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LindaMc
New Jersey

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May 31, 2015 - 3:16 pm
Member Since: May 31, 2015
Forum Posts: 39
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Hi everyone!

I played violin - not very well - as a kid, and quit when I was 12.  Decades later, I became interested in music in general, including theory, and strings in particular.  

A few years back, I bought a small (15") viola and a digital piano. I fooled around with them off and on,  More off than on, unfortunately, so I am still very much at the beginner level, but my interest is not going away, in fact it is getting stronger.

I am trying to learn on my own for a couple of reasons. My work schedule is crazy so I doubt I could commit to a particular day.  Even without that obstacle, the extremely, sometimes exclusively, child-centered focus of most of the community music schools is enough to keep me away.  I looked at some class pictures of the closest one. The only adult students were taking piano, guitar or sax.  Any of you taking lessons in such an atmosphere - and going to recitals - I salute you!  I don't have the guts.....

The internet to the rescue....but not much for viola....and I'm small, 5'2", so I decided to add a violin to my collection.  

I just received a Fiddlerman Master violin on Friday and love it! It is really beautiful, the finish has a depth that doesn't come across in the video.  It arrived in perfect condition, only needing tuning to be playable.  The case it came with is really nice, secure, well padded with plenty of storage, and the FM carbon fiber bow is nice too. Surely one of  best values out there!

Now I need to spend some time with my new toy!

- Linda

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
May 31, 2015 - 9:04 pm
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16429

Hey Linda,

Welcome to our family. :)

You sound like you will fit in here perfectly. Glad you like the Master violin. It's definitely one of my favorite violins to sell. The GCV workshop continuously impresses me with the quality of the instruments that they produce.

Small violas are available but they have considerably worse sounds comparatively. I'm glad that you found us here and look forward to hearing about your progress and hopefully being able to motivate you too.

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

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LindaMc
New Jersey

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Members
June 1, 2015 - 10:21 am
Member Since: May 31, 2015
Forum Posts: 39
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Thanks - lots of adult beginners here - inspiring!  

I don't think I'd go for anything less than 15" in a viola. It's enough of a compromise as it is. Unless....maybe viola strings on an electric violin, but that would be down the road a bit.

I picked up the viola last night after playing the violin and boy did I notice a difference! It's literally harder to play - it requires more pressure on the strings and the bow in addition to more of a stretch. Still, I'm not giving up on it.  My plan is to focus primarily on the violin for now, and try the viola again later.   Despite the differences, I think skills gained on one should at least partially transfer to the other.

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
June 1, 2015 - 1:25 pm
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16429

Yes for sure. You are correct on all accounts. Another option is to get a solid body electric violin and use an Octaver which brings the pitch down one or two octaves. :) It's not like the viola but it's a lot of fun to use and even lower. Like playing a cello or bass on the violin.

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

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Mark
Members

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June 2, 2015 - 6:47 am
Member Since: September 30, 2014
Forum Posts: 2149
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Lindamc,

 

Several here have taken decades off form playing the fiddle and came back, welcome to the forum.

 

Mark

Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.

Albert Sammons

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ElisaDalViolin

Honorary advisor
Members

Regulars
June 2, 2015 - 4:24 pm
Member Since: November 26, 2014
Forum Posts: 209
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Welcome to the forum LindaMc! :)

 
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Jim Dunleavy
United Kingdom
Members

Regulars
June 3, 2015 - 4:11 am
Member Since: April 19, 2015
Forum Posts: 886
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Welcome Linda! smile

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coolpinkone
California, the place of my heart
June 4, 2015 - 6:02 pm
Member Since: January 11, 2012
Forum Posts: 4180
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Welcome Linda.

Congrats on your lovely violin.  Nice to meet you.

Toni

Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato

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