Musical Practice and Performance Stack Exchange
Musical Practice and Performance Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [violin-family]

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Why is the double bass the only instrument in the violin family tuned in fourths?

Out of the 4 instruments of the Violin Family (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass), the bass is the only instrument tuned in fourths. Wikipedia states The double bass is generally tuned in fourths, in contrast to other members of the orchestral…
Shevliaskovic
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Is it spelled "violincello" or "violoncello"?

I’m trying to understand the proper spelling of the full name of the cello. I’ve seen it both of these ways, violincello and violoncello. I thought since the cello is part of the violin family it would be violincello, but it seems some places are…
Benjamin Hale
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Why don't violins have geared tuners?

Why is it that violins use simple pegs instead of geared tuners, like an upright bass?
zwiebelspaetzle
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Is there a name for a violin with five strings?

Is there a distinguishing name for this stringed instrument that is, as best as I an find, otherwise referred to as a "five-string violin?"
feetwet
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How to tell whether the soundpost of a violin needs adjustment?

I am aware that soundpost should be adjusted by a professional luthier when the violinist desires e.g. brighter sound. But as a beginner, I don't think it is relevant for me for now. Does the fact that the soundpost is standing indicate that the…
Aqqqq
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Pizzicato notation

I'm trying to figure out what (if any) norms apply to notation for pizzicato. As explained here, we have: Do we not have any symbols used to indicate right-hand pizzicato? I have only seen it written out with the abbreviation "pizz" which, to…
feetwet
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Pitch and Volume Compensations for Different Instruments

I'm curious if various instruments require that the player compensate in any way (in terms of technique, e.g., force used to bow, force used to blow, or embouchure alterations) when playing low vs. high notes. On a violin or cello, say, if you use…
Phil Freihofner
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Are there any violin family instruments built without a left shoulder?

On the bass and cello (and probably violin and viola as well), it seems like many aspects of proper form serve the purpose of getting ones arm over the left shoulder to play high on the fingerboard. So, are there any instruments that have been built…
awe lotta
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What circumstances affect the perception of the accuracy of the pitch adversely?

I recently played at Open Mic on the violin and today I saw the video of it and it was completely out of the tune that I wanted to tear all my hair. I never play so badly even when I just practice. However, just before I played I listened to other…
Dávid Natingga
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Do left handed violinists play in orchestras?

I don't think I've ever seen any orchestra that uses left handed violinists (or viola/cello/bass players). My guess is that they would clash with the rest of the violinists, and they would seem out of the flow with the rest of the musicians. But…
Shevliaskovic
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Can a violin imitate the sound of an Erhu?

I don't know if this is "impossible" due to the different construction of the two instruments, but do you know if the violin can imitate the sound of the Chinese erhu? Here is a YouTube video for reference. I just love the sound of this instrument…
Briard
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When to start learning double stops on violin?

I am an adult beginner on the violin and would just like to say I've absolutely loved it so far. I started at the very beginning of this year and found a teacher who I'm extremely happy with. Around three months into playing they had me start on…
qfwfq
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I dropped my violin! Is it OK? What should I do?

Okay, the unthinkable has happened. I dropped my violin (or viola or cello), or something fell on it, or someone knocked it over. What should I check? Can I correct any problems myself? Should I take it to a professional?
Andy Bonner
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Is it worthwhile to buy good accessories for a cheap violin

I'm a self-teaching violinist. I bought my violin 3 years ago and have been practicing since than. I'm a highschool student, so I don't have much time to practice, so I'm slow at learning it. (I'm practicing classical music, BTW.) Because of…
user635988
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Can a smaller viola be used as a violin?

My son plays the violin. Recently, we saw that someone in the neighborhood is selling a viola, I don't remember the exact size, perhaps it was 1/4. Is it possible to string the viola using violin strings and to play it as a violin? I know that an…
I Like to Code
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