Hi all!
I'm planning to ride my bicycle around Europe for about two months this summer, and I'm hoping to take my fiddle with me (as hopefully some of the trip will be in Ireland). Has anyone every biked with a fiddle or similarly sized instrument before? I'm having a heck of a time figuring out how to carry it- don't really want it on my back all day, but I don't think it will fit on my back rack along with my camping stuff.
Bike or mo/bike ?
Thank heaven for fibreglass cases, at least, if you're pedalling.
A fiddler in an early band of mine strapped his fiddle to the rear bracket of his motorbike, and arrived home from one gig to find it missing. Keep it on your back, and you know it's there ( hopefully ).
Put it in a light backpac and wear it low, I suggest. But don't fall off.
Beware overhanging branches! I used to carry my fiddle in its case in a snuggly fitting backpack. Secured it so it didn't wobble about. After a while it became part of me, good for keeping a straight back, but you do have to watch out for those obstacles that might collect it from above. It did protrude a little above my head. Just had to duck a little more.
Sounds like a fun thing to do fiddletreegypsy. Have fun.
I never did figure this one out. If I carry it on my back, it's a safely issue because it gets in my way when I look back at traffic (a mirror helps, but old habits die hard). I can handle it on my 3.5 mile commute, but an all-day tour thing...?
I have done a lot of cycle touring in many different countries and have always taken my fiddle with me. I fully agree that it's far from desirable to carry the fiddle strapped across your back. I did this for six blistering weeks in India once and ended up with sore shoulders and a peculiarly shaped white patch on my back. To avoid these problems on future trips I bought a sizeable pair of Karrimor back paniers in which the fiddle would fit large end first. There is then enough room to stuff various other small items down the sides and pull the drawstring tight securing everything. It leans outwards slightly so I always put it in the kerb side panier. I put a small down sleeping bag (if needed) in the other panier with clothes etc. (one change only!) and then my tent bungied across the back rack and the tops of the two paniers. This set up gives me no problems whatsoever. Good luck!
Someone said this before in a discussion about taking a fiddle case into an aircraft cabin: the size of a fiddle case is determined not by the fiddle but by the bow length. So I'd consider a short bow (7/8 or smaller), and look for a smaller and lighter case to fit.
A short bow should be ideal for Irish fiddle playing anyway, because most of the bowing is close to the centre of the bow, and bows were shorter in the baroque period (from which a lot of Irish traditional music originates). Today's long bow was designed in the early 19c to cope with the virtuoso demands of the symphonic and concerto music of the romantic period.
Apart from the fiddle and bow all you really need to carry in the case is a spare set of strings, rosin, a tuning fork, a cleaning cloth, and a pair of tweezers to help you tease a replacement A-string through that next-to-inaccessible hole in the A-peg.
I once biked with a double bass on my back, back in my college days....really. The VW was in the shop; the gig at the Hatch Shell in Boston; no one to give me a ride; too far for bus or subway...fashioned a strap, slung it over my back, hopped on the ol' Raleigh and off I went. I'd give anything for a photo...can't believe I did it, and could never do it again.
thanks for all the suggestions! Just to clarify, I am talking about a bicycle, not a motorcycle. I've ridden to sessions a number of times with my fiddle on my back but I wouldn't want to ride 50 miles like that....
Doodle- did putting the fiddle the the panier throw off the balance of the bike?
It's ocurred to me before that a front rack would solve my problem, but I've heard that front racks are difficult to ride with (with regards to steering and the balance of the bike). I've only ever had a back rack, so maybe it would be ok, but I'm still hesitant.
I might try it with the short bow! However, if I got a smaller case that fit the small bow, would my fiddle fit into it? Also, does anyone have any recommendations for a lightweight, protective fiddle case that is not-too-expensive? Actually, while I'm at it, does anyone know of where/how to get an inexpensive fiddle that sounds decent enough? I'm not too keen on bringing my good (and only) fiddle with me for obvious reasons.
No, as long as you make sure the two paniers are more or less balanced weightwise, which you should do anyway. I've never bothered with front paniers as I take as little as possible with me, so I've never had need of them. Also, it's no problem carrying a case with a full size bow, just to tell you it can be done. And I carry a couple of bin bags to wrap round the fiddle case when ever it rains.
