Hello everyone.
Was just thinking to myself about the sentimentality attached to my instruments.
I play a fiddle made by Michael Allen. Its got a great sound and is beautiful to play. I’m sure there are probably better instruments out there but I can honestly say I wouldn’t change it or sell it for even 20 times its value.
It’s the same with my other instruments, I get seriously attached to them and don’t think I could ever sell them. Its so bad that I now have 6 guitars, 3 fiddles, 2 keyboards, 1 saxaphone (which I haven’t played in over a year), countless whistles, and a mandonlin.
They’re taking up more space than I can really afford but I could never get rid of them.
Is anyone else like me. Or do you trade in your old instruments when you want an upgrade?
Not at all the same, but my fiddle is the only thing that I got from my dad who died when I was 7. I cant honestly say that its worth more than all the money in the world. Lucky its a lovely fiddle cause I wouldnt let it go even if it was a skylark!
I love all my instruments. My whistles i got from Ireland and i had them since i was a kid. The first whistle i dont play as it is immensly out of tune but its nice to look at. Each one has different memories, like my first battered cornet was the first instrument i played a solo on.
I play a flute which I got from my grandfather about 25 years ago. It is probably 19th Century French manufacture and while not great on volume it is very easy to play. It needs some maintenance to keep it going, so I have a new flute on order but will not sell the old one. I will keep it for sentimental reasons.
For a long time I was very sentimental about my first bodhrán, a beautiful little drum made by Ian Doig of Dundonald. It had a great skin and always sounded mellow even though it wasn't tuneable.
Then one day my mate's dad had he great idea of drawing a design around the edge. it was of a greayhound chasing a hare. It was a really gorgeous picture except for the fact that the greyhound was depicted with an unfeasibly large knob!
I am very attached to all my insturments and yes they all have names. As I upgrade I wouldn't think of letting them go so they have places of prominance on the walls of my house. I still play some of them occasionally.
I once watched a film of Yo Yo Ma talking about how is cello got her name so I know it's not just us ITM players that feel close to our instruments. By the way her name is Petunia.
My mandola is Basil and he's p*ssed off with me because I haven't been playing him recently. Then there's Tina the concertina. I'm pretty sure she's a lesbian. She's stuck away in the cupboard. Then there's Keith my new concertina. If something happened to one of them I'd be devastated. Keith can be a complete prick. Every time I go to a session he thinks it's funny to annoy me by making one of the keys stick or breaking one of his own springs. One of these days he'll push me too far and I'll have him replaced.
I have an 1920 Slingerland banjo (one of the nicer ones) that somebody had sketched a '20s flapper girl on. The girl strongly resembled my wife, and the there was a faded name above. "Chrissy", which is my wife's nickname. Seeing this, She had no problems letting me spend the money for another banjo.
Depsite the fact that it is not in the best condition, it plays better than any Slingerland I've played, and has lovely inlay. The kids seem particularily attached to her and are very respectful when "Chrissy" is out.
session savage you have the same problem with instruments not talking to you. My Basil is like totally monosyllabic these days and he guilt trips me the whole time. Maybe we need to form a support group or something. LOL at Jenny the slut Maybe it's the brand of G-string you're buying her. A different material can make all the difference. It's the same whatever you buy tho' - the older the G-string, the less elastic it becomes.
Dow. I feel so much better knowing that I’m not alone.
Ever since I brought my fiddle home there’s been this weird tension in the house. I can hear Rua and Pox whispering but then they go all quiet when I try to talk to them. I’m not gonna back down though, its not as if we are married. I reckon I should be allowed to play with whoever I want.
I don’t think there is anything I can do with Jenny though. She just loves the attention. I’ve tried different strings but they are all the same. Then again she likes it rough
I think your idea is fantastic. A support group is something that we need. I don’t think we’re alone. We should unite for our right to have multiple musical instruments without fear of getting silent treatment or like my mandolin Timmy – he just drops his A string (just one at a time) down to a F flat faster than lightning right in the middle of a tune. The little fecker.
Good thread all - very entertaining - it's not so good when I guffaw at work though. Not the done thing you know...
