lessons.