Hello

I usually post on the Woodwind part of the forum as I play the clarinet and flute.

A friend of my mothers has some violins that he restored and he is giving me one...a 3/4 size one as he said it would be easier for me to play...he is also giving me a couple of lesson books, to learn to play it.

I've never played a violin in my life before, so it should be interesting.

My clarinet teacher knows a bit about the violin so I shall get her to help me out with it.


I'll let you know how I get on, but I'm not really into string instuments, I tried the guitar but found it hard.



Michelle

As you are a 99 year old adult (birthday: 26 December 1909) I suspect a 4/4 size would be more suitable

More seriously... There are various ways to measure yourself up for a violin. The easiest rule of thumb is to put it under your chin and then reach out and hold on to the scroll. If you can do that comfortably, then its ok. However you should use the largest violin for which you can do that comfortably. On larger violins you will space your fingers out more and it is therefore easier to play .. unless you have unusually small hands!

It's probably best to consult with your teacher if/when you start lessons.

I think the violin is easier than the guitar, the neck is a lot narrower and there are 2 less strings to worry about.
Also, the strings are all tuned in 5ths (I think guitars have a weird quirk to the tuning).

String instruments are hard! Guitar looks really hard to me with 6 strings and all level as well. At least with my viola they're at different angles. Not that that stops me from catching the wrong one all the time....

Anyway, play around with your new violin to your heart's content, but you must get experienced input if you want to be any good at it, or even to know how to hold the bow properly! Let us know how you get on and, if you decide to take it up, join us in the 'Upper Strings Beginners' Thread'.