Hey guys. I was wondering: to how many of you is the feel of the instrument important?
For example, I play the low-d whistle. I specifically *don't* play the flute because I don't like the way it feels held in my hands. I love the way the low-d whistle is.
The same with fiddle. I only moderately enjoy the feel of it (moreso if I'm playing good), and so maybe it doesn't get as much practice.
The button accordion is the most natural instrument in the world for me!I don't know why. I picked up chording, breathing, etc. while playing with no hitch whatsoever and I just love the feel of it.
Do any of you play instruments that this is not true of? You don't really enjoy the feel in your hands/mouth as you play them?
I forgot to mention that very little beats the feel of an octave mandolin singing with all 8 strings in your hands. but I suppose I should add that my octave mandolin isn't entirely conventional: it has a big enoug hresonation box to really belt out the notes in a solid way with a great tone (unlike the usually nasal tone of most octave mandolins) and is flat-topped.
Due to all sorts of joint and nerve damage, it usually hurts me to pick up my fiddle, so I can't say I enjoy the feel of it. But the feel of bowing is magical and wholly consuming.
Likewise, holding a flute isn't the most natural thing in the world, and after a year I'm still working on relaxing my hands. But I love the feel of the air vibrating under my fingers, like I've got a handful of hummingbirds.
You guys should take up poetry! Or maybe write a new tune, the Handful of Hummingbirds sounds like quick reel to me.
But since you ask, on the rare occasions that I am playing well there is no doubt that it is because my flute or whistle feels just right. However, the same instrument on another day may not. On the other hand my last flute never ever felt good - so part of this feel must be in the head and part in the instrument or hands I guess. I'm just sorry for you that the low whistle feels better than the flute.
I'm sorry for all those people who hate on the low whistle and claim the flute is a better instrument. Different instrument ,different tone, different style. IMO people who play the flute primarily and the low whistle on the side don't fully appreciate the low whistle.
I have played lots of bodhrans in my lifetime. Other people's and my own handmade ones. I used to love the feel and sound of my first Walton's drum, but after making several of my own, hit upon the "ideal" size etc for my playing style. A thicker skin, 16"x 8". Even when I play the more expensive tunable ones, I still come back to my drum. I guess I know where to find all the tones.
Brian - I thoroughly enjoyed playing your Cussen banjo a few months ago at the Prince Albert.
Just this Saturday, in fact, I had a go on someone's short-scale Cussen. As soon as it reached my lap, before I'd even put finger or pick to string, it just felt perfect. Perhaps it had something to do with the short neck, but don't recall ever playing such a well-balanced banjo. With the banjo being such a heavy instrument, having it sit comfortably in your lap without support takes a lot of the effort out of playing.
I like the feel of my fiddle and bow vibrating in my hands as I play, particularly since I don't use a chinrest or shoulder-rest - so I get that much more intimate contact with the instrument.
Trevor
I agree, the bowing is what feels "right " to me. I actually enjoy playing scales very slowly for that reason. It gives me focus, relaxation, and annoys the Hell out fo the neighbors!
I had played the mandolin for many years and was very content with the bell-like tones and the feel (but I have small hands). Then a few months ago I got my mandola, and have been blown away ever since with the resonance and the BIGness of it. After an intial period of awkwardness with its jumbo size, it feels right comfy now. With the added benefit, that when I go back to mandolin, I play like greased lightning!
Or at least it feels that way.
i havent had experience with a whole lot of different bodhrans, but i just love the feeling of how the tipper just becomes an extension of your arm while you play...you barely have to be paying attention, it just flows with the music. any bodhran players will understand what i mean.
sometimes when i go into a practice room to play my flute or after a long day i set it down, just opening the case is like taking weights off my shoulders. but does any instrument feel more right than another? not to me.
although if i pick up my concertina with the left on the right / vice versa, it feels like a corpse. haha, i dont know why. but that was the first imagery that came to mind the first time i did it and it is icky and gross. haha.
I'm with you, sifudave. I originally tried the piano accordion, but it didn't feel right. The button box did, for some reason. In the early days I was told by an Irish acquaintance she felt I was a natural, just from seeing the way I held the instrument. Two years later and still finding it a hard slog to learn new tunes I'm not so sure, but I still really enjoy playing. Mind you, I settled on a natural wood instrument which is medium sized, not one of those geet big red pearlised thingummys - they didn't feel right at all.
I think most of us learn to love our instruments. It's just like a real relationship and won't feel one hundred percent perfect straight away. Otherwise, there wouldn't be any fiddlers.