My fiddle is called 'The Mrs' because sometimes we can make sweet music together and I love her and at other times you can tell it just ain't going to work that day - then it's better to avoid each other altogether for a while because otherwise sparks are sure to fly.
Maybe it's time you gave Jenny some of her own rough treatment. Don't let her be such a bitch. Grab a pencil and give the grooves of her nut a good seeing to. Sounds like what is required is a good bit of lubrication with carbon shavings. Oh dear I could take that further but I won't Seriously, try it - it works wonders. If that doesn't work, try and establish where the G-string is breaking. If it tends to break at the bridge rather than the nut then it could be the acid sweat of the palm of your hand weakening the string. This used to happen to me loads. I changed my technique so that my right hand was always clear of the bridge and it worked wonders. My strings would last for months.
Danny's being a bit creative with language. Google p45, 1st hit, it'll become clear. Unfortunately, Danny is spoilt and rich and middle clarss so he doesn't understand that some people can't afford to buy new instruments
Well, I play the fiddle since I am three and I have hard time to spend a day without playing. 2 summers ago, a fiddle that I have been using for 14 years got stolen in a bar. No musician would do this I hope!!! It was a simple suzuki but I liked it. Now, I am playing with other fiddles I gather over the years waiting to fall in love again.
I still have my first guitar, from Christmas of 1957 - a cheap Stella, painted blond, that my mom paid an outrageous eighteen bucks for at the Western Auto store. It barely qualified as an instrument, but I actually played some gigs on it before I could afford a real guitar. I also have my grandfather's fiddle. They're both with me until death do us part.
The guitar came with its own name and I call the fiddle Grandpa.
Well, even after I told myself that I was'nt going to "get involved" with posting a reply to The Session.....just reading the interesting threads, "guffawing" like Rhod, and in general lurking about, I found that I could'nt ! I'm new to this session, and have very much enjoyed all the postings. O.k., time for confession...I have 3 fiddles, named "Baby", "Julio", and "Casey", one un-named steel-stringed guitar, various whistles in many different keys, and a mandolin named "Budgie",(bought on a VERY small budget!). Thanks to all of you, for unknowingly keeping me sane on some of those days that I felt like I would never be a "real" musician, and for the laughter on dreary, rainy days, and for the much needed information on stuff like brands of strings, what to do with the new recording "gadgets" when they don't work, etc., etc. I'm glad I found this place!
My father spent most of my youth discouraging me to play because he felt it wouldn't yield a good job. We weren't rich and my family is large. I played the school violin until I grew out of it... My father bought me a German violin from an old man (his best friend) in Pittsburgh about 30 years ago...for about $100 USD. I've played it every day since. Not much is known about the violin, but I have it insured for $10,000... anyway, my dad's soul speaks to me every time I play... which is why I'm addicted to it. Sentimental? Yeah, I suppose so... no name though but it definitely has a spirit.
A P45 is what you get when you get sacked from a job. You then take it to either your new employer or the unemployment benefit office to sign on for dole money. This so-called middle class Lad has been there that's how I know.
As it happens, I do have a fair accumulation of simple system (about 6?) and Boehm flutes (3, I think), tin whistles (? who knows?) and boxes (4), but I don't think I'm truly sentimental about any of them, really - just a miserly hoarder. I really must sell some on.
I probably should be more sentimental than I am. I have a 20+ year old set of GHB's - good ones - that I learned the basics of music on, had wonderful experiences with, won competitions with, etc. etc. But I'd sell them to the first bidder if the price were right.
I had a bass guitar for almost as long. I called it "wife." It got sent to Good Will (That's a charity) when I most recently moved across town.
I do have one truly named instrument, my Rickenbacker electric guitar. She's a tart. Her name is Emma.
I have two flutes, an M & E that I loaned to a friend yesterday, and a new wooden one. Haven;t had either long enough to develop a deep bond yet.
Well, maybe I'm a cynic or something. But the playing seems more important to me than the thing you play - so long as it does the bizz. But I suppose this particular emotional attachment to an inanimate object is a relatively harmless obsession.
I know Dow hates me both namedropping, and at the other end of the spectrum, going on about poor people, but here's an example of a harmFULL obsession: ie being a fashion trendy - & this has its consequences - some of you might be interested in looking at this article:
So *You're* not annoyed.
