Beginning Violin/Fidle?

[juineaux]

I was thinking about buying a violin. Ive been playing guitar and mando for a little while. Its by far my favorite sounding instrument(the fiddle), it just kinda scares me. I picked one up a couple of years in a music store and I couldnt get it to make a decent note. If anyone has any advice on learning(like is it really hard), or whats a cheap fiddle to buy, or anything else?
:confused:

[babydoll1702]

Congrats on wanting to learn one of the most beautiful instruments in the world. First of all, don't be scared. It is VERY normal to make bad sounds when you first pick the fiddle up. Learning fiddle can be hard if you want it to be hard. Just keep a soft touch. You can NEVER be to soft with a fiddle. You can be too rough. Make your bowing arm like a feather. Try to stay away from double stops at first. They are a lot of the reason that you make bad sounds. Since you play mandolin, it will probably come pretty easy. Fiddle notes just like a mandolin. They are tuned exactly alike. So whatever song that you can note on a mando, just note it the same way on a fiddle. Just try and pretend there are frets. As far as beginning fiddles, they come in a very wide prive range. You can find them anywhere from $99 to $500,000. You can order a good beginning outfit from most any music companies. If you are going to order, I recommend Shar. They are a music company that specializes in violins. You can order books, strings, and anything else you can possibly think of. They have great beginning outfits also. Hope I helped some. :) GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY!!! :)

[Thilefan]

She makes everything sound so easy, doesn't she?? hahaha--

[bang]

~Robin

[AmandaLynn]

I would say that fiddle is one of the hardest instruments to teach yourself. The absence of frets on the instrument itself and finding the correct balance, pressure points, and arm movements for transitions in the bow arm can be challenging without one-on-one guidance. If I were you, I would find a good fiddle instructor in the area. In some places, if you find an instructor through a music store, the store itself will offer you an instrument rental for a specified period until you decide for sure if fiddle is right for you. That way, not only can you decide on whether or not you like playing the instrument, you will also gain the technical maturity to make a more well-informed decision on which instrument you would like to purchase when it comes down to buying the fiddle itself. I would recommend taking this route before making the investment in an instrument of your own.

PS: I must also add that Shar is an excellent instrument provider. My current violin is from there, and they do fantastic maintinence work and repairs, as well as discounted checkups, when you purchase your instrument through them. I'm not sure where you're from in Ohio, but Shar's headquarters are in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a trip there is definitely worth the time investment. (They are also great about shipping instruments to customers to try out, in case you can't make the drive) You can contact them at http://www.maestronet.com/shar/Overview.html

[juineaux]

Thanks everyone. I dont live to far from ann arbor, ill have to make a roadtrip sometime. The lack of frets shouldnt be too much of a problem because ive been playing a fretless bass for a couple of years now. That Bow does still scare me though.[bang]
We dont have any teachers in town, but I might be able to convince a local celtic fiddler to give me a couple of lessons. Im going to wait a couple of weeks before I decide though. Does anyone have some more advice?

[Fiddlechic Erin]

The first time I ever tried to play my violin, I was shocked at how loud and terrible I sounded. But it definitely gets better, so don't be scared! :)

I also recommend Shar.[nod]

[AmandaLynn]

I forgot to add one thing-- If you do decide to go to Shar to pick out an instrument, I would recommend calling ahead to make an appointment and let them know what kind of instrument you're looking for. They sell to everyone from fiddlers to professional classical musicians, so make sure that when you go there is someone working in the store who can help you make a well-informed decision about the specific type of instrument you're looking to buy.
Good luck!