I can't be much help because I play a flute, which obviously doesn't present the problems you face. I would like to say a couple of things though since I've done a bit of cycling in my day. First, you will be accepted most readily on a bike; particularly in Europe and especially in Ireland. In the US, you'd often be scoffed, sad to say. Secondly, paniers on the front wheel are good, provided you don't use large ones and over-load them. On a bike, 60-70% of the weight is already on the rear wheel due to your body position on the frame, so putting your gear weight on the front wheel tends to balance the bike and you as a unit. However, you need to become a minimalist with your gear, because if you carry too much on the front wheels, you WILL create balance problems. If you're planning to stay in hostels (which I highly recommend) you won't need much anyway; they usually have kitchens, and a lightweight sleep bag does fine. I spent a summer cycling in the west of Ireland between Shannon and Donegal, and of the 70-odd days, I sat in on over 50 sessions. Looks like you've gotten good advice from others regarding the fiddle, and I hope you aren't daunted by the challenge. You'll not regret such a trip.
that's why I want to get an inexpensive fiddle so I don't distroy my usual one!
thanks again for all the help, I really appreciate it, both regards to carrying the fiddle and biking in general. I'm new (but quickly addicted) to biking, and this will be my first long bike trip (assuming it happens, I'm not keen on going alone and potential travel buddies are being noncommittal).
I don't want to depend on hostels in case I can't find one every night, so I'm debating between bringing a tarp or a tent. Anyone have any experience with using a tarp? I'd be afraid in places like Ireland that I wouldn't be able to find a tree to tie it up on, even though a tarp is more conveniently light weight.
Also, how can I find out about various sessions in other parts of Europe? I'm hoping to ride my bike from Sweden (where I"ll be for two months swing dancing) down to France, and somehow cross over to Ireland (maybe through England?). I'm not sure how feasible that is, but I think I'd like to try, at any rate.
You'd have to have a silly amount of weight on the front before it causes problems with balance or steering. Bear in mind that the sort of cycling you're talking of here what might be called touring - not dirt racing. Unless you are a complete idiot at the loading stage, you'll actually find that a sensible use of front panniers makes the front end steadier for a long days ride.
I used to have my clothing/personal stuff and quick access waterproofs in front panniers, tent and sleeping bag in back.
The really funny thing is if you ride a thousand miles loaded, and then take the front panniers off - that feels really strange.
Don't forget that with a bicycle with a seated rider but no luggage about 2/3 of the overall weight is taken by the back wheel - which goes someway to explaining why there are more rear tyre punctures than in the front. Front loading would tend to spread some of the load.
I spent 5 months walking with my fiddle strapped and tied to the back of my rucksack. But walking is different from cycling. I haven't yet ridden a bike with a fiddle, but I've done lots of long distance cycling with my mandolin. I just strapped the hard case flat onto the baggage carrier, with the neck section protruding out the back. I'm not sure how adviseable that is with a fiddle, since it has to put up with a lot of shock and vibration - it would probably throw your bridge and soundpost out of alignment.
...I'm very good at finding problems, but don't ask me for solutions.
ah, I hadn't thought about the shock on the fiddle! I can see how that could be a problem- thanks! Someone who may go with me would be bringing a mandolin, though, so that's helpful.
I rode peddle bike 116km in one day with fiddle in case scroll up in backpack. Secured unmoving and properly, with backpack well padded and comfortable, there is no reason carrying it that way should be any more a prob than hiking with it (probably less). Could then leave paniers or back carrier for less shock/vibration sensitive possessions. Can't see the prob - natural place to carry it - hands, head, feet, free - it isn't as if it's heavy or anything.
I hope you get to make the trip.
Cheers
The total tension of the strings on a tuned-up fiddle is about 50lb (~22.5kg). This tension exerts a significant downward force on the bridge (exactly how much depends on the height of the bridge) which is more than enough to hold bridge and soundpost in place indefinitely. For the bridge and soundpost to fall down due to vibration and shocks all the pegs would have to slacken off completely - seems an unlikely scenario for cycle touring, unless you've got air temperatures cold enough to shrink the pegs. The soundpost would also have to be loose enough to require replacement anyway. The possibility of disaster, however remote, can be further reduced by making sure that a couple of pegs are well firm in their holes; I suggest the E and A.
biking with a fiddle?
biking with a fiddle?