You just like getting me annoyed.
Well THAT's hardly high drama and passion is it?
Sod this festive season and season of goodwill b0ll0x. What we need is another good old raging argument. Tempers flaring. Eyes bulging, nose pressed against the monitor screaming .....
I haven't given any of my instruments names, except my big harp, which I call "Harpzilla" or "Bridezilla" depending on if it's just sitting in the way or actually in use at a wedding.
The rest of em don't have names but I totally echo the idea that they have personalities - and that they have moods day-to-day as well. If they're p*ssed off with me I leave them alone.
My instruments are much loved, but unnamed. My wife, however, has a favorite fiddle named "Winnie." As you might suspect, we had just seen Solas in concert. She even told Ms. Horan about this when we met her at a restaurant before yet another concert, and got a look in return that seemed to say, "I am flattered and a bit disturbed at the same time."
It's no good, Danny. I can't argue with you anymore. You're just being too nice to me. And I've got so used to your insufferable name-dropping and the guilt trips about 3rd world countries, it's not annoying to me anymore; I just go like: "aaahhhh, there he goes again, bless".
Yeah, the whole personality / gender of your instrument thing has me stumped.
As I already said above, I recently got a new fiddle. I haven't named it yet and I SO want it to be a female fiddle, but at the moment I'm thinking its a grumpy old man fiddle.
I'll just have to keep listening to it until its secrets are revealed
I see your point, but what if one of my friends named my fiddle.. i dunno, like, Susan or Louise and its really a male fiddle?
He could start giving me the silent treatment like Rua and Pox.
Hmmmm
Well when you ask them to name it, tell them from the outset what gender it is. That's what I did. I was talking to an Irish backpacker one night and I said "this is my mandola, he's a boy, give him a name" and she immediately said "Basil", and I just knew she was right. She was so adamant that he was Basil as well. LOL. You do realise, session savage, that people reading this are going "oh my god you people are so weird". I don't think it's weird at all. I mean, I don't have kids, but my instruments are really important to me, and people name their kids, as opposed to just calling them "child" or "kid" or "human" or "number 4". So why not name your instruments. It seems obvious to me but hey.
Yeah Dow, I was thinknig the same thing. Although I've never been one to worry about what others think of my..... If I want to marry my ... oh I mean play my musical instruments its my Business.
Seriously though, I think I'll do that, I'll give a buddy the gender and let him/her give me the name. At least that way 'herself' wont get p*ssed of with me
I have three fiddles, Old Spice which belonged to my Grandfather, Posh Spice which is my best fiddle and Kate Moss which is my very skinny electric violin. The only one I wouldn't part with is Old Spice.
I have 2 fiddles which I play on a regular basis, my second is tuned for bluegrass. I have another 4 which I loan out to people who want to learn but dont have the means to buy one. I give them the opportunity to have a go.
My parents bought my fiddle from an apprentice luthier when I was just big enough to play it. I immediately named it "Fred". In retrospect, "Freddy the Fiddle" is kind of a creepy name for a relatively well-mannered instrument, but it's many years too late to rename him now.
My poor old beat-up guitar, which I've had for almost as long, has the unfortunate name "Wilbert Guido". I invited two kids I knew to name him for me, and one wanted "Wilbert" and the other was adamant about "Guido", so what was I going to do? He is "Willie" for short, in honour of Willie Nelson; "Pick it, Willie".
Neither the cigar-box fiddle nor the mandolin have revealed their names yet, but I don't doubt that they will one day, when I've earned their confidence.
Can't tell if my pipes are a grumpy old man who just has cankankerous days or a very needy girlfriend who gets angry when not given enough attention. Will let you know when I figure it out.
My fiddle reeeally isn't that good and I outgrew playing it about two years ago (IT's a Scheryl and Roth student instrument) and her name is Elsie...she's just a baby, she turned 4 last month.
I really need to get a better one but there isn't much chance of that happening soon because I won't trade Elsie in...and my parents don't want to pay X amount of money for a good fiddle without having the money from Elsie...although they say it might happen someday, like graduation or something...but Elsie is indeed my baby and she is staying with me!!!