[juineaux]

I just got a new job(extra $), so I think I will start renting a violin this week.:D Someone told me that it would be impossible to learn fiddle/violin without a teacher so Im going to actively look for one. Just wondering how long have all of you been playing?:confused:

[nkl_crk_freek]

Nothing is impossible!! I'm teaching myself fiddle, and even though I have my days, overall, I think I'm coming along ok. It helps if you have someone you can ask questions. There's a lady at my church that I talk to sometimes, and family members are great critics. They will tell you the truth no matter how much it hurts your feelings or makes you mad. (Experience talking ;) ) If you are teaching yourself, my suggestion (who am I to suggest?) is get like a book and a CD combo, and a metronome. I'm having serious trouble with timing, and playing along with the CD is helping. Having something to listen to helps your tonality too. Sometimes I don't even realize I'm hitting completely the wrong note until I listen to the CD again. Always remember my philosophy, especially when you are getting frustrated: I can do anything, because I'm me, and I say I can!! And always remember when you get to the point when you want to break you're fiddle, or mando, over you're knee, go get a Diet Dr. Pepper and chill for a minute.

I hope I helped or encouraged you or at least did something positive, I love passing on knowledge!! Especially about music!!

Cassie

[AmandaLynn]

Have you tried asking around at the music store where you're renting your violin from? Some music stores have databases for teachers, and others have employees who are either instructors or can hook you up with someone who is. Good luck! I'm so excited for you!!!

[boaz]

[noise] this is all music to my ears!!!


I've actually been podering all these things. however I am a typical college student ... well not at all ... but i am Poor due to my Tuition

This is all encourageing to hear for me ... do any of you know a good place where i could get an extremely cheap violin or fiddle, online perhaps. I live in Oklahoma, right smack dab in the middle of it, and between school and work, road trips are VERY limited.

[nkl_crk_freek]

I got my fiddle from musiciansfriend.com. It's a Palatino VN-350 (I think, I can't remember and I'm too lazy to get up and look) It was only $80, but now I think they're $100 or something. It was on sale. It's got pretty good tone for a cheapie, but other than that, I really don't know. My major complaint is that the tuning pegs will slip alot for a couple of days after I change strings. I don't know if that's normal or not. It comes with a really good case too, a bow, and a teeny tiny block of rosin. Hope this helps!!!

Cassie

[Thilefan]

Hi All,

I am a complete beginer on the fiddle, and I am trying to learn it (even though I have no teacher). Anyway, I keep stumbling on the same problem over and over again. HOW IN THE WORLD do I know which way to bow, and when??

Now, I know that there is no one-pattern-fits-all bowing wise, but, say for instance, I am learning Red Haired Boy...is there any GENERAL info on bowing anybody can provide me? Like...start on such-and-such a bow direction and then...etc etc...??

I'm lost :P

Thanks,
Robin

[nkl_crk_freek]

Hmm, I'm still a little new at this too, but I'll try to help.

Ok, usually you start on a down bow. I'm looking at my music to Red Haired Boy (For some reason, one of my fav's to play) and I start on a down bow and play the first 2 notes as a slur. (I don't know if you know how to do that, it's where you play two notes with one bow stroke. It's the same as a hammer-on or pull off.) You can stick a slur just about anywhere you want, and just because it's not on the page, doesn't mean that you can't play one. I rarely play what's in front of me.

My general guide on how to start a song : if I start on an on-beat, down bow; off-beat, up bow, and go from there. I too am trying to teach myself, and I'm having a great time!! What book are you going from? I used the Fiddle Primer, by Jim Tolles. It didn't really cover a lot, but was a really good starter. I just recently started Teach Yourself Blugrass Fiddle by Matt Glaser.

Hope this helps!!
Cassie

[Thilefan]

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH CASSIE! I was about to go nuts! I am acutally just teaching myself fiddle by ear. I play mandolin also, so I have the approximate idea of where the notes should be. Anyway, if you have any more keen insight into the fiddle, please share! I look forward to studying with you!

Thanks again, you're awesome!

