archering and being a violiner

[lechat]

haven't done the research but pretty sure those are the correct terms.

anyway. i only work a few days a week and think it's about time i took up some of the hobbies i've been putting off for the last decade or two.

any suggestions on equipment for both activities or getting started greatly appreciated.

 

[Callie]

Violinist*
If you are wanting to become a violinist, make sure to not just buy something cheap on eBay or something. Violins are pretty sensitive and cheap ones can be damn near impossible to tune all 4 strings. Also if you are left handed like moi, take it into account the chin rest and strings need changed.
Starting things for violinists:
A decent violin, bow doesnt need to be the best as you can normally adjust the tension yourself, and remember to buy some rosin for it.

As for archery, I gave that up a long time ago, doesn't seem like the easiest hobby to practice recreationally though

 

[AWAR]

I've seen lots of people quitting archery because it's nothing like they expected. It requires a lot of patience and dedication but so does learning how to play the violin I think. My suggestion is to try both hobbies and see which one is more likeable to you.

 

[Miyenne]

I used to be an archer, it was great.

Difficult, though. Especially in Canada, you're not allowed to use a bow anywhere but designated ranges. There's only one outdoor range that I know of in my entire city, and only a couple indoor. (Although we live next to a field and one of my neighbours just takes his target out there and shoots. He could get into a lot of trouble for that.)

It's also a very expensive hobby. But I really enjoyed it. I had to stop because I finished all my classes and won all the badges I could, and my parents couldn't afford to buy me my own bow so I could move up into competitive archery.

Go for it, if you have a place to practice and can afford it. Buying and maintaining the bow, buying arrows, targets, and so on.

As for bows, I always used a recurve bow. I had tried a compound bow a few times, but that was when I was younger and didn't have the strength to draw the bow. I found it distracting, honestly. Too much going on. The recurve felt way more natural to me. But try a few before you buy, you have to find the kind you like, as well an an appropriate draw weight for your strength. There's loads of different kinds of arrows, too. Find the weight you prefer on them.

As for playing violin, I never have so I can't give any advice for that.

 

[Mossberg Shotty]

Violinist*
If you are wanting to become a violinist, make sure to not just buy something cheap on eBay or something. Violins are pretty sensitive and cheap ones can be damn near impossible to tune all 4 strings. Also if you are left handed like moi, take it into account the chin rest and strings need changed.
Starting things for violinists:
A decent violin, bow doesnt need to be the best as you can normally adjust the tension yourself, and remember to buy some rosin for it.

As for archery, I gave that up a long time ago, doesn't seem like the easiest hobby to practice recreationally though

Funny I should happen across this. When I was younger, (much younger, mind) I played the violin. It's my greatest shame. Nowadays, it just sits in the back of my closet, collecting dust. I've thought about putting it up on eBay, but haven't because one of the strings is broken. I should've learned to play drums or some shit.

As far as archery, I didn't even know that it's still a common practice. Seems kinda impractical.

 

[Jux]

If you plan on taking up the violin, find a luthier of good reputation. If you're a serious buyer, they'll generally let you take one home with you for a few days to test it out before you buy. Some shops will even rent you a violin if you're not ready to commit to a purchase.

Violins are generally either factory made, or hand crafted by a single luthier. The latter are generally more expensive and better made. I would say a decent starting violin will run you anywhere between 1000-2500 USD. Sometimes you can get them cheaper on consignment. Bows are another consideration. Most bows will either be wood, carbon fiber, or a plastic composite. Costs vary, but you'll want to test the bow for balance and flexibility. I'm assuming you don't know staccato, tremolo or spiccato, so get someone to test those out for bow response for you.

Find a teacher. It's worth the investment.

And lastly, if you do buy one, follow the care instructions to the letter. Heat and humidity are a violins worst enemies. Don't leave it in your car if its hot outside for very long, and get a case with a built in hyrdometer (most of them have one).

edit: Violinist or fiddler are the generally accepted terms. Which you identify as is going to be based on what music style you take up. Classical? Violinist. Bluegrass or zydeco? Fiddler. But it's the same instrument, fiddle is just the colloquial term.

 

[mad825]

For archery, get into contact with your local sports club and hopefully they'll arrange a "taster" evening for you so that you can meet the people there and to ask any questions you may have.

Also, archery*

 

[Callie]

Violinist*
snip

Funny I should happen across this. When I was younger, (much younger, mind) I played the violin. It's my greatest shame. Nowadays, it just sits in the back of my closet, collecting dust. I've thought about putting it up on eBay, but haven't because one of the strings is broken. I should've learned to play drums or some shit.

As far as archery, I didn't even know that it's still a common practice. Seems kinda impractical.

Yeah the violin is definitely something if you want to keep at, you can be amazing, but its definitely not something for just pick up and play when you get bored.

Archery is not dead, friend of mine practices with the world champion, and he says that its not dead if you look in the right places, kind of like a close knit group. But as for impractical, compared to the violin I would say it would be.

 

[lechat]

I used to be an archer, it was great.

