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Hi I've been playing for a month or so and just changed my strings because they had been on the violin for a long time and I've started to have a strange problem.
I'm not sure if this is due to cheap strings or bad technique.
Occasionaly when bowing I get (what I would call as a guitarist) a harmonic. The note doesn't seem to matter but I do notice it more frequently on open A and D.
Does anyone know what is causing this? :/
Thanks!
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Hi! Any chance you could post a video that shows what you're describing?
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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it happens towards the end of the video here (12 seconds onwards)
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I would suspect cheap steel strings. I'm new like you tho. I put Zyex strings on mine and developed a problematic A string w/really bad wolf tones. So I put a lead fishing sinker bead on the string and reset the sound post. It helps, but the A string is still wolf-y. The wolf calmed down but moved up the fingerboard by a half tone or so. If you play the A string really carefully it will be bearable, but let your guard down and it's wolf city. It seems like you solve one problem and get another, but that's why fiddles are so interesting.
Location: Massachusetts
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I'd have to agree and say it's probably the strings. I'd suggest trying out a new set to see if that solves your problem. I'd recommend Preludes because I feel they're great for beginners. Once the strings break in you almost never have to retune them.
I'd like to add you're doing very well for only playing for a month. 
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You can get "non-whistling" Goldbrokat E strings for cheap too to see if that helps at least one string for starters. I have a couple coming but can't say what they do for you yet.
Location: Massachusetts
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Azzasherwood, try playing a little further away from the bridge. Playing that close to the bridge requires much more downwards pressure and slower bowing.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Thanks everyone for your replies! I went into a music store here in Melbourne today and tried out a violin with some dominant strings and a nice bow and was shocked at the difference in tone I was getting.
I also took your advice and played further away from the strings and that worked marvellously!
I'm going to get some new strings tomorrow and then hopefully next week a nice bow. I was torn between a Brazilwood (which I liked a lot because it was light and easy to play with) and a Pernumbuco (a little harder to play with but slightly nicer tone +$100 in price 0.0) so we'll see how it goes!
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