~Robin

[nkl_crk_freek]

I'm awesome? Awww, shucks. *blushes* I'm just so glad I can help someone, even though I know next to nothing. ;)

Gee, what else could I help you with? You are learning by ear? Wow, I envy you. I can barely imitate 2 notes on my dulcimer, which I've been playing for about 8 years now. (well, off and on)

If you ever have any more questions I'd love to help, if I can.
And if I can't, I'm sure someone here could.

Cassie

[Silmarien]

Hello,
I am learning fiddle as well, It will be a year in june,
But I really want a teacher but haven't been able to fine a fiddle teacher,
So I am teaching myself, (except when my cousin comes down, she is a really really good fiddler she knows soo many nickel creek songs!) anyway, I was just wondering if anyone on here could give me any advise on how to go by learning? like what should I learn first and stuff??
I am never going to stop fiddling because I know I want to play, but sometimes I feel like it's useless to even try! does anyone else ever feel like that?

Well anyway...thanks :)
Yours Suzy.......

[nkl_crk_freek]

Yeah, I feel like that every time I start a new song. Hey, at least I don't squeak and grind (so much) anymore. :D

I'm having no luck finding a teacher, so I get the book/cd combos, that way you can learn it yourself, and then check yourself with the CD. Also, you can play along with the CD to get used to having another something there, in case you don't have anyone to play with.

Cassie

[kokomo88]

well!

I gotta say this- I picked up a fiddle for the first time in my life about 3 weeks ago- and thanks to most of this thread I didn't sound like a dead cat. but I did go really really soft with the bow so it sounded kind of weird at first but I applied a little bit of pressure and it sounded kinda nice actually!

it was really cool.

I was playin after school in one of the lab classrooms with the science teacher..(she's been playing for about a year)

she sat at her desk while my friend showed me some stuff, so I picked up the fiddle and did what she did, the teacher lady said I sounded as good as she does now lol

that was cool

oh well

thank you thread people!

[Silmarien]

That is really neat , It makes me feel better when people encourage in that sort of way..:)
I still squeak sometimes......But I think that scales will help that...I hope..
I have been using the melbay books....
There is one called 'Teach yourself fiddle' and it has the little helping numbers at the bottom and that really messed me up at first......... I am studying music theory and music basics right now, is anyone or has anyone had any experience with that stuff or know any good books to use?
Right now I am in need of good help I guess, I sound really pathetic........:( I don't want to sound pathetic.. I just wondered if anyone has any tips or advise...:) Thanks Cassie for your advise.......:)


[evil eye] this reminds me so much of Calvin!.......

[matt the fiddler]

speaking of calvin...


bowing is one of those things that comes only with time, yet is the most important part to make a tune sound correct/ gettign the right swing. .. you really need to be playing with some one who can watch your bow arm- and give you pointers.. and to some degree, if you are jsut starting fiddle or violin, i woudl auctualyl start all plucking for a bit, adn then a month down the road, when you have the Left hand down/ violin position - you can then focus all on the bow, as the bow itself is a pandoras box, and deserves you full attention.
so, GET YOURSELF A TEACHER

matt glaser has some good stuff out. he is a great teacher. i just got back from playing with him on bits and pieces on a couple shows/ learning everything i could from him.... he is recovering from a broken hand right now.. and dosn't have his strgenth up yet, but has a lot of wisdom in terms of the violin [and an equall amount of really bad recycled banjo jokes]

matt

[Silmarien]

I have yet another question here,
Like you said Matt, get a teacher and I mean to but how should I go about finding one? I know of only one teacher and they teach Violin, and I don't know if Ii like their style because I have (another) cousin(s) who are taking lessons from her and I don't know if I like how they are learning but it could be them and not the teacher, so what do you think?
So Matt,
How long have you played fiddle? from what I've read off of here (which isn't much) You sound very official and experienced!, I wish I could take lessons from some of you on here because you all sound really good!!
But I'll not stop trying..........Thank you so much Matt for that information!...:)

[matt the fiddler]

how big is the town you live in? 200 people, 3 million?
that will help me in helping you find where to look for teachers...

going a classical teacher is very good.. it will build the base of what you are doing- having a fiddle teacher is good to, but if you start on a classical- even if it is not your style- you fiddling wil have much more potential down the road...

mabye have 2 teachers and alternate between them... ??? 6 months on classical, 6 months on bluegrass or whatever....

or find some one who plays both.

yea- i have played violin for 14 or so years.... it dons't really matter, so i don't bother to keep track exactly... and i am teaching full time currently...