Difficult, though. Especially in Canada, you're not allowed to use a bow anywhere but designated ranges.
le snip

funny the reason i figured i'd take up archery, and i hope not many ppl find this out, is that archery in public parks is actually legal in australia.
not to say you can start taking pot shots at ppl's dogs and children but provided you can do so in a safe manner you can wander down to any local park and set up your own range. as i am surrounded by 5 parks i figured it would be a good bet.

i was mainly interested in traditional archery leaning towards a long bow (possibly yumi) but recurve might be the smarter choice. at this point a compound bow with lazer sights and clicker just seems to defeat the purpose of why i want to take up the sport.
i am booked in tomorrow for a trial run at my local archery club who will also provide me trial bows and advise on purchase of my own if i wish so i should be good but any help still appreciated.

I would say a decent starting violin will run you anywhere between 1000-2500 USD.

yup thats what i'm reading
not really in a position to shell out a couple grand for a hobby i might not like but my understanding is a decent violin will hold it's value and be easier to learn on. i'm tempted to pick up a hundred dollar ebay knock off but don't want to ruin my chances at learning before i start.
would i be better off saving for something decent or should i go for a middle ground (500-800) model?
should i study music by myself (can't read sheet music) before i get a tutor?
any suggestions on brands or types i should be looking for?

 

[Jux]

I would say a decent starting violin will run you anywhere between 1000-2500 USD.

yup thats what i'm reading
not really in a position to shell out a couple grand for a hobby i might not like but my understanding is a decent violin will hold it's value and be easier to learn on. i'm tempted to pick up a hundred dollar ebay knock off but don't want to ruin my chances at learning before i start.
would i be better off saving for something decent or should i go for a middle ground (500-800) model?
should i study music by myself (can't read sheet music) before i get a tutor?
any suggestions on brands or types i should be looking for?

Good violins will appreciate in value, though it takes time. If renting one to try it isn't your thing, you could try buying one on consignment. Basically, people will sometimes sell their violins through luthiers using them as brokers. The luthier gets a cut for being the go between, but you'll at least have a good appraisal of how good the instrument is, and since it's used, it may be a little cheaper, depending on how good of condition it's in.

I would suggest renting one for a couple of weeks. If you really like it, save for something that will last you.

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Theory-Edition/dp/1592574378

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Music-Composition/dp/1592574033

These are useful. Learning to read music really isn't hard. For me, the tough part was getting my hands to keep up with what my eyes were seeing on the paper. Getting your eyes and hands on the same page can be frustrating.

As for brands and types, your luthier will have better knowledge on that. Mine is a Swietlinski. I have no complaints. It has good intonation, and the violin holds pitch well, I only have to tune it once every 3-4 days (the strings are also important in that). Bow is a pierre martin pernambucco.

A few other things I might add/suggest is getting good rosin if you decide to get serious. A shoulder rest [http://www.tmart.com/New-Deluxe-Maple-Wood-Violin-Shoulder-Rest-Size-3-4-4-4_p116043.html?fixed_price=us_us&utm_source=base&utm_medium=organic&utm_term=Y00131&utm_campaign=product&gclid=CLuPo7CHzbgCFepZ7AodL1EA0Q] is very useful too.

And, because video games got me interested in the violin, I'll leave you with these:

Spoiler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAnQQcIncq0&feature=relmfu

Spoiler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maXU1lGguxs&feature=relmfu

Spoiler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0b8FCxtkik

Spoiler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpuHSA_C43s&feature=related

edit: Neither of these talented girls are me, just a couple of violinists I get inspiration from.

 

[thesilentman]

... Damn. I need to go back and use my violin again. How I've missed the music it brings.

Ahem. For playing the violin, I highly recommend you rent first, then buy one. And check for the quality, as it's imperative you get a good violin. Yes, the musician is half of the music, but the instrument is also important as well. Tell a carpenter to use faulty tools, and that same reaction from them will aptly describe my point.

For the music, learn the music theory. The almighty music theory will help all! I actually recommend piano for learning music theory, but any instrument works. Also, mark the primary positions that you'll take on the fretboard at first, then get rid of them when you're ready.

That's all I can offer for help, and wish you the best of luck in your endeavor as a violinist. It's very rewarding as you play more and more.

 

[Cloudydays]

Well, I'll take the *violinist part of the question (seeing as I am musician and play Viola and Piano).

Starter set for a violinist:
- Plywood Violin (Plywood is your basic type of wood for a wood instrument)
- Basic Rosin (nothing fancy, rosin makes a big difference in the sound you produce but it only compliments the bow).
- Basic Bow (Make sure you get a VIOLIN bow. Playing with anything else, even a Viola bow, is going to throw you off)
- Sponge Shoulder Rest (Don't need no fancy shmancy Tido, you can get a KUN should rest though).
- Beginner instruction books (I'd recommend the Essential Elements series as it will teach you all of the techniques basic -> advanced).
- Dampener (When winter approaches, your humidity is going to be thrown off and you need this)

So, making sure you know what this stuff is and how to use it:

The Violin is a wood instrument and therefore super fragile to climate and it's surroundings in general. You're not going to want to let any food, liquid, etc touch it at all. Keep it at room temperature and, if you want to go the extra mile and really invest in it's wellbeing, buy a humidifier. You only really need to worry about the humidity when winter strikes as you're in danger of the wood cracking and the spine splintering or the bridge slipping and and (oh gosh, scary thoughts).