However, I must say that I agree about the piano accordian. Although, I can play melody on the right hand side, it's a very heavy, clumsy instrument(to me) and I've never really had the notion to play it.
"Confessions of a deprived guitar addict": Goal. Score. Bingo. Amen, even. I don't want to sound like an advertisement. I have no financial interest or connection to Parker Guitars, but since buying one, I crave playing it. My son verbalized my thought when he first played it: It is like playing in a dream. I never want to put it down. That, coupled with the fact that I don't have nearly as much time to play as I would like, leaves me always longing for more. I love both the feel & the sound. Here's why it feels so good to play: 24 accessible, in tune frets on a smooth, thin neck, and the whole ax weighs 4 lbs. It's an electric with both under-the-saddle pickup for an acoustic sound, and magnetic pickups for an electric sound. To me, it represents a significant leap in guitar design. Guitarists: if you get the chance to play one, do yourself a favor and do it! The ease of playing the high notes is really nice in ITM (ok, for any music) because you can play melodies in the higher register where they are usually heard on fiddle, whistle etc.
i agree with john j- it might not be the feel of a particular instrument, but the feel of 'your instrument'.
i had a family violin (from generations back) and although i enjoyed playing it, wasnt too comfortable in sessions. when i got given another violin (50p from oxfam) i had it done up, but it felt muddy the first few times. now, a year and a half later, i love it. the ring it has to it -feels perfect- full yet not too muddy.its smell of pipe and burning peat smoke from the nights of sessions (unfortuanately no pie) make it what it is now.the sentiments and memories attached, make it*just right* to hold.
For those of you who have not read the lyrics to Natalie MacMaster's "In My Hands" track, this thread fits it perfectly (somehow this encompasses how a lot of us feel about our violins):
I see your shape and I'm attracted
I touch your neck and I'm tempted
I feel the spirit that lies within
When I hold you in my hands
This is the heart you've settled upon
And these are the arms you'll be cradled on
Those are the feet that dance to your tune
And this is the soul that will keep you
People have carved you and generations mould you
Time had carried you, tradition beholds you
What time has taken passion has kept
What my heart has felt the music has sent
Through your voice I hear your stories
And in these hands they become my own
And the old times and old memories
Call to life beneath my bow
I see your shape and I'm attracted
I touch your neck and I'm tempted
I feel the spirit that lies within
When I hold you in my hands
After 40 or so years playing guitar I really do think that I don't like the "feel" of it - uncomfortable arms, poor posture, back trouble etc - I'm now a convert to fiddle and mandolin - I adore both instruments and only put down one to pick up the other. The fiddle I tuck under my chin and hold in a most slovenly manner but it works for me - I mostly play it standing up. The mandolin is more a lolling about instrument - perfect for playing in bed! It comes so naturally to the hand - gorgeous! You can't play it in the bath though (harmonica or tin whistle useful there!)
I love the feel of my flute. It's natural and a part of me. It would be hard to live without it. It's the best feeling of all my instruments. The whistles feel pretty natural too. The guitar is kinda neutral,it's okay but not something I couldn't do without. The pipes,well,I love them but they do not feel at all natural yet.I've only been playing them around eight months.
Did I say I hated low whistles? I think not. I play them regularly and love it. I still sorry for sifudave54 that the flute doesn't feel so good though, because it is good, its very very good.
"Hate on" is American slang. it just means "put down" basically. I didn't mean to imply you hated the low-d whistle, just that you don't seem to give it its due.
I feel more educated thanks. With 3 low whistles in my bag (D C and Bb - that's what I call low) I would hate (normal use) to be considered as someone not giving the LW its due.
Feel of an instrument in your hand
Feel of an instrument in your hand
Hey guys. I was wondering: to how many of you is the feel of the instrument important?
For example, I play the low-d whistle. I specifically *don't* play the flute because I don't like the way it feels held in my hands. I love the way the low-d whistle is.
The same with fiddle. I only moderately enjoy the feel of it (moreso if I'm playing good), and so maybe it doesn't get as much practice.
The button accordion is the most natural instrument in the world for me!I don't know why. I picked up chording, breathing, etc. while playing with no hitch whatsoever and I just love the feel of it.
Do any of you play instruments that this is not true of? You don't really enjoy the feel in your hands/mouth as you play them?
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by sifudave54
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
I forgot to mention that very little beats the feel of an octave mandolin singing with all 8 strings in your hands. but I suppose I should add that my octave mandolin isn't entirely conventional: it has a big enoug hresonation box to really belt out the notes in a solid way with a great tone (unlike the usually nasal tone of most octave mandolins) and is flat-topped.