[linzee_nc]

Thanks for all of the posts everybody!!! I have also recently started violin about 3 weeks ago, and am trying to teach myself (working two jobs makes it difficult to fit a teacher into my schedule). Does anybody know of good books to use? I really like my Violin Primer by Jim Tolles. The CD that comes with it is really helpful. Are there any others that you beginners find helpful?

[Silmarien]

Well,
The City of Klamath Falls, has a population of approximately 19,000 within the City limits, with an additional 25,000+ population in the surrounding urban growth boundary. That's what a site says.........
I don't really know if I can pay for 2 teachers,......... I don't live in the town, I live out...in the mountains which I don't like much but anyway...... It's a very small town, very small......
But I didn't think to look on a web site......So I guess I will..
14 years is a long time! that's how old I am....... I wish I had started earlier [bang] But I am glad I started now,
Anyway......
Thank you again Matt for helping ..us.....:)

Where did you get your little Calvin picture? He is so cute!...
It's weird that Chris likes him, and neat too.....Who else here like Calvin and Hobbs?
I've liked them before I even knew any of the nickel Creek band existed...... But I guess that doesn't matter......
Anyway
:p sorry......I'm a bit, odd or childish...... anyway sorry......[guilty]

[juineaux]

Hey all-
One of the reason I would love to learn to play violin is because other violinst are so hard to find. I played with a Violinist/fiddler once before and I wrote this song and he played the violin for it. How long do you think it would take for me to be able to play this if im just starting. I know thats a really weird question, but I didnt know-

My song:
http://artists.iuma.com/site-bin/streammp3.m3u?337790

[matt the fiddler]

other violinst are so hard to find

un- no offence violin playes are a dime a dozen- good violas are the hard thigns to find..

as for a teacher, your town is big enough there should be an public school orchestra program, or at least some type of private teacher there for violin. check wiht the public schhols to get intouch wiht the music departments, adn they usually have listings of teachers inthe area.[even if it is a band teacher you have to go through] .... or look for a local music store [guitar/ folk oriented] and check with them to see who they know of in the area that plays- or teaches...

does that give you some ideas?

matt

[Silmarien]

Yes it gives me a lot of ideas! Thank you so much!!!for all your help!....
I know what you mean there are lots of violin,fiddle players, but every once and a while there is one that just stands out from all the others,
Kind of like Sara Watkins, I've heard people say She sounds the same and being fast isn't being good
That is really irritating to me!, because no matter how many times I say She isn't just fast! she really good they never change....But that didn't have anything to do what I was saying......... I think she does, I've heard people that were probably as good as her yet something about how they played wasn't....I don't know how to say this, Know what I mean?:D heh heh........
I seem to always.....being stupid huh?...Oh well.....[splat]

[The Musician]

Originally posted by Silmarien
That is really neat , It makes me feel better when people encourage in that sort of way..:)
I still squeak sometimes......But I think that scales will help that...I hope..
I have been using the melbay books....
There is one called 'Teach yourself fiddle' and it has the little helping numbers at the bottom and that really messed me up at first......... I am studying music theory and music basics right now, is anyone or has anyone had any experience with that stuff or know any good books to use?
Right now I am in need of good help I guess, I sound really pathetic........:( I don't want to sound pathetic.. I just wondered if anyone has any tips or advise...:) Thanks Cassie for your advise.......:)


[evil eye] this reminds me so much of Calvin!.......

