I know that several people now own one of these 5-string violin/viola freaks. I was just wondering whether any of you have ever used the instrument 'seriously'? I am thinking of taking mine along to an orchestra rehearsal tomorrow evening (the regular conductor is away so I might get away with being allowed to play viola) in the hope of coming to terms with bowing on the right string... Perhaps if I don't mention it, no one will notice the extra string...

W

It sounds like a cunning plan to me! Good luck, and do let us know how you get on.

Lis

A freind of mine who is a completely traditional scots fiddler plays an electric five stringer and took her ages to get into using the 5 string naturally. Although, she doesnt like it that much and is considering selling it in order to get 'Bob' the back up pimped (ie. strings and finger board etc, not fairy light and fluff)

I've used my 5 string violin for teaching but that's the only time I would use it. Children are so observant it took them 10 minutes to notice my violin was 'different' and had only 5 strings. I asked them how many strings it should have and one 11 year old replied 6! She's only been playing the violin for 3 years I'd like to add that I only taught her for several weeks at the end of last term as her normal teacher had gone on maternity leave.

Yes, take it to orchestra and let us know if anyone noticed.

I've not been brave enough to take it to orchestra to play yet. I need to spend some 'Quality Time' with it forst to get used to the technique. Currently it is a bit mind boggling and I keep finding myself either bowing or fingering the wrong string.

I might have a determined effort at it this weekend

It does take a bit of getting used to, doesn't it, Jane? I plan to practise it a lot during the holidays so I am more familiar with it when I go back to teaching next term.

Do you use it for teaching to save having to take both violin and viola, nood?

Yes, that was my reason for getting it. It means I can play both violin and viola music on the same instrument on the same day where previously I would have taken either violin or viola.

Cool - great idea

Took Freaky to orchestra last night. Arrived at the last minute (as usual) so took up a position at the back of 2nd violins and played as usual - my desk partner didn't notice a thing.

After the tea break, I had noticed that most of the viola section were absent and, since we had oodles of violins, I hopped across to the viola section (since our regular conductor wasn't there to stop me). This prompted some rather puzzled looks - even more so when I explained that I had only bought one instrument with me. A lot of people were quite fascinated - and my viola partner commented that it sounded jolly good!

Personally, I finished the evening with a seriously scrambled brain! Playing violin was OK until I read a bottom G - and immediately played my C string. Playing viola was fine - until the part kept alternating between alto & treble clef... My poor brain just couldn't cope with that...

Perhaps I should spend some time at the weekend continuing the 'bonding' process...

W

Maybe we could do some 'bonding' sessions together? I'll bring Jake with me (with the extra peg), and he can meet Freaky

I am an owner of one of the 5-string freaks you mention. But I use my 4-string for serious work, since once you get beyond fourth of fifth position you tend to find that the bow hits the strings each side of the stopped string due to the physics of it. However, my 5-string was custom made for me, so it may be different on yours. I have used it in orchestra rehearsals when the viola section needed an extra player, but then nothing beyond third position was required. But it's a good talking point at fiddle workshops for a shy violinist.

W

good name!

My teacher thought of that one!! I can't claim the credit

Wouldn't it be confusing to students watching you play the instrument and then trying to learn the tune on theirs? Or maybe to the slower ones it would!