I had a middle-aged customer (Sophie*) come into the shop yesterday to buy a violin. She was obviously a beginner but very motivated and with a good musical ear. She wanted a good outfit, not just student quality and seemed knowledgeable about violins in general. I often ask questions to get a background so that…
DetailsPractice, practice, practice. There are many theories and systems that abound that encourage us to go in for regular practise but at the end of the day what is needed is commitment to improving and acquiring the ‘habit ‘ of practising your instrument. As has often been said, better to perfect a simple piece than…
DetailsWell yes, indeed and in fact can be very destructive as heat causes an instrument’s wood to swell, or to warp, or to crack! One of the most distressing causes of damage is when instruments are left in a closed car with the sun beating down – just recently I could hardly touch the steering…
DetailsJim Smith (name changed) was a bright 14 year–old with a passion for music and a boarder at a prominent Public school. A slightly built boy, his original love was Cello but as he progressed, the school music teacher persuaded him to move to Double Bass – which he really took to. During the term,…
DetailsDid you know that in the National Archives of the French Republic, there is a remarkable document detailing a list of musical instruments that were seized by the revolutionaries in Paris in1792? This was the year of the ‘Terror’ which gripped the nation and when the King and Marie Antoinette, with many of the ruling…
DetailsWe often get asked about the origin of violins and cellos and, of course, the name Antonius Stradivari inevitably come up – seemingly the only well-known Italian violin master, of which there were many! Bowed instruments had been made and played for centuries, but there is little doubt that the violin we recognize today originated…
DetailsWhy is my violin bridge not glued on? Well quite simply because it is a free spirit that needs to move and vibrate as the violin is played, transferring the sound to the soundpost and bass bar. A bridge is the most important fitting on the exterior of the violin and the sound of your…
DetailsIf you thought you knew all there was to know about the violin, take a look at the fun facts below – 26 Fascinating Violin Facts That Will Surprise you! Takelessons.com, who spent time researching these very interesting facts and published them on their blog, have kindly given us permission to re-post the information for your…
DetailsViolin or Cello: Which Instrument Is Right For Me? This is one of those subjects that will have as many opinions as there are readers so let’s start off by saying – please do join in on the discussion – add your comments below – every different viewpoint has value and may help someone somewhere!…
DetailsWhy Do E-Strings Have a Choice of Loop End or Ball End? One of the first question we ask customers ordering E strings is ‘Do you want a loop or a ball end?’ – which question can be very confusing for new players and parents. Experienced players all have their preferences and there is…
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