I'm in the market for a new chin rest and was just interested in hearing different thoughts and opinions. I personally prefer an over the tailpiece rest, but am having a hard time finding one that is big enough for my taste. The one I have right now is an old vintage Stradivari, and is to small. Even my girlfriend says I look uncomfortable playing it. Anybody know of any comfortable rests that they might suggest?
I'm surprised that the OP has attracted such a response from you Navigator.
Are you equally offended that I generally greet people here on a site based primarily on Irish Tradition and Culture with a greeting that invokes the name of God? It is a traditional everyday Irish Salutation by the way.
There are some wonderful minds and spirits that visit this site, and, during the course of my involvement, they have contributed much to our, and certainly my, understanding and interpretation of beautifully rich music.
Do you equally take offence at the member here who uses the moniker अनिच्चा ? That is as much a statement as that used by the OP, and I don't recall seeing any similar outbursts at what after all is another expression of one's personal beliefs.
The OP asked for some advice on chin rests and ought to be respected with answers pertaining to the question.
I refer you to Jeremy's rules for this site. Be civil.
To the OP in answer to your question, if you know a good luthier and explain your needs I'm sure you could have one made to your requirements.
Or as suggested by gam, perhaps you could make one of your own.
The range made by Willy Wolf are very comfortable. If you want wood, the Flesch pattern is large, but puts your chin over the tailpiece - Paganini is a bit smaller. If you want the clamp over the tailpiece but the chin to the left, the Guarneri pattern might be more suitable. Find a good store with a large range.
OK! So you're a Christian. And your provocative handle got me to look us the quotes from your Bible. The gist of which is: Jesus of Nazareth is always the same and your god's plan will be announced with a trumpet.
Why don't you call yourself Hank the Fiddler of wotteffah?
Why bang on about your particular superstition?
And the geezer with the handle in Hindi (or wotteffah), what does it mean?
At least there is no tradition of shoving it down your throat in the non-Abrahamic religions.
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...A bigot is a bigot is a bigot whether theist or atheist. So far it seems the most objectionable posts are those of the non-believer view. Great recommendation for that school of thought, well done! Here we go again with the intolerance and plain offensiveness.
@yhaalhouse - you are obviously unaware of the behaviour of Hindu believers in the Kerela region lately? Go look that one up why don't you...
You want tolerance? - try practicing it.
I've been using a Flesch-type chin rest for a couple of years. Now
I think its profile doesn't quite fit, but I like the height. Do a bit
of google searching; there is a great variety of designs out there
that you can get from online shops.
Leaving religion aside, don't expect too many posts from this particular OP - with a username as long as that, it will be too much of a pain in the backside to logon ...
I'd just like to say that, although I do attend a religious meeting most Sundays, I don't feel the need to beat people about the head with it, and aggravate other people's prejudices, by using a pen-name invoking the holy book of my chosen faith.
However, in the spirit that has gone before, may I quote from the central book of my faith ?:
"Do not allow the strength of your convictions to betray you into making statements or allegations that are unfair or untrue. Think it possible that you may be mistaken."
Think it possible that you may be mistaken.
I also like the ( unproven ) joke about the Dalai Lama ordering a hot-dog; "Make me one with everything.".
Eh?
Brian, the 2 biblical quotes refer to Jesus being here with us at all times whereas अनिच्चा means impermanence. So they are quite the opposite.
Anyway, if you read the OP's Details, s/he claims to be true things which have no scientific factual basis. But then if s/he believes them, that's fair enough, but it must be borne in mind they are only within his/her experience.
@Guernsey Pete,
then the Dalai Lama offers to pay with a very large value note and the hot-dog sellar asks if he has any change.
'Ah, no, change must come from within' was the reply (allegedly)
Maybe he's just an enthusiastic home brewer. Made himself a nice batch of beer on the 13th of August after having a revelation for a new recipe on the 10th of July.
