I'm a beginer fiddle player with a problem, I have quite small hands and even smaller little finger. I find it quite hard to reach the "B" on the "E" sting.Someone has suggested a 7/8 or a 3/4 fiddle, before parting wth cash has anyone else found it has solved this particular problem?
I have a ludicrously small little finger (everything else is OK though! Oh yes!! No worries!!!!!) and the stretch on the G string could be difficult....when playing Orange Blossom Special I tuned up to AEAE and got around it that way...I have since seen the light and stopped playing bluegrass (before anyone sends the purity police around) and have developed playing certain tunes which have extended bits around the B on the E string in second and third postion. It takes time to re-learn stuff but it's been worth it
I struggled with a full size fiddle for about 3 years and then took my teacher's suggestion and got a smaller fiddle. You could try a 3/4 or a 7/8 and see how that works for you. Then again, after playing for about 8 years I can now reach the B note on the E string on a full size fiddle a little more easily so maybe my muscles or whatever have stretched. But it's still a bit of a reach. Soooo, I'm sticking with my smaller fiddle.
If possible, try renting a couple of different sizes. That way you won't be out as much money while you're just trying things out.
An unison stop is when, for example, you play the open A and at the same time play the same A with the 4th finger on the D string.
BTW, it's generally not a good idea to move the bridge around, the acoustics of the instrument having been optimised for when the bridge sits between the little notches on the sides of the f-holes. If you move the bridge towards the fingerboard you'll get a poorer tone and resonance, apart from which it will push the strings a little higher from the fingerboard, which may make life a little more difficult for that little finger!
When doing stretching exercises for the hand and fingers never strain or force it; let it come naturally little by little. When it comes to stretches, the width of the left hand is just as important, if not more so, than the lengths of the fingers. Also, before you do the stretching exercises make sure your hands are thoroughly warmed and relaxed.
What kind of advice is that Christine?? Seriously - nobody that I have *ever* met has said, 'oh, isnt playing the fiddle so easy'! Seriously - its hard to hit the high B, I still have problems with it, I'm not going to take the easy road and get me a little itty fiddle! Just keep practicing - yes its hard, but its worth it in the end.
Well, I suppose if you are really really a small person (child sized) you could get a smaller fiddle, (at what size do they graduate kids up to full size fiddle anyway?) but my teacher is at *least* a few inches shorter than me, and I'm only 5' 2", and her hands are considerably smaller than mine and she can do it. So that leaves me with *no* excuse for not being able to hit that high b. Keep working at it. Maybe devote a solid block of time every day where that's all you work on...
I guess what I meant before is that the fiddle is a b**ch to play, its awful, hard, gruelling and *totally* worth it. Sometimes it worries me the advice that is given on this site. Please becky - dont get a smaller fiddle - just practice.
Heh, I find myself agreeing with Bridie (bb) *and* Christine.
Yes, for msot people it takes a ton of dedicated effort to be able to reach those fourth-finger notes, and more effort to do it on pitch and more again to get consistent at it. Becky calls herself a beginner, and so most of us fiddlers here with some experience under our belts are thinking, "What's the big deal? Give it 8 months or a year of concerted effort and you'll be hitting those b's all right, full size fiddle or no."
Sure, it takes time and work to get your fingers to do some of this stuff--it's *not* normal or easy. If it were, *everyone* would be able to play like God, er, Friankie Gavin, I mean So stick with the hard work and quit looking for short cuts or excuses, eh?
On the flip side, we can't see Becky or her hands, and it's just possible that she does in fact have tiny hands. Maybe she does need a smaller fiddle. That's why smaller fiddles are made--it's not because kids need "toy" fiddles, but they have smaller hands and can't handle the note intervals on a full scale fiddle.
Hmmmm. Maybe Becky could find a good teacher--fiddle or violin--and ask them to troubleshoot this problem for her. Ask them to help you get your fingering and intonation right, and see what they say when they see the size of your hands.
