Congrats on your lovely playing and on the beautiful tone that you get from your instrument 🙂 A query, if you don't mind: could you please tell us something about your very interesting-looking chin-rest arrangement? I'd imagine that something similar would suit me greatly 🙂 Many thanks 🙂
Oh boy... it really depends; a fiddle and bow are quite personal. I'd recommend setting a budget for each item, and take your time to make a decision. There are diminishing returns on cost/value; once you reach a certain price-point, it becomes more difficult to appreciate the value of expensive instruments. Try recording yourself with the instrument and listen to how it sounds, and take now about how you feel while playing it. Being happy with your purchase is most important. The shoulder and chin-rests can be replaced, focus on the timbre and sound-qualities; some people like richer low-tones vs brighter higher tones. Some people like super-loud instruments, others like softer ones. Personally, I find the weight and how that weight is distributed across the instrument makes a world of difference in comfort when playing for extended periods of time. For a bow, consider the materials, balance, and feel. Wood can have a fantastic feel, but is affected by temperature and humidity changes. Fiberglass bows aren't affected by humidity, but I find them a little heavy and missing some feedback. I personally use a carbon-fiber bow, its immune to humidity changes, has great feedback, but are generally more expensive. Best of luck!
@@JonHarkness Thanks for taking the time for writing such a detailed reply. I appreciate it. Since I commented, I received an upgraded bow. I am finding that I can draw a better tone out of my instrument with it. In reading your reply, I realize that I really enjoy the feel of the fiddle I have and reach for it with pleasure. So, I’m going to hold off for now and simply enjoy playing what I have. Compliments on your channel and playing abilities.
Congrats on your lovely playing and on the beautiful tone that you get from your instrument 🙂 A query, if you don't mind: could you please tell us something about your very interesting-looking chin-rest arrangement? I'd imagine that something similar would suit me greatly 🙂 Many thanks 🙂
This is just a folded handkerchief between my neck and regular chin rest. It helps reduce beard irritation when practicing.
Hey Jon - Nice playing. Any advice on buying a fiddle and bow?
Oh boy... it really depends; a fiddle and bow are quite personal.
I'd recommend setting a budget for each item, and take your time to make a decision. There are diminishing returns on cost/value; once you reach a certain price-point, it becomes more difficult to appreciate the value of expensive instruments. Try recording yourself with the instrument and listen to how it sounds, and take now about how you feel while playing it. Being happy with your purchase is most important.
The shoulder and chin-rests can be replaced, focus on the timbre and sound-qualities; some people like richer low-tones vs brighter higher tones. Some people like super-loud instruments, others like softer ones. Personally, I find the weight and how that weight is distributed across the instrument makes a world of difference in comfort when playing for extended periods of time.
For a bow, consider the materials, balance, and feel. Wood can have a fantastic feel, but is affected by temperature and humidity changes. Fiberglass bows aren't affected by humidity, but I find them a little heavy and missing some feedback. I personally use a carbon-fiber bow, its immune to humidity changes, has great feedback, but are generally more expensive.
Best of luck!
@@JonHarkness Thanks for taking the time for writing such a detailed reply. I appreciate it. Since I commented, I received an upgraded bow. I am finding that I can draw a better tone out of my instrument with it. In reading your reply, I realize that I really enjoy the feel of the fiddle I have and reach for it with pleasure. So, I’m going to hold off for now and simply enjoy playing what I have. Compliments on your channel and playing abilities.