Violin tips wanted

[ktimekiller]

I used to play Violin when I was a little one, with lessons and all.

It has been years since I last played, but I decided to pick it up again, and teach myself the ropes from what I could remember.

I've been at it for roughly a few months (4 maybe?), and obviously, self teaching has its troubles.

I will just randomly list a few thoughts and troubles I have. They may or may not be questions.

1. I don't know if it is due to the old condition of the violin, but my sound, even a simple open note, is coarse.

2. My D string sounds too deep, while the tune itself is "D", it has a very rough feeling to it like a G string. I'm thinking either it is the low quality strings, the old condition of the violin, or some horrible mistake in my play style.

3. I have trouble going up to a sharp from natural mid play, natural to flat seems a lot easier.

4. I have trouble doing vibrato while bowing down, but I have heard this is common for beginners.

5. I have a hard time adjusting the frequency of the vibrato, I am stuck at a fixed rate, and cannot increase or decrease at the moment.

6. Bowing the D string often lightly vibrates, or even hits the G or A string. I do not know if it is the condition of the violin (maybe a deformed bridge?) or if I just fail at playing D.

7. Sound in general is a bit coarse, perhaps my 8+ year old bow that has not been cared for is the fault?

8. I have double jointed fingers, and my pinkie in particular proves to be really difficult when I am fingering the 4th note. This is especially evident when I attempt vibrato with it. My finger will just invert and collapse.

9. When playing the violin, my left shoulder suffers from aches. I am an avid exerciser, thus broad shoulders; perhaps that is the cause?

10. NON MECHANICAL TUNING KNOB PIECE OF SHIT PAORMGAPEOGKAEGOKAPOBAEHBOIAHJAEHAETHG. I need an electric violin T_T






Also, any tips on violin + bow maintenance/cleaning is appreciated. The instrument was sitting unused for 6+ years, and I do not know how to adequately clean or maintain it.

 

[dfc05]

My sister plays violin, but I don't know a whole lot. However, I do know that she replaced the strings and the hair on the bow sometimes. For the bow hairs, she had to take it to a violin shop. For the strings, I think you just replace those yourself unless you aren't comfortable doing so. You can buy the strings at any music store.

I don't think oldness affects the instrument (although of course if it was left someplace where it got warped, that would mess it up).

I remember my friend had a crappy guitar with a vibrating string where his bridge was deformed. He was taking a class at the time, and I think his instructor told him to cut up some stiff card stock like index cards (maybe fold it over a couple of times or just use several pieces?) and put it between the string and the bridge. Seriously.

For shoulder aches, do you use a shoulder pad/rest? Or maybe your arm is just tired from holding it up for a long time, haha.

I know nothing about actually playing.

Probably best to let someone you know who plays violin to look at it. Or take it to a shop if you can afford it.

 

[Adrik_Senturu]

1. I don't know if it is due to the old condition of the violin, but my sound, even a simple open note, is coarse.

Strings might be a bit dirty, could be how old the instrument is, but it also could be just a bit of rustiness on your part. If it persists, and you feel like you're bowing well enough that it shouldn't be that, then try just going down the strings with a wool cloth, or consider buying a new one. (You can get some beginner violins that are actually decent quality for cheap)

2. My D string sounds too deep, while the tune itself is "D", it has a very rough feeling to it like a G string. I'm thinking either it is the low quality strings, the old condition of the violin, or some horrible mistake in my play style.

Kind of the same deal as above, but if your violin is going out of wack, then it may be just be a problem of the string not wanting to stay in tune, in which case it's time for a new violin.

In regards to 3, 4, and 5 it's just a matter of practice. It took me about 3 months of regular play to do any of that semi-decently, so just keep at it.

6. Bowing the D string often lightly vibrates, or even hits the G or A string. I do not know if it is the condition of the violin (maybe a deformed bridge?) or if I just fail at playing D.

This could be the instrument, but it sounds like maybe you're shoulder isn't high enough? Next time you play, look at at the bow while you're doing it and make sure you aren't touching either the G or A at all. If you aren't and you're still getting sound from the other strings it's probably the violin.

7. Sound in general is a bit coarse, perhaps my 8+ year old bow that has not been cared for is the fault?

This could be a huge problem. A bow that old might have warped over time, and it can **** up balance, and everything. Try getting a new bow, and playing with that. I can almost guarantee that you'll hear (and feel) a difference right away.

8. I have double jointed fingers, and my pinkie in particular proves to be really difficult when I am fingering the 4th note. This is especially evident when I attempt vibrato with it. My finger will just invert and collapse.

I had the same exact problem you do. The way I got over it, was just these little pinky exercises where I'd look at my pinky, and do kind of a curved motion to bring it down on the string. After a while it'll come naturally and you wont get that annoying locked up flat pinky.

9. When playing the violin, my left shoulder suffers from aches. I am an avid exerciser, thus broad shoulders; perhaps that is the cause?

Nah, you just haven't played in a while. You'll get used to it. Although you might want to consider a shoulder rest. After I got one, not only was it ten times more comfortable to hold the violin, shoulder pains went away fairly quickly.

THIS WAS A LONG POST

 

[DarkSin]

If the violin/bow is brand new it takes a little while to break it in. It'll sound like crap for a couple weeks. I know this is probably a stupid question, but you are using resin, correct?

 

[ktimekiller]

Yea I am