You guys and you're jumping to conclusions... sheesh...
maybe instead of a new chinrest, you could try a shoulder rest?
the shoulder rests can be set to whatever height you need (for however long a neck you have)
I used to use a folded tea towel as a sort of shoulder rest, but I saw a friend with one of these store-bought shoulder rests and I had to give it a try
Consider! Could it be something to do with your posture? I'm thinking if you appear to look uncomfortable whilst playing? Maybe a 'consultation' with a violin teacher or physio type person?
i have accommodated myself to the chin rest and shoulder rest i use, but i think if it were not such a pain, i would like to try out different ones. only it would take more than a few minutes to find the best set up, get used to it, and really check it out, so i don't go looking any more, and get along fine with what i have.
now if there were a nice computer program with hardware and software to let me try all possible combinations for chin and shoulder for as long or short a time as it took to get used to them: that would be ideal. can someone make an app for that?
What do you mean by getting used to them? It should fit without strain, no "getting used to it."
Kind of like shoes... if they hurt when you try them on, they are not going to feel any better later.
Not sure why it's a "pain." Chinrests are very easily taken off, as are shoulder rests. If you can get to a store with several models, just take an afternoon and try them out.
And yes, I agree with JK, check out your posture (OP).
Wouldn't a good violin shop have a variety of chin rests that you could try out? I assume going by your alias that you have a large bushy beard. If possible have you tried shaving and then trying the chin rest? Otherwise the traditional tea towel is a good idea as you can fold it to the required thickness. I bought a violin some years ago at an auction and there in the case was a small velvet cushion which complemented the chin rest on the vioiin
Mr. Hebrew/Revelations, You can change your screen name on this site, which I recommend you do, if you want to discuss musical things here. The one you picked is more than a wee bit distracting, and you will find folks will have trouble focusing on your musical discussions whenever it appears. Not that I have any problems with your enthusiasm for your religion, this just isn't the right place to express it. Just as it probably wouldn't be well received if you brought your fiddle to church, and noodled throughout the sermon!
Welcome aboard!
"@yhaalhouse - you are obviously unaware of the behaviour of Hindu believers in the Kerela region lately? Go look that one up why don't you."
Hindu believers? For a start, the moniker is in Pali, not "Hindi" (or Sanskrit) and even if it was, Hindi is a language, not a religion. Moreover, it would be rather hard to be a "Hindu fundamentalist" (even though the term is often used) when there isn't really a fundamental hindu doctrine (Samkhya, for example, is basically atheist - there are many philosophies under the "Hinduism" umbrella).
Trying to make Yhaalhouse appear ignorant by displaying ignorance doesn't really cut it.
@weejie. The point I was trying to make is that intolerance is not limited to believers and non-believers be they Abrahamic or not and that belief systems are and have often been 'shoved down' throats whether they are traditional or not. Ignorance has nothing to do with it; it seems to be the stock reaction on this board that any mention of 'belief' and particularly that relating to Christianity attracts a disproportionate amount of what can only be described as abuse. Have a 'belief'/don't have a belief, whatever, but could I ask that people be civil and measured in their posts? Nobody forced yhaalhouse to look up the OP references but to then display such disrespect toward the OP? Why? What for? Is this sort of behaviour to become the accepted norm?
Poor bloke only wanted to know about a chin rest...
Nobody can recommend a chin rest for another person. All you can do is go to the shop and ask to try several. It sometimes takes a long time - years, even - to get the proper set up.
I tried every manner of should gadget over the years - hated them all - finally a year or two or so ago, gave it up all together in favor of a small rubber pad - for slippage, only - preferring to have the fiddle in contact with my body - another discussion altogether, of course. My chin rest took a while - years - to narrow down, also. It mounts over the tailpiece - a Guarnerius, I believe - and has a subtle lip that gives extra support. These also come in different heights.
You gotta try a lot of different combinations of chin/shoulder/no-shoulder to get what's right for you.
