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| Back from Weiser and the Old Time Fiddling Contest... - Fiddle - Other Instruments - ezFolk Forums | |||||||||||||||
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Tonya Approved 
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Wow--what a week! My knowledge of old-time fiddling went from zero to 60 in just a few days. If only my playing had improved that much! I went from having a rented fiddle thrust in my hands on Wednesday morning to attending seven fiddle workshops (all but the basic beginning one way above my skill level) throughout the week, fiddle performances every night and jamming with new friends (but I mostly did accompaniment on the ukulele for the jamming). Fiddling *is* tough as far as technique, but it's pretty logical: e.g., keep the bow perpendicular to the strings and you don't screech! I like it. Now I feel the need for a fiddle. I played "Shenandoah" (sp?) over the phone to my husband back home and I can also play "Red River Valley," "Rubber Dolly," and "You Are My Sunshine" reasonably enough that they're recognizable by others and without too much scratchy-screeching. I even bought a beginner's book/CD combo (Ludiker Music's "Learn to Play Fiddle") for the day I find my own fiddle. Question: Is there any way to practice fiddle *quietly* and still get a good tone? I'm a bit concerned that this instrument isn't going to find a fond reception on the evenings in our little, 900-square-foot home (even in the bedroom with the door closed)...
____________________ http://ukuleletonya.com |
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Charlie Approved 
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Tonya, Glad you had a great time, There is a mute for the fiddle, don't know how much it helps, I bought one for my banjo one time and it was meant for a fiddle but works for a banjo also. It goes on the bridge and just clips on. I have seen people clip clothes pins on to it and they worked good, might try that. May be some one else might have suggestion also. Hope you find a fiddle soon so you want loss the desire to play one. Charlie
____________________ Yesterdays Tomorrow is Today http://www.ezfolk.com/audio/charlesculbertson |
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banjo brad Super Moderator 
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Tonya- I told you (or is that "warned you")! I'm glad you had a good time, and welcome to the wonderful world of fiddle. When you go searching for a fiddle, try to take a friend who has been playing for a while and can help you find something that will keep you interested. You don't want to wind up with a piece of junk that will be hard to play, doesn't sound good, and may drive you away from the instrument. There is a heavy metal violin mute that really does cut down on volume without affecting the tone too much. I ordered mine from Johnson String Instrument http://www.johnsonstring.com/catalog/index.htm (scroll down to the bottom) because my local shop doesn't carry them. Another book I might suggest, especially if you are interested in old-time fiddling, is Wayne Erbsen's "Old-Time Fiddle for the Complete Ignoramus." I have been using it for the past several months and think it is an excellent resource to learn from. It has a bunch of standard old-time fiddle tunes, gives both notation and a good tab system, and comes with a CD of the pieces played up to speed and slowly. Also, I would suggest that you check out FiddleFork for lots of friendly help and commisseration (you will need it). They are as friendly as the folk here! http://www.fiddlefork.com Glad you enjoyed your week!  Last edited on Wed Jun 28th, 2006 02:21 am by banjo brad ____________________ ezFolk Help Brad Prickly Pear Music Banjo Brad's ezFolk page TOTMC |
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davebough Approved 
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Congrats on the great time. Try out the mutes (they're generally cheap), but don't be shy about screechin' away. I think the awful noise at first is a good incentive to practice and get better. Follow Brad's advice about having a fiddler help you pick out an instrument. I had help buying my first fiddle and it produced a much better sound, much easier, than the one I bought on my own later. dave
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Tonya Approved
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Guess what I found in Oldest Son's closet (way in the back)? A 3/4-size Suzuki Nagoya violin from 16 years ago when he was taking Suzuki violin (he's almost 23 now...). I thought we had 1/8 and 1/4 size violins still hanging around--'didn't recall he'd upgraded to the 3/4 before quitting. So, it has new strings on it (the G had broken) and I clipped off the extra dangling hairs on the bow and I'm playing it. I know the fretboard is smaller and it'll mean my fingers will have to get used to the "bigger" one when I upgrade, but at least this gives me a fiddle to fiddle around on right now. Can you think of a down side to playing this smaller instrument, temporarily, of course?
____________________ http://ukuleletonya.com |
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davebough Approved
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Play away. I don't think it will bother you that much. Meanwhile, get in touch with a violin teacher and show what you have and tell him/her to keep an eye open because you want to trade up for a full size. dave P.S. Love your website. Stole your beginner's guide to give to new ukers. Last edited on Mon Jul 17th, 2006 03:36 pm by davebough |
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Tonya Approved
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Dave wrote: "P.S. Love your website. Stole your beginner's guide to give to new ukers." Good, Dave--that's exactly why I posted it. Steal away! I do have to tell you, though, that bad ukulele playing sounds a *lot* better than bad fiddling! Or at least it's not as loud...
____________________ http://ukuleletonya.com |
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| ezFolk Forums > Other Instruments > Fiddle > Back from Weiser and the Old Time Fiddling Contest... | |
