Questions On Purchasing Your First Violin and the Differences betweene Violin & Fiddle
Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2009 01:20:43 -0700
Subject: Re: Interested in the ViolinHey, my name is Brandon.
I am 22 years old and I have been interested in the violin for some number of years and I guess I kinda forgot about my interest for a little while. I recently, accidentally, ran across a video of a guy playing a violin to a song I was looking for on youtube and it sparked my interest again, to the point that I have been looking up a lot of information about starting, and watching more videos and such.
That's great ... sounds like you're following your muse.
I have read over some of the FAQ's and things on your site and have decided that a starter violin I would like to begin with is the Cremona SV-175 or the Cremona SV-200. I saw on your site where you had recommended the SV-175 to another person and was curious if you still recommended this as a good starter violin.
It's still a great value ... and, you may be able to find one used on eBay. And, if so, whether you buy one new or used, be sure to request that it is set up correctly. Proper bridge placement, angle ... etc. And, if you do purchase one new, be sure to visit our site on how to properly prime the bow.
I also would like to add that I have no idea how to read music and do not play any other instruments which I'm sure will make it slightly harder to learn to play but it's all good I still wanna learn. Well besides having played the french horn back in like elementary school that is. However I have forgotten all that I learned about reading music or any of that.
That's fine ... you can learn violin from all types of sources: sheet music, free online lessons (on our site), DVDs, a personal instructor ... and so on. Which ever way you decide to learn, be sure that you do develop correct positioning from the start ... for bad habits are hard to break. That's way it's critical to either find a personal instructor or, if this is hard to do, due to location, time constraints or affordability, at the very least look for a methodology video that teaches the proper foundation. You might consider: "Introduction to the Violin & Fiddle" as an option since it does focus on violin methodology and proper positioning.
Any advice or information you can give on learning would be greatly appreciated! I notice that your site offers instruments as well as materials so I imagine as helpful as you are I will more than likely use you to purchase all of my materials necessary to get started.
Well, we used to sell instruments, and were a top seller for many major acoustic brands ... however, I only recently reacquired the ownership after having sold the company awhile back. And, really, it was just too difficult to manage with a large staff, supply chain and massive overhead. Hence, I'm now operating it strictly as an educational site ... where anyone and everyone is welcome to the resources such as the free online lessons ... no instruments are currently offered. I'm only carrying my own accessory product line of instructional DVDs, straps and accessories. Which again, are only offered as an enhancement to the site's current online support materials. Additionally, I do my best to support others in their learning efforts through answering questions before and during their learning journeys.
All my best in your research,
Mickey Cochran
Folk of the Wood
Mystic West Products
Acoustic Music Instruction
PO Box 2810
Alto, New Mexico 88312http://www.folkofthewood.com
http://www.mysticwestproducts.com
Date: Sun, 20 Oct 2002 00:28:48 -0700
Subject: Violin/Fiddle Differences in Approach
OK, call me confused--if violin and fiddle are tuned the same, why do
you have separate lessons for them? Is there a difference in technique?
I've always assumed the difference between violin & fiddle was mainly a
difference in type of music (classical vs. folk). What _is_ the
difference?
I ask because at 39 I am interested in taking up music lessons and am
trying to choose which instrument to try.
Thanks--
KBAnderson
Greetings,
Fiddle and Violin are only different in the approach and technique...the tuning, the instrument, the overall methodology is the same...they're essentially two different genres of music.
Violin = Classical, Pop Music, etc.
Fiddle = Bluegrass, Irish/Celtic, Traditional Appalachian, etc.
Since the approach is different, the lessons have to be also...Fiddle is more loosely taught...violin has stricter standards in technique...there are rigid standards in the approach to violin instruction...whereas, fiddle has more leeway for positioning, bowing technique, and ear instruction (as opposed to learning standard notation).
Hope this helps...Mickey
Subject: Violin Purchase
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 03:30:38 -0700
Greetings Richard,
Glad to assist if I can:
Hello,
I am interested in playing the violin and just found your website through internet search engines. I like the features and price of the Cremona violins but was wondering if there is a difference in playability, sound, or feel when using a fiberglass bow vs a wooden bow?