Hi all!
I'm planning to ride my bicycle around Europe for about two months this summer, and I'm hoping to take my fiddle with me (as hopefully some of the trip will be in Ireland). Has anyone every biked with a fiddle or similarly sized instrument before? I'm having a heck of a time figuring out how to carry it- don't really want it on my back all day, but I don't think it will fit on my back rack along with my camping stuff.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
# Posted on March 15th 2006 by fiddletreegypsy
Re: biking with a fiddle?
I ride a motorcycle and I haven't come up with a better plan than sticking it on my back. I'll be watching this thread w/ interest. Good luck.
# Posted on March 15th 2006 by Farr
Re: biking with a fiddle?
Bike or mo/bike ?
Thank heaven for fibreglass cases, at least, if you're pedalling.
A fiddler in an early band of mine strapped his fiddle to the rear bracket of his motorbike, and arrived home from one gig to find it missing. Keep it on your back, and you know it's there ( hopefully ).
Put it in a light backpac and wear it low, I suggest. But don't fall off.
# Posted on March 15th 2006 by Guernsey Pete
Re: biking with a fiddle?
why not...can be funny
the idea by Guernsey pete is good, i think...
Good good luck...
buona fortuna
# Posted on March 15th 2006 by luna
Re: biking with a fiddle?
Beware overhanging branches! I used to carry my fiddle in its case in a snuggly fitting backpack. Secured it so it didn't wobble about. After a while it became part of me, good for keeping a straight back, but you do have to watch out for those obstacles that might collect it from above. It did protrude a little above my head. Just had to duck a little more.
Sounds like a fun thing to do fiddletreegypsy. Have fun.
# Posted on March 15th 2006 by Clear Drops
Re: biking with a fiddle?
Fiddling with a bike?
# Posted on March 16th 2006 by Cath
Re: biking with a fiddle?
See previous:
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/3922
I never did figure this one out. If I carry it on my back, it's a safely issue because it gets in my way when I look back at traffic (a mirror helps, but old habits die hard). I can handle it on my 3.5 mile commute, but an all-day tour thing...?
# Posted on March 16th 2006 by Batlady
Re: biking with a fiddle?
I have done a lot of cycle touring in many different countries and have always taken my fiddle with me. I fully agree that it's far from desirable to carry the fiddle strapped across your back. I did this for six blistering weeks in India once and ended up with sore shoulders and a peculiarly shaped white patch on my back. To avoid these problems on future trips I bought a sizeable pair of Karrimor back paniers in which the fiddle would fit large end first. There is then enough room to stuff various other small items down the sides and pull the drawstring tight securing everything. It leans outwards slightly so I always put it in the kerb side panier. I put a small down sleeping bag (if needed) in the other panier with clothes etc. (one change only!) and then my tent bungied across the back rack and the tops of the two paniers. This set up gives me no problems whatsoever. Good luck!
# Posted on March 16th 2006 by Doodle
Re: biking with a fiddle?
http://www.backaxe.com/gtr.html
# Posted on March 16th 2006 by Ani Trec-Noc
Re: biking with a fiddle?
Someone said this before in a discussion about taking a fiddle case into an aircraft cabin: the size of a fiddle case is determined not by the fiddle but by the bow length. So I'd consider a short bow (7/8 or smaller), and look for a smaller and lighter case to fit.
A short bow should be ideal for Irish fiddle playing anyway, because most of the bowing is close to the centre of the bow, and bows were shorter in the baroque period (from which a lot of Irish traditional music originates). Today's long bow was designed in the early 19c to cope with the virtuoso demands of the symphonic and concerto music of the romantic period.
Apart from the fiddle and bow all you really need to carry in the case is a spare set of strings, rosin, a tuning fork, a cleaning cloth, and a pair of tweezers to help you tease a replacement A-string through that next-to-inaccessible hole in the A-peg.
# Posted on March 16th 2006 by lazyhound
Re: biking with a fiddle?