Think my fiddle is Dolly...she's guitar shaped and curvy...and is the name of my dog that died a few days before the fiddle arrived. Howls at me on occassions too.
Instrument sentimentality
Instrument sentimentality
Hello everyone.
Was just thinking to myself about the sentimentality attached to my instruments.
I play a fiddle made by Michael Allen. Its got a great sound and is beautiful to play. I’m sure there are probably better instruments out there but I can honestly say I wouldn’t change it or sell it for even 20 times its value.
It’s the same with my other instruments, I get seriously attached to them and don’t think I could ever sell them. Its so bad that I now have 6 guitars, 3 fiddles, 2 keyboards, 1 saxaphone (which I haven’t played in over a year), countless whistles, and a mandonlin.
They’re taking up more space than I can really afford but I could never get rid of them.
Is anyone else like me. Or do you trade in your old instruments when you want an upgrade?
Session savage formerly known as John B
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by session savage
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Not at all the same, but my fiddle is the only thing that I got from my dad who died when I was 7. I cant honestly say that its worth more than all the money in the world. Lucky its a lovely fiddle cause I wouldnt let it go even if it was a skylark!
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by bb
Re: Instrument sentimentality
I love all my instruments. My whistles i got from Ireland and i had them since i was a kid. The first whistle i dont play as it is immensly out of tune but its nice to look at. Each one has different memories, like my first battered cornet was the first instrument i played a solo on.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Irishmancunian
Re: Instrument sentimentality
I play a flute which I got from my grandfather about 25 years ago. It is probably 19th Century French manufacture and while not great on volume it is very easy to play. It needs some maintenance to keep it going, so I have a new flute on order but will not sell the old one. I will keep it for sentimental reasons.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by southsider
Re: Instrument sentimentality
For a long time I was very sentimental about my first bodhrán, a beautiful little drum made by Ian Doig of Dundonald. It had a great skin and always sounded mellow even though it wasn't tuneable.
Then one day my mate's dad had he great idea of drawing a design around the edge. it was of a greayhound chasing a hare. It was a really gorgeous picture except for the fact that the greyhound was depicted with an unfeasibly large knob!
I gave the drum away a few months later.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Instrument sentimentality
I am very attached to all my insturments and yes they all have names. As I upgrade I wouldn't think of letting them go so they have places of prominance on the walls of my house. I still play some of them occasionally.
I once watched a film of Yo Yo Ma talking about how is cello got her name so I know it's not just us ITM players that feel close to our instruments. By the way her name is Petunia.
Mary
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Antikhntr
Re: Instrument sentimentality
My mandola is Basil and he's p*ssed off with me because I haven't been playing him recently. Then there's Tina the concertina. I'm pretty sure she's a lesbian. She's stuck away in the cupboard. Then there's Keith my new concertina. If something happened to one of them I'd be devastated. Keith can be a complete prick. Every time I go to a session he thinks it's funny to annoy me by making one of the keys stick or breaking one of his own springs. One of these days he'll push me too far and I'll have him replaced.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Dr. Dow
Re: Instrument sentimentality
I have an 1920 Slingerland banjo (one of the nicer ones) that somebody had sketched a '20s flapper girl on. The girl strongly resembled my wife, and the there was a faded name above. "Chrissy", which is my wife's nickname. Seeing this, She had no problems letting me spend the money for another banjo.
Depsite the fact that it is not in the best condition, it plays better than any Slingerland I've played, and has lovely inlay. The kids seem particularily attached to her and are very respectful when "Chrissy" is out.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by TaoCat
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Well thank god someone else brought it up that they name their instruments. I thought it would be taking things too far.
Ive got Jenny the jumbo guitar. She’s loud, curvy, obnoxious and cant seem to keep her G-string on for a whole session. Slut.
Then there’s Sinéad the smaller acoustic. Soft spoken and sweet.
Pox and Rua are my electric guitars. They aren’t talking to me anymore (haven’t played them in ages, their strings are rusted and dead)
Philip the flute is new. We don’t understand each other yet.
Timmy the mandolin is the quet crazy one.