Even with small hands or limited range of motion, it's possible to play a full size fiddle. I've broken my left pinky severa
Smaller fiddles also are there so that folks with shorter arms don't have to give themselves back, neck, and shoulder problems on a full size fiddle, btw.
As I was saying...broken my left pinky several times. It clicks and sticks and isn't as straight or strong as it should be. I have average size hands for a guy. And it was hard for me to reach those fourth finger notes. So I worked extra hard at it. It took years of hard work to get the strength and agility up to snuff in that one finger. But it's there now. I've also seen a very good violinist who happens to be a midget. He's made his living as a violinist, playing the whole classical repertoire. His hands are the size of a 10 yearold's, but he plays a full size violin. It looks like a cello hanging there under his chin, but he sounds terrific. He told me the only concession he makes is that he sometimes has to lift one finger off to get another to reach the next note, where someone with bigger hands would leave both fingers down. I do that myself sometimes when my joints aren't working. Someone with "normal" hands might frown on that as inefficient or bad technique, but it's what works for me, and (after some extra practice) you can't hear the difference. I'm just as quick and clean making the jump as when the swelling is down and I can keep my fingers in place.
So Becky--get yourself to a qualified, respected teacher and ask for help. Then *follow* their advice.
LOL, honestly, I barely use that finger when typing--just for the left shift key. My ring finger does double duty. It's a wonder I don't have a zillion typos in every line....
Big second on Trevor's post, the bridge is supposed to be in one place & one place only. Otherwise all the intonation goes out the window & you'll be learning all kinds of wrong technique to compensate for it.
The High B is hard but with practice you'll get it, a teacher i had gave me an exercise to work on it. Play the phrase b a b g b f b e over & over again try it with a G natural then with a G#. Play it until it feels like it'll start hurting then stop, don't over do it or you'll hurt yourself. But practice that lick for three to five minutes a day & you'll be well on your way. An chromatic tuner helps to make sure your in tune.
"BTW moving your bridge excessively could
impair the tone of your fiddle, and or damage it"
Ain't true, and I have to add it never was or will
be either! and if it was true then nobody could ever
have fitted steel strings on a fiddle!
Merely correcting a fallen bridge can often shorten
stop 4, but dragging the bridge along an eight or so
is the best thing since the sliced loaf.
Most fiddles vibrate their bridges off so
moving it back into the center of the Darts would
have to be done anyway, moving it a wee bit more is the
easiest and cheapest way to make old strings go
nother round. It also makes a 4/4 feel like a 3/4
size fiddle, that's why I suggested it.
I think yall are leading Becky up the garden path
on this one - I never seen a fiddle damaged by
what we do.
Besides most fiddles today are student quality and
rare are the Amatis etc hanging around the trad
circuit.
Impairing a fiddle would today be letting the
tailgut run out and not fixing it, now that WOULD
f*** you fiddle so bad it would probably never
ever recover - ie firewood!
You'll be noting that Brad said "could". Certainly, though, it's fairly commonly accepted that taking your fiddle bridge too far outside the common parameters is a good way to change up your tuning and possibly tweak the already great amount of stress on a few pieces of wood to wear a bit greater than it normally would. But then, so does using fine tuners, and that hasn't stopped anyone.
Sorefingers, re "BTW moving your bridge excessively could impair the tone of your fiddle, and or damage it" - I take David A's advice concerning fiddles seriously - he is a fully qualified violin maker and repairer (although he is doing something else at the moment), and knows what he's talking about. He is also an accomplished musician.
Trevor
If you are right handed player, rotate your left elbow more to the right , where you can see it on the right side of the instrument. This rotation will cause the fingers to move more over the fingerboard and closer to the G and D strings. In no way, move the bridge closer to the fingerboard, this will cause the tone to change drematically to the worse. If you move the bridge to excess the belly of the instrument can very possibly collapse.