"the baroque period (from which a lot of Irish traditional music originates)" ... oh really?
# Posted on March 16th 2006 by Farr
Re: biking with a fiddle?
Broadly speaking, the main historical music periods are
Renaissance 1500-1600
Baroque period 1600-1750
Classical period 1750-1830
Romantic period 1830-1900
Modern 1900-
# Posted on March 16th 2006 by lazyhound
Re: biking with a fiddle?
I once biked with a double bass on my back, back in my college days....really. The VW was in the shop; the gig at the Hatch Shell in Boston; no one to give me a ride; too far for bus or subway...fashioned a strap, slung it over my back, hopped on the ol' Raleigh and off I went. I'd give anything for a photo...can't believe I did it, and could never do it again.
# Posted on March 16th 2006 by Greg the Piano Tuner
Re: biking with a fiddle?
"A short bow should be ideal for Irish fiddle playing anyway" - Good idea Trevor. I regularly use a 3/4 Bow without any probs!
# Posted on March 16th 2006 by Ptarmigan
Re: biking with a fiddle?
Hey Fiddle Tree, here's another idea - a Rückenklavier - "a piano to be carried on the back”
http://mmd.foxtail.com/Pictures/greinacher3.html
# Posted on March 16th 2006 by Ptarmigan
Re: biking with a fiddle?
What's the problem? Here's mine all ready to go:
http://www.geocities.com/beaconsfieldsession/bike.jpg
(maybe I need a new basket)
# Posted on March 16th 2006 by RichardB
Re: biking with a fiddle?
Use front panniers for some of the stuff you've got on the back rack.
This frees space on the back rack for the fiddle.
Problem solved.
(For long distance touring, front panniers give a better feel to the bike than having everything on the back IMHO)
# Posted on March 16th 2006 by showaddydadito
Re: biking with a fiddle?
thanks for all the suggestions! Just to clarify, I am talking about a bicycle, not a motorcycle. I've ridden to sessions a number of times with my fiddle on my back but I wouldn't want to ride 50 miles like that....
Doodle- did putting the fiddle the the panier throw off the balance of the bike?
It's ocurred to me before that a front rack would solve my problem, but I've heard that front racks are difficult to ride with (with regards to steering and the balance of the bike). I've only ever had a back rack, so maybe it would be ok, but I'm still hesitant.
I might try it with the short bow! However, if I got a smaller case that fit the small bow, would my fiddle fit into it? Also, does anyone have any recommendations for a lightweight, protective fiddle case that is not-too-expensive? Actually, while I'm at it, does anyone know of where/how to get an inexpensive fiddle that sounds decent enough? I'm not too keen on bringing my good (and only) fiddle with me for obvious reasons.
Thanks!
# Posted on March 16th 2006 by fiddletreegypsy
Re: biking with a fiddle?
No, as long as you make sure the two paniers are more or less balanced weightwise, which you should do anyway. I've never bothered with front paniers as I take as little as possible with me, so I've never had need of them. Also, it's no problem carrying a case with a full size bow, just to tell you it can be done. And I carry a couple of bin bags to wrap round the fiddle case when ever it rains.
# Posted on March 16th 2006 by Doodle
Re: biking with a fiddle?
I can't be much help because I play a flute, which obviously doesn't present the problems you face. I would like to say a couple of things though since I've done a bit of cycling in my day. First, you will be accepted most readily on a bike; particularly in Europe and especially in Ireland. In the US, you'd often be scoffed, sad to say. Secondly, paniers on the front wheel are good, provided you don't use large ones and over-load them. On a bike, 60-70% of the weight is already on the rear wheel due to your body position on the frame, so putting your gear weight on the front wheel tends to balance the bike and you as a unit. However, you need to become a minimalist with your gear, because if you carry too much on the front wheels, you WILL create balance problems. If you're planning to stay in hostels (which I highly recommend) you won't need much anyway; they usually have kitchens, and a lightweight sleep bag does fine. I spent a summer cycling in the west of Ireland between Shannon and Donegal, and of the 70-odd days, I sat in on over 50 sessions. Looks like you've gotten good advice from others regarding the fiddle, and I hope you aren't daunted by the challenge. You'll not regret such a trip.
