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Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
I like to practice at work, during my lunch hour, but couldn't stand lugging my fiddle on the tight-fitting SEPTA train every morning, so I bought a crappy fiddle ($80 wholesale) so that I could leave it at work overnight and not worry about it. Of course, it sounds like a volley ball helmet. I put decent strings on it and it improved, but it's still a piss. Does anyone have a low-cost suggestion I can try to make it sound tolerable? I thought about getting a new bridge--the one on it looks like it was made from the same "wood" used to make popsicle sticks--or monkeying with the sound post, but I want to see what the sane world thinks first.
I work in Center City. If anyone would care to join me for a quick, afternoon session here and there, let me know. No, I'm not kidding. I'm able to play in-doors when the weather is inhospitable; for nice days, we can put flowers in our hair and go to Rittenhouse Square and flit around like a bunch of the Little People.
Thanks.
Re: Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
Hey Rob! I have no idea how to make a cheap fiddle sound better, but I do like the idea of a cheap fiddle you can leave overnight at work. I opt to take my fiddle on public and deal with being squished (me, not the fiddle), but then again I only ride at rush hour on Fridays, the other days are off-peak.
What time do you take lunch? I would love to meet up. Maybe Wednesdays could work, since I don't have to be til 1:00. We could meet up at 11:30 if that's not to early, and play in Rittenhouse Sq. for an hour and then I'd head off to work.
I wonder if any of the other Phila gang works in Center City?
Re: Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
That's the thing, Bob, I don't remember where I was last week. It's a shame I missed you; I'm not a real sharp guy. It looks like you had your fun though. Isn't the gang at Fergie's the best?
Hey, Andee. I figured you work too far off for it to work out. We'll talk though. We should have an Ardmore thing soon, too. The wee Henry passed a nasty cold on to me, which I'm just getting over (I think).
I was kidding about Rittenhouse. I think music is unlawful there without a tin cup. The last time I attempted some musical hi-jinks in the park, I almost wound up in the clink. But then, I was good and drunk too.
Re: Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
I did the same thing! I bought a fiddle off the internet new for a whopping $166. It came in it's own little cardboard coffin. I laughed for days. It has a bullet proof finish that looks like it could hold up in the shower. The fingerboard is in a semi raw state. I swapped strings and it doesn't sound all that bad, just little raspy on the low end.
I play at lunchtime, whenever possible, with a fluter mate in Chicago's Grant Park.
Re: Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
Klari and I sat in a little at the Blarney sesh.
There did not seem to be any particular need for us at the FergieSesh! We just drank beer and listened. The accordion player, Kevin I believe really keeps it cranking.
As far as walking around by myself, that was its own amusement. I had to walk off a dinner at Le Bec Fin anyway. That took a good many hours I assure you.
I dropped in on Fred Oster at vintage instruments. He is/was a concertina player so we had a good chat.
Re: Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
Bob- I was at Fergies Saturday and we were surprised you stayed out of the music making til we had all packed up. Your handmade concertinas were a sight and sound to behold. You both set a record as the first ever to perform a duo version of music by Palestrina on concertinas in a Pub.
Kevin McGillian is a monster on the box and a gentleman too. Always a pleasure to hear the amazing lift his music has. Ever time I'm lucky enough to play with him I come home smiling.
Next time, open those cases earlier.- Mike
Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
I like to practice at work, during my lunch hour, but couldn't stand lugging my fiddle on the tight-fitting SEPTA train every morning, so I bought a crappy fiddle ($80 wholesale) so that I could leave it at work overnight and not worry about it. Of course, it sounds like a volley ball helmet. I put decent strings on it and it improved, but it's still a piss. Does anyone have a low-cost suggestion I can try to make it sound tolerable? I thought about getting a new bridge--the one on it looks like it was made from the same "wood" used to make popsicle sticks--or monkeying with the sound post, but I want to see what the sane world thinks first.
I work in Center City. If anyone would care to join me for a quick, afternoon session here and there, let me know. No, I'm not kidding. I'm able to play in-doors when the weather is inhospitable; for nice days, we can put flowers in our hair and go to Rittenhouse Square and flit around like a bunch of the Little People.
Thanks.
# Posted on June 14th 2004 by grymater
Re: Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
jeepers, grymater,
Where were you all last week? I spent four days walking around city center with my concertina and flute while my wife attended a conference.
maybe next year?
Bob
# Posted on June 14th 2004 by bt
Re: Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
Hey Rob! I have no idea how to make a cheap fiddle sound better, but I do like the idea of a cheap fiddle you can leave overnight at work. I opt to take my fiddle on public and deal with being squished (me, not the fiddle), but then again I only ride at rush hour on Fridays, the other days are off-peak.
What time do you take lunch? I would love to meet up. Maybe Wednesdays could work, since I don't have to be til 1:00. We could meet up at 11:30 if that's not to early, and play in Rittenhouse Sq. for an hour and then I'd head off to work.
I wonder if any of the other Phila gang works in Center City?
# Posted on June 14th 2004 by Andee
Re: Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
Aww, Bob had I known that we could have met up.
# Posted on June 14th 2004 by Andee
Re: Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
I mean I knew you were in Phila, just didn't know the extent of your availability and your walking around Center City all alone like that!
Next year for sure.....
# Posted on June 14th 2004 by Andee
Re: Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
That's the thing, Bob, I don't remember where I was last week. It's a shame I missed you; I'm not a real sharp guy. It looks like you had your fun though. Isn't the gang at Fergie's the best?
Hey, Andee. I figured you work too far off for it to work out. We'll talk though. We should have an Ardmore thing soon, too. The wee Henry passed a nasty cold on to me, which I'm just getting over (I think).
I was kidding about Rittenhouse. I think music is unlawful there without a tin cup. The last time I attempted some musical hi-jinks in the park, I almost wound up in the clink. But then, I was good and drunk too.
# Posted on June 14th 2004 by grymater
Re: Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
Really? I used to play my harp in the Square once in a while and never got bothered. But that was a 5 years ago or so...
# Posted on June 14th 2004 by Andee
Re: Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
I did the same thing! I bought a fiddle off the internet new for a whopping $166. It came in it's own little cardboard coffin. I laughed for days. It has a bullet proof finish that looks like it could hold up in the shower. The fingerboard is in a semi raw state. I swapped strings and it doesn't sound all that bad, just little raspy on the low end.
I play at lunchtime, whenever possible, with a fluter mate in Chicago's Grant Park.
# Posted on June 14th 2004 by Robby B.
Re: Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
Klari and I sat in a little at the Blarney sesh.
There did not seem to be any particular need for us at the FergieSesh! We just drank beer and listened. The accordion player, Kevin I believe really keeps it cranking.
As far as walking around by myself, that was its own amusement. I had to walk off a dinner at Le Bec Fin anyway. That took a good many hours I assure you.
I dropped in on Fred Oster at vintage instruments. He is/was a concertina player so we had a good chat.
We loved Philly, and we'll be back.
Bob and Klari
# Posted on June 14th 2004 by bt
Re: Fiddle question and Lunchtime in Center City, Philadelphia
Bob- I was at Fergies Saturday and we were surprised you stayed out of the music making til we had all packed up. Your handmade concertinas were a sight and sound to behold. You both set a record as the first ever to perform a duo version of music by Palestrina on concertinas in a Pub.
Kevin McGillian is a monster on the box and a gentleman too. Always a pleasure to hear the amazing lift his music has. Ever time I'm lucky enough to play with him I come home smiling.
Next time, open those cases earlier.- Mike
# Posted on June 15th 2004 by Plunkett.mi