Sore fingers, Lesson time. The sound post not only transfers the vibration of the strings from the belly to the back of the fiddle, but it also helps to support the downward force that the strings places on the fiddle. The right a foot of the bridge not only is placed in line with the notches of the f holes, but is also set within a specific distance, both side to side and front to back, in relation to the sound post. If you remove the support of the sound post away from the foot of the bridge then you can cause the belly of the fiddle to collapse inward from the downward pressure of the strings. Do you think that explains it. Also the distance or offset between the right foot of the bridge and the sound post affects the quality of sound that the fiddle makes.
Seriously, exercise them, stretch them. My violin tutor used to get me doing all kinds of stuff, for both hands.. e.g on the bow hand the 'spider' where you move the fingers up the bow (with gravity on it's side) ands then the other way!
She'd insist on various finger 'drills' on the other. It took about nine years for me to be able to reach high b on the fourth finger with a 90% chance of success. Now, it only gets better.
Just practising isn't necessarily the answer - bad habits and all that. You want to make sure that the fiddle isn't resting in the space between thumb and 1st finger, but instead is by the 1st knuckle of you 1st finger - that gives you a bit more stretch. Also, bring your arm around abit towards your body which moves your little finger abit closer to the string. Hope this makes sense.
Well Bridie, that was just my experience. I have very short arms, very small hands, and I stand at 4 foot 8inches. Maybe Becky is in the same boat. My teacher measured the length of my arm against the length of the fiddle and said I should be playing a smaller fiddle to avoid physical damage. Of course, just because I got a fiddle that fit my size requirements didn't make it any easier, believe me.
I'll be sure to double check with you before giving advice again, dear...
Christine, there's a professional lady cellist in my area who is very good - she's played major concertos with one of my orchestras on two occasions. She is quite small - 4 foot 8 inches or less - and plays a 3/4 cello (old English I believe), but she gets a magnificent tone out of it and has no problems in making her playing heard above the orchestra, so size should never be an issue for a player. As you so rightly observed, the fiddle is still difficult no matter the size.
Trevor
I would agree that moving the bridge si a bad idea. it might screw up your sound post. i would think your sound would suffer a bit if you bought a smaller fiddle. there mostly maid for beginner shildren so it might be hard to find one that doesn't sound like a rubberband box
When i first started playing fiddle i wasn't very big. your hands will learn after a while. i have the opposite problem as you at this point, i very large hands so i overcompensate. i can hit the high "D" on the "E" string comfortably with no stretch. but i would suggest turning you wrist a little. a little rotation will help.
Ouch Chrisitne, didnt mean to cause offense - I did come across as a bit harsh I admit, sorry about that. I'm not tiny but my hands are quite small and I still have problems hitting the high b sometimes, Ive been playing for 8 years and Ive been through it all, RSI and all that jazz. Its okay now but there have been a few posts lately (like making up your own instruments etc) that worry me a tad. I just think that there are a lot of different type of people on this site and thats good for balance, ie - the tune police compared with the gum leaf players - its a good mix.
Why not try playing 2nd position on the E string to reach the high B. Which means that your third finger will be playing the note instead of the 4th.
It may take a bit of practice to slide up the one step placing your first finger on the G note, 2nd finger on A, 3rd finger on B. Might be worth a try. It is not a big slide and it is not difficult to slide back into first position. I found second fingering position in the notation for Jerusalem Ridge, Fiddle Fake Book. Then I checked back to some of my old music books from the late 1950's, when I was a kid playing classical violin. I found two pages dedicated to 2nd position.
That's ok, Bridie. Things come across funny sometimes. My winkie smily was supposed to let you know I was a little stung but not angry. And I'm neither part of the tune police or a, er, gum leaf player but I try to get along with both...heh.
When my teacher suggested the 3/4 I was *very* reluctant because I was afraid that the sound would be too small and that folks would get on my case about playing a smaller fiddle. On the other hand, maybe I haven't *had* RSI problems because my fiddle fits me. And I also have been playing for about 8 years.
Trevor, thanks for your comments. My fiddle seems plenty loud for sure and I've been told my tone is good and strong. Sometimes in small sessions I feel the need to back off so the quieter players can be heard better.