"that belief systems are and have often been 'shoved down' throats whether they are traditional or not. "
The "behaviour" in Kerala does not involve "shoving belief systems down throats". It has more to do with "Hindu nationalism" by right wing extremists. "Hindu", in this respect, is not tied to one religion (it is much the same as "Hindu" is defined in the Indian Constitution - i.e. the indigenous Indian 'religions)'. It is an intolerance of non-indigenous faiths guided more by political belief rather than religious. There is no quoting of scriptures or proselytizing involved. I think that was the point that Yhaalhouse was making (when he reacted to the comparison with anicca, which is more tied in with Buddhism anyway). Suggesting that he "go look that one up" was what I meant by ignorance. It would not be relevant to his point of " shoving it down your throat " as this is not happening in the example you gave. Incidentally, proselytism (which is what I took Yhaalhouse to be getting at) is mostly confined to two Abrahamic religions these days (not really encouraged in Judaism today - quite the opposite) and one of those faiths has a particularly bad name - hence the reaction. A moniker that denotes a Bhuddist concept is not quite the same as one that directly cites scripture.
I agree that it really has nothing to do with a simple request for advice on chinrests, but the seemingly intolerant reactions are not completely unfounded and if you believe that tolerance comes from understanding then surely you have to also understand the intolerance.
So, murder, forced conversions, public burning of holy books, arson, rape and intimidation wouldn't count as having something shoved down your throat?
Anyway, I accept what you say about my ignorance - perhaps a poor choice of phraseology but my essential point remains. However one might feel about anothers belief is it to become the norm (on this board or anywhere else) to be so disrepectful toward another because of how they choose to designate themselves? Have we become so judgemental?
Certainly, forced conversions and there is plenty of evidence to support it. It has always been and remains a way of achieving dominance. Be that as it may.
Are we going to accept, here, that it is acceptable behaviour to respond intemperately because of how someone chooses to name themselves?
"Certainly, forced conversions and there is plenty of evidence to support it."
I await some evidence - perhaps some anecdotal account by an "impartial" observer. A "forced conversion" to Hinduism would be rather difficult. There were some unsubstantiated claims, I believe, by Evangelists that some Christian converts from Hinduism were being "forced" to REVERT to Hinduism - but all accounts that I have come across have shown complete ignorance as to what Hinduism actually encompasses.
I think people's reactions to the OP's handle emerge from Christianity's rather long and sordid history (still happening to this day of course) of proselytism and forcible conversion. That's not to say the OP is one of those Christians seeking to convert everyone -- many are perfectly tolerant -- but it's just an association people make, hence the defensiveness. If you chose a moniker from a religion without that historical and not-so-historical baggage, like Buddhism or Judaism or whatever, I think you'd get less of a reaction.
Ah! Thank you, I understand you now - was getting a bit worried there for a minute. Good job there's no such thing as an 'Irish fundamentalist' or I would be in deep do do with a username like mine; taking the p*ss or what...
Finally and I'd want to lay this thing aside now, I think there's a time and place for everything including religion - just not on here. Please?
Gentlemen (and SS) please! Let's settle down. The Mustard board should simply adopt Thomas Jefferson's quote as it's credo when it comes to these unwinnable and pointless quibbles over faith -
"But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg. -Thomas Jefferson
Whether ye be an atheist, agnostic or evangelical - I am more than happy to chat about all things related to Irish music. And so should you all.
I'm a tolerant guy. My firmest belief is that until we have conclusive proof, every man's religion is just as valid as my own.
But I have to admit I did find by Hebrews 13:8/Revelation 10:7's moniker slightly offensive. I think I've finally worked out why, and it has absolutely nothing to do with religion. If he'd called himself 'God lover' or 'the 13th disciple' or whatever, I wouldn't have batted an eyelid.
What rankles is that his moniker is telling us to go and look something up. It's like a spammer using a web address as a moniker, and objectionable for exactly the same reasons. Nothing to do with which religion he is trying to promote.
your religion is your own. keep it there. you are totally entitled to. Whilst you may think that it is fine to tag yourself with a christian moniker you are proselytizing and are therefore not keeping your religion to yourself. you deserve the criticism you are getting.