I have yet to get to know my fiddle well enough to christen it (usually with Guinness instead of water)
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by session savage
Re: Instrument sentimentality
session savage you have the same problem with instruments not talking to you. My Basil is like totally monosyllabic these days and he guilt trips me the whole time. Maybe we need to form a support group or something. LOL at Jenny the slut
Maybe it's the brand of G-string you're buying her. A different material can make all the difference. It's the same whatever you buy tho' - the older the G-string, the less elastic it becomes.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Dr. Dow
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Dow. I feel so much better knowing that I’m not alone.
Ever since I brought my fiddle home there’s been this weird tension in the house. I can hear Rua and Pox whispering but then they go all quiet when I try to talk to them. I’m not gonna back down though, its not as if we are married. I reckon I should be allowed to play with whoever I want.
I don’t think there is anything I can do with Jenny though. She just loves the attention. I’ve tried different strings but they are all the same. Then again she likes it rough
I think your idea is fantastic. A support group is something that we need. I don’t think we’re alone. We should unite for our right to have multiple musical instruments without fear of getting silent treatment or like my mandolin Timmy – he just drops his A string (just one at a time) down to a F flat faster than lightning right in the middle of a tune. The little fecker.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by session savage
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Good thread all - very entertaining - it's not so good when I guffaw at work though. Not the done thing you know...
My fiddle is called 'The Mrs' because sometimes we can make sweet music together and I love her and at other times you can tell it just ain't going to work that day - then it's better to avoid each other altogether for a while because otherwise sparks are sure to fly.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Rhod
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Maybe it's time you gave Jenny some of her own rough treatment. Don't let her be such a bitch. Grab a pencil and give the grooves of her nut a good seeing to. Sounds like what is required is a good bit of lubrication with carbon shavings. Oh dear I could take that further but I won't
Seriously, try it - it works wonders. If that doesn't work, try and establish where the G-string is breaking. If it tends to break at the bridge rather than the nut then it could be the acid sweat of the palm of your hand weakening the string. This used to happen to me loads. I changed my technique so that my right hand was always clear of the bridge and it worked wonders. My strings would last for months.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Dr. Dow
Re: Instrument sentimentality
No sentimentality to duff yokes. If it doesn't do the bizz give it its P45.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Rudall the time
Re: Instrument sentimentality
What the heck is a P45???
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Antikhntr
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Danny's being a bit creative with language. Google p45, 1st hit, it'll become clear. Unfortunately, Danny is spoilt and rich and middle clarss so he doesn't understand that some people can't afford to buy new instruments
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Dr. Dow
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Ohhh gotcha.
Not even a little twinge of sentimentality, Key Manic Lad?
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Antikhntr
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Well, I play the fiddle since I am three and I have hard time to spend a day without playing. 2 summers ago, a fiddle that I have been using for 14 years got stolen in a bar. No musician would do this I hope!!! It was a simple suzuki but I liked it. Now, I am playing with other fiddles I gather over the years waiting to fall in love again.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Dr.Carabus
Re: Instrument sentimentality
I still have my first guitar, from Christmas of 1957 - a cheap Stella, painted blond, that my mom paid an outrageous eighteen bucks for at the Western Auto store. It barely qualified as an instrument, but I actually played some gigs on it before I could afford a real guitar. I also have my grandfather's fiddle. They're both with me until death do us part.
The guitar came with its own name and I call the fiddle Grandpa.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Bob himself
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Well, even after I told myself that I was'nt going to "get involved" with posting a reply to The Session.....just reading the interesting threads, "guffawing" like Rhod, and in general lurking about, I found that I could'nt ! I'm new to this session, and have very much enjoyed all the postings. O.k., time for confession...I have 3 fiddles, named "Baby", "Julio", and "Casey", one un-named steel-stringed guitar, various whistles in many different keys, and a mandolin named "Budgie",(bought on a VERY small budget!). Thanks to all of you, for unknowingly keeping me sane on some of those days that I felt like I would never be a "real" musician, and for the laughter on dreary, rainy days, and for the much needed information on stuff like brands of strings, what to do with the new recording "gadgets" when they don't work, etc., etc. I'm glad I found this place!