Most definitely...a fiberglass bow is usually less giving...they seem rigid. They are usually constructed with less high-end detail since they're also cheaper in price. I highly recommend a wood bow. A bow is as important as the violin itself so, if you can afford it, try not to compromise on the quality of the bow...if you're just starting out, a fiberglass bow is fine and certainly serves well to learn with...you'll outgrow one with a year or so of practice.
Do you sell teaching aids and/or videos and if so, which do you recommend for an adult beginner?
Sure, we carry quite a few books and videos...you can start with a basic video that teaches hand positioning and how to properly hold your violin. You'll first want to determine if you're interested in learning classical violin or fiddle. Let me know and I'll compile a book/video combination that I think would fill your needs.
What are the chinrest and fingerboard made of in the SV-175?
The SV-175 has an ebony chinrest and an ebony fingerboard.
What is the difference between having a wooden vs a metal tailpiece?
I believe this would depend on the violin...some violins are very sensitive to their own fittings...usually the 3k plus violins...whereas, a less expensive violin wouldn't be as sensitive to the fittings. I have a beautiful Buchner violin that is valued at 1K plus and have replaced its original wood tailpiece with a metal Dr. Thomastik tailpiece. I love the integrated tuners...the SV-175 has a similar tailpiece with the integrated tuners.
What are the price points for the elctronic tuners that you suggest in your lessons?
We sell these at 15.00 each...or, you may opt for a chromatic tuner for 22.00 each.
Also, when the violin arrives, do I have to install the bridge? Is this something I can break or should I take it to a local shop to be done?
We install all bridges before shipping due to the fact most of our customers are beginners...and it isn't fair to impose on them the set-up required of a new violin. Sometimes, a bridge can still fall flat in shipping; in this case, we're now working on a tutorial slide show to demonstrate how to properly set up a violin.
On more expensive violins, 1K and up, we ship with the bridges off...since, usually a beginner is not making this kind of investment.
I am having a hard time telling the difference in value between the SV-150 and SV-175, I know its just $20 but where is it going? What makes one $20 more expensive than the other one? Is it just the Ebony pegs?
That would be the main difference...and, it would certainly justify the price. Additionally, the 150 doesn't have the integrated tuner tailpiece; it does have the 4 separate tuners on a boxwood tailpiece.
Sorry for all the questions but any answers you can provide will make the purchasing process that much easier.
Hope the above helps...in all fairness, please be aware, we're about introduce an entirely new line of Maestro violins...I'm not sure to date which Cremonas will be discontinued. Mickey
Regards,
Richard
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 10:31:51 EDT
Subject: hello
could you please tell me how to tell the difference between a real and a copy of a stradivari violin. thanks. andrew
--
Greetings Andrew,
The biggest difference is the price...
Outside of this, there are many Stradivarius copies that are so well done that they can bring an amazing price...
The differences are immense between the original and the copy...woods, finish, fittings, etc. If you feel you have an original, which the odds are slim since every Stradivarius is known and accounted for, you might want to have the instrument appraised by a violin expert.
I, personally, have never seen a Stradivarius in person. Although, I'd love to someday...the violin is one of the most intriguing instruments ever invented, and can be one of the most expensive when considering the current value of an original Stradivarius.
Wishing you the best...Mickey
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001 17:53:41 -0700
From: steven george tepper
Subject: fiddle verses violin
hi,
my friend just told me that there is an actual physical difference between
a "violin" and a "fiddle." he says the "fiddle" has a different shape from
a violin and has a differnt bridge. I have never heard of this "fiddle"
instrument before, nor have I ever read about this violin/fiddle
distinction. can you expand on this?
thanks-steven
--
Greetings Steven,
Just to let you know, I've never seen a violin that was considered strictly a fiddle unless it was possibly an American-made fiddle that deviates completely from any standard violin dimensions/design...which, I did used to own a violin with rounded edges...which would be considered a folk instrument and be more classified as a fiddle than a violin.
