New Player, New Violin?, starting violin Options

[earplugs]

Yes UK. You could probably buy all the violin strings you would want to try for the airfare over. How big is the violin playing market in Singapore - you could start a string trials business there.

[Andromeda_Aiken]

Lol...I don't think it's as big as the UK. Strings are taught in public schools in schools in the UK. Strings are not taught in schools here. Only very very few schools have string ensembles. Even so, its members are taught privately or in music schools. Even fewer schools teach strings in school. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[AmandaL]

God...Amanda, what type of violins suit Pirazzis?

Generally violins of the quality belonging to a top concert artist - the Maxim Vengerov and Vadim Repin sort who need to produce a sound that will soar above a full orchestra. Pirazzi strings have a huge sound and don't blend well in ensemble situations. Their high tension can make them a bit hard sounding under the ear as well, which is fine in a concert hall, but not for practicing in a room at home. Terrific strings, but not really suited to general use.

[Andromeda_Aiken]

*grin* Thanks Amanda! I'll stick to my Vision Titanium Solo that came with my violin. I love their sound!

[nigel]

How much does it cost, on average, to have a luthier change the bridge and strings????
[/quote]

I Know that at my local violin shop - Beverley Music Centre - they charge about £20 to fit a DJ bridge (one with adjustable feet) which is the type the fit to Zellers along with Dominant strings. Dominant strings are a bit mellow sounding to offset the possibly robust Zeller tone. Zellers are a bit bulky but as long as youcan reach the scroll comfortably I would try a violin with a less chunky neck to make it more comfortable to play rather than a smaller one. Loreato violins from Soundpost for instance are a similar price to Zeller but feel smaller and nicer to play. I used a 7/8 professionally myself years ago, but do not recomend this to my pupils

[lottie]

[quote name='nigel' date='Feb 12 2007, 12:13 AM' post='462347']
How much does it cost, on average, to have a luthier change the bridge and strings????
[/quote]

I Know that at my local violin shop - Beverley Music Centre - they charge about £20 to fit a DJ bridge (one with adjustable feet) which is the type the fit to Zellers along with Dominant strings. Dominant strings are a bit mellow sounding to offset the possibly robust Zeller tone. Zellers are a bit bulky but as long as youcan reach the scroll comfortably I would try a violin with a less chunky neck to make it more comfortable to play rather than a smaller one. Loreato violins from Soundpost for instance are a similar price to Zeller but feel smaller and nicer to play. I used a 7/8 professionally myself years ago, but do not recomend this to my pupils
[/quote]

It's interesting to hear that about the Zeller being chunky. I've had my Dad's full-size on loan along with my teacher's 7/8. My Dad's violin has a narrower neck and I've enjoyed playing it. I think the 7/8 feels a little 'crowded' on the fingerboard by comparison. Yes, I do have to stretch more with the full-size but I'm getting my fourth finger mostly in tune without the cramps I was getting with the Zeller. All very confusing!!! And yes, I can reach the scroll comfortably...

[elidatrading]

Loreato violins from Soundpost for instance are a similar price to Zeller but feel smaller and nicer to play. I used a 7/8 professionally myself years ago, but do not recomend this to my pupils

You can't have done, Nigel, they've only been around for a couple of years at most, probably less. You must be confusing them with some other Soundpost product.

Liz

[nigel]

You can't have done, Nigel, they've only been around for a couple of years at most, probably less. You must be confusing them with some other Soundpost product.

Liz
[/quote]

I did not mean I played on a soundpost product, only that the Loreato violin I had tried on one of their trade stands at an exhibition had a thinnish neck. The small violin I used was prabably called a ladies violin at one time and was probably bought about 1960 when Iwas at school. I gave it in as part exchange when Ibought a different violin - along with about 3 others I had aquired,about 1975 at Hills. I remember it as being an English violin and was about 80 years old at the time. I have also tried your violins by the way and have have pupils who use those also.

[elidatrading]

I did not mean I played on a soundpost product, only that the Loreato violin I had tried on one of their trade stands at an exhibition had a thinnish neck. The small violin I used was prabably called a ladies violin at one time and was probably bought about 1960 when Iwas at school. I gave it in as part exchange when Ibought a different violin - along with about 3 others I had aquired,about 1975 at Hills. I remember it as being an English violin and was about 80 years old at the time. I have also tried your violins by the way and have have pupils who use those also.

Ah! I must admit the idea of playing a Loreato professionally was somewhat mindblowing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[lottie]

Well now I have two new violins to try; a full size and a 7/8!!!, both Gligas.

I've been playing them so much (and had a 'hard' rehearsal at Fiddler Orchestra last night) that my left-hand index finger is really sore.. I can hardly move it!!! Think I might have a strained finger (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

.. and I'm hopeless at decisions!

But I have an inkling.. and I already have a name for her.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[elidatrading]

Do be careful, I did myself a long term injury by ignoring pain.

Liz