"A sense of mortality should make us smarter. Life is short, so you do your work. You spend more time attending to music and art and literature, less time arguing politics. You plant trees. You cook spaghetti sauce. You talk to children. You don’t let your life be eaten by salesmen and evangelists and the circuses of the media." Garrison Keillor
tradshark was on the money. I brew myself and due to entomological misunderstandings between "he brews" and "Hebrew", every time I attend a dinner party, my plate is served with a side of kosher salt, and is utterly free of any pork or shellfish.
Unfortunately, insects are also often absent from my plate. Fortunately, i belong to a homebrewing club, where I can eat my locusts and drink my imperial stouts with like-minded gentiles.
And yes, Drosophia are very attracted to my airlocks, especially when I am brewing ciders.
Grasshopper beer is difficult, but grasshopper wine is excellent! Great legs in the glass, but you must give it a few years in the cellar to age. Drink it too early and its far too green.
Here's a thought. If you're playing Irish/English folk fiddle you never need to get out of the first position, so try the cheapest option, which is - don't use a chin rest.
A tip if you want to try this: your chin is placed to the right of the tailpiece, which means that the tailpiece rests comfortable against the left side of your chin and it is very difficult for the violin to slide down to your right. You don't need to press your chin down on the violin either, unless you're shifting around in the positions and even then it's only a light touch to stabilize the violin during downward shifts. The Baroque violinists devised all sorts of little procedures to make shifting easy.
Nobody used a chin rest until about 1820 when it was invented by the violinist Louis Spohr (he's got a lot to answer for), and players managed perfectly well for the preceding hundreds of years.
It's useful to be able to play without a chin rest in the event the darn thing packs up, as happened to me once at a summer school, and one of the instructors showed me how to play without one.
Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
I'm in the market for a new chin rest and was just interested in hearing different thoughts and opinions. I personally prefer an over the tailpiece rest, but am having a hard time finding one that is big enough for my taste. The one I have right now is an old vintage Stradivari, and is to small. Even my girlfriend says I look uncomfortable playing it. Anybody know of any comfortable rests that they might suggest?
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by -----
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Oh no, a fundamentalist fiddler. This place just gets worse.
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by 'S dat you, O'Flibberty?
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Make your own.
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by gam
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Eh? The fellows just asking a perfectly reasonable question about chinrests - it's important to be comfortable when playing, so why the flak?
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by On Sabbatical
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Dia dhaoibh! G'day all!
I'm surprised that the OP has attracted such a response from you Navigator.
Are you equally offended that I generally greet people here on a site based primarily on Irish Tradition and Culture with a greeting that invokes the name of God? It is a traditional everyday Irish Salutation by the way.
There are some wonderful minds and spirits that visit this site, and, during the course of my involvement, they have contributed much to our, and certainly my, understanding and interpretation of beautifully rich music.
Do you equally take offence at the member here who uses the moniker अनिच्चा ? That is as much a statement as that used by the OP, and I don't recall seeing any similar outbursts at what after all is another expression of one's personal beliefs.
The OP asked for some advice on chin rests and ought to be respected with answers pertaining to the question.
I refer you to Jeremy's rules for this site. Be civil.
To the OP in answer to your question, if you know a good luthier and explain your needs I'm sure you could have one made to your requirements.
Or as suggested by gam, perhaps you could make one of your own.
All the best
Brian x
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by briantheflute
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
The range made by Willy Wolf are very comfortable. If you want wood, the Flesch pattern is large, but puts your chin over the tailpiece - Paganini is a bit smaller. If you want the clamp over the tailpiece but the chin to the left, the Guarneri pattern might be more suitable. Find a good store with a large range.
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by Weejie
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
OK! So you're a Christian. And your provocative handle got me to look us the quotes from your Bible. The gist of which is: Jesus of Nazareth is always the same and your god's plan will be announced with a trumpet.
Why don't you call yourself Hank the Fiddler of wotteffah?
Why bang on about your particular superstition?
And the geezer with the handle in Hindi (or wotteffah), what does it mean?
At least there is no tradition of shoving it down your throat in the non-Abrahamic religions.