Now, no doubt about it, many old-time fiddlers will flatten their bridges so that they can play a double-stop easier (two strings at once)...I, personally, am learning the fiddle, and have found that the standard violin bridge set-up does not impede my ability to play double-stops.
Ultimately, a violin is a fiddle; a fiddle is a violin...the classification would be more dependent on the style of music being played on the instrument.
Hope this helps. Mickey
Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2000 02:30:33 -0600
I want to order a violin from you for my son. He is 10 years old and interested in string music. However, before I order I need to know what size violin to order. We were told 3/4, but I want to make sure -- how do I measure him. P.S. He is left handed -- do we need anything special because of that? A speedy response will be appreciate as his class has already begun and he is without an instrument. Thank you. Mrs. David Sponaugle
Hello David,
I'm sorry for the delay, I've been trying to compose this for quite awhile. Thanks for your patience, and persistence, in waiting for an answer...
You only need to request that we set it up for left handed playing; we do this for an additional 20.00 fee...it requires a few alterations to the violin; even so, every violin can be adapted to left handed violin playing.
When sizing a violin, please consider the following:
Age Guidelines, although not as accurate as measuring the size of the hand, or the length of the arm, can at the very least be a first reference...age criteria is the standard for violin sizing today...
Ages 3-6
Use 1/16th Size
Ages 7-9
Use 1/4 Size
Ages 10-12
Use 3/4 Size
Ages 12 and Up
Use 4/4 Size
Your violin instructor would usually be the final word in assessing size for the student. Be aware, we have a 100% trade-up policy that will allow you to upgrade as the student grows without any loss of initial investment.
Hope this is a start...I'm trying to compile a full research page for violin purchasing recommendations...so, please stay tuned at our website for the updates...
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran
Date: Sun, 8 Oct 2000 12:28:59 -0600
I am about to tell you a story that you may find unbelieveable. I am
wanting to learn to play the violin at the age of 47. I play 16 other
instruments by ear. Last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It has
spread to my bone. My prognosis is not good.
The violin is the only remaining instrument that I have yet to
experience.
I purchased a Heinrich Sielger violin from someone else and it arrived
in terrible shape.
I am sending it back.
I want a great violin, what would you recommend? And in case I live for
many years yet I want one that I can grow with. For me it was like when
I bought my motorcycle. I know that it was much when I first bought it,
but I grew into it quickly,.
Could you make some recommendations and include prices. I would of
course need a case, bow, rosin and all the other goodies.
I have always been able to make beautiful music. I would like to be
remembered for my love of music and for the joy it has brought to my
life. Please help me to find the perfect
violin that isn't going to fall apart.
Thanks!
Toni
Hello Toni,
I also have been a multi-instrumentalist for approx 25 years plus...I recently took up violin/fiddle 3 months ago...It was the last instrument on my list that I always had a desire to learn...I am finding it to be a truly rewarding experience. Having laid the foundation with the many other instruments I currently play, it was relatively painless to jump into playing melodies on the violin. The violin seems to be the most versatile instrument I've taken up...where every melody you can come up with seems to fit it well!
I'm sorry to hear about your unfortunate shipping experience...to assure you of our services, we pack every instrument with extra paper even within the hardshell case. We also set up all violins so that they're ready to play as soon as they arrive...
1. we adjust and set up the bridge properly...
2. we double-check the soundpost for perfect stability...
3. we add peg drops to the wooden pegs to ensure that when tuning you do not encounter any slippage
4. we inspect every instrument thoroughly for any finish blemishes or manufacturer's anomalies
Now, for my recommendation of a great violin at a tremendous price:
I recommend the Cremona SV-320 as the ultimate in violins...the finish is nothing short of superb and the fittings are all high-end boxwood...the tone is warm and loud...I would personally play this violin professionally without hesitation.
