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Hi all,
My name is Lou, I'm originally from London and moved to Australia 8+ years ago with hubster and 3 kids...
Just before coming out here, I had started to learn to play alto sax but couldn't find a teacher anywhere close to our area :0(
Sooooo, a few months ago I decided that I would like to learn to play the violin, saved a few pennies and got my new baby - a Cecilio left handed electric violin. She arrived today (bought from Fiddlerman store), I put new strings on, tightened and rosined the bow....I actually made some nice notes!!! Gonna be watching a load of tutorials to learn as I have never been able to read music and practice as much as I can!
Excited to get to know a few of you - so don't be shy!
:0)
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Welcome @Looby! Great community here. I'm just starting myself, and everyone's very supportive and helpful.
Good luck with the fiddle! And stick a video up as soon as you feel able!
Regulars
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Lou,
Welcome to the violin and to the forum! You'll find lots of helpful information here.
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Thanks....Reptile Smile, don't hold your breath for a video...its gonna be a while!!
I did a small mod to my violin, I had bought a shoulder rest but hated the way it felt so I got some self adhesive wool (the kind that goes under the feet of furniture), cut it to shape and stuck it on and it feels way more comfortable and doesn't slip!! Next mission is to find a softer, more comfortable chin rest if such a thing exists....
I've had a bit of a practice...plugged into hubby's amp - WOW - sounds amazing!!
Regulars
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Welcome to the forum 
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World's Okayest Fiddler
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@looby - Welcome Lou ! Yes, the EV comes "alive" with a bit of amp and simple effects - you're going to have great fun ! Above all, make the most of the forum, not just FiddlerMan's tutorials, but also the wealth of other information freely shared by many !
I seriously recommend not copying my mistakes. D'oh - 
Please make your own, different mistakes, and help us all learn :-)
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Welcome to the forum Looby,
Welcome to the forum. Looking forward to hearing more about your progress with your left hand playing.
Still playing the alto sax as well?
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
Member
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Hey Fiddlerman...
Update, I had my first lesson which was okay...my teacher had a bit of a fit when she saw my violin (!) it was hilarious watching her try to play it!! She recommended that I gat a wooden violin and as I can't get a lefty here, I bought a Suzuki 1977 regular violin. I tried for 2 days to play right handed and ended up with serious neck and wrist pain :0(
So.....I picked it up and tried to play it left handed...and it works really well!!! I only know the D major scale but managed to play Twinkle Twinkle by ear - no music and not even a tutorial - upside down!!! Am quite pleased with self, its a good job I have no desire to join an orchestra, I just want to play music for my own enjoyment. I have another lesson on Saturday....dunno what my teacher is gonna make of me this time!!
FM, I don't have a sax at the moment but am thinking of getting another one soon. Gonna concentrate on learning my little beastie for now...
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Consider the teachers thoughts as she may have a point but if she is condescending in any way don't take it. Good luck with your lesson on Saturday.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
Regulars
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Looby,
Welcome to the forum, I also play left handed on a right handed fiddle.
The big draw for me of playing a right handed fiddle left handed and not getting a left handed fiddle was selection, when I learned the guitar I change the strings around and made a left handed guitar problem is all of my friends guitars I cant play, so unless I have mine I cant play. So when I started playing the bass guitar I used a right handed bass left handed, now any where I go If there is a handy bass I can play it, I'm not strapped to a left handed bass only, Just my two cents.
It is a bit confusing to watching a right handed person play, but very doable the Video of Katrina Nicolayeff is proof positive it can be done and done extremely well. Some time it takes some adjustment from standard teaching but with a little work you can figure it out. There are left handed chin rests available I can supply you with the information on the one I use if you want it, I had tried 3 others before I found this one If i can be of any help please let me know, I believe you the 3rd or 4th Lefty I know of on the forum so your not alone.
Mark
Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.
Albert Sammons
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Just another point. Left hand violins are more popular today then ever before. Even though left and right handed people play the same violin just as easily, cheap wooden left hand violins are available. Also, we can have our best, favorite workshops in China build a fantastic left handed violin if desired. Building one takes about 2 months from these experienced skilled master luthiers.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Hi Mark,
Thanks for that, funnily enough, the chin rest on my RH violin doesn't feel too bad - its actually nearer my chin than half way up my neck!
FM, what sort of price am I looking at to have a violin made LH? Ideally, I would like an instrument that will see from complete novice but still sound great when I'm a few years into playing....I read your article on LH violins and I'm glad to see it's getting more popular - not like years back when lefties had their leftiness(!) stamped out of them! Here in Oz, we are called 'southpaw' which i kinda like!
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Hello and welcome to the forum.
I am pleased to meet you.
Good luck in your violin journey!
Cheers,
Toni
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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Lobby, that depends on the source and quality of the wood. Great wood is the problem now a days. The fantastic and cheap labor is available and we know the right guys. That part is relatively cheap. The absolute best wood, and really well seasoned is expensive and a super process of selection.
You choose the budget and we'll get it done.
We would not charge you more money for this. Any right hand violin can be made as a left hand violin given the proper time. It mostly has to be don't from the top on. The bottom and sides are the same. The top get's a bass bar on the opposite side then the neck and fittings are built inversely.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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