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Am I crazy? I would like to play the violin.

post #1 of 62
1/17/10 at 3:58pm
Thread Starter 
Ok, I realize that I will never, ever be good enough for an orchestra. And I'm staring 30 pretty closely in the face. But it is something I would like to try, if only ever for my own satisfaction. Is it even remotely possible? Of course I would take lessons when I could -- in the summers, perhaps. If this is realistic, is there a violin that beginners get? If I had one around, it would be added encouragement to me....I would spend up to $500, I suppose, as I like beautiful things. ~ H
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post #2 of 62
1/17/10 at 4:10pm
$500 will barely get you a bow... Maybe you'd be interested in the ukulele?

but seriously - you could get something like this on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vecchio-Workshop...item2301fcabc5

although also on ebay you could get something like this!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Orig-1726-Full-S...item2c516da595
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post #3 of 62
1/17/10 at 4:11pm
I've played when I was younger for about 4 years. It's probably the best and most versatile orchestral intrument to pick up. I bought a pretty standard one new and that was $700 I think.
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post #4 of 62
1/17/10 at 4:17pm
Oh, absolutely, you should do it. The most important thing is to find a good teacher--someone who will teach an adult--and have that person guide you as to what to buy a violin. (And where.) Listening to music is great. But it is even better when you make the music yourself. Pick up a copy of Noah Adams' book, "Piano Lessons". http://www.amazon.com/Piano-Lessons-.../dp/0385318219
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post #5 of 62
1/17/10 at 4:43pm
one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp is to take up an instrument as an adult. good luck
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post #6 of 62
1/17/10 at 4:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Huntsman View Post
Ok, I realize that I will never, ever be good enough for an orchestra. And I'm staring 30 pretty closely in the face. But it is something I would like to try, if only ever for my own satisfaction. Is it even remotely possible? Of course I would take lessons when I could -- in the summers, perhaps.

If this is realistic, is there a violin that beginners get? If I had one around, it would be added encouragement to me....I would spend up to $500, I suppose, as I like beautiful things.

~ H

The thing about playing the violin is that it's nothing like riding a bike. One should be able to tune not only the violin, but also every note evey time(except for the basenotes (?) of each string). This takes a long time and dedication and then takes almost the same amount of energy to keep up your abillity.

If you're not a Wunderkind getting lessons in the summer, only, seems less than adequate.

I have no comparison so ignore at will, but to me it seems playing the piano or the guitar is easier to do at a(n) (seemingly) advanced level, since the tuning is done beforehand. While I think it certainly possible to learn to play at a more advanced age, it will take some dedication before other people will want to enjoy your antics. This is my experience, YMMV, of course.

All that being said; it's a beautiful instrument to play and listen to.

*I have played the violin, badly, for about six years.*
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post #7 of 62
1/17/10 at 5:10pm
You can get cheap, Chinese-made violins for $99. Give it a year, and see what you think: it's not an instrument that rewards immediately.

--Andre
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post #8 of 62
1/17/10 at 5:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by A Y View Post
You can get cheap, Chinese-made violins for $99. Give it a year, and see what you think: it's not an instrument that rewards immediately.

--Andre

This not bad advice. I've had a memorable experience when I had lessons. I always thought my violin had far less warm sound than the violin of my teacher. And it probably does.

Then came the day we exchanged violins for a while. I played as usual on her probably 30-40 times as expensive violin, and she used my violin to play, to my ears close to as delicate sounds as usual.


There was a difference, but far less than between us two even on exchanged violins.
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post #9 of 62
1/17/10 at 5:24pm
Here's some inspiration -- a 10-year old violinist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u42Pi6WPJnA

And if you do get a violin for under $1,000 - this is approximately how it will sound tonally... (like crap)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFVw-...eature=related

same song, same violinist as first video, but much better violin. Note the difference in tone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W_H2...eature=related
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post #10 of 62
1/17/10 at 5:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by A Y View Post
You can get cheap, Chinese-made violins for $99. Give it a year, and see what you think: it's not an instrument that rewards immediately.

--Andre

This.
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post #11 of 62
1/17/10 at 5:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Huntsman View Post
Ok, I realize that I will never, ever be good enough for an orchestra. And I'm staring 30 pretty closely in the face. But it is something I would like to try, if only ever for my own satisfaction. Is it even remotely possible? Of course I would take lessons when I could -- in the summers, perhaps.

If this is realistic, is there a violin that beginners get? If I had one around, it would be added encouragement to me....I would spend up to $500, I suppose, as I like beautiful things.

~ H

Always give it a try, you'll regret it later if you don't.

Rent a starter instrument at your local music store and take lessons... nothing expensive, find a student at a nearby college, for example. Call your area orchestra and look for suggestions.

Is there an amatuer orchestra in your area? Volunteers etc? Set that as your goal and in a couple to few years depending on your natural proficiency, you might get in as a section player.

Go for it!
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post #12 of 62
1/17/10 at 5:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CDFS View Post
Then came the day we exchanged violins for a while. I played as usual on her probably 30-40 times as expensive violin, and she used my violin to play, to my ears close to as delicate sounds as usual.

This happened to me, too, and I was thinking specifically of it when I wrote my post. Technique and not equipment will be holding you back for a long, long time. Get a cheap instrument, get lessons, and practice every day. That's the only way you'll get anywhere.

--Andre
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post #13 of 62
1/17/10 at 5:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by amerikajinda View Post
Here's some inspiration -- a 10-year old violinist. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u42Pi6WPJnA And if you do get a violin for under $1,000 - this is approximately how it will sound tonally... (like crap) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFVw-...eature=related same song, same violinist as first video, but much better violin. Note the difference in tone. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W_H2...eature=related
Perhaps one can go to far when going cheap. That violin sounded a bit metallic and cheap. But Andres and my comments hold water, still.
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post #14 of 62
1/17/10 at 5:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CDFS View Post
Perhaps one can go to far when going cheap. That violin sounded a bit metallic and cheap. But Andres and my comments hold water, still.

Yes, I agree with Eligius above who recommended renting an instrument for a while first...

Obviously the OP won't be able to reach a compromise between a $2.5 million 1717 Guarneri del Gesu and a Chinese student violin for under $1,000... so renting would be the way to go.

Be prepared for frustration, however... it's akin to picking up a new foreign language when you are in your late 20s -- it's very difficult, but not impossible. You won't be playing anything like those 10-year old prodigies on youtube, but if you practice every day and take private lessons once per week, then you'll be playing "row, row, row your boat" in no time.
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post #15 of 62
1/17/10 at 6:53pm
Hey, you should check out southwest strings, they have a decent selection and often have sales. In terms of actually learning the violin, I can tell you that if typing or something involving your hands is a large part of your job, you might want to take it slow. Callouses form quickly and it can take months or years before they harden. Good luck!
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