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Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

Original poster

Violinists over here please .....

30 replies

CushionFiller · 03/02/2017 21:16

Just a few quick questions for you.
How easy is it to change the strings on a violin? Is it something I could have a go at myself with a quick youtube video? I have changed ukulele string before - how much harder will it be?

Can you recommend a particular brand of strings for a 3/4 sized beginner?

Is there a particulaly good book for a child beginner to use? (They will be teaching themselves). I have heard 'fiddle time starters' mentioned a few times.
Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
CushionFiller · 04/02/2017 08:31

Fantastic, thanks so much. Will try and order those books. Have seen the abradcadabra one for other instruments and liked it but had forgotten about it.

Oh dear, the house is going to become a little noisier again. May have to invest in a heater for the shed and turn it into a 'squark and screech' room!

OP posts:
penguincrumble · 04/02/2017 08:01

I'm guessing dominant are too expensive? Maybe Astrea they're very cheap and they're not the worst.

claraschu · 04/02/2017 07:50

Also keep an eye on the bridge to make sure it is completely perpendicular. If you need to adjust the bridge, straighten it with great care, very gently and slowly.

There are lots of different strings out there, and they vary in price. I wouldn't use the cheapest, even for a beginner. Sorry I don't know which would be the best of the cheap-ish strings.

Good luck with violin! It's great that your child is so interested-

Noteventhebestdrummer · 04/02/2017 07:42

Abracadabra Violin has some technique advice in and goes very slowly so you get a LOT of pieces at the same level.

Changing strings is easy, don't do them all at once though, do one at a time.

Witchend · 04/02/2017 00:40

I played the violin, and ds plays. I wasn't very good after showing early promise (did grade 2 in 5 terms, but then only got to grade 5)

Changing a string is easy. Hard part is tuning it accurately. I can tell when it's even a tiniest bit out, but can't always tell if it's sharp or flat (dh has got perfect pitch and has to tell me).
Just make sure you have the bottom screw fully lose and do the majority of the tightening with the peg and only use the screw to do the fine tuning.

Ds started using the fiddle time books. I think they'd be relatively easy to learn on your own. He switched teacher and now have a different variety of books-Wagon Wheels is one I think.

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