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Beccavio
Re: Instrument sentimentality
My father spent most of my youth discouraging me to play because he felt it wouldn't yield a good job. We weren't rich and my family is large. I played the school violin until I grew out of it... My father bought me a German violin from an old man (his best friend) in Pittsburgh about 30 years ago...for about $100 USD. I've played it every day since. Not much is known about the violin, but I have it insured for $10,000... anyway, my dad's soul speaks to me every time I play... which is why I'm addicted to it. Sentimental? Yeah, I suppose so... no name though but it definitely has a spirit.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by pastrings
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Middle clarss? Deliberate cockney-esque typo, Marc, sorry, Mark?
And who is Key Manic Lad?
A P45 is what you get when you get sacked from a job. You then take it to either your new employer or the unemployment benefit office to sign on for dole money. This so-called middle class Lad has been there that's how I know.
As it happens, I do have a fair accumulation of simple system (about 6?) and Boehm flutes (3, I think), tin whistles (? who knows?) and boxes (4), but I don't think I'm truly sentimental about any of them, really - just a miserly hoarder. I really must sell some on.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Rudall the time
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Dow, I think i just wet myself a little. Jenny just sh*t herself when I told her what you suggested
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by session savage
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Perv.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by wormdiet
Re: Instrument sentimentality
I probably should be more sentimental than I am. I have a 20+ year old set of GHB's - good ones - that I learned the basics of music on, had wonderful experiences with, won competitions with, etc. etc. But I'd sell them to the first bidder if the price were right.
I had a bass guitar for almost as long. I called it "wife." It got sent to Good Will (That's a charity) when I most recently moved across town.
I do have one truly named instrument, my Rickenbacker electric guitar. She's a tart. Her name is Emma.
I have two flutes, an M & E that I loaned to a friend yesterday, and a new wooden one. Haven;t had either long enough to develop a deep bond yet.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by wormdiet
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Well, maybe I'm a cynic or something. But the playing seems more important to me than the thing you play - so long as it does the bizz. But I suppose this particular emotional attachment to an inanimate object is a relatively harmless obsession.
I know Dow hates me both namedropping, and at the other end of the spectrum, going on about poor people, but here's an example of a harmFULL obsession: ie being a fashion trendy - & this has its consequences - some of you might be interested in looking at this article:
http://www.waronwant.org/?lid=13593
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by Rudall the time
Re: Instrument sentimentality
lol I knew the class thing would annoy you Danny. And I don't hate you for name-dropping. I like you for it. It gives me something to moan about
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by Dr. Dow
Re: Instrument sentimentality
This seems to be a subject close to many hearts.
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/10447/comments#comment216492
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by oldstrings
Re: Instrument sentimentality
And furthermore
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/4197/comments#comment85596
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by oldstrings
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Oh.
So *You're* not annoyed.
You just like getting me annoyed.
Well THAT's hardly high drama and passion is it?
Sod this festive season and season of goodwill b0ll0x. What we need is another good old raging argument. Tempers flaring. Eyes bulging, nose pressed against the monitor screaming .....
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by Rudall the time
Re: Instrument sentimentality
KML,
Just don't mention the words that cannot be spoken, especially the 'p' word!!!!!
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by AlBrown
Re: Instrument sentimentality
I haven't given any of my instruments names, except my big harp, which I call "Harpzilla" or "Bridezilla" depending on if it's just sitting in the way or actually in use at a wedding.
The rest of em don't have names but I totally echo the idea that they have personalities - and that they have moods day-to-day as well. If they're p*ssed off with me I leave them alone.
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by Mark Harmer
Re: Instrument sentimentality
My instruments are much loved, but unnamed. My wife, however, has a favorite fiddle named "Winnie." As you might suspect, we had just seen Solas in concert. She even told Ms. Horan about this when we met her at a restaurant before yet another concert, and got a look in return that seemed to say, "I am flattered and a bit disturbed at the same time."
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by AlBrown
Re: Instrument sentimentality
It's no good, Danny. I can't argue with you anymore. You're just being too nice to me. And I've got so used to your insufferable name-dropping and the guilt trips about 3rd world countries, it's not annoying to me anymore; I just go like: "aaahhhh, there he goes again, bless".
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by Dr. Dow
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Yeah, the whole personality / gender of your instrument thing has me stumped.
