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resonance issues hampering learning
The difference between a normal violin and a cut out violin and practicing/progressing.
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RockingLR33
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June 28, 2017 - 4:49 pm
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So some of you may remember from ages ago that I have a unique violin that is cutout. (affectionately known now as "snippet") and I have a GCV Bourree (Aka Viero). As I've re-started my learning program I have found that the loudness and possibly the resonance of the Bourree almost makes it harder for me to concentrate on what i'm learning. I've started to go back to my old violin an i seem to have an easier time practicing and learning on it.

Do you think it's possibly because i get distracted by the loudness? lol. I also find when I'm relaxed and playing around i naturally hit better notes regardless of the violin i'm playing on (like in the audio attached) but when i'm learning a piece, such as I am right now (green sleeves) I can't seem to hit the right bloody notes lol. I switch to snippet at bam much easier. Maybe it's because i learned a great deal on it and it's like greeting an old friend. Has anyone else had issues with resonance or loudness of the violin hampering them while they are learning? how did you deal with it?

Since I just play for myself or a few friends should i think about getting or trading for one that is a tad less loud? I may just be readjusting to a 'normal' violin lol. the Bourree sounds great recorded it's just under my ear thats the issue i think lol. oh learning problems....why did i take such a long break?!!!! Oh And before anyone recommends it yes I do use the earplugs FM sells to help sometimes with Viero and it does seem to help a bit.

The audio is the normal GCV Bourree first and then snippet open strings then playing around.

snippet-vs-viero.jpgImage Enlarger

Lead me, Follow me, or get out of my way!

             ~General George S. Patton

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
June 29, 2017 - 8:32 am
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16429

I think you are right. You are bothered by strong sounds. You should definitely purchase a practice mute if you don't have one.
Obviously you can practice on your "snippet" violin but the quality isn't as nice and rewarding. I too can get terribly annoyed when an instrument is too loud. At that point I need to either sleep, rest, or use hearing protection, which is also a great solution.

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

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RockingLR33
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June 29, 2017 - 5:52 pm
Member Since: September 21, 2013
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hahah you know something rather funny. I think I found my issue and it's kinda silly. I found if I play standing the loudness doesn't bother me, but lately I had taken to sitting cross-legged  or kneeling on the floor and somehow the combination of sitting near the chair and couch that I had picked seemed to amplify the loudness of my violin. I practiced standing infront of my music stand and Ta da...problem not an issue yesterday . *sigh* well at least it was an easy fix hahaha. and im glad I don't have to continue using ear plugs or a mute as I have always loved the sound of my violin or contemplate buying another violin, until I want to upgrade. 

sooo looks like i'll be playing standing or sitting in an open part of the room hahahah.  and I agree with my snippet violin not being near as nice. It's why I splurged and bought the Bourree :D I was wanting more sounds then I was hearing, more resonance and middle tones and just tones over all. I feel slightly silly that I was causing that issue hahaha. Ah well. Today I played outside under my apple tree and its amazing how much the setting can change just how it sounds as far as loudness. I think playing outside is gonna be fun while the weather holds :D  

Lead me, Follow me, or get out of my way!

             ~General George S. Patton

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BillyG
Brora, North-east Scotland
June 30, 2017 - 5:54 am
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rockinglr33 said
......... Ah well. Today I played outside under my apple tree and its amazing how much the setting can change just how it sounds as far as loudness. I think playing outside is gonna be fun while the weather holds :D    

  Glad you feel happier now !   :)

  Yeah - playing outside can be great fun - first step to busking ! Ha !  dancing

I seriously recommend not copying my mistakes. D'oh - guntohead.JPG

Please make your own, different mistakes, and help us all learn :-)

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Charles
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July 1, 2017 - 12:24 pm
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From your description of the problem and the things that made it better, I'd bet it wasn't the violin at all - it was echoes.  The small delay was not enough to register consciously as being an echo, but it was enough to throw you off - the same problem that gives people with stuttering issues a problem. When they can't hear their own voices, the stutter disappears. (I have a problem when speaking into a microphone where I can hear myself speaking with a small delay - it's a huge distraction.)

You can test it by finding a room that's very sound reflective. Tile walls would be ideal. If playing in there drives you nuts, and getting close to one wall really drives you nuts, that would almost guarantee that echoing was what the problem was. Outside, the reflective surfaces are far away and not very effective. Just being further away from the reflections in the room made it enough better that it was no longer a major issue inside. I'd bet if you put rugs, drapes, etc in the room you're practicing in, it'd get even better.

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Uzi
Georgia

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July 1, 2017 - 2:54 pm
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I'm glad you found the problem, because that Bourree sure sounds good. 

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright

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RockingLR33
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July 1, 2017 - 9:58 pm
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@Charles  Your are correct sir. The echo really really distracts me! even at work when people talk over the loud speakers and it echos it frustrates me and I can concentrate on the words. I bet your right that it was echoing just enough it was breaking my concentration! It's funny the little things that the violin can bring to light about ourselves :D  

 

@Uzi  I know right! The bourree is my favorite violin to play and when I get my notes right and just let the music flow it just takes my mind away and off of everything going on. I can say it has hands down been one of the best investments I could have ever made. I'm so glad FM picked this one out for me! I trusted him on a whim after I narrowed down which violin I wanted in the price range I could afford and he was fantastic in picking the perfect one for me. 

Lead me, Follow me, or get out of my way!

             ~General George S. Patton

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
July 7, 2017 - 2:20 pm
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16429

Yeeeee Haaaaaa!!!!

Sounds great. Thanks so much for the update.

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

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