Thank you so so so much! Ive been going through your series and my bowing in particular has improved exponentially, through learning proper rosin and bowing techniques. I played violin when I was smaller til age 13, tragically had my violin stolen and now Im 19 learning the talharpa. To say I was overwhelmed by it is an understatement. I can stress enough how helpful your vids are, thanks so much again! :D
That's good to hear. Hope you stick with it. I need to pick mine up and write some more. My life has been so busy, and my inspiration has been lacking that i find it hard to pick it up and play as often as I need.
I believe I went over this in my "Bowing Expansion" lesson, but one idea to remedy this, is to bow in an arch. Also making sure you are not apply so much pressure to the bow hair as you are holding it will give it slack enough to allow you to hit more strings.
Hey buddy. Love your lessons. One quick question. I notice your white string that you have your fingers on is at the top, on my 3 string tagelharpa the white string is in the middle. Do I use that white string or the normal one at the top to place my fingers? Keep up the good work dude. Skål!!
Thank you. The white sting on mine is a much lighter horse hair that the luthier who builds them uses to mark the lead. Different makers may use different types of horse hair and use lighter hairs to mark either the middle or the top. The best answer is to look at the factory tuning. The highest note is usually the lead. Some may tune it with the high string in the middle with the 4th or 5th note (however the intervals are tuned) closes to your body. It's all about ergonomics as well. If it isn't as thick as the others and yiu want to put it closest to you then do so. If not, don't worry about it. If it isn't the highest note try playing the lead on the string closest to you. Their isn't much right or wrong as there is personal preference.
@@Skaldic_Works thanks for your reply. A little help is always needed. It just seems I have to play high up on the string to get a note. As you can probably guess I haven't had it long. Your lessons are by far the best I've seen so far. I also play the kravic lyre. Thanks again Andy from the u.k.
It takes practice and experimentation to find what techniques you need to apply. Thanks again. I try my best, although, I feel as if my deliveries need work. Lol. I want to get a Kravitz lyre one day but I think I will settle with a 4 string tagelharpa first once I get the money up to justify another purchase.
@@Skaldic_Works I know what you mean, I bought my kravik first then found the tagelharpa on sale. Thanks for the advice, and the videos. Keep up the good work
This is an issue I also had with my 3 string version as well and sometimes still do. I found that this issue was due to my bridge being cut in an arch, like a violin, instead of being straight. This makes less surface contact with the outside strings and bow hair when you move the bow in a straight line. My solution was to also move the bow in an arching motion following the curve of the bridge. Another helpful tip here is to give yhe bow hair some slack. With the bow being naturally curved itself, it should allow the horsehair to conform to the arch when less tension is applied with the fingers. Play around with these two tips and you should be able to make all 4 strings sound at once. It takes some time and practice to get where you don't have to think about this every time you play. Changing angles is a good technique to use as well to only making 2 strings sound instead of 4. I may go over this technique in another video later on.
@@Skaldic_Works Thankyou for the advice, sorry to keep asking but there's barely any advice around but I also have a scratchy/screeching sound when I play, I've tried the rosin in different quantities but it doesn't make a difference. Also again apologies but how do you stop the bow jumping I know you mentioned it but didn't quite catch how to resolve it, Thankyou 😊
No problem. I believe I mentioned this issue. If you draw the bow smoothly and continuously it should resolve this. If you abruptly keep stopping and starting the bow movement it will cause that scratchy sound. This is even with rosin. Keeping your bowing steady is key. Alps keep track of how much pressure you are applying on the bow. This goes in hand with your other question. Too much pressure you scratch too little it will bounce. Also wrist control is another key factor. Keeping your wrist steady but firm is always good. Another factor is you can use your index finger on top of the bow as a way to adjust pressure. Again keep track of what you are doing and if it doesn't resolve adjust how you are holding the bow and how you are bowing the instrument. Same way with other bowed instruments, like the violin. Again this takes time and lots of experimenting.
What rosin do you use? I’m having a issue with squeaking/rubber band noise. This is during the whole draw/push of bow, Not sure if I have to much rosin or not enough. Thanks.