I have trouble pitching that b note on the E string. I did slightly damage the little finger on my left hand playing basket ball when I was younger, so it's a bit bent. I have a music scoring program (Musictime), so I made up some excercises e-f-g-a-b-f-b-g-b-a-b-e-b- etc to practice hitting the b from different previous notes. I can play along with the PC and here my intonation.
Well, this has certainly been an interesting discussion. For the one who suggested finding a qualified teacher to ask, I just might fit the bill.I've played for 30 years. I've taught youngsters to play for 21 years and do a good job at it. I added fiddling about 5 years ago and it has exploded. The kids and I are having a ball. But...about the suggestion to get a smaller fiddle. Of course there are things to try like making sure the position is right and practicing, but I can truly say that though I'm average size 5'3", I accidentally discovered the 7/8 size fiddle several years ago and I think i'ts wonderful. I have a small hand and a small pinky. I worked and practiced and though I could hit the 4th fingers, it was quite a strain on me. Once I found the slightly smaller size I realized just how much energy was going into reaching for things. Now I can relax and play much more easily. I am a classical professional player and have found nothing about this smaller instrument that indicates I shouldn't have gone "smaller". I only wish I had found it 20 years sooner. I hope this helps.
Suzy
The "reach" problem can be worse for viola players, which is why those instruments come in all lengths up to 18". I tried out one of those 18" monsters (a Lionel Tertis model with an enormously wide lower bout, made in Aberdeen 60 years ago ) the other day out of curiosity - it was like holding a small cello under my chin. At the other end of the viola scale one of my ITM fiddle friends who is also a professional classical player recently bought a fiddle-sized (14" because she is not a big woman) viola for use in string quartet. It has a lovely deep rich tone out of all proportion to its size.
Trevor
On a website like this, where people ask for assistance with a problem you're inevitably going to get a wide range of responses and advice, most of which is useful and to the point, based on personal experience and perhaps professional training, and a little which comes from sources who, shall we say, prefer to plough their own furrow.
Common sense and careful reading will usually come up with a satisfactory solution but it should always be kept in mind when dealing with musical instruments that if it ain't broke don't mend it, and if it's working well don't mess around with it.
Trevor
Come to think of it, a violin maker once measured my fiddle and said it was closer to 7/8ths than 3/4s. But, like Suzytee, I'm much more relaxed because I don't have to strain for those higher notes. And that really makes a difference when I want to play faster.
Thank you to all your advice, even if all pulling in different directions! I shall keep my 4/4 fiddle and practise stretching exercises and in the meantime I shall rent a 7/8 fiddle to see if it helps!
Cheers!
Calling all fiddle players
Calling all fiddle players
I'm a beginer fiddle player with a problem, I have quite small hands and even smaller little finger. I find it quite hard to reach the "B" on the "E" sting.Someone has suggested a 7/8 or a 3/4 fiddle, before parting wth cash has anyone else found it has solved this particular problem?
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by Becky
Re: Calling all fiddle players
I would move the bridge towards the fingerboard
end, then when your little finger can reach the stop quit shortening
the string leinght.
Or you might want to go here
http://forums.maestronet.com/forums/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1
for more detail instructions.
A. Clone
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by sorefingers
Re: Calling all fiddle players
I have a ludicrously small little finger (everything else is OK though! Oh yes!! No worries!!!!!) and the stretch on the G string could be difficult....when playing Orange Blossom Special I tuned up to AEAE and got around it that way...I have since seen the light and stopped playing bluegrass (before anyone sends the purity police around) and have developed playing certain tunes which have extended bits around the B on the E string in second and third postion. It takes time to re-learn stuff but it's been worth it
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by Geoff Pollitt
Re: Calling all fiddle players
I struggled with a full size fiddle for about 3 years and then took my teacher's suggestion and got a smaller fiddle. You could try a 3/4 or a 7/8 and see how that works for you. Then again, after playing for about 8 years I can now reach the B note on the E string on a full size fiddle a little more easily so maybe my muscles or whatever have stretched. But it's still a bit of a reach. Soooo, I'm sticking with my smaller fiddle.
