Violin/Fiddle: Older Violin Set-Up and Playability Questions

Subject: Papa's Fiddle
Date: Sat, 1 Jun 2002 00:05:23 -0400

Hi Mickey,

I recently acquired my grandfather's old fiddle. I remember as a child he would play "Turkey In the Straw" for us and we loved it. When he passed away the fiddle went to my dad, and then he gave it to me. I play a little guitar and piano and have always wanted to learn the fiddle (so does my 11 year old daughter). I was trying to tune the fiddle and looked up violin tuning on the web and it led me to your site. I have become an instant fan. I loved reading all the helpful tips you give people. What I'm wondering is if Papa's fiddle would be a good one for us to start out on. The tag inside says "MEDIO FINO", it's made in France and it has the initials J.T.L. on it. It looks to be a standard size. I wear a 34" shirt sleeve and the fiddle from my chin comes down to the middle of my forearm. It doesn't have any fine tuners, but instead of tuning pegs it uses those key-like sprocket tuners. The bow has lost most of its hair so I'll either have to get it restrung or buy a new one. Is one way better than another? Are you familiar at all with this make of violin? I appreciate any info or advice you can give me. I know Papa would be proud to know I was taking up the fiddle like him.

Thanks,
Dave Thomas

Greetings Dave,

I believe that your Papa's Fiddle will be an excellent one to start on...you should not need to purchase another violin/fiddle based on the description you gave me. However, I would highly recommend that you take it in for a full set-up to include: changing the strings, checking the soundpost, making sure that your geared tuners are in working order), adjusting the bridge, and making sure it's in fine playing order overall. You should be able to salvage the bow by having it restrung.

I'm not familiar with the maker...however, it sounds like a great instrument to learn fiddle on...my suggestion: use the fiddle you have on hand (set up properly with a local repair person)...carry on your family tradition...practice hard and have fun!

The first song you write should be titled: "Papa's Fiddle Plays On"

Mickey