5 string violins

[moonstargirl675]

[noise] Where can you get 5 string violins? And what kind of violin does Sara use?:cool: I have been a fan of nickel creek since at least early 2001, and I play the violin my self

[Luthier]

As a matter of fact, the luthier who made Sara's new 5-string violin is a member of this forum. His name is Marty and his member name is fidlmaker. Marty, are you out there somewhere?

Luthier

[Erika]

They make such things as 5 string violins? That would change the whole style of it wouldn't it? Mine has four.[think]

[matt the fiddler]

i play a 5 string electric... they are nice...viola range

sara's 5 string is a very cool fiddle, i got to play it a while back- it will be neeat to see when she starts to play it live... check ou ther bio for the web addy of the guy who made it- he can answer any q's abou them!

matt

[mlhewett]

She must have long-duck-dong fingers. Or maybe not a full size violin. I have a heck of a time reaching the 4th string with my pinky. I'm sure I just need more work, though. Or a finger-stretcher. Interesting...

[fidlmaker]

Sara's 5-string is full-size, though when she's holding it , it looks more like a large viola due to her diminutive stature. Actually she has very petite hands, very much like the rest of her. The fingerboard on her 5-string is standard width with standard string spacing. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but they DO fit with no real estate to spare. The spacing at the bridge is also standard, though once again, no room left over.

Trouble reaching the G string (or C on a 5-string) may be due more to the position of your hand and elbow than the length of your fingers. I have long fingers and had the same trouble until I adjusted my playing hand/arm.

The extra reach to the C on a 5-string only amounts to about 3/32 which is pretty easy to adapt to. I highly recommend trying out a 5. If you're an ear player or can improvise, it's like having a bigger playground.

Regards,
Martin

[mlhewett]

Thanks for that info!

I've only been playing for a little over a month now. So I better stick to what I have. I am having trouble finding my correct playing position. I'll get there eventually.

Lowell

[matt the fiddler]

my 5 strig electric has a little wider fingerboard than the standard 4 string- i love it!
one thign to be carefull of though.... - if i haven't played it in a few months [as is the case way too often] i feel like i am fishing around for the location on the bottom 3 strings, as they are in just a litle different location the g and d on a 4 string- [as playing is all about mastering the constants and then not thinking about them again] but it is easy to adjust in say 30 mins of warmup... and then i am good to go.

matt

[Fiddlechic Erin]

I just saw a 5-string in my SHAR catalog, their website is www.sharmusic.com.

[BoFrazer]

I had the pleasure of playing 2nd fiddle to Johnny Gimbel a few times in a Western swing band, and I got hooked on the 5-string sound bigtime. I never get my 4-string out of the case anymore, and I have two 5-strings.

It's especially nice in a band with horns, where they go clockwise around that circle of fifths, ya know? Like, they won't play in B, but they like Eb. Much easier on a 5-string...