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by sifudave54
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
Due to all sorts of joint and nerve damage, it usually hurts me to pick up my fiddle, so I can't say I enjoy the feel of it. But the feel of bowing is magical and wholly consuming.
Likewise, holding a flute isn't the most natural thing in the world, and after a year I'm still working on relaxing my hands. But I love the feel of the air vibrating under my fingers, like I've got a handful of hummingbirds.
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by Miss Lonelyhearts
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
You guys should take up poetry! Or maybe write a new tune, the Handful of Hummingbirds sounds like quick reel to me.
But since you ask, on the rare occasions that I am playing well there is no doubt that it is because my flute or whistle feels just right. However, the same instrument on another day may not. On the other hand my last flute never ever felt good - so part of this feel must be in the head and part in the instrument or hands I guess. I'm just sorry for you that the low whistle feels better than the flute.
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by bigfish
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
I'm sorry for all those people who hate on the low whistle and claim the flute is a better instrument. Different instrument ,different tone, different style. IMO people who play the flute primarily and the low whistle on the side don't fully appreciate the low whistle.
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by sifudave54
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
You know what instrument is uncomfortable Bagpipes any type. I like the feel of whistle, but the feel to me is not so important.
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by Why Bother?
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
It's important to help relax and enjoy playing, but I wouldn't let the wrong feel get in the way of playing anything.
Generally, my banjo feels just right to me, but on specific tunes the 2nd to 7th fret alternations make it feel unnatural.
The mandolin always felt pinched and awkward to me with it's bunched-up fingering, but it's still well worth playing.
My ovation guitar feels like a glove, but I've been playing it for over twenty years
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by grego
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
I have played lots of bodhrans in my lifetime. Other people's and my own handmade ones. I used to love the feel and sound of my first Walton's drum, but after making several of my own, hit upon the "ideal" size etc for my playing style. A thicker skin, 16"x 8". Even when I play the more expensive tunable ones, I still come back to my drum. I guess I know where to find all the tones.
Jeremy
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by Tassiebodhran
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
Brian - I thoroughly enjoyed playing your Cussen banjo a few months ago at the Prince Albert.
Just this Saturday, in fact, I had a go on someone's short-scale Cussen. As soon as it reached my lap, before I'd even put finger or pick to string, it just felt perfect. Perhaps it had something to do with the short neck, but don't recall ever playing such a well-balanced banjo. With the banjo being such a heavy instrument, having it sit comfortably in your lap without support takes a lot of the effort out of playing.
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by OrganicPeatCreature
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
I like the feel of my fiddle and bow vibrating in my hands as I play, particularly since I don't use a chinrest or shoulder-rest - so I get that much more intimate contact with the instrument.
Trevor
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by lazyhound
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
I agree, the bowing is what feels "right " to me. I actually enjoy playing scales very slowly for that reason. It gives me focus, relaxation, and annoys the Hell out fo the neighbors!
Mary
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by Antikhntr
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
I had played the mandolin for many years and was very content with the bell-like tones and the feel (but I have small hands). Then a few months ago I got my mandola, and have been blown away ever since with the resonance and the BIGness of it. After an intial period of awkwardness with its jumbo size, it feels right comfy now. With the added benefit, that when I go back to mandolin, I play like greased lightning!
Or at least it feels that way.
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by ketida
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
Sadly, "officers" are not noted for their sense of humour when on duty
Trevor
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by lazyhound
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
i havent had experience with a whole lot of different bodhrans, but i just love the feeling of how the tipper just becomes an extension of your arm while you play...you barely have to be paying attention, it just flows with the music. any bodhran players will understand what i mean.
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by Bard
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
sometimes when i go into a practice room to play my flute or after a long day i set it down, just opening the case is like taking weights off my shoulders. but does any instrument feel more right than another? not to me.
although if i pick up my concertina with the left on the right / vice versa, it feels like a corpse. haha, i dont know why. but that was the first imagery that came to mind the first time i did it and it is icky and gross. haha.
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by daiv
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
I'm with you, sifudave. I originally tried the piano accordion, but it didn't feel right. The button box did, for some reason. In the early days I was told by an Irish acquaintance she felt I was a natural, just from seeing the way I held the instrument. Two years later and still finding it a hard slog to learn new tunes I'm not so sure, but I still really enjoy playing. Mind you, I settled on a natural wood instrument which is medium sized, not one of those geet big red pearlised thingummys - they didn't feel right at all.