If possible, try renting a couple of different sizes. That way you won't be out as much money while you're just trying things out.
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by soft black stars
Re: Calling all fiddle players
What are unison stops?
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by Becky
Re: Calling all fiddle players
An unison stop is when, for example, you play the open A and at the same time play the same A with the 4th finger on the D string.
BTW, it's generally not a good idea to move the bridge around, the acoustics of the instrument having been optimised for when the bridge sits between the little notches on the sides of the f-holes. If you move the bridge towards the fingerboard you'll get a poorer tone and resonance, apart from which it will push the strings a little higher from the fingerboard, which may make life a little more difficult for that little finger!
When doing stretching exercises for the hand and fingers never strain or force it; let it come naturally little by little. When it comes to stretches, the width of the left hand is just as important, if not more so, than the lengths of the fingers. Also, before you do the stretching exercises make sure your hands are thoroughly warmed and relaxed.
Trevor
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by lazyhound
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Becky, do NOT go to a smaller sized fiddle. Just practice your way towards playing the high B. You just meet it now and again anyway.
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by fiddlecase
Re: Calling all fiddle players
What kind of advice is that Christine?? Seriously - nobody that I have *ever* met has said, 'oh, isnt playing the fiddle so easy'! Seriously - its hard to hit the high B, I still have problems with it, I'm not going to take the easy road and get me a little itty fiddle! Just keep practicing - yes its hard, but its worth it in the end.
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by shoddy fiddle player
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Well, I suppose if you are really really a small person (child sized) you could get a smaller fiddle, (at what size do they graduate kids up to full size fiddle anyway?) but my teacher is at *least* a few inches shorter than me, and I'm only 5' 2", and her hands are considerably smaller than mine and she can do it. So that leaves me with *no* excuse for not being able to hit that high b. Keep working at it. Maybe devote a solid block of time every day where that's all you work on...
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by Andee
Re: Calling all fiddle players
I guess what I meant before is that the fiddle is a b**ch to play, its awful, hard, gruelling and *totally* worth it. Sometimes it worries me the advice that is given on this site. Please becky - dont get a smaller fiddle - just practice.
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by shoddy fiddle player
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Heh, I find myself agreeing with Bridie (bb) *and* Christine.
Yes, for msot people it takes a ton of dedicated effort to be able to reach those fourth-finger notes, and more effort to do it on pitch and more again to get consistent at it. Becky calls herself a beginner, and so most of us fiddlers here with some experience under our belts are thinking, "What's the big deal? Give it 8 months or a year of concerted effort and you'll be hitting those b's all right, full size fiddle or no."
Sure, it takes time and work to get your fingers to do some of this stuff--it's *not* normal or easy. If it were, *everyone* would be able to play like God, er, Friankie Gavin, I mean
So stick with the hard work and quit looking for short cuts or excuses, eh?
On the flip side, we can't see Becky or her hands, and it's just possible that she does in fact have tiny hands. Maybe she does need a smaller fiddle. That's why smaller fiddles are made--it's not because kids need "toy" fiddles, but they have smaller hands and can't handle the note intervals on a full scale fiddle.
Hmmmm. Maybe Becky could find a good teacher--fiddle or violin--and ask them to troubleshoot this problem for her. Ask them to help you get your fingering and intonation right, and see what they say when they see the size of your hands.
Even with small hands or limited range of motion, it's possible to play a full size fiddle. I've broken my left pinky severa
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by Miss Lonelyhearts
Re: Calling all fiddle players
What, broken it while typing? Heh.
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by Zina Lee
Smaller fiddles also are there so that folks with shorter arms don't have to give themselves back, neck, and shoulder problems on a full size fiddle, btw.