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by yhaalhouse
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Just fold up a teatowell, that's all my folks used for a chinrest.
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by mcknowall
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...A bigot is a bigot is a bigot whether theist or atheist. So far it seems the most objectionable posts are those of the non-believer view. Great recommendation for that school of thought, well done! Here we go again with the intolerance and plain offensiveness.
@yhaalhouse - you are obviously unaware of the behaviour of Hindu believers in the Kerela region lately? Go look that one up why don't you...
You want tolerance? - try practicing it.
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by john knoss
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Thumbs up to Weejie
The Wittner ones look decent too. Don't know from personal experience, I just use a plain ebony one.
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by tradshark
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
I've been using a Flesch-type chin rest for a couple of years. Now
I think its profile doesn't quite fit, but I like the height. Do a bit
of google searching; there is a great variety of designs out there
that you can get from online shops.
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by Hup
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
If only people would consider religion to be a nice hobby - instead
of an excuse to slaughter people.
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by Hup
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Leaving religion aside, don't expect too many posts from this particular OP - with a username as long as that, it will be too much of a pain in the backside to logon ...
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by Mix O'Lydian
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
I'd just like to say that, although I do attend a religious meeting most Sundays, I don't feel the need to beat people about the head with it, and aggravate other people's prejudices, by using a pen-name invoking the holy book of my chosen faith.
However, in the spirit that has gone before, may I quote from the central book of my faith ?:
"Do not allow the strength of your convictions to betray you into making statements or allegations that are unfair or untrue. Think it possible that you may be mistaken."
Think it possible that you may be mistaken.
I also like the ( unproven ) joke about the Dalai Lama ordering a hot-dog; "Make me one with everything.".
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Eh?
Brian, the 2 biblical quotes refer to Jesus being here with us at all times whereas अनिच्चा means impermanence. So they are quite the opposite.
Anyway, if you read the OP's Details, s/he claims to be true things which have no scientific factual basis. But then if s/he believes them, that's fair enough, but it must be borne in mind they are only within his/her experience.
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by Rudall the time
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
@Guernsey Pete,
then the Dalai Lama offers to pay with a very large value note and the hot-dog sellar asks if he has any change.
'Ah, no, change must come from within' was the reply (allegedly)
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by john knoss
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Kinda reminds me of this chap, famous for planting his banner in camera view for most big GAA matches in Ireland. http://www.hoganstand.com/common/ads/down/john37/john37.htm
I suppose it's a free world (of sorts, for some) but Lord save us from fundamentalists of all kinds
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by the wounded hussar
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Maybe he's just an enthusiastic home brewer. Made himself a nice batch of beer on the 13th of August after having a revelation for a new recipe on the 10th of July.
You guys and you're jumping to conclusions... sheesh...
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by tradshark
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
ROFL! Tradshark for the win!
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
He brews...Doh! of course, why didn't I see that?
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by john knoss
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
maybe instead of a new chinrest, you could try a shoulder rest?
the shoulder rests can be set to whatever height you need (for however long a neck you have)
I used to use a folded tea towel as a sort of shoulder rest, but I saw a friend with one of these store-bought shoulder rests and I had to give it a try
makes it a lot easier on my neck, too
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by Nate Ryan
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
A shoulder rest is a good thing to have, but I wouldn't use it *instead* of a chinrest. Having both is a good thing.
A chinrest also serves to protect the fiddle from wear due to contact from your chin, sweat, oils etc.
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by tradshark
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
"maybe instead of a new chinrest, you could try a shoulder rest?"
I read that as keeping the same chinrest, and trying a shoulder rest as well.
(not using JUST a shoulder rest)
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by Wyogal
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
ah, yeah, that makes more sense. I'd say I got the wrong end of the stick.
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by tradshark
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Consider! Could it be something to do with your posture? I'm thinking if you appear to look uncomfortable whilst playing? Maybe a 'consultation' with a violin teacher or physio type person?
