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@JohnG -
🤔 Last I recently checked I still can't PM you, yet.
Think everything you do to keep yourself interested/motivated is wonderful.
I was inspired by a few great Irish fiddle players I watched pick up a new tune in what seemed like seconds - just by listening/watching someone!
So, new fiddle in hand, I had to figure out what would make sense to me & help me get there the quickest. Got it in my head to start by finding the sounds on the fingerboard with my fingers - didn't even care what the notes were. I could pick out notes to read on a staff from childhood piano lessons, so later used that and a tuner - but if you ask what note I'm playing, I'll have to stop and think much of the time.
At 6 months in, I was really able to look back and gage the rate I was progressing... and very happy! ...and I definitely tried to start learning, at least parts of, music that was way above me.
That's just me... been known to do things what some would say, the hard way. (lol)
It's great you're using musescore! You can slow the tempo way down to play along with.
I want to be able to use it to transcribe & edit the music I hear/watch on YouTube. Once I started to read about what that would entail (I'm not tech or even PC-savy), I at least realized I need a better laptop for music editing & also for personal video editing (looking at an ASUS right now). 🤔 Been thinking there's got to be an easier way to just use my phone to record the sound off the videos and use it, but I've got so much going on in my head right now... So for now, I just find what scores are available on musescore to play along with. 😊
Stick with it!
Quite the adventure!
- Emily

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@JohnG and others. Perhaps your best accomplishment to date is continuing to play given use of Mendini rosin!
There was a thread started a few years ago about suggested improvements to these instruments. I think it was called a silk purse out of a sows ear. You will likely get some suggestions from it. As a first step, you might want to replace the originally provided strings. Since the bow seems to work for you, replacement can likely wait for a “Black Friday” sale.
Success is the progressive realisation of a worthy ideal. —Earl Nightingale.

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@JohnG -
Don't go by that thread - your acoustic Viola shouldn't be compared to E/Viola (different properties, like mentioned).
I waited until I played for 6 months before trying equipment improvements, but you've already played Viola previously. 😊
3 areas to improve an acoustic Viola and many threads with advice, but it boils down to what you want to hear & feel vs the sound properties of your particular Viola. These are different for every musician (even within same model/brand) and requires experimentation. Here's my approach - but, might want to weigh the overall cost with a whole better Viola outfit from Fiddlershop! (lol)
- Start with synthetic-core strings advertised as "warm", should find some that work for you recommended in threads here, the string chart or reviews at Fiddlershop. Should find some between "Fiddlerman" brand on up to "Obligato".
- Bow with good quality hair - many people start with the Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber. Much depends on your feel/the response of each, the hair & tension, your strings/Viola & your ear - so, testing a variety of bows out in person is best.
- Rosin needs to be matched to your bow, your strings, your climate (seasonal humidity matters, too) & your ear - start with a medium color variety recommended in threads here or reviews at Fiddlershop.
Glad you like the StroboClip HD (me too 🤗) - wish Fiddlershop carried it.
@Sasha was the one who mentioned she liked a strobe-type tuner. Thank you, Sasha!
- Emily

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@JohnG and others. I am pretty sure that Cecilio used the same strings through out their line up.
The last I heard, Fiddlerman does not make their own strings for viola. Pity because they are nice strings for the price.
Regarding fear about referencing an electric violin thread for information on an acoustic viola, it is all physics to me. You might want also want to frequent threads about the Mendini MV 600. No longer made and never made in a viola. Those were lookers in the cheap trade category.
Regarding the 3D printed viola hanger. Did you incorporate a reinforcement strut of material in the “v” between the post and the back bracket? It would seem to be cheap insurance.
Success is the progressive realisation of a worthy ideal. —Earl Nightingale.
Dont worry about changing strings, stick to your practice routine. I have already said, you have a good ear, thats all you need at the moment, the rest comes wìth practice, not that I am qualified to give advice.
Watch fiddlermans vid of trying out a hundred dollar fiddle, and listen how amazing it sounds, which tells you something.

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JohnG said
@Irv - Fiddlerman sells the strings found on my viola, D'Addario Prelude Viola String Set for $26.99 which equates to the cheapest ones there. As of now, I really can't afford to buy a really decent set, so I'll hope the new rosin helps. In the meantime, my lack of technical expertise probably is a bigger hurdle to overcome. And just think, if I get that, when I replace the strings, it'll be a major step onward!
I can sound professional, until I play in 7th and 8th position on the G string (violin). Then I sound like a Siamese cat whose tail is slowly being crushed by a steam-roller. My teacher merrily assures me it's entirely my fault, and the skill will come eventually.
Don't get hung up on equipment.
Andrew
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