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by Zina Lee
Ooops--wayward finger hit the wrong key
As I was saying...broken my left pinky several times. It clicks and sticks and isn't as straight or strong as it should be. I have average size hands for a guy. And it was hard for me to reach those fourth finger notes. So I worked extra hard at it. It took years of hard work to get the strength and agility up to snuff in that one finger. But it's there now. I've also seen a very good violinist who happens to be a midget. He's made his living as a violinist, playing the whole classical repertoire. His hands are the size of a 10 yearold's, but he plays a full size violin. It looks like a cello hanging there under his chin, but he sounds terrific. He told me the only concession he makes is that he sometimes has to lift one finger off to get another to reach the next note, where someone with bigger hands would leave both fingers down. I do that myself sometimes when my joints aren't working. Someone with "normal" hands might frown on that as inefficient or bad technique, but it's what works for me, and (after some extra practice) you can't hear the difference. I'm just as quick and clean making the jump as when the swelling is down and I can keep my fingers in place.
So Becky--get yourself to a qualified, respected teacher and ask for help. Then *follow* their advice.
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by Miss Lonelyhearts
Re: Calling all fiddle players
LOL, honestly, I barely use that finger when typing--just for the left shift key. My ring finger does double duty. It's a wonder I don't have a zillion typos in every line....
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by Miss Lonelyhearts
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Big second on Trevor's post, the bridge is supposed to be in one place & one place only. Otherwise all the intonation goes out the window & you'll be learning all kinds of wrong technique to compensate for it.
The High B is hard but with practice you'll get it, a teacher i had gave me an exercise to work on it. Play the phrase b a b g b f b e over & over again try it with a G natural then with a G#. Play it until it feels like it'll start hurting then stop, don't over do it or you'll hurt yourself. But practice that lick for three to five minutes a day & you'll be well on your way. An chromatic tuner helps to make sure your in tune.
Good luck
Brad
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by Brad Maloney
Re: Calling all fiddle players
"BTW moving your bridge excessively could
impair the tone of your fiddle, and or damage it"
Ain't true, and I have to add it never was or will
be either! and if it was true then nobody could ever
have fitted steel strings on a fiddle!
Merely correcting a fallen bridge can often shorten
stop 4, but dragging the bridge along an eight or so
is the best thing since the sliced loaf.
Most fiddles vibrate their bridges off so
moving it back into the center of the Darts would
have to be done anyway, moving it a wee bit more is the
easiest and cheapest way to make old strings go
nother round. It also makes a 4/4 feel like a 3/4
size fiddle, that's why I suggested it.
I think yall are leading Becky up the garden path
on this one - I never seen a fiddle damaged by
what we do.
Besides most fiddles today are student quality and
rare are the Amatis etc hanging around the trad
circuit.
Impairing a fiddle would today be letting the
tailgut run out and not fixing it, now that WOULD
f*** you fiddle so bad it would probably never
ever recover - ie firewood!
A Clone.
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by sorefingers
Re: Calling all fiddle players
You'll be noting that Brad said "could". Certainly, though, it's fairly commonly accepted that taking your fiddle bridge too far outside the common parameters is a good way to change up your tuning and possibly tweak the already great amount of stress on a few pieces of wood to wear a bit greater than it normally would. But then, so does using fine tuners, and that hasn't stopped anyone.
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by Zina Lee
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Sorefingers, re "BTW moving your bridge excessively could impair the tone of your fiddle, and or damage it" - I take David A's advice concerning fiddles seriously - he is a fully qualified violin maker and repairer (although he is doing something else at the moment), and knows what he's talking about. He is also an accomplished musician.
Trevor
# Posted on September 20th 2003 by lazyhound
Re: Calling all fiddle players
If you are right handed player, rotate your left elbow more to the right , where you can see it on the right side of the instrument. This rotation will cause the fingers to move more over the fingerboard and closer to the G and D strings. In no way, move the bridge closer to the fingerboard, this will cause the tone to change drematically to the worse. If you move the bridge to excess the belly of the instrument can very possibly collapse.