Cremona Artist Series:
SV-320: Pale Amber Finish
Only available in full size 4/4
Hand-Carved Solid Spruce Top
Highly Flamed, Hand-Carved Solid Maple Back, Sides and Neck
H. Siegler VP-72 Wood Bow with Natural Unbleached White Horsehair
C-3950 Deluxe Oblong Hardshell Case
Ebony Fingerboard
Hill-Style Boxwood Fittings
German 3 Star Bridge
4 Fine Tuners
Shop Adjusted
List Price: 650.00 Your Cost: 450.00
Shipping 10.00
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran
Date: Sun, 8 Oct 2000 13:29:43 -0600
Hello Jessica,
In answer to your questions:
Hello. My name is Jessica and I am 18 years old. I am very interested
in learning to play the fiddle. I love to hear it on the radio.
exspecially old folk music and country music. I don't know how to get
started- I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to music!! I
don't really even know the difference between the violin and the fiddle,
can you tell me the difference?
There is no physical difference per se...a violin is a fiddle; a fiddle is a violin.
A few fiddlers will flatten their bridges so that they can easily bow two strings simultaneously...(called playing a double-stop)...even so, the standard arch of a bridge still lends itself to playing a solid double-stop. Another consideration, that differentiates a fiddle from a violin can be choice of strings...some brands of strings lend themselves to playing classical violin and others to down-home fiddling.
Mostly, what differentiates a fiddle from the violin is the style and approach to playing the instrument. In violin playing, there's a long held standard for holding the bow and the instrument; in fiddling, just about anything goes for holding the bow and the fiddle.
This is the first that I have visited
your website and already it seems like I found some help. What would be
the best choice to get started in playing the fiddle?
You'll, of course, need a decent violin for fiddling along with some sort of instructional material. One violin that I recommend as a good starting point would be the Cremona SV-175...it has an integrated tailpiece with all four fine tuners (making it fast and easy to tune...with practice)...as far as instructional material, I'd have to say a good beginner's video such as "You Can Teach Yourself Fiddling" would be more than sufficient. A video is the next best thing to having a personal instructor...
Do you give lessons for playing the fiddle?
We have free online fiddle lessons to get you started:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm
Is it hard to learn how to play the fiddle?
It can be one of the most difficult instruments to attain a pleasant tone from...although, once you climb the first hill, the technique you gain is cumulative so it becomes easier with time...
Do you have any books that would assist me in learning to play the fiddle?
Sure, we have a wide selection of books on playing the fiddler:
Go to our online store at linked from our homepage and from our website map.
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran
Date: Sat, 5 Aug 2000 00:52:33 -0600
Hello Folks,
Is there a real difference between a violin & a fiddle? I usually
associate a fiddle with bluegrass music & a violin with classical music.
Is there any other difference other than style of music that is played on
this instrument?
Thanks,
JoLinda Aloisio
Hello Jolinda,
The violin and fiddle are one and the same...what differentiates the two is the style and approach. Many fiddlers will adjust their violins so that they are easier to play in cross-tuning and easier to use a double-stop (playing two strings with one stroke). To do this,they'll flatten the arc on the bridge...a violinist will focus on the classical approach to playing violin which has been set in a tradition that is steeped in discipline. A fiddler has no right or wrong way in regard to bowing technique or holding the violin. Whereas, the classical violinist has a standard that has been handed down for centuries that's religiously adhered to for proper form within its genre.
I personally play both styles and have found both can be contributory to becoming a well-rounded, versatile musician. Most of my approach to fiddling is based on classical standards...I only alter my bowing technique when fiddling to ensure that I have a loose wrist.
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran
Date: Sat, 5 Aug 2000 22:16:43 -0600
Hello Mickey,
Thanks for explaining the violin vs the fiddle. I'd like to learn
both styles (mainly bluegrass & some classical) should I leave the bridge
in its natural form or flatten the arc like you said bluegrass fiddlers do?
I ordered the cremona sv-150, I haven't received it yet. Will the bridge
on this fiddle come in a standard shape to play both styles?
Thanks for your help,
JoLinda
Hello again,
I think both styles, classical and bluegrass, can be contributory to each other. You can learn a lot from each style that will assist you in advancing more rapidly.
