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Originally posted by konata88:

I’m not sure but it seems that, since the bow only touches one string at a time, violins don’t play chords? Or maybe that’s well beyond lesson 1.

No chords; the closest technique is double-stops (two strings at a time playing the same note, just an octave up or down). If you are interested in the technique, Buddy Spicher is probably the best to learn from. Listen to the first few seconds for an example

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Also, get good strings (I like Thomastik nylon-core and d'Addario solids). Also a good rest like Resonans. Don't sweat something like a pernambuco bow, but a hair bow sounds much better and less squeaky than synthetic.

Taking notes. Gonna ask an acquaintance to look it over and see what needs replacing. Unless something is broken, probably good enough to start. I suspect that I need to replace the hair though. Or need to put more rosin.

I need to learn how to bow better. It’s all over the place. I’ll keep watching the lessons.

Well, now I've broken my first string. Fortunately, it was the G string which I don't need to play twinkle twinkle.

Now to figure out if I should just replace the G string alone or replace the whole set. And which brand / strings to use. And if I can replace them myself or not.

I usually wait until after second base before I go for the G string.

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Originally posted by konata88:
Well, now I've broken my first string. Fortunately, it was the G string which I don't need to play twinkle twinkle.

Now to figure out if I should just replace the G string alone or replace the whole set. And which brand / strings to use. And if I can replace them myself or not.

Your post reminded me of Michael. Wish he was still around.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
Well, now I've broken my first string. Fortunately, it was the G string which I don't need to play twinkle twinkle.

Now to figure out if I should just replace the G string alone or replace the whole set. And which brand / strings to use. And if I can replace them myself or not.

Replace them, yourself; they're all old and used. Pick a set; it doesn't matter at his point, because it won't be your last ones.

Pay attention to how the strings run, and do them one at a time. They'll stretch, so expect to tune them another time or two. If your pegs slip, you can lightly rub a little rosin on them.

You were mentioning Vivaldi, so I'm going to guess you lean more classical in taste. Those Thomastik Dominants I mentioned have the nylon core to mimic a gut string. You stick with it, you'll probably go through different brands and you'll eventually find your tonal favorites.

Thanks. I bought strings. I got the Pirastro Tonica stings for half the price of the Dominant or Kaplan (the other choices I had on my list). No reason other than they presumably sounder warmer and they were cheaper (like you said, probably doesn't matter much at this point). I'm thinking about the fiddlerman strings next time (similar to dominant but cheaper - as long as not made in chicom; it sounds like they are made in germany).

I'll look up how to replace the strings but it seems like it should be straightforward. Just things like - which way to turn the peg and such. I really want to install the whitner gear pegs but they are very pricey including installation (unless I get a reamer). I'll get someone to assess my violin first. If it's decent, I'll upgrade someday. If it's cheap, I'll defer the gear pegs until I get a better violin.

Sounds reasonable, but the pegs aren't really intimidating or irritating by the time you can pretty closely tune by ear. Just note how they wrap and not touch the other pegs/strings.

When you get those new strings stretched-in and tuned, you can get some narrow tape to mark the notes, and here's a video about it.