Viola parts and tone quality

    
Viola parts and tone quality    20:41 on Thursday, December 1, 2005          
(Matthew Helm)
Posted by Archived posts

Experienced violists:

Once again, I`m new to the viola. I`m using an old Scherl and Roth (student grade) viola. I`ve been practicing a lot. As far as moving from one quarter note to the next of a differing pitch (without a mute), for example, the tone wasn`t bad -- it could even be pleasant (imagination required). However, all of a sudden I`ve been hitting a lot of squeaky, shrill notes (imagination not necessary), and also sans mute. Setting my new approach to playing aside(having recently started holding the instrument and bow correctly -- see another same date posting), I am wondering if there could possibly be a mechanical problem. I`ve recently lost the A string (and have replaced it) and the bridge appears to be pained since I`ve been applying a mute (only when threatened).

My questions are as follows: 1) can strings go bad over time and lose noticeable tone quality (after all, I just lost the A string); and 2) can even an infinitesimal change or warp of the bridge shift or modify the topography of the strings, such that their tones are impacted when bowed? While I`m at it, one more thing: if my 15.5" went in for surgery, would it be acceptable to take on a 15" until its big brother is returned (or it just doesn`t matter at my level)? Damn it -- I`m a violist, not a quitter (at least until my instructor tells me that things just aren`t working out)! Please offer me your wisdom. Thanks very much. Matthew.


Re: Viola parts and tone quality    12:48 on Monday, December 5, 2005          
(bill)
Posted by Archived posts

Strings can and do go bad.


Re: Viola parts and tone quality    13:50 on Monday, December 5, 2005          
(Val)
Posted by Archived posts

I do not think changing from a 15.5" viola to a 15" viola will have a negative impact. Both are considered small violas, and unless you are very short yourself you will not have a problem using a 15.5" again once it is repaired.

I recently changed from a 15.5" to a 16.5" viola and noticed that I had to really move my left elbow to play on the C string, and watch to make sure that my bowing arm was extended to keep the bow parallel to the bridge. Those are the only differences I noticed when I changed sizes (except for a dramatic improvement in tone quality!).


Re: Viola parts and tone quality    22:44 on Thursday, December 8, 2005          
(Matthew Helm)
Posted by Archived posts

Val,

In case I have not mentioned it, thank you very much for your help. I`m not terribly short (a little taller than 5`8.5"); however, I don`t think that my 15.5" I`m using is restricting me. My instructor says that, unless it feels uncomfortable, the 15.5" viola works fine for now. Way, way down the road, I`ll think of upgrading to a 16.5", perhaps even a new one. The sound of the 15.5" is actually pretty good, even though the thing looks like it`s had the crap kicked out of it. Though I`m renting it, I`ll probably end up buying the viola for sentimental reasons: it`s been very forgiving; its tone is pretty good; and putting this instrument into another kid`s hands would probably be the end of it (I cannot imagine this viola being tossed up on the scrap heap). Anyway, I don`t want to take up any more of your time. But again, thanks very much. Matthew.


Re: Viola parts and tone quality    10:41 on Friday, December 9, 2005          
(Val)
Posted by Archived posts

I know what you mean regarding sentimentality. I couldn`t bear to trade in my 15.5" viola when I bought a new one...I had been playing it for 20 years (I keep telling myself it`s because one of my daughters might play it some day....sigh...).


   




This forum: Older: Viola: Practicing with Technique
 Newer: String size