I leave my bridge alone with the standard classical arc...I find no trouble in achieving double-stops...the bridge on your SV-150 will come in a standard shape.
Mickey
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 23:48:15 -0600
Hello Mickey,
I received my fiddle last Thursday. I'm very happy with it. I've
never played the fiddle in my life, but always wanted to. I play acoustic
guitar. I'm self taught on the guitar (been playing for about 20 years). I
know all the basic chords, some flat picking & finger picking, how to tune
it...etc.
I really thought , since I know guitar so well - I'd be able to pick
up the fiddle and bow out some tunes fairly easily - - wow - - not so. What
a difference from the guitar. Just getting a clear note takes some practice
(which I've been doing every day since last Thursday.)
My main concern is getting it tuned perfectly. I've read your
section on Tuning the fiddle and followed your directions exactly, using the
piano as a guide. My question is: Is the "G" string supposed to sound so
low & bassie? It sounds like a fog horn. Is this correct? Maybe I should
get a pitch pipe for the violin?
Thanks,
JoLinda Aloisio
Hello JoLinda,
I'm not sure which octave of "G" you've tuned to...You may have it tuned one octave lower than required. You may call me and I'll confirm that you have it tuned properly over the phone. It's the same pitch "G" as your third string on your guitar. I'd be more than happy to assist you over the phone on whether you're achieving the proper tonal quality.
A pitch pipe can be helpful for a reference until you've become accustomed to tuning your violin. Even better, an instructional video is indispensable. And, a chromatic electronic tuner makes tuning far easier than any other tool!
Where you place the bow when bowing the string is critical to the tonal quality. For instance, when playing by the bridge, the tonal quality sounds scratchy and heavy...and by playing closer to the fingerboard, the tonal quality becomes soft and light. Pressure on the bow is not necessary so be sure to let the bow's weight carry most of the tune...
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran
Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2000 23:28:59 -0600
mickey
have had my cremona sv-320 a couple months and taking fiddle lesson.
having a ball. have a question for you. what can you tell me about the
sound post and the proper placement of it. i've gotten about as many
answers as people i have ask. thanks
terry harrison
Hello Terry,
Great to hear that you're gaining good use of your SV-320. The sound post usually resides on the treble side of the bridge not far from the F-Hole. There are sound post tools that allow you to move or set up sound posts. These are S-Shaped and have small teeth on one end to grab the sound post. We do stock these tools...they are relatively inexpensive. Even so, you'd want someone experienced to move or adjust a sound post. It can make or break the tone of a violin. Essentially, it connects the top to the bottom of the violin increasing the overall responsiveness of the violin.
Did your sound post move on you? Let me know if you're having any problems at all, I'd be more than glad to assist.
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran
Date: Sun, 27 Aug 2000 18:42:22 -0600
Mickey,
The Kentucky Km-620 is working out great, thanks again. Now I need a violin for my 10 year old daughter ( I will probably want to play it also) How do the sizes work? What do you recommend in the $100-150 range. We were looking at the Cremona sv150 and 175. Any advice?
Fred Gilmartin
Hello Fred,
Good to hear that your 620 is getting a work-out!
The sizes from 1/16 to 3/4 are for different age groups...an adult almost always plays a full size violin (4/4). I personally love both the SV-175 and the SV-200 in our line-up. These both offer high-end features normally found on pro violins.
Age would not determine size as much as body size...You'll have to determine the size you'll need for your daughter...more than likely a 3/4 size. Now, we have a full trade-up policy that allows students to trade up into the larger sizes as they outgrow smaller sizes (without any loss of investment).
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran
Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2000 15:10:23 -0600
Hi, I am considering learning to play a fiddle and I'm completely impressed
by your web page and your selection of instruments. I have played a 5-string
banjo on and off for about 20 years and have gone up and down in skill level
based on the amount of time I have to play. I probably peaked at advanced
intermediate once upon a time.