# Posted on September 21st 2003 by endpin
Sore fingers, Lesson time. The sound post not only transfers the vibration of the strings from the belly to the back of the fiddle, but it also helps to support the downward force that the strings places on the fiddle. The right a foot of the bridge not only is placed in line with the notches of the f holes, but is also set within a specific distance, both side to side and front to back, in relation to the sound post. If you remove the support of the sound post away from the foot of the bridge then you can cause the belly of the fiddle to collapse inward from the downward pressure of the strings. Do you think that explains it. Also the distance or offset between the right foot of the bridge and the sound post affects the quality of sound that the fiddle makes.
# Posted on September 21st 2003 by endpin
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Does anyone have a website for old gospel fiddle sheet music? Good to get FREE stuff, if you know what I say.
# Posted on September 21st 2003 by endpin
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Yoga for fingers!
Seriously, exercise them, stretch them. My violin tutor used to get me doing all kinds of stuff, for both hands.. e.g on the bow hand the 'spider' where you move the fingers up the bow (with gravity on it's side) ands then the other way!
She'd insist on various finger 'drills' on the other. It took about nine years for me to be able to reach high b on the fourth finger with a 90% chance of success. Now, it only gets better.
# Posted on September 21st 2003 by Susie-Lee
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Just practising isn't necessarily the answer - bad habits and all that. You want to make sure that the fiddle isn't resting in the space between thumb and 1st finger, but instead is by the 1st knuckle of you 1st finger - that gives you a bit more stretch. Also, bring your arm around abit towards your body which moves your little finger abit closer to the string. Hope this makes sense.
Dan
# Posted on September 21st 2003 by danhands
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Well Bridie, that was just my experience. I have very short arms, very small hands, and I stand at 4 foot 8inches. Maybe Becky is in the same boat. My teacher measured the length of my arm against the length of the fiddle and said I should be playing a smaller fiddle to avoid physical damage. Of course, just because I got a fiddle that fit my size requirements didn't make it any easier, believe me.
I'll be sure to double check with you before giving advice again, dear...
# Posted on September 21st 2003 by soft black stars
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Christine, there's a professional lady cellist in my area who is very good - she's played major concertos with one of my orchestras on two occasions. She is quite small - 4 foot 8 inches or less - and plays a 3/4 cello (old English I believe), but she gets a magnificent tone out of it and has no problems in making her playing heard above the orchestra, so size should never be an issue for a player. As you so rightly observed, the fiddle is still difficult no matter the size.
Trevor
# Posted on September 21st 2003 by lazyhound
Re: Calling all fiddle players
I would agree that moving the bridge si a bad idea. it might screw up your sound post. i would think your sound would suffer a bit if you bought a smaller fiddle. there mostly maid for beginner shildren so it might be hard to find one that doesn't sound like a rubberband box
When i first started playing fiddle i wasn't very big. your hands will learn after a while. i have the opposite problem as you at this point, i very large hands so i overcompensate. i can hit the high "D" on the "E" string comfortably with no stretch. but i would suggest turning you wrist a little. a little rotation will help.
AJ
# Posted on September 21st 2003 by berserker
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Ouch Chrisitne, didnt mean to cause offense - I did come across as a bit harsh I admit, sorry about that. I'm not tiny but my hands are quite small and I still have problems hitting the high b sometimes, Ive been playing for 8 years and Ive been through it all, RSI and all that jazz. Its okay now but there have been a few posts lately (like making up your own instruments etc) that worry me a tad. I just think that there are a lot of different type of people on this site and thats good for balance, ie - the tune police compared with the gum leaf players - its a good mix.
# Posted on September 21st 2003 by shoddy fiddle player
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Why not try playing 2nd position on the E string to reach the high B. Which means that your third finger will be playing the note instead of the 4th.
It may take a bit of practice to slide up the one step placing your first finger on the G note, 2nd finger on A, 3rd finger on B. Might be worth a try. It is not a big slide and it is not difficult to slide back into first position. I found second fingering position in the notation for Jerusalem Ridge, Fiddle Fake Book. Then I checked back to some of my old music books from the late 1950's, when I was a kid playing classical violin. I found two pages dedicated to 2nd position.
