Hi all,

Eee gods somebody shot my Cat!

Acquired my Violin from Liz, beautiful looking instrument.
But I make it sound like I`m trying to climb into a squirrel!
It`s going to be 5 weeks before I can get to a tutor, so any tips on playing would be appreciated.
I worked out that I need to keep the bow tensioned, but how much? Not even sure how much Rosin to put on. I don`t want to inadvertantly damage the bow etc.
The String Builder books arrived same morning as the Violin, they are pretty good, given me something to work on.

Hi Darren,

The bow was well rosined before we sent it (to make life easier!) so you shouldn`t need to do more than rub the bow over the rosin half a dozen times or so. Since the rosin is new though, it will be a while before the bow breaks the surface of the rosin anyway and until the surface is broken none will get onto the bow.

Tighten so that the hair will bounce against your fingers or a chair or something, no further than that. It shouldn`t reach parrallel.

Liz

Ah rite O thnx Liz

BTW anybody know how to stop the pop ups on this forum????

?? I don`t get any!

Liz (who is not complaining!)

What should I use to clean the instrument with? I have heard rosin can damage the finish.
Soft Rag to brush off?
Do you use any oils? Or is this a big no no?

Hope you don`t get sick of all the questions
Darren

Hi Darren,

I just brush off with a soft cloth. As long as you don`t let it build up it should come off easily. I wouldn`t use any oil or polishes.

I have two of Liz`s instruments, and they`re both giving great pleasure. I was at a festival recently in Buxton with a whole load of fiddlers, and the Gama2 model I had was getting a lot of interest.

Yeah, on your other forum, I later posted suff about tuning, have you read it?

Getting a good sound.
1. Press your fingers down firmly on the strings.
2. Don`t put too much or too little pressure on the strings with the bow (I find that if it feels like the bow is gliding easily across the strings, I will get a good sound)
3.Hold the bow firmly, but not tightly- as with any instrument, you need control, but not excess tension. The bow shouldn`t be flopping around in your hand, but you also shouldn`t be gripping it as if your life depended on not letting go of it.
4. Have the bow flat against the strings.
5. Don`t play too close to the bridge.
If you focus on these few basic principles, you should get a decent sound.

Thnx,
BTW Can any of you suggest a good DVD/Video to watch to check out good technique?

May be an idea, I have been given a teaching book (Abracadabra-Book 1) shows the correct way to hold the bow, but the book is rather basic, I tend to think it is aimed more at the child than the adult. The String Builder is very good, but does not show the technique for er "bowing"

Thnx Anton, yes I did read the bit about tuning, had to read it a number of times until I grasped it...I think