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Hi Everyone!
I played the Viola for 4 years as a kid and enjoyed it, but as with most teenagers I found other things to occupy my time. Now I'm much older and realize how much I missed playing, so I'm thinking of getting back into it. You all have such a wonderful community here and I was wondering if you might be able to give me some advice.
I thought I'd go ahead and get the Viola since that was what I used to play, but since I'm sort of starting all over again, it might be good to play the Violin instead? I'm noticing a lot more resources online for violin, like video tutorials, sheet music, etc so would it be easier to go with the more popular violin? However, I must admit I do like the lower tones of the Viola. I even thought about trying the Cello, just because I like the deepness of it, but it's a bit larger for my home.
Any suggestions? Advice?
Thanks! Mike.
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Hi Mike:
I don't play viola, so I don't feel qualified to answer your question, but there are a number of members here who play viola, so maybe they'll weigh in. I just wanted to say welcome and congrats on getting back on track with your music. Whichever instrument you decide to play, you've come to the right place for help, so stick around and keep us posted!
-- Diane
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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I'm certainly in no position to offer advice, since I'm brand new (to the forums *and* the violin), but I wanted to ask if you still had your viola from your teenage years? Or will you have to obtain a new instrument no matter what you decide?
It's a pretty tough call between the violin and the viola, I would imagine. Now the cello, I absolutely love, and I dream about giving it a go some day, but it's waaaaaay too expensive for me to seriously consider right now. And as you mentioned, it *is* a bit large. But...
Pfft. If I could afford one, I'd *make* room for it, lol. The cello is like bacon for your ears.
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Hey Daniel. No, I don't have the viola anymore. I was thinking of just buying an inexpensive starter viola online. Amazon has the Cecilio CVA-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Viola with D'Addario Prelude Strings for around $200. I know it's probably not the best, but I figured since I'm just starting out again, it doesn't make sense to buy an expensive one.
What confuses me is there are so many different lengths from 12" to 16.5". I'm assuming the greater the length the deeper the sound, but is there a preferred "sweet" length to go with? I figured I'd just go with the longest since I like that deeper "cello-like" sound. Anyone have any advice?
Thanks!
Mike
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Hello and Welcome.
Both Viola and Violin are great! I know there are a few violists in this forum.
@Ripton
@Ferret
@Barry to name a few. If you know the viola a bit and have some experience maybe that is what is calling you. There are enough violists here to help you out a bit.
I hope you get your instrument soon and begin your journey again.
Check out the Fiddleshop for Beginning Violas... you will not be disappointed.
Cheers and Happy Playing to you.
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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Hey Mike, welcome.
I must warn you however, picking up an instrument later in life can be quite addictive, and fun. See my profile. I started with Violin as a kid, moved to cello then as you say, teenage years got in the way, among many other things. Check out Fiddlerman's website violaman.com for more connections. I picked up the viola due to my larger hands and love of the deeper tones. Yes there are additional challenges as you mentioned, but they are not insurmountable. What part of the country are you from?
feel free to ask any and all questions, and check out the videos on all 3 of fiddlerman's sites (unless there are more, I have only found 3)..
Again, welcome
Steve
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