# Posted on March 17th 2006 by jtrout
Re: biking with a fiddle?
Be careful you don't take a plunge when you've got your fiddle, though... it won't forgive you.
# Posted on March 17th 2006 by Toresica
Re: biking with a fiddle?
that's why I want to get an inexpensive fiddle so I don't distroy my usual one!
thanks again for all the help, I really appreciate it, both regards to carrying the fiddle and biking in general. I'm new (but quickly addicted) to biking, and this will be my first long bike trip (assuming it happens, I'm not keen on going alone and potential travel buddies are being noncommittal).
I don't want to depend on hostels in case I can't find one every night, so I'm debating between bringing a tarp or a tent. Anyone have any experience with using a tarp? I'd be afraid in places like Ireland that I wouldn't be able to find a tree to tie it up on, even though a tarp is more conveniently light weight.
Also, how can I find out about various sessions in other parts of Europe? I'm hoping to ride my bike from Sweden (where I"ll be for two months swing dancing) down to France, and somehow cross over to Ireland (maybe through England?). I'm not sure how feasible that is, but I think I'd like to try, at any rate.
# Posted on March 17th 2006 by fiddletreegypsy
Re: biking with a fiddle?
You'd have to have a silly amount of weight on the front before it causes problems with balance or steering. Bear in mind that the sort of cycling you're talking of here what might be called touring - not dirt racing. Unless you are a complete idiot at the loading stage, you'll actually find that a sensible use of front panniers makes the front end steadier for a long days ride.
I used to have my clothing/personal stuff and quick access waterproofs in front panniers, tent and sleeping bag in back.
The really funny thing is if you ride a thousand miles loaded, and then take the front panniers off - that feels really strange.
# Posted on March 17th 2006 by showaddydadito
Re: biking with a fiddle?
Don't forget that with a bicycle with a seated rider but no luggage about 2/3 of the overall weight is taken by the back wheel - which goes someway to explaining why there are more rear tyre punctures than in the front. Front loading would tend to spread some of the load.
# Posted on March 17th 2006 by lazyhound
Re: biking with a fiddle?
I spent 5 months walking with my fiddle strapped and tied to the back of my rucksack. But walking is different from cycling. I haven't yet ridden a bike with a fiddle, but I've done lots of long distance cycling with my mandolin. I just strapped the hard case flat onto the baggage carrier, with the neck section protruding out the back. I'm not sure how adviseable that is with a fiddle, since it has to put up with a lot of shock and vibration - it would probably throw your bridge and soundpost out of alignment.
...I'm very good at finding problems, but don't ask me for solutions.
# Posted on March 17th 2006 by granama
Re: biking with a fiddle?
ah, I hadn't thought about the shock on the fiddle! I can see how that could be a problem- thanks! Someone who may go with me would be bringing a mandolin, though, so that's helpful.
# Posted on March 18th 2006 by fiddletreegypsy
Re: biking with a fiddle?
I rode peddle bike 116km in one day with fiddle in case scroll up in backpack. Secured unmoving and properly, with backpack well padded and comfortable, there is no reason carrying it that way should be any more a prob than hiking with it (probably less). Could then leave paniers or back carrier for less shock/vibration sensitive possessions. Can't see the prob - natural place to carry it - hands, head, feet, free - it isn't as if it's heavy or anything.
I hope you get to make the trip.
Cheers
# Posted on March 18th 2006 by Clear Drops
Re: biking with a fiddle?
The total tension of the strings on a tuned-up fiddle is about 50lb (~22.5kg). This tension exerts a significant downward force on the bridge (exactly how much depends on the height of the bridge) which is more than enough to hold bridge and soundpost in place indefinitely. For the bridge and soundpost to fall down due to vibration and shocks all the pegs would have to slacken off completely - seems an unlikely scenario for cycle touring, unless you've got air temperatures cold enough to shrink the pegs. The soundpost would also have to be loose enough to require replacement anyway. The possibility of disaster, however remote, can be further reduced by making sure that a couple of pegs are well firm in their holes; I suggest the E and A.
# Posted on March 18th 2006 by lazyhound