I'm interested in perhaps learning how to play, and this seems like a nice way to try...
I don't expect it to be fantastic, and I don't expect myself to become very good, but I enjoy playin' the Bass, and piano, and other instruments...
Your opinion on this instrument?
I've been playing violin since I was about 6-7 years old, and still play today at Christmas time, and whenever I feel like it really.
As far as the electric violins go, I have one, and I think it's cool. Understand of course that it IS different than a normal violin. Most of the violin's sound and intonation comes from the reverberation inside the violin's hollow shell. Normal electric violins make use of pickups, and lack any of the real "warmth" that you get from a quality violin.
That said, if you're just learning, it's hardly something you'll either care about, or really even think about.
The electric violin in that auction is actually the same exact one that I have. There are only TWO problems with it:
1 - The bow is very, VERY cheap. Even as a beginner, you'll really, really want a quality bow. I'd recommend that if you did really want to learn, you consider spending perhaps at least $30 dollars on a bow seperately (which is about the least you'd expect to pay for an average quality bow). People who play in orchestras spend around $200 a bow... but you'll do fine with a $30 something bow. The difference in the bow has to do with how it holds the tension, how it was assembled, and whether or not it has crappy nylon hairs / horse hair / expensive synthetic. It all hinges on how well the bow can retain it's tension, and how well it picks up the rosin (which you'll also need to buy). Without good rosin retention, you'll never be able to get any sound out of the violin and it will sound just horrible.
2 - The pegs are extremely cheap, and the violin will not stay in tune. This is also a big problem with this violin. You can upgrade the pegs to ones which are made of ebony, and have screws on the end. When the pegs do not retain their tension, they will immediately go out of tune as you play the violin. As a comparison, I have a pretty decent violin that was made in Czechoslovakia about ~80 years ago. The difference is that I can tune that violin, put it away, and take it out 6 months later and it's still in tune. The electric violin that I have only stays in tune for 5 minutes, and just handling it will make it go out of tune. So if you want to get it, you'll also want to get a peg kit like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/Violin-...&hash=item4cf27183ba which is about $20 bucks.
When you have a good bow, and decent pegs, then you'll actually ENJOY playing the violin. Without either of those two items, you're going to be unhappy because the violin is going to feel very cheap, and it will constantly be out of tune and you'll end up spending more time focusing on that, rather than learning to play.
I also recommend these other items that will improve your experience on the violin:
Chin Rest - I'm not finding what I like. I have one that slips over the chin rest and tucks underneath. Very minimal, and makes it softer on your shoulder. When you're first learning to play, you'll get sores under your left side of your jaw, and on top of your left collar bone (everyone plays it on their left, regardless of whether or not you're a lefty or righty) Here's what MOST people get: http://cgi.ebay.com/Mach-On...&hash=item2c5af331a3 but I don't see what I have... which I totally prefer. This is the closest thing I can find to what I have: http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE...&hash=item5adf6dec6b
Strings - Universally accepated as the best strings in the world for all violinists, the "Dominant" brand are hands-down... the best. You'd be amazed at the difference in sound. Here's a quality set. http://cgi.ebay.com/Dominan...&hash=item2c5ae2bc52
As you can see, it all adds up. But even as a BEGINNER... you'll want to make sure you have a good set of pegs, and a good bow... otherwise you'll not enjoy it at all.
I'd also recommend getting the "Suzuki Method" books as those should help. They are universally known as the books that every kid learns to play violin with.
As a general rule too... a newer violin is not always better. If you look on eBay, you'll find quite a few really cheap, older violins that will be vastly superior to most of the new ones you find today that are made in China.
The violins made in West Germany (from the mid-50s to the mid 80s) are considered to be exceptional as well, and they can usually be purchased for around $100 bucks on eBay.
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: I've been playing violin since I was about 6-7 years old, and still play today at Christmas time, and whenever I feel like it really.
I'm going to spend quite a few minutes of my time and share information with you
Wow, thanks for that information - I REALLY REALLY appreciate it!!!!!
I have watched some YouTube stuff related to this, and I see what you are saying about the quality of the bow, and the rosin.
The reason why I'd like to get an electric one---> It's QUIET. I'd like to learn during my lunch time, and I can close my office door and NOT disturb anyone.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply as you did.
-Rumor
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11:25 AM
fierobear Member
Posts: 27075 From: Safe in the Carolinas Registered: Aug 2000
Wow, thanks for that information - I REALLY REALLY appreciate it!!!!!