I love the sound of the fiddle and want to play. My main concern is that I'm
left handed and don't know how difficult it will be to find a left handed
fiddle. I have good finger dexterity in both hands so I play the banjo right
handed. However, I'm much more dexterous with my left arm than my right so
I'm afraid trying to bow a fiddle with my right arm would not be too
productive.
Do you have any advice?
Thanks,
Terry
Hello Terry,
You're in complete luck on this question; I, myself, am a left-hander that plays both banjo and fiddle right-handed. You'll need far more dexterity and finess on a violin in fretting hand than the bowing arm...I've found it easy to pick up the fiddle in the right-handed mode...especially, after playing banjo right-handed for 25 years +. Now, I just picked up fiddle a couple of months ago and am accelerating at a pace I wouldn't have imagined.
My recommendation: stick with the right-handed approach. If you weren't already playing banjo right-handed, I might have recommended trying the fiddle left-handed. I honestly believe you will have proactive interference if you are playing one instrument right-handed and another left-handed.
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran
Date: Sat, 6 Nov 1999
This may be a stupid question but I am just starting to look at purchasing a violin , I would like an explanation of what size means on a violin as in 1\16 1\8 4\4 Is this length width or does It stand for the tone it will produce. thanks
Hello again, These sizes represent the overall dimension of the instrument...the smaller sizes, outside of the full 4/4 size, are designed for younger adults. If you're 16 or older, you'll more than likely want the full 4/4 size. Most every adult will use a 4/4 size violin (unless they have abnormally small hands). The sizes do not stand for the tone the violin produces. Although, a smaller size will definitely have less low-end response. Mickey
Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999
Hello, I bid on your cremona sv 175 fiddle and it did not meet the reserve. I bid $101 but no one bid against me (bidding stopped at $71). I am still interested in the fiddle. Let me know if you plan to relist it or if my bid was close to the reserve ($101) and maybe we can work a deal on it. Thanks Barry
Your exchange and upgrade policy was very appealing and the reason why I would like to do business with you.
Hello Barry,
Thanks for the kind words...You may purchase this violin direct for the reserve price of 125.00...and, if you ever outgrow it, you may trade it up towards any current models we may have...and retain your initial purchase price (125.00) as credit towards the upgrade...Mickey
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999
Hello!
I have beenbrowsing your site and I have a few questions....I played the violin growing up and now have the desire to pick it up again....not a student or professional but a mom....I live in St.THomas and I was worried about the effects of our tropical climate on a violin....my question is, what is the difference between the quality of the 175,150 and 75 Cremonas?
Most of the differences lie in the fittings, as you've assumed in your next question....although, there are other aesthetics to consider, all of them are very playable and easy to learn on. These violins are made with solid woods and offer the best value for the student by eliminating frustration from inferior manufacturing.
I realize that the tail, pegs and chin are rosewood in the 150 and ebonized wood in the 175. What are they in the 75?
Ebony...and ebonite tailpiece.
How much difference does this make in the overall scheme of things?
It can make minor differences in playability...or, the violin holding tune....or, the friction quality of the pegs...etc.
Is it better to have rosewood than the ebonized or is it personal preference?
I believe this would be personal preference...the ebony is far more dense than rosewood which may add to durability.
Also, what is your reserve prices? I am very serious about buying a violin and I have been on eBay all day (yes, I am going crazy). I would like to bid on your cremonas tonight and finally get this ended and start playing!!! Your guidance would be much appreciated. I have researched your feedback and I feel that you are the right dealer to solve my violin dilema....
Thanks for the vote of confidence...we have a great policy that allows you to trade up at your convenience to other models as you outgrow the student-level models....
Let me know if I can assist you further...Mickey Cochran
Date: Thu, 1 Jul 1999
I thought that a fiddle had thicker strings and a different bow? I could be wrong, the reason for my asking is that I havent played a violin in 10 years, I used to play in school for 4 years and have always wanted to pick it back up, so I finally have decided to do it!!! I just want to make it as easy on myself on possible. So it's important to me that I get what I need......you understand. Thanks, Rhonda
Hello again, You may use any violin bow to play fiddle...it's how the bow is held that is usually completely different. As far as strings go, fiddling is usually always done on steel strings, which our violins all come with, as opposed to gut/nylon strings. Many violinists will use gut/nylon strings within the classical realm and most student violins almost always come with steel strings. Mickey
Date: Sun, 20 Jun 1999
What is the difference between a fiddle and a violin? Russ
The main difference between a fiddle and a violin would be the approach to the instrument.