# Posted on September 21st 2003 by shar
Re: Calling all fiddle players
That's ok, Bridie. Things come across funny sometimes. My winkie smily was supposed to let you know I was a little stung but not angry. And I'm neither part of the tune police or a, er, gum leaf player but I try to get along with both...heh.
When my teacher suggested the 3/4 I was *very* reluctant because I was afraid that the sound would be too small and that folks would get on my case about playing a smaller fiddle. On the other hand, maybe I haven't *had* RSI problems because my fiddle fits me. And I also have been playing for about 8 years.
Trevor, thanks for your comments. My fiddle seems plenty loud for sure and I've been told my tone is good and strong. Sometimes in small sessions I feel the need to back off so the quieter players can be heard better.
# Posted on September 21st 2003 by soft black stars
Re: Calling all fiddle players
No worries Christine - I am a bit harsh when it comes to trad - I guess ye all know that already. I'll try and tone down, sorry again
# Posted on September 21st 2003 by shoddy fiddle player
Re: Calling all fiddle players
I have trouble pitching that b note on the E string. I did slightly damage the little finger on my left hand playing basket ball when I was younger, so it's a bit bent. I have a music scoring program (Musictime), so I made up some excercises e-f-g-a-b-f-b-g-b-a-b-e-b- etc to practice hitting the b from different previous notes. I can play along with the PC and here my intonation.
# Posted on September 21st 2003 by Daver
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Well, this has certainly been an interesting discussion. For the one who suggested finding a qualified teacher to ask, I just might fit the bill.I've played for 30 years. I've taught youngsters to play for 21 years and do a good job at it. I added fiddling about 5 years ago and it has exploded. The kids and I are having a ball. But...about the suggestion to get a smaller fiddle. Of course there are things to try like making sure the position is right and practicing, but I can truly say that though I'm average size 5'3", I accidentally discovered the 7/8 size fiddle several years ago and I think i'ts wonderful. I have a small hand and a small pinky. I worked and practiced and though I could hit the 4th fingers, it was quite a strain on me. Once I found the slightly smaller size I realized just how much energy was going into reaching for things. Now I can relax and play much more easily. I am a classical professional player and have found nothing about this smaller instrument that indicates I shouldn't have gone "smaller". I only wish I had found it 20 years sooner. I hope this helps.
Suzy
# Posted on September 22nd 2003 by suzytee
Re: Calling all fiddle players
The "reach" problem can be worse for viola players, which is why those instruments come in all lengths up to 18". I tried out one of those 18" monsters (a Lionel Tertis model with an enormously wide lower bout, made in Aberdeen 60 years ago ) the other day out of curiosity - it was like holding a small cello under my chin. At the other end of the viola scale one of my ITM fiddle friends who is also a professional classical player recently bought a fiddle-sized (14" because she is not a big woman) viola for use in string quartet. It has a lovely deep rich tone out of all proportion to its size.
Trevor
# Posted on September 22nd 2003 by lazyhound
Calling all fiddle players
On a website like this, where people ask for assistance with a problem you're inevitably going to get a wide range of responses and advice, most of which is useful and to the point, based on personal experience and perhaps professional training, and a little which comes from sources who, shall we say, prefer to plough their own furrow.
Common sense and careful reading will usually come up with a satisfactory solution but it should always be kept in mind when dealing with musical instruments that if it ain't broke don't mend it, and if it's working well don't mess around with it.
Trevor
# Posted on September 22nd 2003 by lazyhound
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Come to think of it, a violin maker once measured my fiddle and said it was closer to 7/8ths than 3/4s. But, like Suzytee, I'm much more relaxed because I don't have to strain for those higher notes. And that really makes a difference when I want to play faster.
# Posted on September 22nd 2003 by soft black stars
Re: Calling all fiddle players
Thank you to all your advice, even if all pulling in different directions! I shall keep my 4/4 fiddle and practise stretching exercises and in the meantime I shall rent a 7/8 fiddle to see if it helps!
Cheers!
# Posted on September 22nd 2003 by Becky