When I play in 3rd position on the D string of my violin the tone is rather dead. It is fine on the other strings and also in the equivalent place on viola. Is it likely to be me, the string or the violin? I suspect it's probably me because I had the same problem on my old violin. What could I be doing wrong?

W

Try playing slightly nearer the bridge to keep the vibrating string length at its maximum. If that doesn't work, try taking it to a violin maker for a check.

Good luck!

Allan

Could it be something wrong with the string? I have no idea but it's just a suggestion lol

Check your tuning first, although I assume you've done this already. Changing the string would be the next option. If it still sounds dead, take it to a luthier, since it may just need a slight adjustment on the setup of the instrument - they may even suggest you try a completely different make of string. I've owned violins that sound great ONLY on a string mix-n-match basis where when each string is of a different brand!

It could however, be the violin. Do you have a teacher or know someone who could give you a professional opinion from a players point of view? Some violins do have 'dead spots'.

If you get someone else to try it at least you can rule out if it's you!