What causes squeaking? I'm playing a borrowed violin at the moment (and my Dad's one occasionally) and I'm getting so fed up of squeaking.

Also sometimes the note doesn't 'sound' properly and only becomes a proper note when I tip the bow sideways slightly.. it's a bit hard to explain. It's as if the string doesn't start to vibrate the minute I move the bow.

What's causing this - it's very annoying because it didn't happen so often on my Zeller where my sound seemed nice and clear.

The notes sound harsh in my ear. Is this the strings?? Or the violin?? Is it maybe not enough rosin? The sound sets my teeth on edge!

I'm only at Grade 2 and don't know how to put this right

Sounds like a wolf note. Is it on particular notes?

No, it doesn't seem to be any particular note - just like the bow is sliding on the string instead of making the string vibrate

How long has it been since the violin you borrowed was played regularly (before you had it). I have a fiddle that sounds really terrible because its never played. And if I go away for a few months with out my current one, when I come back it sounds bad too, I just leave it to 'pick up good vibrations' either on top of the television or on top of the piano. Helps to loosen it a bit.

I leave my violin on top of the hi fi speakers and play it Maxim Vengerov in the hope that it learns something. It must be a bit stupid because it never seems to sound any better.

Tipping the bow away from your face a bit onto the far edge of the hairs (particularly when in the lower half of the bow is actually recommended technique so no problem in keeping on doing that. Try to use the thumb to do it not lift the wrist. Other things I can think of that can be a problem.

not bowing straight
bow tension too tight
not enough rosin
need new strings
bow needs a rehair


I thought wolf notes were a 'cello thing - don't think I've had one on a violin.

If you have a finger even slightly resting against a string and you bow that string that will make the squeak that I think you are talking about - try it and see. It's basically the first stage of playing harmonics but it is very annoying. If this is the problem, the solution is to be very disciplined in making sure that when you have a finger on a string, it doesn't touch the string on either side - easier said than done but after a while you should get it.

Heh, I should try that. But first I need to buy my poor violin a new D string and give it some tlc...

I tend to find, and especially when you're talking just getting a decent note out rather than trying to get subtle effects and be a genius violinist (like I ever try that...) that using a bit more bow and being a bit braver - using a bit more pressure, bowing a little faster, pretending you're confident with the bowing even if you're not - can really help. It's hard to sound good if you're being really tentative.

[quote name='earplugs' date='Feb 5 2007, 09:26 AM' post='458485']
I leave my violin on top of the hi fi speakers and play it Maxim Vengerov in the hope that it learns something. It must be a bit stupid because it never seems to sound any better.

Yes it is stupid but I think I'll do the same with mine!! Thanks for the idea.






how big/large this while is? thx jordan

If your bow is sliding on the strings, it looks like you don't have enough rosin on your bow.

[quote name='earplugs' date='Feb 5 2007, 09:26 AM' post='458485']
I leave my violin on top of the hi fi speakers and play it Maxim Vengerov in the hope that it learns something. It must be a bit stupid because it never seems to sound any better.

I've spoken to my Master about this and he said that is not a stupid thing as violin captures vibrations at a certain frequency. But he said playing it is the best way! As my violin is new I'll habe to manage that sound for a very big while
Thanks for your suggestions anyway
jordan

As mentioned squeaks can be caused by lots of things. If it is on the E string as well as a finger tip touching the string it could be the base part of the finger or the inside of the LH. Check that the violin is clean of rosin, especially at the bridge, and that there are no little bumps, bits of fluff from a cleaning cloth, or any stickers catching on the fingerboard. If it is only 1 string it may be faulty.