As I already said above, I recently got a new fiddle. I haven't named it yet and I SO want it to be a female fiddle, but at the moment I'm thinking its a grumpy old man fiddle.
I'll just have to keep listening to it until its secrets are revealed
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by session savage
Re: Instrument sentimentality
I have this rule where I'm not allowed to name my own instrument. It has to be named *for* me by someone.
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by Dr. Dow
Re: Instrument sentimentality
I see your point, but what if one of my friends named my fiddle.. i dunno, like, Susan or Louise and its really a male fiddle?
He could start giving me the silent treatment like Rua and Pox.
Hmmmm
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by session savage
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Well when you ask them to name it, tell them from the outset what gender it is. That's what I did. I was talking to an Irish backpacker one night and I said "this is my mandola, he's a boy, give him a name" and she immediately said "Basil", and I just knew she was right. She was so adamant that he was Basil as well. LOL. You do realise, session savage, that people reading this are going "oh my god you people are so weird". I don't think it's weird at all. I mean, I don't have kids, but my instruments are really important to me, and people name their kids, as opposed to just calling them "child" or "kid" or "human" or "number 4". So why not name your instruments. It seems obvious to me but hey.
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by Dr. Dow
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Yeah Dow, I was thinknig the same thing. Although I've never been one to worry about what others think of my..... If I want to marry my ... oh I mean play my musical instruments its my Business.
Seriously though, I think I'll do that, I'll give a buddy the gender and let him/her give me the name. At least that way 'herself' wont get p*ssed of with me
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by session savage
Re: Instrument sentimentality
I have three fiddles, Old Spice which belonged to my Grandfather, Posh Spice which is my best fiddle and Kate Moss which is my very skinny electric violin. The only one I wouldn't part with is Old Spice.
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by bowburner
Re: Instrument sentimentality
So much for sentimentality. I just sold my first flute to the wife of the guy I loaned it to - it's his Xmas gift apparently.
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by wormdiet
Re: Instrument sentimentality
I'm not playing Herman much at the moment, too busy working to pay his Orthodontist.
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by oldstrings
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Being patronised by Dow....what a humbling experience!
And I can't even wind him up - double whammie!
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by Rudall the time
Re: Instrument sentimentality
I have 2 fiddles which I play on a regular basis, my second is tuned for bluegrass. I have another 4 which I loan out to people who want to learn but dont have the means to buy one. I give them the opportunity to have a go.
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by Joze
Re: Instrument sentimentality
My parents bought my fiddle from an apprentice luthier when I was just big enough to play it. I immediately named it "Fred". In retrospect, "Freddy the Fiddle" is kind of a creepy name for a relatively well-mannered instrument, but it's many years too late to rename him now.
My poor old beat-up guitar, which I've had for almost as long, has the unfortunate name "Wilbert Guido". I invited two kids I knew to name him for me, and one wanted "Wilbert" and the other was adamant about "Guido", so what was I going to do? He is "Willie" for short, in honour of Willie Nelson; "Pick it, Willie".
Neither the cigar-box fiddle nor the mandolin have revealed their names yet, but I don't doubt that they will one day, when I've earned their confidence.
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by treecipitation
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Can't tell if my pipes are a grumpy old man who just has cankankerous days or a very needy girlfriend who gets angry when not given enough attention. Will let you know when I figure it out.
# Posted on December 23rd 2006 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Instrument sentimentality
My fiddle reeeally isn't that good and I outgrew playing it about two years ago (IT's a Scheryl and Roth student instrument) and her name is Elsie...she's just a baby, she turned 4 last month.
I really need to get a better one but there isn't much chance of that happening soon because I won't trade Elsie in...and my parents don't want to pay X amount of money for a good fiddle without having the money from Elsie...although they say it might happen someday, like graduation or something...but Elsie is indeed my baby and she is staying with me!!!
# Posted on December 23rd 2006 by possumawesome
Re: Instrument sentimentality
Think my fiddle is Dolly...she's guitar shaped and curvy...and is the name of my dog that died a few days before the fiddle arrived. Howls at me on occassions too.
# Posted on December 23rd 2006 by FiddleFancy