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by john knoss
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
i have accommodated myself to the chin rest and shoulder rest i use, but i think if it were not such a pain, i would like to try out different ones. only it would take more than a few minutes to find the best set up, get used to it, and really check it out, so i don't go looking any more, and get along fine with what i have.
now if there were a nice computer program with hardware and software to let me try all possible combinations for chin and shoulder for as long or short a time as it took to get used to them: that would be ideal. can someone make an app for that?
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by full measure
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
What do you mean by getting used to them? It should fit without strain, no "getting used to it."
Kind of like shoes... if they hurt when you try them on, they are not going to feel any better later.
Not sure why it's a "pain." Chinrests are very easily taken off, as are shoulder rests. If you can get to a store with several models, just take an afternoon and try them out.
And yes, I agree with JK, check out your posture (OP).
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by Wyogal
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Thanks for some of your thoughts. I will look into the shoulder rest option.
Sorry if my username offended anyone. It was far from my intention to stir up controversy
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by -----
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Wouldn't a good violin shop have a variety of chin rests that you could try out? I assume going by your alias that you have a large bushy beard. If possible have you tried shaving and then trying the chin rest? Otherwise the traditional tea towel is a good idea as you can fold it to the required thickness. I bought a violin some years ago at an auction and there in the case was a small velvet cushion which complemented the chin rest on the vioiin
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by Steamwilkes
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Have you considered a chin implant.
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by Joseph Tailyour
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Mr. Hebrew/Revelations, You can change your screen name on this site, which I recommend you do, if you want to discuss musical things here. The one you picked is more than a wee bit distracting, and you will find folks will have trouble focusing on your musical discussions whenever it appears. Not that I have any problems with your enthusiasm for your religion, this just isn't the right place to express it. Just as it probably wouldn't be well received if you brought your fiddle to church, and noodled throughout the sermon!
Welcome aboard!
# Posted on September 15th 2011 by AlBrown
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
It was worth it for the homebrewing joke.
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
That was indeed a high point of the discussion!
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by AlBrown
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
"@yhaalhouse - you are obviously unaware of the behaviour of Hindu believers in the Kerela region lately? Go look that one up why don't you."
Hindu believers? For a start, the moniker is in Pali, not "Hindi" (or Sanskrit) and even if it was, Hindi is a language, not a religion. Moreover, it would be rather hard to be a "Hindu fundamentalist" (even though the term is often used) when there isn't really a fundamental hindu doctrine (Samkhya, for example, is basically atheist - there are many philosophies under the "Hinduism" umbrella).
Trying to make Yhaalhouse appear ignorant by displaying ignorance doesn't really cut it.
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by Weejie
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
@weejie. The point I was trying to make is that intolerance is not limited to believers and non-believers be they Abrahamic or not and that belief systems are and have often been 'shoved down' throats whether they are traditional or not. Ignorance has nothing to do with it; it seems to be the stock reaction on this board that any mention of 'belief' and particularly that relating to Christianity attracts a disproportionate amount of what can only be described as abuse. Have a 'belief'/don't have a belief, whatever, but could I ask that people be civil and measured in their posts? Nobody forced yhaalhouse to look up the OP references but to then display such disrespect toward the OP? Why? What for? Is this sort of behaviour to become the accepted norm?
Poor bloke only wanted to know about a chin rest...
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by john knoss
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Nobody can recommend a chin rest for another person. All you can do is go to the shop and ask to try several. It sometimes takes a long time - years, even - to get the proper set up.
I tried every manner of should gadget over the years - hated them all - finally a year or two or so ago, gave it up all together in favor of a small rubber pad - for slippage, only - preferring to have the fiddle in contact with my body - another discussion altogether, of course. My chin rest took a while - years - to narrow down, also. It mounts over the tailpiece - a Guarnerius, I believe - and has a subtle lip that gives extra support. These also come in different heights.
You gotta try a lot of different combinations of chin/shoulder/no-shoulder to get what's right for you.
Same with religion.
