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47-year-old newbie says hello!

Topic Rating: 5 (2 votes)

Daniel_Shaped_Object

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February 20, 2015 - 3:25 pm

Member Since: February 20, 2015

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Hello everyone.

I've only been playing violin for about six-ish months, but I'm loving it. I have been playing on a Mendini MV300, which is by no means a "good" violin, but has been good enough to make me realize how much I enjoy playing. So yesterday I received a Mendini MV650, which I just dropped off at a local music store that will send it to a luthier to check out and make any necessary adjustments. I'm anxious to get it back!

Anyway, I already know how to read music (was a vocal major in college, and played the flute in high school) so I'm really just concentrating on the violin itself. So far I'm mostly focusing on fingering and intonation, but I won't lie: vibrato is always in the back of my mind, lol! (I know, naughty for a beginner...but I regret nothing!).

I have a Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber bow that I love, a Wolf Forte Secundo shoulder rest (but still curious about the Bon Musica), and I just received the Impressionist Chin Rest from Fiddlershop (but I'm waiting to put that on my MV 650). Oh, and I also have been using a Pinky Nest on my bow, and occasionally use the Bow-Right (but I'm NOT putting that on my MV65...I'm not completely sure it won't scratch the finish).

I've been pouring over the forums and I love the friendly community here. Everyone seems so willing to teach, help, and learn. Looking forward to participating more.

Cheers!

-Daniel

augustoad

Ponta Grossa, Paraná - Brazil

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February 20, 2015 - 4:12 pm

Member Since: November 19, 2012

Forum Posts: 229

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Welcome aboard! hope you have fun on your violin journey. The comunnity will do it's best to help you with any doubts you might have - and if you poost any videos or sound recordings, we'll give our best feedback.

Skype: augustoad Email: augustoaguieiras@hotmail.com Phone number/whatsapp: +55 42 9861-4084. I'd be happy to talk anything fiddle-related to anyone! :)

micra

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February 20, 2015 - 4:16 pm

Member Since: February 15, 2015

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as someone who just signed up herself, allow me to be the second to say, "welcome!"

ElisaDalViolin

Honorary advisor

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February 20, 2015 - 6:23 pm

Member Since: November 26, 2014

Forum Posts: 209

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Hello Daniel, welcome to the forum!

Daniel_Shaped_Object

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February 20, 2015 - 7:29 pm

Member Since: February 20, 2015

Forum Posts: 46

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Thanks for the warm welcome, folks! :-)

KindaScratchy

Massachusetts

February 20, 2015 - 8:50 pm

Member Since: March 14, 2012

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Welcome, Daniel! I'm sure you'll like it here. Keep us posted on your progress.

-- Diane

When the work's all done and the sun's settin' low,

I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.

Guest

Guests

February 23, 2015 - 12:05 am

Hi Daniel, welcome. I have the same violin so I will be interested in the outcome of yours.

Daniel_Shaped_Object

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February 23, 2015 - 7:12 am

Member Since: February 20, 2015

Forum Posts: 46

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MrYikes said
Hi Daniel, welcome. I have the same violin so I will be interested in the outcome of yours.

Heh. I dropped it off at a music store on Friday to have their luthier check it out...but was told that they only have an on-site luthier at their *other* location about an hour away, so they'd have to send it out.

I called on Saturday to make sure they had received it, and they confirmed that it had reached them, and that someone would be looking at it...

On MONDAY. ARRGH!

So here it is, Monday morning, and someone will be laying eyeballs on my violin for the first time later today. The waiting is killing me, lol. But I will be sure to post the results of my conversation with the luthier. HOPEFULLY later today.

How are you getting along with yours, MrYikes?

Daniel_Shaped_Object

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February 23, 2015 - 4:27 pm

Member Since: February 20, 2015

Forum Posts: 46

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UPDATE: I heard back from the luthier this morning. Pretty good news, I think (all things considered).

My Mendini MV650 needs a new bridge (I was assuming that it would anyway) and the nut needs to be filed down a bit, but that's the extent of it. Everything else looks good to go. The grand total was $50.38. Very reasonable, I think. I had also purchased some Zyex strings and had thrown them in the case, and they said they'd put them on for me (no charge).

Considering that the violin cost $185, and $75 of that was paid for with Amazon gift cards, I only actually paid $110 out of pocket for it. Add the cost of adjustments, and that brings the total to $160. I certainly can't complain about that.

The only bummer is that it will be at least Thursday before I get it back, but I'm sure it will be worth the wait. In the meantime, I will continue sawing away at my Mendini MV300. It may not have been a great instrument, but it started me on this path so it will always have sentimental value to me.

I mean, you never forget your first, right? ;-)