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Judge_Jon

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January 11, 2015 - 8:11 pm
Member Since: January 8, 2015
Forum Posts: 1
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Hello, 

I'm new to playing any instrument whatsoever. Picking up the violin at age 30. Seems pretty weird but I've been wanting to play an instrument, mainly piano but my wife does that so I wanted something different. I love how classic stringed instruments sound so I narrowed it down to the violin and cello. I actually like the way the cello sounds better but its three times the price of a violin and the violin has so much more free material it's hard to pass up. I ended up going with a Cecilio electric violin as my first one; would have preferred an acoustic but I live in an apartment so the more quiet the better. Just going to plug in my good quality Sony headphones and try to jam. lol

Since I am new to playing an instrument and will be playing without an amp most of the time should I invest in a tuner? I've been looking to the clip on tuners because it seems like it would be more accurate on an electric. I eventually want to get away from the tuner and do it asap but I only have youtube as a reference point.

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DanielB
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January 11, 2015 - 10:25 pm
Member Since: May 4, 2012
Forum Posts: 2379
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You can tune without an electronic tuner.  People did it for centuries before they were even invented, and they didn't have things like youtube to go and get a decent note to tune to. 

Nothing wrong with them, of course.  But you only need to get one if you actually want it.

"This young wine may have a lot of tannins now, but in 5 or 10 years it is going to be spectacular, despite the fact that right now it tastes like crude oil. You know this is how it is supposed to taste at this stage of development." ~ Itzhak Perlman

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augustoad
Ponta Grossa, Paraná - Brazil
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January 11, 2015 - 10:45 pm
Member Since: November 19, 2012
Forum Posts: 229
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@DanielB while people DID tune their instruments without tuners for centuries, it's a good thing to remember that there was no standard to what was the exact tuning for anything. In a certain place, A was 440hz, in another place A was 415, in yet another A was 430 and so on. Tuners are really helpful and useful, specially when you're first learning how play an instrument. If no tuner is to be used, I'd recommend at least the use of a tuning-fork.

Welcome to the forums, @Judge_Jon ! :)

Skype: augustoad Email: [email protected] Phone number/whatsapp: +55 42 9861-4084. I'd be happy to talk anything fiddle-related to anyone! :)

 

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DanielB
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January 11, 2015 - 11:12 pm
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Instruments were still in tune to themselves and other instruments they'd been tuned to, no matter if there was a standard or not. 

Tuning forks are nice, no argument.  No batteries required.  But there's plenty of tuning videos on youtube and sites like this one with tuning tones to go from. 

"This young wine may have a lot of tannins now, but in 5 or 10 years it is going to be spectacular, despite the fact that right now it tastes like crude oil. You know this is how it is supposed to taste at this stage of development." ~ Itzhak Perlman

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Tyberius
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January 12, 2015 - 2:41 pm
Member Since: November 8, 2012
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Hi John and welcome!!!!

I posted this a long time ago but I'll post it again as it probably has been swallowed up by the Forum Mites that eat long and forgotten posts. LOL

For silent playing. Get a bow that has yet to have any rosin applied to the strings (or get one and soak the hairs carefully in alcohol for cleaning). then, (if its dry) apply talc powder liberally to the bow hairs. Tap it lightly to free up the powder and do it again. Wipe the bow under the hairs then play. It will be almost silent. Quieter then any mute, even quieter then your electric unplugged. You can hear the notes, tell when you are off and is playable anywhere. After you play, do wipe down your violin strings with a dry cloth. I have never had a problem with my normal bow when I play or when I swap over to the "silent" bow. I have people who retire early on most nights and that's when I usually play or practice. If you want an acoustic, this might be a way to have one and play it in your house.

 

I'll see if I can get some short video here showing both with a simple tune.

"I find your lack of Fiddle, disturbing" - Darth Vader

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Ripton
Vermont, Massachusetts or somewhere in between
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January 12, 2015 - 3:13 pm
Member Since: November 2, 2014
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My wife works nights and when I get home from work, she is usually in bed until 10pm. At that time I am usually too exhausted to play. Playing in the garage works, but not really this time of year when the temps drop below 20(f). I love this idea and would really love to see a video of your "silent bow".

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coolpinkone
California, the place of my heart
January 12, 2015 - 4:12 pm
Member Since: January 11, 2012
Forum Posts: 4180
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Hello and Welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of being a violinist!

I found that a tuner quickly became my best friend in the beginning.  I had not experience and it gave me comfort.  I am still one to play with my tuner on and use it to tune my violin.

There are many ways to tune your violin.  As Dan said it is not necessary as you ears and some online programs, apps etc can help you.  Also if your wife's piano is in tune you can use that with your ears. 

Lots of options.. welcome and Have a great day.  I don't know the answer to the amp questions as I don't have an Electric. 

Cheers and good vibrations.

Toni

Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato

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Mark
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January 13, 2015 - 1:06 am
Member Since: September 30, 2014
Forum Posts: 2138
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Jon,

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Tyberius, Great Idea on a silent bow, thanks

 

Mark

Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.

Albert Sammons

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
January 15, 2015 - 10:45 am
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16429

Welcome to the forum Jon,

You can actually get an octaver later down the road and sound like a cello or bass since you have the SE version. :)
Another advantage of playing violin vs cello is the size and portability. Much easier to lug around.
Looking forward to your posts.

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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