Anyone play the Fiddle?

[Lumber_Jack]

I'm looking to pick one up. I've daydreamed of playing a fiddle for almost all my life. I think it's time to step up.

Any advice on buying one? I don't want Chinese crap, all I want is a good sound.

I'm not musically inept, I play some guitar and played piano and band instruments as a younger feller. Just wondering what I'm getting into.

[UncleJak]

I picked up mine at sam ash.  I think i paid around $100 for mine and it is decent quality.  I know there are better ones, but for as often as i use it, it is fine.

[Randall53]

I tried to play one years ago....I played guitar with a bluegrass band.  The frets were to small for me..... :cool:

[Lumber_Jack]

I tried to play one years ago....I played guitar with a bluegrass band. The frets were to small for me..... :cool:

Yeah, I've pick one up. It'll be a challenge for sure. But it's such a great sound

[Randall53]

They are great to listen too.  about 25 years ago I used to go the the Stagecoach Inn in Nashville.  Lots of good bluegrass in that place back then. And fiddle players.

[TrickyNicky]

Not to discourage you but two things you should be aware of if your not already. An American or European fiddle is going to be pricey new, look for a good used one and save yourself some cash. The other part of this is the bow, good ones are $$$

Second is that with the possible exception of the accordion, fiddles are some of the harshest sounding instruments in the hands of beginners. You'll most likely want to schedule your practice time when no one is around to keep the piece in your house.

Now once you get some chops and get your technique you'll be able to play IMO one of if not the most expressive instruments out there.

Good luck!

[Lumber_Jack]

No discouragement taken. Just looking for honesty. I'm definitely lookin used. Trying to stay under $600-700 for the outfit.

Yeah I know fiddles are 1) loud and 2) awful when not done correctly. I will look at purchasing a good mute and acquiring some lessons

[ttocswob]

I picked up a fiddle a few years ago, and tried playing it. My wife gave it away...

[Steelharp]

No discouragement taken. Just looking for honesty. I'm definitely lookin used. Trying to stay under $600-700 for the outfit.

Yeah I know fiddles are 1) loud and 2) awful when not done correctly. I will look at purchasing a good mute and acquiring some lessons

I can hook you up with the best teacher in town. He might be able to help you find a fiddle, too. Dan Kelly; used to play with Acuff on the Opry. He's a young fella, great player.

[jhc77]

I just received a banjo of my late grandfather. I have no idea how to play it. Going to learn or get taught some how. Get a few more players and we could have a horrendous bluegrass band  :ignore: .

[Steelharp]

This is awesome. We're gonna have a side board called Tennessee Grass Off! :woohoo: :rofl:

[Murgatroy]

I always wanted to learn to play the fiddle and banjo. I was a poor guitar player, so I played bass. I played drums for years, thought about picking up a set, but my wife said no. I have too many toys.

 

So I pouted.

[jhc77]

Steel, you know of anyone that teaches banjo?

[Steelharp]

No, I don't; let me ask around.

[Steelharp]

Well, that didn't take long. This gent comes highly recommended.

 

http://www.banjobenclark.com/

[Steelharp]

http://www.facebook.com/michael.mclain.3382

 

http://www.facebook.com/andrewsovine

 

David Johnson at Shiloh Music http://shilohmusiccenter.com/ home number is 754-6017

[maroonandwhite]

My grandpa purchased a $2000 USED setup from Gruhn's in Nashville years ago and it sounded awesome when the store clerk played it. Not so much in his hands haha.... He has developed arthritis though so he can't really practice or play it at all. From what I have been told the majority of it is in the bow technique. Much like a Banjo the fretting is pretty easy if you have played guitar before. It's the other hand that is tough. I have never played one though so this may all be false.

[Steelharp]

http://www.facebook.com/candace.randolph.94

 

http://www.shuffsmusic.com/t-banjoteachers.aspx

 

Well, you have plenty of recommendations now. Good luck, and you're welcome!

[UncleJak]

This is awesome. We're gonna have a side board called Tennessee Grass Off!

I'm in!!!!  I'll cover the dobro if no one has called it yet.

[RED333]

I can play a Jaw Harp, some.

Cant carry a tune in a bucket though.

[TrickyNicky]

http://www.facebook.com/candace.randolph.94
 
http://www.shuffsmusic.com/t-banjoteachers.aspx
 
Well, you have plenty of recommendations now. Good luck, and you're welcome!

+1 for shuffs, heard nothing but good things about them. The guitar store I used to work at recommends them to anyone looking for lessons, beginner or pro.

[Mike]

I just got into learning the violin myself. It's rough starting out... Hoping to get better soon.

[Guest FiddleDog]

I've played fiddle since I was a kid.  The best luthier in town (imho) is Dustin Williams.  There are some pretty decent fiddles in white coming out of China that I'd take a look at.  Paul Shen comes to mind.  Great thing about Dustin is he will give you full value trade in towards upgrades on any fiddle you buy from him.  He's in downtown Nashville on 15th/Music Row area.  Also check out the Coda Bows.  I've used one and it was my main gigging bow back when I was a young man and playing out a whole lot.  Great tone, excellent maneuverability, warp proof, and very durable.  PM if you've got any questions.  I still know a few teachers that I'd point you at.

 

Edit - I just realized that you're in Knoxville...look at www.stringworks.com.  Those are quite well made and hold their value.  I had a buddy that had one and it was really nice.

Edited March 22, 2013 by FiddleDog

[Lumber_Jack]

Thank for the help guys. I do live in Knoxville so that is a hindrance, but I travel through Nashville at least twice a month so I could definitely stop in a check out the store downtown.

I'll check out string works as well.

[vontar]

I have thought about a fiddle myself, but I have no musical talent so I decided not to get one.

 

 

I picked up a fiddle a few years ago, and tried playing it. My wife gave it away...

I hope you shoot better then you play then.