Violin Question

Subject: Violin Question
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 07:21 PM

Why is it that when I play my violin for an extended period of time (maybe an hour and a half or so) my fingertips on my left hand are black? Almost looks like charcoal...weird. It's not dirt...what is it and why does it happen?

Lily

Subject: RE: Violin Question
From: Bernard
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 07:26 PM

Oxide from the strings which are metallic. It's a chemical reaction from the salty sweat of your fingers...!

Subject: RE: Violin Question
From: Sorcha
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 07:58 PM

Or, very old strings. I get it all the time. Naught to worry about.

Subject: RE: Violin Question
From: Bernard
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 07:59 PM

Hi, Sorch! How are ye doin'?!

Subject: RE: Violin Question
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 08:16 PM

Or a cheap fingerboard, dyed black to look like ebony...

Subject: RE: Violin Question
From: Susan A-R
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 08:22 PM

It's always interesting when you go to eat something after a good session isn't it?

Subject: RE: Violin Question
From: GUEST,R. Kiel
Date: 30 Aug 06 - 07:13 PM

I have a nice violin, but I find the e-string too loud. The other strings are fine. Any suggestions?

Ron.

Subject: RE: Violin Question
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Aug 06 - 08:01 PM

Thomastik Dominants but with a Pirastro E.

~S~

Subject: RE: Violin Question
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Aug 06 - 08:12 PM

Susan-
What have you tried any other e-strings? If you have what makes the above the best choice?

Subject: RE: Violin Question
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Aug 06 - 08:39 PM

It's the set-up recommended more than any other in the numerous fiddle-strings threads we've had at Mudcat. My husbnamd uses it on his luthier's recommendations. If you review some of the past threads on strings I think you will see what I mean.

~S~

Subject: RE: Violin Question
From: RobinWelch
Date: 31 Aug 06 - 01:24 PM

It might also be the placement of the sound post. A luthier might readjust it. Also experiment with different e strings. Like the last poster, I use Thomastik Dominants with a pirastro gold-plated e. I have experimented with a lot of strings and there is naught better.

Robin