I have inherited one of my grandfathers hand made violins. it is about 30 years old...It has never been played by anyone but I am trying to learn to play it on my own.(I play the piano and a little guitar) how important is it to replace the strings or should they still be good. It is beautiful. The body is made of black walnut and is not made from a kit, all hand constructed by my grandfather Darnall.Is there an easy way seeing my music back ground to learn.
2006-08-31 09:00:38 · 4 answers · asked by jacque w 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
It's important to have good strings, which may cost more than you expected, but the better the strings, the better the sound. It's also good to have it checked over by a violin specialist to see that it is set up correctly. Almost the most important thing in a violin is the sound post which transmits the sound from the front to the back. This is a little dowel cut to exactly the right length which sits inside the instrument just under the treble side of the bridge. Having it set correctly greatly influences the tone of the instrument.
Other things that a specialist should look at are the bridge and its height and position. It should be just the right height to raise the strings just enough off the fingerboard to give an easy playing action.
Also have him look at the bow and advise on whether the hair should be replaced. Horse hair doesn't deteriorate much but wears out if it's played, of course.
While it is with the violin expert, ask for a valuation. It is, of course, irreplaceable, having been made by your grandfather, but it is worth knowing what its value is.
As the instrument has never been played, you can expect it to 'play in' - that is to say, get better in tone - over several months (depending how much you play it).
Black walnut is quite an unusual wood for a violin. It is quite a hard wood and I would expect the fiddle to have quite a bright tone.
2006-08-31 09:13:12 · answer #1 · answered by Owlwings 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest the strings be replaced, and the hairs on the bow. I'm surprised the bow has any hairs.
Violin is not the easiest instrument to play, but you have piano background, so you will pick it up faster than one with no music background at all.
Violin and piano player.
Congratulations on the very special gift!! Take great care of it.
2006-08-31 16:07:01 · answer #2 · answered by Lindy357 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the strings would have to be adjusted and tuned up....i played the violin in middle school, and we tuned ours on a daily basis. if you tighten it too much, it'll break, if it's too loose it doesn't sound right. if you have a music teacher, u can take it to him/her, and ask her to tune it for you.
2006-08-31 16:05:02 · answer #3 · answered by Snki55ed Princess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes u shold get them strings replaced or it'll sound hoorribal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:0:0::0:0:0
2006-08-31 16:05:33 · answer #4 · answered by Andrea F 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