Should one take violin lessons as well as fiddle lessons?
I am just wondering......
Also.... is it a very good Idea to try and give fiddle lessons to someone over instant message, or should they really try and convince their parents to let them have lessons.....
I, by the way, am one of Silmarien's cousins......
We live about 8-9 hours away from each other and that's how I've been teaching her (IM), mostly, except by sending slowed down copies of CDs and occasional visits during the holidays..... but what do we do?!?! She just started..... and I don't really know how to teach, does anyone have any tips for this sort of thing?

[matt the fiddler]

is it a very good Idea to try and give fiddle lessons to someone over instant message

lets just say i have been studying violin for 14 years, including a college degree in a month on the violin, and i don't yet fully understand every detail of every part of the posture/ playing.. [very very few would claim to understand it fully] it is an instrument that is riddled with deeper and deeper puzzles that need to be controled to get where you can master it.. [if not they master you] very few ever do fully master it if you ever want to get where you arn't as limited by the physical element of violin playing, it is essential to get guidance from some one who has plenty of expierence, who knows how to teach, and who can watch and critique you... if any number of items go unnoticed in a devopling player, the player will generally max out their playing ability on with in a few years... get frustrated and quit- or ingure themselves wiht repetitive strain injuries/ tendonitious... [1/3 of the violins in my symphony are out of commision right now]

so- if you are only wanting to play it for fun for a little bit, but don't plan to do anything with it [beyond simple tunes] online would be recomended, as why waste time and money in somethign that isn't going to last a long time... but if you really want to play,... and not soudn liek a dead cat.. [noise] you got to study with someone....

again this comes form gogin through 6 bad years of tendonitious my self, knowing countless friends who haev almost had to have quit.. and seeing a ton a ton of frustrated peopel stop playing because the instrument became to hard for them... [it is a challange , but very dooable especially under guidance]

matt
-fiddle on~

[nkl_crk_freek]

Ahhh, I just love this thread right now. And I'm sooo glad someone who actually knows what they're talking about is here....

I have searched high and low for a teacher around here, I have called every music store in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area, and tons of other places and the reply is the same: I don't know where you're gonna find a teacher like that around here. Well, actually I did find one, Kitty McIntyre, but the place where she gives lessons is in a not-so-hot part of Cincy, so, that's off limits. All my other musical connections are at bars and pool halls, and that's also off limits for me, at least for the next 2 months. There is one reputable place I know of, but about 45 minutes away, and not quite going to work right now...why am I saying all this...I have no idea. Oh, lessons. I'm soo frustrated. but I'm still learning and having fun, so I guess I'll soak up little tid bits from places like this until I can find somewhere to go....

Hmmm, is tendonitis anything like whatever that one guitar player for that one really famous band (you know the one, I can't remember their name) has that makes his fingers continually stay curled up like he's stuck in a chord? Scary. Seeing that is almost enough to make you want to quit playing. But not quite!

Ok, enough rambling for one day
Cassie

[boaz]

not sure if there is, but if there is a University nearby that offers violin majors, you could study under a student. Most likely the student would be more than willing to share a little knowlege for dinner money.

That's what i'm going to do, i attend a colege with a decent music program

-chris

[boaz]

I'm currious ... what's the deal with the fractions in violin names ... like a 4/4 violin ... or a 3/4 violin ... do you only get a fraction of it ... like with a 3/4 you get the body neck but not the bridge?

just a lil confused as to what that means.

-chris

[Silmarien]

:p No,
They are just different sizes, 3\4 is smaller that a full size....ect..ect... see?

[boaz]

ahh well that makes a whole bunch more sense than what I had concocted. any recomendations as to which to get ... does it affect the sound? Are smaller ones typically for younger people?

wow I'm just full of questions today arent I?
-chris

[nkl_crk_freek]

The smaller ones are for younget people. I'd say that you would probably need a 4/4, since you are on here and typing, I'm going to assume you are over the age of 9 or 10. But they say you shouldn't assume...