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by sara505sings
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
shoulder gadget
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by sara505sings
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
"that belief systems are and have often been 'shoved down' throats whether they are traditional or not. "
The "behaviour" in Kerala does not involve "shoving belief systems down throats". It has more to do with "Hindu nationalism" by right wing extremists. "Hindu", in this respect, is not tied to one religion (it is much the same as "Hindu" is defined in the Indian Constitution - i.e. the indigenous Indian 'religions)'. It is an intolerance of non-indigenous faiths guided more by political belief rather than religious. There is no quoting of scriptures or proselytizing involved. I think that was the point that Yhaalhouse was making (when he reacted to the comparison with anicca, which is more tied in with Buddhism anyway). Suggesting that he "go look that one up" was what I meant by ignorance. It would not be relevant to his point of " shoving it down your throat " as this is not happening in the example you gave. Incidentally, proselytism (which is what I took Yhaalhouse to be getting at) is mostly confined to two Abrahamic religions these days (not really encouraged in Judaism today - quite the opposite) and one of those faiths has a particularly bad name - hence the reaction. A moniker that denotes a Bhuddist concept is not quite the same as one that directly cites scripture.
I agree that it really has nothing to do with a simple request for advice on chinrests, but the seemingly intolerant reactions are not completely unfounded and if you believe that tolerance comes from understanding then surely you have to also understand the intolerance.
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by Weejie
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
So, murder, forced conversions, public burning of holy books, arson, rape and intimidation wouldn't count as having something shoved down your throat?
Anyway, I accept what you say about my ignorance - perhaps a poor choice of phraseology but my essential point remains. However one might feel about anothers belief is it to become the norm (on this board or anywhere else) to be so disrepectful toward another because of how they choose to designate themselves? Have we become so judgemental?
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by john knoss
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Forced conversions?
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by Weejie
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
The rest is not "shoving religion down your throat' but intolerance - and, as I said, based more on political motives than religious fundamentalism.
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by Weejie
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Certainly, forced conversions and there is plenty of evidence to support it. It has always been and remains a way of achieving dominance. Be that as it may.
Are we going to accept, here, that it is acceptable behaviour to respond intemperately because of how someone chooses to name themselves?
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by john knoss
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
"Certainly, forced conversions and there is plenty of evidence to support it."
I await some evidence - perhaps some anecdotal account by an "impartial" observer. A "forced conversion" to Hinduism would be rather difficult. There were some unsubstantiated claims, I believe, by Evangelists that some Christian converts from Hinduism were being "forced" to REVERT to Hinduism - but all accounts that I have come across have shown complete ignorance as to what Hinduism actually encompasses.
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by Weejie
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
......Be that as it may.
Are we going to accept, here, that it is acceptable behaviour to respond intemperately because of how someone chooses to name themselves?.....
Mmmm?
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by john knoss
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
"Are we going to accept, here, that it is acceptable behaviour to respond intemperately because of how someone chooses to name themselves?....."
I would not accept it, but I can understand the opposition to the particular moniker in question - understand does not mean agree.
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by Weejie
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
I think people's reactions to the OP's handle emerge from Christianity's rather long and sordid history (still happening to this day of course) of proselytism and forcible conversion. That's not to say the OP is one of those Christians seeking to convert everyone -- many are perfectly tolerant -- but it's just an association people make, hence the defensiveness. If you chose a moniker from a religion without that historical and not-so-historical baggage, like Buddhism or Judaism or whatever, I think you'd get less of a reaction.
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Ah! Thank you, I understand you now - was getting a bit worried there for a minute. Good job there's no such thing as an 'Irish fundamentalist' or I would be in deep do do with a username like mine; taking the p*ss or what...
Finally and I'd want to lay this thing aside now, I think there's a time and place for everything including religion - just not on here. Please?
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by john knoss
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Gentlemen (and SS) please! Let's settle down. The Mustard board should simply adopt Thomas Jefferson's quote as it's credo when it comes to these unwinnable and pointless quibbles over faith -
"But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg. -Thomas Jefferson
Whether ye be an atheist, agnostic or evangelical - I am more than happy to chat about all things related to Irish music. And so should you all.
