If the strings have enough tension to be played, then they should have enough tension to keep the soundpost in place. I can't see how it would be a problem.
Low pitch is fine as long as the bridge doesn't fall down. It's too high pitch that can exert far too much tension on the instrument and risk warping, cracking, etc.
I think fiddles should be kept at concert pitch. This is because they are designed to resonate at those frequencies (though see some previous threads for some *slight* differences of opinion on this). If you play the things at other frequencies they won't improve as instruments - something to do with the grains in the wood aligning or something - whatever it is, I don't understand it , but it seems to be true.
I believe Ben's reference to *slight* differences of opinion relates to the hypothesis that the violin was originally designed and made with a slightly lower pitch in mind - A415 or thereabouts as opposed to today's A440. This would be about half a tone lower. Baroque and Early Music specialists today tend to play at A415 with gut-strung instruments (including the gut E).
It won't do a fiddle any harm to tune it down a half-tone; it will probably have a more resonant and richer-sounding tone. This is ok when playing on your own or in a Baroque/Early Music environment, but would hardly be a practical proposition in a session unless you're a real whizz at transposing everything up a half-tone on the hoof - playing all the tunes in A-flat, E-flat, B-flat, D-flat etc and their modal equivalents.
Going much lower than A415 (e.g. taking the G down to E or even D) will bring about its own problems because the strings will be floppier, causing loss of tone and power. Playing in tune will become a problem because comparatively small changes in bow pressure or speed will alter the tension of the string and hence its pitch.
If you want to drop just the G or D down a whole tone or more I wonder if it might be better tone- and intonation-wise to use heavier gauge high-tension G/D strings - but I'd take a luthier's advice on this first.
If you really need to take the pitch down that low, why not use an instrument that's specifically designed for it - the viola.
If your soundpost will fall when the strings are slacked, it was not properly placed/sized to begin with and you are not getting the full voice of your fiddle.
Are low tunings bad for fiddles?
Are low tunings bad for fiddles?
Hello all
I've been very much enjoying the sound of my fiddle when it's tuned down really low - think I prefer it that way.
Can any of you fine people tell me if I run the risk of damaging the instrument by leaving the strings so loose all the time?
# Posted on May 25th 2008 by issy
Re: Are low tunings bad for fiddles?
How low are you tuning you fiddle? I tune down to B flat and C all the time and there has been no damage.
# Posted on May 25th 2008 by insert username here
Re: Are low tunings bad for fiddles?
Do you mean B flat on the D string? The lowest I tune to is A on the D string
# Posted on May 25th 2008 by issy
Re: Are low tunings bad for fiddles?
If the strings have enough tension to be played, then they should have enough tension to keep the soundpost in place. I can't see how it would be a problem.
# Posted on May 25th 2008 by Marklar
Re: Are low tunings bad for fiddles?
Deadly, that's good to know. Thanks
# Posted on May 25th 2008 by issy
Re: Are low tunings bad for fiddles?
Low pitch is fine as long as the bridge doesn't fall down. It's too high pitch that can exert far too much tension on the instrument and risk warping, cracking, etc.
# Posted on May 25th 2008 by cheess
Re: Are low tunings bad for fiddles?
I have friends who are consistently in A, and I range from Bb to C# - I almost never play in D. Play what feels and sounds good!
--DtM
# Posted on May 25th 2008 by Dan the Man
Re: Are low tunings bad for fiddles?
I think fiddles should be kept at concert pitch. This is because they are designed to resonate at those frequencies (though see some previous threads for some *slight* differences of opinion on this). If you play the things at other frequencies they won't improve as instruments - something to do with the grains in the wood aligning or something - whatever it is, I don't understand it , but it seems to be true.
# Posted on May 26th 2008 by benhall.1
Re: Are low tunings bad for fiddles?
I believe Ben's reference to *slight* differences of opinion relates to the hypothesis that the violin was originally designed and made with a slightly lower pitch in mind - A415 or thereabouts as opposed to today's A440. This would be about half a tone lower. Baroque and Early Music specialists today tend to play at A415 with gut-strung instruments (including the gut E).
It won't do a fiddle any harm to tune it down a half-tone; it will probably have a more resonant and richer-sounding tone. This is ok when playing on your own or in a Baroque/Early Music environment, but would hardly be a practical proposition in a session unless you're a real whizz at transposing everything up a half-tone on the hoof - playing all the tunes in A-flat, E-flat, B-flat, D-flat etc and their modal equivalents.
Going much lower than A415 (e.g. taking the G down to E or even D) will bring about its own problems because the strings will be floppier, causing loss of tone and power. Playing in tune will become a problem because comparatively small changes in bow pressure or speed will alter the tension of the string and hence its pitch.
If you want to drop just the G or D down a whole tone or more I wonder if it might be better tone- and intonation-wise to use heavier gauge high-tension G/D strings - but I'd take a luthier's advice on this first.
If you really need to take the pitch down that low, why not use an instrument that's specifically designed for it - the viola.
# Posted on May 26th 2008 by lazyhound
Re: Are low tunings bad for fiddles?
That's why I have a viola...
# Posted on May 26th 2008 by wyogal
Re: Are low tunings bad for fiddles?
I have my viola 'cause I like the sound of it
# Posted on May 26th 2008 by llig leahcim
Re: Are low tunings bad for fiddles?
Oh No! We're now open to 1001 bad jokes about violas!
# Posted on May 26th 2008 by Ebor_fiddler
Re: Are low tunings bad for fiddles?
If your soundpost will fall when the strings are slacked, it was not properly placed/sized to begin with and you are not getting the full voice of your fiddle.
# Posted on May 28th 2008 by hauke