I have a question...bow tension. Is it potentially harmful to your instrument if your bow tension is too tight? I prefer my bow kinda tight, but it still curved. The sound, to me is more full than when the hair is more loose. It sounds kinda scratchy. I was just wondering if I was hurting something, or if there was something else I could do. (I'm probably doing something wrong...[splat] Hehe....

Cassie

[VamosTigres]

i just want to say this thread is great. i'm hoping to start learning how to play the violin this summer. right now i'm not having much free time, but once the classes i'm taking are over with in a month or so, i'm going to try to go about finding a fiddle and teacher. glad to see that a classical teacher might be better to learn from, i think they might be easier to find.

scott

[torque-monster]

This is a great database for anyone looking for a music teacher in the UK Music Teachers UK (http://www.musicteachers.co.uk/)

I can put people in touch with a 1st rate fiddle teacher in the LA area, though she only teaches intermediate up.

[Silmarien]

Cassie,
to your question about bows,
I'm not a professionally....actually I'm probably younger than you and less experienced at playing, When did you start?..I started last june......
But.anyway.. I always heard that your bow isn't supposed to be tight, just tight enough so that when you play it doesn't touch the wooden part of it,
(The wooden part of it! :p I'm sure it has a name!)
But that's what I do and I get good sound..

[Day]

Hi, I am new to this site! The violin is not really hard at all. It takes time but when you get better at it, its worth the time.

[matt the fiddler]

fiddlers generally use looser bows... classical players have the bows tighter, because then you can dig in a nd play louder, and it also makes bouce strokes possible.. i go in and out of different tensions depending on the mood or style i am in... and it changes every day....


never make it so tight the bow is straight.. it needs to bend [or bow] to function...

[linzee_nc]

Thanks Matt, I was wondering the same thing. Also, what's the basic difference between fiddle and classical style. I keep hearing different things from people who probably aren't very knowledgable.

[Thilefan]

Ok, got a question for you fiddler guru types :D

What, in your opinion, is the best way to learn correct pitch on the fiddle...

For instance, when I play a note on the fiddle, it is usually either sharp or flat...

What is the best way to overcome this pitch problem? What tecniques have everybody here used to correct this?

-Robin

[matt the fiddler]

start with correct hand position, [why you need a teacher] and then i start people wiht tapes on the finger board till they figure general area of the pitch... but those are very rough... then you have to use you ears... once your ears kick in- tapes go off....

if your ears are allready devolped , it will go faster...
repetition... and don't let your self play out if you can play in tune- ever...
matt

[nkl_crk_freek]

Hmmm, thanks for all the info on bows. I didn't realize that classical players and fiddlers used different tension. I've been trying to play with a looser tension, and the sound is kinda getting a little more mellow. Of course, I'm getting less scratchy and squeaky, so that helps. I have another question, My D keeps breaking right at the bridge. I havn't gotten more strings yet, I should have some tomorrow, so right now I put an extra A there. Kinda wierd feeling, and hard to play on the D. Does anyone know why? I felt the bridge and I don't feel any rough edges or anything, I just don't get it. I'm using D'Addario J90 Fiddle strings. I haven't tried using different strings yet, I really like the sound of these, and they last me good little while.

Silmarien, you've been playing a lot longer than me!! I started in January, I'm still searching for a teacher. I found a really good teacher, (so I hear) Kitty McIntyre, but their store location is in a rough neighborhood, so that was a no-go. I know a guy who took lessons from her and he's pretty good. Of course, he's extremely musically inclined, and well, I'm not. At least not like him. So, I'm doing the best I can with what I got for now.

One more thing...I haven't posted in forever, and I'm getting it all out on this one post...sorry. I check my pitch with my mandolin or my electronic tuner. That's probably not good, but I don't trust my ears entirely to tune yet, but I'm getting there.

Ok, Ok, I'm finished.


