Thinking about playing fiddle?

Len Amaral · From: Rehoboth,MA 02769

I am thinking about playing the fiddle. Can anyone recommend some entry level learning material or video instruction tapes? Also, what would be a decent electric fiddle to start off with?

Any info is appreciated!

Lenny

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

Len, the Texas Music and Video people over on the vendors link have excellent beginners fiddler videos. Barcus Berry and Yamaha both make excellent electric/acoustic violins. I wouldn't suggest going full electric until you learn how to intonate correctly. It takes a long time. You can hear the acoustic/ electric much better because the acoustic F holes will be at your left ear when you are playing. You have to have a good monitor system when playing full electrics with a band. I know at least a couple of Nashville players who gave up playing full electrics on the road for this reason. I have both and use them on different occasions for different venues.

Len Amaral · From: Rehoboth,MA 02769

Hi Kevin:

Thanks for the the info....I will check into all you have recommended.

Lenny

Leon Grizzard · From: Austin, Texas, USA

I would strongly suggest taking lessons. I have not seen any fiddle videos, but even if they are excellent, you really need some feedback on how you are holding the bow and fiddle, etc., that are very hard to critique yourself. This is much more so on fiddle than some fretted string instrument. Of course, there are the other advantages of lessons, such has having a regular meeting to prepare for, and having someone give you tunes appropriate to your level and style, which keeps you moving foreward.

Harry Williams · From: Duncan, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

I believe that Yamaha makes a good electric fiddle for $600 US (?). For instructional material check out the excellent Oak Publications for fiddle - they cover bluegrass, swing and jazz. Of course Mel Bay has more material than you can shake a stick - or bow - at.

"tune your fiddle, rosin your bow,
and you'll have music wherever you go..."

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[This message was edited by Harry Williams on 22 May 2003 at 03:08 PM.]

Mel Mandville · From: Bellevue, Washington, USA

Len,

Get a good teacher.......I was lucky enough to find a great one after mucking around on my own for 6 months. Under standing the in and outs of the bow hand
was way beyond me. Now after five years
and a lot of practice I'm starting to become half way good and the bowing has become second nature. I've played guitar and bass for over 30 years.
Check out the jay Bucky site.
He has a lot of good teaching materials.
I just orderd one and really like it. the Virtual band thing is cool. He has recorded band tracks at different tempos
that you can pratice with. I think he also has videos. http://www.jaybuckey.com

I also looked at buying a Elecric Yamaha fiddle when I started. It was about $600. I'm glad I got a acoustic cause i can take it anywhere and jam. I see fiddles in the paper 150. play as many as you can before you buy. because no two or the same. have fun and good luck

good luck,
Mel

Len Amaral · From: Rehoboth,MA 02769

Thanks to all for the recommendations. I hope I am not biting off more than I can chew
tr4ying to play the fiddle. We will see...

Lenny

Emmett Roch · From: Texas Hill Country

To quote Merle Haggard: "Fiddling and yodeling are two things you don't want to practice in front of anyone"...

When I was learning fiddle, I had to wait until everybody left the house before I dared take it out of the case.

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