I use a Super Sensitive (brand name) dark rosin for violin,viola, and cello right now, but any dark rosin, I find, works well. Squeaking usually occurs with either too little rosin. Too much rosin results in a scratchy sound, especially if you don't follow through with your bow strokes and are pausing as you bow. The video lesson before this one is entirely dedicated to what I use and mentions what kind of rosin I use and how to apply it. It also contains all equipment i use with my tagelharpa. If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend doing so. I will put the link below. ua-cam.com/video/Ik79ze4gHP8/v-deo.html
@@Skaldic_Works I have tried a lot so stop the squeaking. What’s your thoughts? Squeaks on whole draw forward or back. No matter the pressure. Tried cleaning all the rosin off and trying different rosins. Can we Skype or anything? I’d be glad to pay if I can get some help.
If you clean the rosin off, I recommend rubbing alcohol, but you will have to let it dry. Make sure your rosin block has some scratches in it. That always helps the rosin get on the bow, but make sure the bow is dry before reapplying rosin to it. Make sure you have decent pressure and a steady bow stroke. I don't have Skype but if you have a Facebook or Instagram account you can send a video in a message and I can determine whst you are doing. I have poor internet where I live and would have to go into town at the moment. I normally don't charge for any service at this time. Feel free to contact me at one of those if you can.
@@Skaldic_Works I tried cleaning it off, tried hard and soft rosin. Getting better luck with the soft. But still squeaky. I’ll try to send video. Thanks
@@Skaldic_Works ua-cam.com/video/1fcQCZ5o67E/v-deo.html it’s hard to make out the squeak. It squeaks during whole draw. Especially if I try playing high pitch notes. It scrapes/squeaks. Obviously if there is no rosin at all it does not squeak but then it does not play. I may be just leading the rosin.. maybe it much or still to little?
Thank you so so so much! Ive been going through your series and my bowing in particular has improved exponentially, through learning proper rosin and bowing techniques. I played violin when I was smaller til age 13, tragically had my violin stolen and now Im 19 learning the talharpa. To say I was overwhelmed by it is an understatement. I can stress enough how helpful your vids are, thanks so much again! :D
I'm glad to hear that it's improving. Thank you for the kind words and support.
Thank you for this series. I just bought my first tagel harpa (Bass) and it's been a magical journey.
That's good to hear. Hope you stick with it. I need to pick mine up and write some more. My life has been so busy, and my inspiration has been lacking that i find it hard to pick it up and play as often as I need.
So grateful you're doing this series.
Thank you.
Hello, these videos are extremely helpful. I'm having trouble hitting all three strings, only two consistently. Do you have any advice? Thank you :)
I believe I went over this in my "Bowing Expansion" lesson, but one idea to remedy this, is to bow in an arch. Also making sure you are not apply so much pressure to the bow hair as you are holding it will give it slack enough to allow you to hit more strings.
@@Skaldic_Works This is really helpful, thank you for the fast reply and have a good day :)
You're welcome. I try my best to respond as quickly as I see them.
Hey buddy. Love your lessons. One quick question. I notice your white string that you have your fingers on is at the top, on my 3 string tagelharpa the white string is in the middle. Do I use that white string or the normal one at the top to place my fingers? Keep up the good work dude. Skål!!
Thank you. The white sting on mine is a much lighter horse hair that the luthier who builds them uses to mark the lead. Different makers may use different types of horse hair and use lighter hairs to mark either the middle or the top. The best answer is to look at the factory tuning. The highest note is usually the lead. Some may tune it with the high string in the middle with the 4th or 5th note (however the intervals are tuned) closes to your body. It's all about ergonomics as well. If it isn't as thick as the others and yiu want to put it closest to you then do so. If not, don't worry about it. If it isn't the highest note try playing the lead on the string closest to you. Their isn't much right or wrong as there is personal preference.
@@Skaldic_Works thanks for your reply. A little help is always needed. It just seems I have to play high up on the string to get a note. As you can probably guess I haven't had it long. Your lessons are by far the best I've seen so far. I also play the kravic lyre.
Thanks again
Andy from the u.k.