:D

Cassie

[matt the fiddler]

i would go helicores by d'addario even though the bridge may not be sharp, there is a good chance it is pinching the string, or has the string at the wrong angle- go see a shop to get that fixed... or, some strings have plastic sleeves htat you can put on the bridge, hurts the tone a bit, but will help a little on that problem [notice this is a tempoary fix]


as for the tuner, it is good to use a tuner, expect don't begin to use it very much///// .. when you have a dial or a needle that tells you when you are in tune... you are in essence turning off your ears to hearing where the pitch lies.. It is important you learn to hear and match, not just go for what a computer says is right... I would get something of a drone box [ i use a dr. beat [db-88] for tonation and advanced rhythm practice. but that costs about $150., not for a beginner], or tune fingers against open strings... using double stops.. [hold 1st finger d strgin, open A string.. till you get it where it rings perfectly in tune ]
that way you are usign your ears, and learning to hear, yet also learnign the physical adjustments that are needed to get good intonation.. there is no magic formula to play in tune- it is a constant process even by the high end professional players.. and can be a chore at times...

matt

[kokomo88]

my friend picked up a decent electronic tuner at a little store in town called Rayburn, it works pretty nicely and was $20

[nkl_crk_freek]

Helicores...I will remember that. I have the hardest time finding anything around here to do with violins/fiddles. I have heard that those are good strings. It's really wierd the way that it is breaking, the coil around the string isn't breaking, that's actually what keeps it from flying up, the string in the middle is breaking. I had not trouble for 4 months and now my strings are popping and my bridge is flying off. After that happened 4 times yesterday, I realized that somehow the bridge was leaning forward, and got it back, with no further problems. Whew!! I haven't been having a good fiddle week.

:D
Cassie

[juineaux]

I was thinking about getting a violin for about $100. Is this even worth getting? or should i buy a more expensive one?

[matt the fiddler]

honestly i would rent one.. go find a school music dealer near you, and mabye a rent to own- they will cover repairs, etc.. generally $100 will get you a violin that does not work well at all, adn will cause mroe problems than it will help- and generally will turn some one off the instrument pretty fast...

[Elaine]

I just got a fiddle for my birthday a week ago and can already play cross the bridge (introduction), the hand song and seven wonders so that just shows you that nothing is impossible. Although I do recommend a good tutor book which will show you how to hold everything and where to find the notes.
Your fingers will hurt like hell for a while afterwards, I can't feel the tops of three fingers on my playing hand.

I recommend thesoundpost.com, that's who supplied mine; a Primavera violin outifit with bow, case and roisin. Granted it was a cheepie but it makes a really decent sound. [noise]
If you want to teach yourself, it helps to be able to play by ear.

I've learnt the hard way that the fiddle is NOT an instrument you can have no confidence on, otherwise you screech and sound awful. Just relax and go for it. Who cares how awful you sound as long as you feel good about yourself and you're having fun.

Happy playing guys!
Hit me back
Elaine xxx

[NCDoll85]

I have also began playing the violin/fiddle. I have been taking lessons for a month after finding a teacher, and already I can see differences in my playing. The very first time I played the violin last christmas when I got it, it screeched on me, but later that day I was making some sounds, which was also very good. Sometimes if I'm not careful I screech on the E string, but not as much anymore.

I've learnt the hard way that the fiddle is NOT an instrument you can have no confidence on, otherwise you screech and sound awful.

I agree with Elaine that you must be confident when playing the fiddle. It can be your friend or foe, depending on how your confidence level is.

Although I am not that experienced, I agree with many here that getting a teacher helps a WHOLE lot. But learning on your own is fine too.

have fun and good luck!

[kokomo88]

I agree! Cause the first time i played it I was going too gently with the bow so I wasn't making anything at all, but then I kind of just went with it and it sounded..better. I haven't found a teacher yet, the guy, Aidan Mahr, hasn't called me back at all [bang]