Hi, I have just about to begin learning violin, but I am living in the area where it is densely populated. As a programmer, the best time for me to practice is at night (around 2am). Is that possible to heavily silent a violin? I know it is most likely to distort the sound, but I would really love to be able to practise my motion any time. Also, just as a crazy idea, is there a pickup that can transform the sound as electronic signals, so I can use a head phone, while the violin itself makes very little sound.

I know there are electronic violins, but they are way too expensive for me.

Thanks.

Yes, there is a thing called a "practice mute". Howard Core in the US distribute one, list price is only $5.10 so well worth a try. Don`t know who stocks them but the Howard Core website (www.howardcore.com) should be able to point you in the right direction (i`m assuming you`re in the US, if you`re in the UK we could get you one)

Liz

Thanks, Liz. I am living in HK (that is why it is dense), and I have been searching for the metal practice mutes without luck. I have to order from oversea anyway. If I need to order from you, what can I do?

There`s such a thing as a silent violin, created by Yamaha. It`s a follow up of its popular silent grand piano. But it ain`t gonna get any cheaper than the mute. So I suggest u get the mute, or alternatively, as a last resort... Practice on a makeshift phony violin. Tape a board with 4 strings to a long ruler. Try it. I`ve done it b4 when travelling and staying in hotels during recitals. But the downside is yr gonna get the movement only and no sound. And it`s no good over a long time.

Hi,

I am in HK too and know what is meant by dense. I just picked up a metal mute from Tom Lee in Causeway Bay which costed me HK$50. Just call them and ask whether they have more in stock.

W Chan

If your HK supplier can`t help, you can have one from us certainly. Would have to order it though (but shouldn`t be more than a couple of weeks). Mail me off list elizabeth@elidatrading.co.uk

liz

Thanks guys. I will try the local supplier. I tried many places in HK but they only have rubber ones only, that is why I thought there is none in HK.

"they only have rubber ones!"

LOL :D

sorry, i couldn`t help it

Alternatively use a couple of clothes pegs, weighted with plastacine or blue tack, attached wither side of the bridge.