Violin Forum/Message Board

Barry Dudley · Member Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Posts: 64 Location: Monroe, GA

If you are playing a 5-string, what are you playing and what is it you like about the 5-string??

Gizmo · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 5:44 pm Post subject:

My former teacher played a 5 string and said that string crossings were driving her crazy and I thought that the bridge looked awfully flat. The violin was handmade by a reputable luthier so all was legit.
The teacher did eventually make peace with the 5 string but it was more of a "truce" and she always knew when she was playing the 5 string.
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I NEVER PRACTICE. I'M NOT FAMOUS YET.

Elkwoman46 · Member Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 33

Greetings to you! A year ago or so I bought on eBay fairly cheap a 5 string Viola 5 string. On the Viola they of course add the high violin string. Wow, do I regret that.
Whatever string is on that high string, I can't tune it up that high.
So it sits there like a dead string; I think I would break it if I attempted to get that string into tune. I don't know if I replaced that string with something else, perhaps a guitar string (seriously) as to get this LONG string to get into tune.
This cheap item though does sound kind of nice, except for this string. Grin.

So, regarding the five string violin; be careful. You might have the reverse problem. A low fat string that might put a lot of pressure on your instrument or so wobbly that it just would be embarrassing.

I am sure a lot of thought has to go into the perfecting of this concept, as it is a good one. But the strings need to work, so be careful.
Perhaps, today, they already figured it out and know exactly what strings to use for something like this, where the length of the string is not the same.
Granted there are a lot of viola sizes and there of course is the 14 inch viola which would be right in line with a 14 inch violin.

I would love to hear more about what is out there right now and really working.

God bless you all!

Elkwoman46 · Member Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 33

Elkwoman46 · Member Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 33

Elkwoman46 · Member Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 33

Elkwoman46 · Member Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 33

Ooops, my window said that a debugging was going on and it failed type of thing, so I tried every which way, but it kept coming up; I did not realize it was posting. I am very terribly sorry.

gjk · Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 12:53 am Post subject: happens all the time:)

Sorry,I couldn't resist!

gjk · Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 12:58 am Post subject:

oh man, I tried to double post and it didn't do it this time-serves me right for trying to be a smart@#*