I have watched some YouTube stuff related to this, and I see what you are saying about the quality of the bow, and the rosin.
The reason why I'd like to get an electric one---> It's QUIET. I'd like to learn during my lunch time, and I can close my office door and NOT disturb anyone.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply as you did.
-Rumor
No problem, but as I said, you'll want to get new pegs... because the ones that come with that electric violin are horrible, and you'll never be able to keep it in tune which will make you miserable. It's very easy to replace.
I have heard some through a guitar effects processor that sound fuggin bad ass.
Although my girlfriend was classically trained on violin years ago, and also enjoys playing "fiddle" music, I bought her an electric violin just for the purpose of being able to "process" the sound. It's quite magical.
Here's a band and a song that most of you will have never heard of. Sit down, crank up the speakers, close your eyes, and go for a ride...
That being said, I have heard some through a guitar effects processor that sound fuggin bad ass.
I saw a group at the Madrid Jazz Festival a couple years ago that had a girl playing electric violin through GuitarRig effects software (I asked the sound tech what she was using) and a Marshall stack. I've never heard anything like that before!
I'll look though my archives and see if I can track down the name of the group.
Although my girlfriend was classically trained on violin years ago, and also enjoys playing "fiddle" music, I bought her an electric violin just for the purpose of being able to "process" the sound. It's quite magical.
Here's a band and a song that most of you will have never heard of. Sit down, crank up the speakers, close your eyes, and go for a ride...
Nice, good tune. I'm reminded of Rush when listening to it. Good stuff.
I think its the sweet bass line in each song, I'm a fan!
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08:02 PM
jimbolaya Member
Posts: 10652 From: Virginia Beach, Virginia Registered: Feb 2007
For a beginner, and for the price, you can't go wrong. (I'm talking about the violin you are looking at, not the Viper) If you don't like it, then you're not out much cash. Just remember, if you want to get good, and want to progress, you will not do it with a $75 violin. Electric or otherwise.
Jim
[This message has been edited by jimbolaya (edited 03-09-2011).]
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08:11 PM
fierobear Member
Posts: 27075 From: Safe in the Carolinas Registered: Aug 2000
WOW, you know about FM? That's a GREAT album. Surveillance is pretty good, too. The direct-to-disc is also good. The rest of their later albums, unfortunately, are crap, but those other 3 are good stuff.
I saw them play (with a newcomer on violin) at NEARfest a few years ago.
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Originally posted by Patrick: Here's a band and a song that most of you will have never heard of. Sit down, crank up the speakers, close your eyes, and go for a ride...
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08:23 PM
fierobear Member
Posts: 27075 From: Safe in the Carolinas Registered: Aug 2000
I've known about them for 30 years! We've got some great bands up here in the frozen north.
Bear, glad to hear you like FM.
I was an FM fan back when the albums came out. I love that band. I got to say hi to Martin Deller (drums) at NEARfest. I wanted to do an interview for a prog mag, but didn't get around to it. I wasn't that involved in the "scene" any more.
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If it wasn't for your wacky political views and cheering for the Sharks, I think we'd get along.
Yeah, I doubt we'll ever bridge that gulf. What, you gonna tell me you're a liberal AND you follow the Vancouver Theysucks?
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What the heck, let's totally derail this thread. This is probably the best know song by FM. A true classic.
Oh, HELL yeah.
I want to send Rumor a copy of that album.
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08:46 PM
Patrick Member
Posts: 36251 From: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Registered: Apr 99
jean luc ponthy plays an electric violin called a zether, spelling my be off. it is a 5 string. i own his first 5 albums and use to play his songs by ear. i had a 5 string violin made for me from a company in germany. extra string on the bottom end. verry hard to play because the neck is not any wider and i have short and fat fingers.i love jaz fusion, jean luc is smoking hot.
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01:27 AM
82-T/A [At Work] Member
Posts: 22527 From: Florida USA Registered: Aug 2002
It's funny watching those girls "thrash" on the violin. Having only used mine to play stuff like the Brandenburg Concerto suite in D minor, or random Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, etc... it's just kind of awkward to see... hahah.
It is pretty hot, but it's just totally not what you expect. Although... in orchestra, all the hot girls were in that class. I guess their fathers felt it would make the cheerleaders more well-rounded by having them play the violin.
I know this is dorky, but I can play all the Ultima computer game songs on the violin too... yeah...