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I certainly didn't mean to imply Fiddlershop charges too much - I know they don't!
...my grumbling stems from the global economic effects of covid.
Hope everyone takes advantage of the Thomastik Sale at Fiddlershop!!!
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Now, my turn to grumble. Kaplan Amo viola strings suddenly went up in price by 20% within the last month. Oof. To be fair, they still don't have anywhere near the biggest overall price increase over the last 5 years or so... it's just the sudden jump that's a bit of a shock.
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Has Thomastik started making the Superflexible Ropecore Octave Violin Strings Set available again (at Fiddlershop)? I don't see a 'sold out' sign!!! ...kinda pricey.
If folks look to enhance violin tone (beyond how we play), don't we usually look to the quality of strings, or the characteristics of our instruments?
As strings become more expensive, it might give reason to consider practicing on, switching over to (or even starting with) an Electric violin!
I splurge on strings for my instruments because they're Acoustic/Electric, and I practice more acoustically. ...but I would definitely feel good about using cheaper strings if owned Electric Violins.
We look for certain TONE qualities like 'bright' to 'warm', 'full/broad' to 'focused/narrow', but also qualities of 'projection', 'response', and 'ring' - in both strings AND instruments.
My E/A instruments (5 & 6-string Violins) have a preamp with TONE controls for treble & bass, plus maybe something more - seems like some EQ is also built in with mid-tones. Some preamps have MANY tone controls!
The different amps I have preset on my Mini Spark Amp & thru the Spark app, actually all amps have their own built-in TONE qualities - with at least, 'bass', 'middle' & 'treble' controls. Mine also have virtual effects pedals in each lineup. I think 'response' and 'attack' can be adjusted by 'compression', because the slightest touch can be amplified - maybe depends on pickup, too. 'Ring' can be adjusted by 'reverb', echo & delay features. 'Projection' on EV starts with a good pickup & active preamp for signal strength - it's adjusted by a 'gain' control (which can have some effect on tone) and finally, volume.
I think my pre-amp and Spark Amp/app allow me MANY ways to adjust TONE, as well as other violin characteristics - just like different strings can, but even different violins.
Any small practice amp will do, MANY have additional controls/features included, that would otherwise be purchased separately as pedals - so VERY cost effective!
If you add a pickup & preamp to your acoustic violin (plus a couple cables or transmitters), then you are all set to play with an amp! This does NOT have to be an expensive combination of equipment!
Check out the Electric Violins, pickups, preamps & amps at Fiddlershop!
The one thing my pre-amp & Spark can NOT do... make a difference in what my fingers 'feel' on different brands of strings.
Btw, I'm not an expert, so appreciate if anyone offers up some additional or better info. 😊
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I had a hard time following the point above. I find all the fonts and font styling to be very distracting, it read like a rant, and I just could not make out exactly what the point is that you wanted comments about, 😁. What I got from the above is that you don't like the prices of strings, want everyone to switch to EV, etc,
But what went through my mind was that everyone has their own preferences, and desires from their instruments, and their own price points as to what they consider pricey.
Personally, strings last a while. I don't consider pricey what most here consider pricey, given how long they last. Nothing is free, workers need a decent wage, sellers need their share to pay their employees and get their profit to pay their bills, on and on.
I have an EV, I prefer the acoustic. You have an amp to buy, $$, have to be where you can plug it all in, pretty much cannot outside because of the power requirement, etc. This may vary depending on the violin, most likely, not that into the fine details. Just pointing out, everything has their costs, depends on where a person wants to apply those costs.
It is all personal preference and what is considered expensive by that person.
These may not have been your points, but it is what I was thinking as I was trying to follow it. Sorry, if I misunderstood.
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Learn Violin and Fiddle
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Fiddlerman's Fiddle Talk Forum
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Only one font.
I'm just as animated in person.
My point
was many violinists buy increasingly more expensive
instruments, bows & strings
in search of a different 'tone'
(+ a few other qualities).
My suggested alternative is
an electric violin,
along with some simple gear,
'if' you happen to be into exploring tone.
I pointed out some common ways
'tone' can be modified
using controls on preamps & practice amps,
plus a few other ways to adjust sound
when playing
electric violin.
Btw, many practice amps are NOT expensive
AND
can have a rechargeable
BATTERY!
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Ive enjoyed reading about your pursuit with the amp and all the learning youve invested time in. Fun stuff. I know its been a ride, but it seems like youre settling in and have learned enough to really start using the gear to get what you are wanting out of your instrument and playing. I think thats what we all are trying to do. Maybe not with amps..or in my case other stuff..but it is enjoyable and make the most of it!
Do you have a favorite preset you find yourself using more than others? I know on recordings i have saved an eq curve that seems to fit my room the best. at least to what i feel like. If i move mics or anything sometimes i adjust it a little. most of the time i use the same reverb preset. depending on the tune and whatever else im playing i may adjust it. where i do most of the eq or tone type stuff is downstream of the imdividual tracks once theyre mixed together. mad amature scientist stuff.. 🙂 it makes me happy.
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@ABitRusty -
Thanks!
I have a few combinations I'm current using, but I play so many different kinds of music & I feel differently about each one - so it's really nice to have so many options to explore for expression! I'm sure it will be a different story when I get more serious about recording and editing - then I may have specifics I'll use more often & save.
Last couple things I wanted to mention, since I was trying to make an earlier point of 'cost', Fiddlershop carries a very low cost Tower Strings EV plus more, and AN AMP IS NOT A NECESSITY to explore 'tone' with an electric violin! Consider just a pair of headphones and an interface (some are portable) - there are still tone controls on an EV, plug into a tablet to record & edit! An interface is not even necessary if connecting to a PC, but can make a difference in audio quality - especially if you want to add a mic for vocals/speaking, add an additional instrument, or if using a tablet to record.
Many folks know much can be done with recording & free versions of software - all coupled with more reasonably priced strings like Fiddlerman Violin String Set and a whole new World of possibilities opens up for playing and exploring 'tone'!
Gibbles did a good video showing ways to enjoy an EV, know we've shared it elsewhere.
Electric Violins - Will it Work or Is it Wack?
<a href="
Tower Strings Electric Violin from Fiddlershop
<a href="
Cost does NOT have to be the limiting factor for Violin exploration and creativity.
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Okay, I got carried away/sidetracked suggesting folks could save $ on strings (but still have the benefit of great tone) by going electric. 😔
@Strabo -
I remember the 1st time I ever heard the term 'damping' about violin strings (couple years ago)... I thought that was CRAZY - thought we all wanted our strings to RING! ...well, no. I think bowed strings are different from plucked strings in many ways, but you don't hear of wanting 'damping' properties in guitar strings, though I have seen a video using <a href="
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