Most any violin can be played as a fiddle...some fiddlers will set up their violin to their approach for instance by leveling the bridge so that the bow can easily play a double-stop (two strings played simultaneously)...Essentially, a fiddle is a violin and a violin is a fiddle.
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...Mickey Cochran
Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1999
Hello, I'm interested in learning to play fiddle and want to know if the violin scale and study books will assist me...
Your choice of the video and the scales and studies should serve you well. Although, keep in mind, fiddle-style playing is more lax as compared to violin. For instance, the bow is held without the small finger laying stationary above the frog. And, fiddle bowing is almost always played with a completely loose wrist. Because of your interests in Ragtime and Cajun, I believe the loose wrist approach will do you better justice than the classical approach which is usually a more of a stiff wrist in bowing.
Date: Thu, 13 May 1999
I am interested in trying to learn the fiddle. My particular interest is cajun music and style. I do not understand the sizing of fiddles. Does the size of the entire instrument vary, including the length and width of the neck? I am short in stature (5'5") and am cursed with relatively short arms and fingers (For that reason, I gave up on standard guitar. I now play steel guitar, dobro and accordion). What would your recommendation be as to size and model (or should I just give up on the idea and leave this activity to persons with long arms and long, skinny fingers?). Thanks. Doug Laurice
Hello Doug, If you're already spread out on other instruments, be forewarned, the fiddle will pull you away from them. It demands a lot of attention and practice. Sizing of fiddles is usually addressed in age groups...all adults play the 4/4 size (full size)...while the smaller violins are designed for younger students (1/4-3/4)...
Because of the innate smallness of the violin, even in full size, size of fingers and arms should not be a factor.
Remember our store policies:
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
If the instrument doesn't fit you, we will refund you your purchase price...
100% Upgrade Value: After purchasing through us...your instrument will always hold its initial purchase value. If you'd ever like to upgrade to a more expensive instrument through us, we offer 100% trade-in value, on your Folk of the Wood original purchase, towards the purchase of any upgraded instrument we may have in stock...We even discount what you're trading in for...this is our way to ensure you're investing your money in instruments that you can grow into...without a loss of initial investment.
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...Mickey
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999
Can you explain the differences between the
SV 100
SV 150
SV 200
Thanks, Tim O'Donnell
"Chance favors the prepared mind." - Loius Pastuer
Hi, Thanks for your enquiry...
In answer to your question: The Cremona series is our most popular violin line-up. They offer the best value in the industry without a compromise in quality. Additionally, they are complete packages that will give the student everything they'll need to get started such as a hardshell case, a case strap, rosin, bow and strung ready to play.
Common to all 4 violins: SV100/SV150/SV175/SV200
Hand-carved solid spruce top...
Hand-carved solid maple back, neck and scroll, solid maple sides...
Warm Brown Finish
Inlaid Purfling
Hardshell CaseSV100: Inlaid purfling
Fiberglass bow with white horsehair
Alloy metal fine tuner tailpiece
Wood tailpiece
List Price: 99.00 Your Price: 80.00SV150: 4 fine tuners
Polished rosewood pegs, tailpiece and chinrest
Dyed boxwood fingerboard
Fiberglass bow with white horsehair
List Price: 129.00 Your Price: 95.00SV175: Ebony pegs
Black nodized aluminum tailpiece with fine tuners
Fiberglass bow with white horsehair
List Price: 149.00 Your Price: 125.00SV200: 4 fine tuners
Ebony pegs, tailpiece and chin rest
Ebony fingerboard
Brazilwood bow with horsehair and ebony frog
Flamed back and sides
List Price: 295.00 Your Price: 225.00
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