Rosin in the stuff that you rub on your bow before you use it. Using a bow without rosin is useless. The bow is just really nice, clean horse hair just sitting there and look pretty. The rosin on it is what makes the hair stick and pull along the strings of the instrument, producing sound. If you get a brand new bow you're going to want to rosin for 5 minutes at least (takes a bit for it to stick on). From then on, you only really need 10-20 seconds if you're playing everyday.

You usually don't see the shoulder rest when you see a violinist playing. If you've ever held up the violin on your shoulder like you think it's supposed to be held you'll find it really uncomfortable and blistering even. What holds up your instrument in place, comfortably, is the shoulder rest. Your basic shoulder rest is a sponge one that you can just stick in and go. As you get better and desire better equipment, get out there and buy yourself a wood shoulder rest. Learning about your instrument will lead you to learn that if you get something like a KUN which grips your instrument with rubber feet that it'll dampen your sound. A wooden shoulder rest will help the sound carry through.

Dampeners. You stick them in water, ring them out, stick them in your instrument and you're good to go. Take it out before you play though.

Playing the violin is just one thing being said. After you learn your basics and your techniques - vibrato, shifting, etc, I'd encourage you a style that you want to play.

Anyways, wallotext enough. Feel free to ask me questions if you have more :3

 

[lechat]

chop

thank you.
very in depth post clarifying many of the questions i've had while researching my new hobbies.
will potentially have more questions for you down the track

 

[Cloudydays]

chop

thank you.
very in depth post clarifying many of the questions i've had while researching my new hobbies.
will potentially have more questions for you down the track

Oh sure, no problem, I'd love to help.
I've played the Viola myself for 7 years so this question was kind of in tune with me.
Hehe, in tune.
(I'm funny).

 

[Raikas]

Difficult, though. Especially in Canada, you're not allowed to use a bow anywhere but designated ranges. There's only one outdoor range that I know of in my entire city, and only a couple indoor. (Although we live next to a field and one of my neighbours just takes his target out there and shoots. He could get into a lot of trouble for that.)

The OP is in aus, so this is a little off topic, but just as an aside, the legality of archery off-range in Canada depends a bit on local regulations and the draw weight of your bow. If you genuinely couldn't use any bow off-range then both kids using play bows from Canadian Tire and bow hunters going after game would be breaking the law.



Going back to the OP - Buying decent wants costs a fortune while using cheaper ones might turn you off the hobby, so can you rent or lease a violin and/or a bow? That way you could try them out on better equipment without having to make such a major investment up front.

 

[BrassButtons]

I'm going to disagree with the people telling you to look into the higher-quality violins. To start with go ahead and look into the cheaper ones (either to rent or to own, depending on your situation). You'll still be able to start learning the basics, and (more importantly) you'll be able to figure out if this is really a hobby you want to spend a lot of money on. If you find yourself practicing for several hours a day then clearly a high-quality instrument is worth the investment. On the other hand if you only touch it once or twice a month then a cheap-o violin may be all that you need.

The above applies to archery as well (and any other hobbies, really--I'm a big advocate of "try first, spend money later"). A really high-quality bow is going to set you back a pretty penny, but you can get cheaper versions that will at least let you figure out if you like the sport or not. Depending on your area you might have archery ranges where you can go and try it out (for a fee, obviously). Of course, if you're into woodworking you could make your own bows. Two hobbies for the price of one! Three, if you make the arrows as well.

 

[lechat]

Depending on your area you might have archery ranges where you can go and try it out (for a fee, obviously). Of course, if you're into woodworking you could make your own bows. Two hobbies for the price of one! Three, if you make the arrows as well.

i actually found a decent range that for a small fee allowed me to spend a few hours with any bows i want and will be returning next week to try some more. if i so decide they will advise me on the right bow to buy.
originally i was leaning towards traditional archery but after having tried a decent comp bow i may be interested in that

 

[BrassButtons]

Depending on your area you might have archery ranges where you can go and try it out (for a fee, obviously). Of course, if you're into woodworking you could make your own bows. Two hobbies for the price of one! Three, if you make the arrows as well.

i actually found a decent range that for a small fee allowed me to spend a few hours with any bows i want and will be returning next week to try some more. if i so decide they will advise me on the right bow to buy.
originally i was leaning towards traditional archery but after having tried a decent comp bow i may be interested in that

Awesome. One word of warning with compound bows, though: pay very close attention when they show you the proper way to draw it back. If you twist the string it can come out of alignment, and you will get a very painful (and probably expensive) lesson.

I hope you have lots of fun. It's a great hobby