# Posted on September 16th 2011 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
I'm a tolerant guy. My firmest belief is that until we have conclusive proof, every man's religion is just as valid as my own.
But I have to admit I did find by Hebrews 13:8/Revelation 10:7's moniker slightly offensive. I think I've finally worked out why, and it has absolutely nothing to do with religion. If he'd called himself 'God lover' or 'the 13th disciple' or whatever, I wouldn't have batted an eyelid.
What rankles is that his moniker is telling us to go and look something up. It's like a spammer using a web address as a moniker, and objectionable for exactly the same reasons. Nothing to do with which religion he is trying to promote.
# Posted on September 17th 2011 by skreech
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
something about eating a book and getting a bellyache.no bloody wonder eating books
can anyone provide a bit of enlightenment?
# Posted on September 17th 2011 by mcknowall
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
your religion is your own. keep it there. you are totally entitled to. Whilst you may think that it is fine to tag yourself with a christian moniker you are proselytizing and are therefore not keeping your religion to yourself. you deserve the criticism you are getting.
# Posted on September 17th 2011 by mcg
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
i'm with mcg and others on this one. Do you try this stuff in your local session ?
Thought not .
# Posted on September 17th 2011 by bazouki dave
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
"A sense of mortality should make us smarter. Life is short, so you do your work. You spend more time attending to music and art and literature, less time arguing politics. You plant trees. You cook spaghetti sauce. You talk to children. You don’t let your life be eaten by salesmen and evangelists and the circuses of the media." Garrison Keillor
# Posted on September 17th 2011 by Will Harmon
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
tradshark was on the money. I brew myself and due to entomological misunderstandings between "he brews" and "Hebrew", every time I attend a dinner party, my plate is served with a side of kosher salt, and is utterly free of any pork or shellfish.
# Posted on September 19th 2011 by Johnny Chicago
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Where do the insects come in, Johnny? Are insects particularly prone to Hebrew misunderstandings?
# Posted on September 19th 2011 by ethical blend
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
He's probably had drosophila melanogaster hovering round his home brew barm. They are said to be attracted nto barm pots.
# Posted on September 19th 2011 by Weejie
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Unfortunately, insects are also often absent from my plate. Fortunately, i belong to a homebrewing club, where I can eat my locusts and drink my imperial stouts with like-minded gentiles.
And yes, Drosophia are very attracted to my airlocks, especially when I am brewing ciders.
# Posted on September 20th 2011 by Johnny Chicago
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Could you make grasshopper beer? What would they taste like fermented?
# Posted on September 20th 2011 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
That's not cricket.
# Posted on September 20th 2011 by Weejie
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Grasshopper beer is difficult, but grasshopper wine is excellent! Great legs in the glass, but you must give it a few years in the cellar to age. Drink it too early and its far too green.
# Posted on September 20th 2011 by Johnny Chicago
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Here's a thought. If you're playing Irish/English folk fiddle you never need to get out of the first position, so try the cheapest option, which is - don't use a chin rest.
A tip if you want to try this: your chin is placed to the right of the tailpiece, which means that the tailpiece rests comfortable against the left side of your chin and it is very difficult for the violin to slide down to your right. You don't need to press your chin down on the violin either, unless you're shifting around in the positions and even then it's only a light touch to stabilize the violin during downward shifts. The Baroque violinists devised all sorts of little procedures to make shifting easy.
Nobody used a chin rest until about 1820 when it was invented by the violinist Louis Spohr (he's got a lot to answer for), and players managed perfectly well for the preceding hundreds of years.
It's useful to be able to play without a chin rest in the event the darn thing packs up, as happened to me once at a summer school, and one of the instructors showed me how to play without one.
# Posted on September 20th 2011 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
I forget to mention that what I said in my previous post assumes that the player doesn't use a shoulder rest (which I don't).
# Posted on September 20th 2011 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Chinrest: Thoughts and opinions
Grasshopper beer grasshopper wine - -
you've got my antennae up.
I'll just hop over there and have a swig.
# Posted on September 26th 2011 by dogmageek