It takes practice and experimentation to find what techniques you need to apply. Thanks again. I try my best, although, I feel as if my deliveries need work. Lol. I want to get a Kravitz lyre one day but I think I will settle with a 4 string tagelharpa first once I get the money up to justify another purchase.
@@Skaldic_Works I know what you mean, I bought my kravik first then found the tagelharpa on sale. Thanks for the advice, and the videos. Keep up the good work
Not a problem. You're welcome and thank you for your support.
I'm having trouble when playing my 4 string talharpa I can play the 2 and 3rd string just not the 1st and 4th
This is an issue I also had with my 3 string version as well and sometimes still do. I found that this issue was due to my bridge being cut in an arch, like a violin, instead of being straight. This makes less surface contact with the outside strings and bow hair when you move the bow in a straight line. My solution was to also move the bow in an arching motion following the curve of the bridge. Another helpful tip here is to give yhe bow hair some slack. With the bow being naturally curved itself, it should allow the horsehair to conform to the arch when less tension is applied with the fingers. Play around with these two tips and you should be able to make all 4 strings sound at once. It takes some time and practice to get where you don't have to think about this every time you play. Changing angles is a good technique to use as well to only making 2 strings sound instead of 4. I may go over this technique in another video later on.
@@Skaldic_Works Thankyou for the advice, sorry to keep asking but there's barely any advice around but I also have a scratchy/screeching sound when I play, I've tried the rosin in different quantities but it doesn't make a difference.
Also again apologies but how do you stop the bow jumping I know you mentioned it but didn't quite catch how to resolve it, Thankyou 😊
No problem. I believe I mentioned this issue. If you draw the bow smoothly and continuously it should resolve this. If you abruptly keep stopping and starting the bow movement it will cause that scratchy sound. This is even with rosin. Keeping your bowing steady is key. Alps keep track of how much pressure you are applying on the bow. This goes in hand with your other question. Too much pressure you scratch too little it will bounce. Also wrist control is another key factor. Keeping your wrist steady but firm is always good. Another factor is you can use your index finger on top of the bow as a way to adjust pressure. Again keep track of what you are doing and if it doesn't resolve adjust how you are holding the bow and how you are bowing the instrument. Same way with other bowed instruments, like the violin. Again this takes time and lots of experimenting.
What rosin do you use? I’m having a issue with squeaking/rubber band noise. This is during the whole draw/push of bow, Not sure if I have to much rosin or not enough. Thanks.
I use a Super Sensitive (brand name) dark rosin for violin,viola, and cello right now, but any dark rosin, I find, works well. Squeaking usually occurs with either too little rosin. Too much rosin results in a scratchy sound, especially if you don't follow through with your bow strokes and are pausing as you bow. The video lesson before this one is entirely dedicated to what I use and mentions what kind of rosin I use and how to apply it. It also contains all equipment i use with my tagelharpa. If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend doing so. I will put the link below.
ua-cam.com/video/Ik79ze4gHP8/v-deo.html
@@Skaldic_Works I have tried a lot so stop the squeaking. What’s your thoughts? Squeaks on whole draw forward or back. No matter the pressure. Tried cleaning all the rosin off and trying different rosins. Can we Skype or anything? I’d be glad to pay if I can get some help.
If you clean the rosin off, I recommend rubbing alcohol, but you will have to let it dry. Make sure your rosin block has some scratches in it. That always helps the rosin get on the bow, but make sure the bow is dry before reapplying rosin to it. Make sure you have decent pressure and a steady bow stroke. I don't have Skype but if you have a Facebook or Instagram account you can send a video in a message and I can determine whst you are doing. I have poor internet where I live and would have to go into town at the moment. I normally don't charge for any service at this time. Feel free to contact me at one of those if you can.
@@Skaldic_Works I tried cleaning it off, tried hard and soft rosin. Getting better luck with the soft. But still squeaky. I’ll try to send video. Thanks
@@Skaldic_Works ua-cam.com/video/1fcQCZ5o67E/v-deo.html it’s hard to make out the squeak. It squeaks during whole draw. Especially if I try playing high pitch notes. It scrapes/squeaks. Obviously if there is no rosin at all it does not squeak but then it does not play. I may be just leading the rosin.. maybe it much or still to little?