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Comparisons - Talk more, play less
Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 (2 votes) 
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JiminTexas

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May 3, 2019 - 1:10 pm
Member Since: April 26, 2019
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This has to do  with the videos that compare violins, strings, bows, etc. I bought a Cecilio violin to learn on  based mainly on recommendations in Fidlermans videos about them. The informarion that I gleaned from the videos came from what was said, not from what was played. There are two main reasons that  I say  this. Firstly, as a beginner I have no clue as to what  "good tone" is. Secondly, how in the world should I be expected  to hear those subtle differences listening through a tablet and a pair of ear buds? So just tell me what I'm listening to, I'll believe you (one time, at least).

ould I 

The search for great technique does not always lead to great music, but the search for great music does always lead to great technique.

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ABitRusty
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May 3, 2019 - 5:51 pm
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@JiminTexas its was hard for me to tell much of a difference in the comparison videos they did for me.  I appreciated they did it and think they are helpful but they all sound good to me.  And thats every video I watched.  I finally gave up trying to decide and asked Pierre which one he liked the most and went with it.  One thing he did with my video is play Ashokan and held back a little on the vibrato.  I requested that since its a tune I hear alot and also I cant play vibrato yet.  Figured it would be a little closer to what it would sound like.  I shouldve asked for some intonation misses and scratches/squeeks too :)

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
May 3, 2019 - 6:16 pm
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16429

GregW said
............. I shouldve asked for some intonation misses and scratches/squeeks too :)

That is hilarious. Thanks for the support Greg!

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

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Mouse
May 3, 2019 - 7:24 pm
Member Since: December 26, 2018
Forum Posts: 5309
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I generally can hear the differences in the instrument comparisons and the string comparisons videos. I don’t know why that, since it seems it is not the norm, based on the two posts here. I listen more than once. I am not sure of exactly what I am listening to, or how. That said, I think this is what I subconsciously do.

I listen to the whole section of each instrument or string brand video and compare in my mind.

Then I am listening again and paying attention to certain areas, or tones. For instance, I pay close attention to the lower string note sections and compare to what I heard in the other video(s). Then I listen to the middle strings sections, then the higher strings. I would state the strings, but this applies to cellos, violas and violins. I am basically segmenting and listening to which instruments or strings (depending on what fhe comparison is for) sound the best for low, middle and high notes. I then listen to overall sound, volume, fullness, warm or bright, etc. I make little notes to myself about how much I liked it and why, I also make little notes to myself about what I didn’t like. I then fine tune by re-listening, paying attention to my little notes in my mind. If I am researching for an actual purchase, rather than just curiosity, I write down the notes and the areas of the videos I want to re-listen.

I am not sure how many people will listen and re-listen to really get the clear differences, likes and dislikes, but, my husband says, that I think through things different than most people, so maybe I am the odd person out on this system of comparing. 

No, the comment about not thinking about things the way most people do is not an insult. He is right. I am quite happy with the way I think things through. I discover things other people do not. 😁 Just wanted to make sure nobody was thinking that I and my husband were thinking that is a bad thing or insulting to me. It is a badge I proudly wear. 😁😁😁

The Bumblebee Flies!

Please ignore any typos. My typing ability on a real typewriter did not transfer to these device key pads.

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HP
Trondheim, Norway
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May 4, 2019 - 7:07 am
Member Since: October 11, 2012
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For me, there's no way in a million years that I would buy a violin just by someone talking about it. Talk is cheap, let the beast sing. However on a cheap violin I would consider a gamble, but for a long term investment I wouldn't risk it at all. I find it relatively easy to differentiate between violins, and I consider myself to be a beginner. I don't usually know exactly what makes the violin speak to me, but some of them just makes me stop in my tracks and take note of them. The rest is more meh and okay, nothing else. My tip is just to go for what gives you the best feeling. If none of them do, just look further. 

'Armed with theory, practice becomes meaningful. Through practice, theory becomes fulfilled.' - Egon von Neindorff.