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by bc_box_player
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
I think most of us learn to love our instruments. It's just like a real relationship and won't feel one hundred percent perfect straight away. Otherwise, there wouldn't be any fiddlers.
However, I must say that I agree about the piano accordian. Although, I can play melody on the right hand side, it's a very heavy, clumsy instrument(to me) and I've never really had the notion to play it.
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by Back for a while
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
What about the smell of your own instrument? The combination of oils, handprints and bits of pie gives each instrument its own smell.
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by showaddydadito
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
"Confessions of a deprived guitar addict": Goal. Score. Bingo. Amen, even. I don't want to sound like an advertisement. I have no financial interest or connection to Parker Guitars, but since buying one, I crave playing it. My son verbalized my thought when he first played it: It is like playing in a dream. I never want to put it down. That, coupled with the fact that I don't have nearly as much time to play as I would like, leaves me always longing for more. I love both the feel & the sound. Here's why it feels so good to play: 24 accessible, in tune frets on a smooth, thin neck, and the whole ax weighs 4 lbs. It's an electric with both under-the-saddle pickup for an acoustic sound, and magnetic pickups for an electric sound. To me, it represents a significant leap in guitar design. Guitarists: if you get the chance to play one, do yourself a favor and do it! The ease of playing the high notes is really nice in ITM (ok, for any music) because you can play melodies in the higher register where they are usually heard on fiddle, whistle etc.
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by ceciltguitar
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
i agree with john j- it might not be the feel of a particular instrument, but the feel of 'your instrument'.
i had a family violin (from generations back) and although i enjoyed playing it, wasnt too comfortable in sessions. when i got given another violin (50p from oxfam) i had it done up, but it felt muddy the first few times. now, a year and a half later, i love it. the ring it has to it -feels perfect- full yet not too muddy.its smell of pipe and burning peat smoke from the nights of sessions (unfortuanately no pie) make it what it is now.the sentiments and memories attached, make it*just right* to hold.
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by aaron b
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
For those of you who have not read the lyrics to Natalie MacMaster's "In My Hands" track, this thread fits it perfectly (somehow this encompasses how a lot of us feel about our violins):
I see your shape and I'm attracted
I touch your neck and I'm tempted
I feel the spirit that lies within
When I hold you in my hands
This is the heart you've settled upon
And these are the arms you'll be cradled on
Those are the feet that dance to your tune
And this is the soul that will keep you
People have carved you and generations mould you
Time had carried you, tradition beholds you
What time has taken passion has kept
What my heart has felt the music has sent
Through your voice I hear your stories
And in these hands they become my own
And the old times and old memories
Call to life beneath my bow
I see your shape and I'm attracted
I touch your neck and I'm tempted
I feel the spirit that lies within
When I hold you in my hands
In my hands
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by c_ya
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
After 40 or so years playing guitar I really do think that I don't like the "feel" of it - uncomfortable arms, poor posture, back trouble etc - I'm now a convert to fiddle and mandolin - I adore both instruments and only put down one to pick up the other. The fiddle I tuck under my chin and hold in a most slovenly manner but it works for me - I mostly play it standing up. The mandolin is more a lolling about instrument - perfect for playing in bed! It comes so naturally to the hand - gorgeous! You can't play it in the bath though (harmonica or tin whistle useful there!)
# Posted on November 23rd 2004 by RichardB
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
I love the feel of my flute. It's natural and a part of me. It would be hard to live without it. It's the best feeling of all my instruments. The whistles feel pretty natural too. The guitar is kinda neutral,it's okay but not something I couldn't do without. The pipes,well,I love them but they do not feel at all natural yet.I've only been playing them around eight months.
# Posted on November 24th 2004 by seisflutes
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
haha, i love natalie's playing, it's lovely....but her songs leave a little something to be desired!
# Posted on November 24th 2004 by Bard
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
Did I say I hated low whistles? I think not. I play them regularly and love it. I still sorry for sifudave54 that the flute doesn't feel so good though, because it is good, its very very good.
# Posted on November 24th 2004 by bigfish
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
"Hate on" is American slang. it just means "put down" basically. I didn't mean to imply you hated the low-d whistle, just that you don't seem to give it its due.
# Posted on November 25th 2004 by sifudave54
Re: Feel of an instrument in your hand
I feel more educated thanks. With 3 low whistles in my bag (D C and Bb - that's what I call low) I would hate (normal use) to be considered as someone not giving the LW its due.
# Posted on November 26th 2004 by bigfish