Violin tuning

[Chris Prieto]

I have picked up a cheapie violin and was curious how the fiddle players here generally tune the violin. I'm overwhelmed by the amount of info I am finding.

For the time being I am following Howes Violin without a Master and trying to get familiar with the strings and bow. The tuning used in this book sounds like a g modal banjo to me

[david caron]

I havent really checked it out, but I'm assuming that there are lots of resources here https://www.fiddlehangout.com/pages/default.asp

[david caron]

My big beef with the fiddle is just trying to get it in tune. Why must it be so complicated!!!???

Contrary to the banjo though, there are a number of super talented fiddle players in my area. If I ever truly feel like jumping in, at least I can take some lessons from some actual pros

[Al Smitley]

Yes, David Caron.  I agree.  That's why I'm not much interested in cross-tuning, etc.  Also, I hate to put on a new string.  When I tune it up with the small friction pegs, all the other ones give way.  But to be somewhat "authentic", I refrain from geared tuners.  It is, indeed, a PITA!

[Strumelia]

Hey at least fiddles usually have fine tuners, unlike most minstrel banjers.

[Chris Prieto]

I will admit the fine tuners are a very nice addition. I was very nervous tuning up last night, but it was easy with then lil guys

[Al Smitley]

They help.  Not particularly "authentic" probably but I confess to having them.  Strum, I have never had any problem tuning my Hartel Sweeney (with friction pegs).  Somehow fiddles seem different.

[Joel Hooks]

Could it be that part of your tuning problems are with the strings?  Violins were gut string up to just befor WW1.  There was a shortage of strings and some pros started using a wire first.  This made it okay to use a wire first but the rest of the strings were still gut (the 4th was wound) up until the 1940s.  I only know this because my banjo string research had me lookin into the WW1 string shortage and violinists wrote more about this in magazines like “The Strad.”

Chin rest—- those are later too.  You just don’t see them before about 1900 or so.

[Chris Prieto]

Well the main issue was I tuned them in wrong order per Howes reversed diagram. So it sounds "good" now. I did order a new set of nicer strings.

I also tried with no chin rest or shoulder pad buts it's the only way I can keep it in place. Once Al mentioned it's not relaxing I was able to keep it in place fine with all rests attached.

Once I can keep the notes sounding purty I will venture into a real violin with guts and no frills. I do however feel due my size and sloped shoulders that I will always need the chin rest regardless of how authentic I wanna be.

[Al Smitley]

Joel is correct on the chin rests.  Forgot to mention that.  Forgot about shoulder rests, too.  I use them both and would have an even harder time without them.  So, when I said it was not relaxing somehow helped you hold it in place?!?!  Didn't know those words could work magic!

[Chris Prieto]

I imagined it being more comfortable and something I could do loose but once you said it wasn't relaxing it clicked that I am holding an instrument in place with my face so it prolly won't be too comfy haha but I got it in place now, been practicing no fret hand to get it down. I am enjoying it tho.