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Mouse
May 4, 2019 - 8:19 am
Member Since: December 26, 2018
Forum Posts: 5309
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I like this from @HP 

“My tip is just to go for what gives you the best feeling. If none of them do, just look further. ”

That is so true. It all depends on what you like, not what a person tells you is the best.

It does not matter, really, what people tell you to look for as far as sound goes. It has to produce the sound you like, or pretty much because I think setup and strings can tweek. If you want a warm sounding violin, the videos will show the warm and bright. Eliminate the bright, re-listen to the warmer sounding ones and go from there.

That said, if you are dealing with a reputable dealer, a dealer that really wants to sell you an instrument that will make you happy, that dialogue, along with videos, is well worth it, and is an invaluable tool in your decision. I truly believe the Fiddlershop is that invaluable tool.

Full disclosure. This is based on all correspondence, verbal and email, I have had with them about other string instrument products. I have never purchased an instrument from them because I am lucky to have a violin shop within 1 1/2 hours from where I live. The sense I have is that the entire staff has a love for the instruments and pleasing the customer. They are knowledgable, and just want to please their customers.

So, listen to the videos. Listen for the sound you want, warm or bright. Revisit the ones that have the sound you desire. Listen as often as you need. Contact Fiddlershop explaining the violins you have decided are what you like and why (pros and cons), even if not in your price range. Explain your price limit and ask for their advice. That information should help them find the violin for you that is in your price range. I would buy from them if I did not have a shop to do live trials with. You can ask to have videos made with specific violins, I think. The best video comparisons, I think, are done with the same setup and strings on all the violins and using the same bow.

The videos on the Fiddlershop site by Michael are very good, too. He has some videos on some of the violins and strings. They are helpful. 

Even if you decide not to get one from Fiddlershop, all those resource videos will help you.

Sometimes I wish I could get a Fiddlershop violin because I would love to hear and play one of their warmer sounding ones, but, I have enough violins. Maybe I can find one at the pawnshop we have fun looking through. Found a great cello there last year. banana

Hope all the information from this thread helps.

The Bumblebee Flies!

Please ignore any typos. My typing ability on a real typewriter did not transfer to these device key pads.

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MoonShadows
Stroudsburg, PA

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May 4, 2019 - 8:49 am
Member Since: January 30, 2019
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I bought my first (only) violin from Fiddlerman after looking at a number of dealers. I was looking at the OB1 and Apprentice because they were in my comfortable price range with the Concert Violin at the very top of my price range. I watched all the videos I could find and spoke with customer service several times. I wound up going with the Concert Violin, even though I could not tell the difference in sound from the OB1 to the Apprentice to the Concert violin. I trusted CS and their advice that the price would be worth the product.

At some point, I will buy my forever violin, and it will be another from Fiddlerman since I trust him and his staff. When I do, I will pay closer attention to sound and build (I am already noticing my ear is improving when listening to different grade violins). I will either ask the Fiddlerman to make a couple of videos for me, or I will visit the Fiddlershop in person to try out a few. Hey, it will be a great excuse to take a trip to Florida in the middle of the Winter!

Jim

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HP
Trondheim, Norway
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May 4, 2019 - 9:21 am
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Fiddlershop is a safe choice for violin purchasing. I've two violins from the shop, one of them being my intermediate/high end. No way I would leave that kind of money if I didn't trust the dealer. I would consider Fiddlershop for my next upgrade, although I don't think I'll need a upgrade in a while. I kinda want a viola though.

'Armed with theory, practice becomes meaningful. Through practice, theory becomes fulfilled.' - Egon von Neindorff.

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
May 4, 2019 - 10:18 am
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16429

WOW!!!
Thank you guys so much for the support. We really appreciate it. I'm so happy that we please so many customers. That is one of the things in which I get the most pleasure from. ❤️

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

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MoonShadows
Stroudsburg, PA

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May 4, 2019 - 10:35 am
Member Since: January 30, 2019
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Our pleasure @Fiddlerman

You deserve it! It is quite clear how hard you and your staff work to take care of your customers. Your company and your service is a breath of fresh air.

Jim

Jim

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