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I'm getting back into violin after a 30+ year 'hiatus'. I'm retired and now have time to practice. I am a former professional banjo player (of all things!) and many years ago traveled all over the country playing bluegrass with The Stonemans. I love old time fiddle but at the same time all my lessons were in classical technique and that's what I'm taking up again.
I ran across this website and was absolutely astounded at what I found. A violin shop run by a professional violinist who plays very very very well, and who can guide potential customers in selecting the violin that best suits them.
I currently play a Gliga Gems 1 Guarnerius model. I am hoping that my skills improve to the point that I need a better violin. I'm salivating over the Fiddlerman Soloist right now. When I am ready to upgrade I'm going to depend on Fiddlerman to fix me up with a really nice fiddle. Hopefully that won't be too long! 
Thanks for reading!
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Hi Uncledave! Welcome to the mad-world of violin/fiddle. Hope to hear you soon.
If music be the food of love, play on;
Give me excess of it ..(William Shakespeare in Twelfth Night)
Honorary tenured advisor
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Welcome to the forum, @uncledave.
It won't be a problem for me to call you uncle, lol.
Sound like you got quite some musical experience under your belt, so playing violin should not be hard for you at all. Would love to see your post and learn from you.
FM certainly will fix you up with a real nice fiddle when you need it. And btw, I also have a couple Gliga Guarnerius.
Again, welcome, uncledave.
Robert
King
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Welcome, uncledave. Fiddlerman is definitely the man you will want to confide in and trust when the time come's to purchase a new violin.
He's a straight up guy and won't steer you wrong.
Ken.
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Thanks for the welcome guys!
It will be a while before I would dare let anyone hear me play or even open my mouth where giving instruction is concerned! I'm many years out of practice. Forty years ago I was a good beginner violinist. I had worked up to Kreutzer and was working on some baroque music. Now I'm 63 so it isn't going to be as fast as it was years ago. I just hope I don't reach some kind of limit that I can't get past.
I'm taking it very slow. I practice many short sessions per day instead of a big long one. My muscles won't hold out any longer than that at this point.
My goal I think is realistic. I want to be able to sit in with other musicians, say at a night club, and play some of the older popular classics. I want to be able to make the fiddle sing.
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Welcome to the forum uncledave. We'll do everything we can to guide you into your new journey and I for one, value that added banjo playing bonus. 
Hopefully you'll share that with us too.
Look forward to your updates.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Fiddlerman said
Welcome to the forum uncledave. We'll do everything we can to guide you into your new journey and I for one, value that added banjo playing bonus.
Hopefully you'll share that with us too.
Look forward to your updates.
Thank you Fiddlerman. I'll be glad to share whatever I can. Right now it isn't much though.
Are any members of the forum into old-time fiddling?
King
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@uncledave:,,, I'll be 71 in September and old music is what I thrive on. Stuff from the 30's - 60's.
You definitely got my attention.
Ken.
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Fiddlestix said
@uncledave:,,, I'll be 71 in September and old music is what I thrive on. Stuff from the 30's - 60's.You definitely got my attention.
Ken.
Ken, I'm happy to find someone here with similar interests. I'd love to be able to make the fiddle really sing on songs like "La Vie en Rose" or Cole Porter's "Night and Day". I love that whole genre of music. It has real "class".
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Ken and Uncledave, I certainly hope to hear you all playing some of the lovely songs of older times. It would be a great honor and a thrill. Hope to hear more from you both.
Pretty please, batts eyes...
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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If I'm lucky I should be proficient enough to play something for you in about a year.
Thanks for the request!
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uncledave said
Are any members of the forum into old-time fiddling?
There are plenty of members here that are.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
King
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@uncledave:
Good to know someone who know's the names of the old song's.
" La Vie en Rose ",, I was fooling around playing that song about a week ago, but didn't know what I was playing until I read your post and Youtube'd it by, Louis Armstrong. There are several song's I play that I don't know their name's but the melodies come back from memories of the past.
"How Sweet It Is" (Jackie Gleason)
Ken.
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My biggest ambition right now is to be able to play "Intermezzo" by Provost. If I could make that sing in tune I'd be the happiest fiddler in the USA.
Like you, I know a LOT of the old songs but not necessarily their titles.
I love the quote from Gleason. He was one of my favourite comedians. My first favourite was Jack Benny. Right now I'd be happy to play as well as HE did!
"WELL!' Jack Benny
King
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@uncledave: As you probably know, Jack Benny was a pretty accomplished violinist.'
Here are a couple of his skits that I like.
This one could be my favorite. I remember watching this on the night it was broadcast.
I guess you have to open the next one in a different tab or window.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....3cc0HlO7so
Ken.
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I have all Jack Benny's old time radio shows plus most of his TV shows. I'm a real fan.
Here's what's most interesting to me about his violin playing: he was able to get through some of the hardest classical music just a little slow and a little out of tune. What's amazing is that he only got really serious about the fiddle in his 50s. He had had lessons as a small boy but did not continue with them. If I can do only a fourth as well as he I will be happy.
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I liked it so much that I shared it. Hey Juan.....some influence. 
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Hi Uncle Dave,
My name's Eric and I've just started learning the Fiddle about 5 months ago. I have a background playing mandolin and clawhammer banjo and my family is also from Kentucky.
My wife and I are in Argentina but will be moving to the Louisville area in a year or two. Are you familiar with the Bluegrass scene in Louisville? Is it pretty good? My family says theire is alot of music in that area..
" I just keep telling myself...."It's all about becoming one with your bow"
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Hi Eric!
I live across the state from Louisville. I'm in Southeastern KY, way back in the mountains. The 6 o'clock news doesn't get here until 7:15. 
I don't know about the Louisville scene but there are a lot of bluegrass musicians in this area. I'm 25 miles from Hazard.
I also play banjo (both 3 finger and clawhammer) and mandolin. Right now I'm concentrating only on the fiddle.
Dave
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Welcome to the forum @uncledave ! And welcome back to the fiddle!
You've already figured out that this is a great site. Pierre (Fiddlerman) has compiled a wealth of resources here, plus not only is he a talented violinist, he's also a really nice, personable, helpful guy.
You asked whether there are any old time fiddlers here...yes, there are. I like to play old time tunes but I've got a long way to go. I'm working my old time technique and repertoire. There are others here who are way more experienced in old time music.
Again, welcome!
When the work's all done and the sun's settin' low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
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