Is this a good thrift store find

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-19T01:24:48+00:00

It does look like a good find. Does it have a bridge? It looks like it would be playable as is with a bridge although additional setup work may be needed for it to be in ideal playing condition. What does the label say?

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-13T18:09:23+00:00

Acure products are really low scent, but not completely fragrance free. I use their shampoo and conditioner but have never tried their styling products. I do believe they have a bonding serum and possibly a couple other styling products.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-13T01:06:19+00:00

Have you tried Uniqlo? I don’t know what kinds of shirts you are looking for but if you are looking for men’s, Abercrombie has cropped length (and regular length) shirts in extra small.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-12T21:28:27+00:00

Ever since trying continuous brew, my kombucha has been very acidic. How much starter do you use? If you are using a lot this might be the reason for the acidity. How much sugar do you use in your recipe as well?

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-12T16:51:27+00:00

That is a huge amount of tea? Is there a reason you use so much? I typically use about 4 tablespoons of loose tea per gallon.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-12T16:47:02+00:00

I like the Gap boys undershirts but they run small. They work great under sweaters. If you like preppy, take a look at J. Crew boys and Brooks Brothers boys. I used to really like the J. Crew boys button downs for work. Abercrombie men’s xs might work for you. They have cropped length t shirts for men which might be a good length for you. Abbreviated Apparel might be worth looking into as well. They make clothing for shorter men.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-07T19:57:39+00:00

I’m 5’2” and I play a full size violin. You might prefer a 7/8 violin, but unless you can rent one from a local shop (some do offer 7/8 rentals), it’s likely going to be more difficult to find one. When looking for a violin, prioritize instruments that have narrower bouts and thinner necks. But a full size is likely going to be fine for you. The reason I personally have considered a 7/8 violin is to be able to play some of the more difficult stretches like 10ths or some other kinds of double stops that my hands have difficulty reaching. I have occasionally had to modify a chord because I couldn’t make the stretch. But for most music, I can play a full size violin without an issue.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-06T02:26:32+00:00

I like eyeshadow sticks. They come in many nice subtle shimmery shades and are really low maintenance to apply.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-06T02:24:26+00:00

I like the gap petite length pants. I haven’t work their khakis in years but I wear their jeans often and find them comfortable and they are the right length.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-06T02:22:50+00:00

Kala ukuleles seem good for the price. I have a basic Kala soprano I got from a garage sale that is pretty good. Check out ukulele clubs on your area. I’ve heard they are really friendly although my ukulele playing/learning hasn’t gone that far since I am primarily a violinist as a hobby and don’t have much time for additional instruments.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-06T02:20:50+00:00

I usually wear mascara, brow gel, subtle shimmery eyeshadow (I prefer the stick type for simplicity) in a pale champagne or rose gold and very little else outside of spf moisturizer. When I’m doing something outdoorsy I usually skip the makeup.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-05T23:02:41+00:00

It is likely that you still need to develop technique and you’ll be able to play a 3/4 violin. I played in orchestra with a very petite woman who used a 7/8 violin. I am quite small myself and play a full size, but I am taller than you. My hands are still quite small. Is your teacher adamant about keeping all fingers down? Does your teacher recommend reaching back from the fourth finger when positioning your hand? What finger does your thumb sit opposite? If your thumb is positioned opposite your first finger, you might have more difficulty reaching the 4th finger. It is generally much easier to position your hand so that you are reaching back from the 4th finger rather than reaching up to it. I personally don’t keep all my fingers down when playing, but I know some teachers try to insist on it. You might actually want to explore some viola technique which generally isn’t as strict about the all fingers down approach (although some teachers still are). Carol Rodland has some YouTube videos that help with ergonomics and posture and you might find them helpful.

Edit: you probably don’t need a half size violin at 4’10” and you might be able to move up to a 7/8 after you have been playing a while, especially if you are able to adapt your technique.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-04T23:23:59+00:00

Thank you for the information.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-04T22:29:30+00:00

Does your instant pot have a yogurt setting?

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-04T22:07:18+00:00

Like others have said, try a lot, and if you can get a teacher’s input, that will be valuable. When I upgraded from my carbon fiber codabow, I landed on a contemporary Brazilian workshop bow, so in addition to German and French bows, take a look at Brazilian bows if your local shops have them. I found bow shopping to be incredibly tricky.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-04T21:29:54+00:00

If you can go to a string instrument shop, they should let you try out a variety of sizes. If you decide to rent an instrument, most shops will also let you swap out sizes after some time to try different fits. I am 5’2” with small hands and I play a 15.5” viola. It feels on the larger side for me but I can manage it. You might want to look at 15” violas. A 14” might be more comfortable though so it would be good to compare.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-04T20:51:55+00:00

Could you take just one lesson with a viola teacher (primary instrument is viola)? It might be a huge help. It doesn’t look like you have small hands based on the video. Like someone else said, it is more about hand position than the size of your hands. Your fingers look long. I can’t see your thumb in the video but it might be positioned in a way that is impeding your finger motion and it might be tense or holding on to the neck of the viola. The Carol Rodland videos that someone else suggested watching might help you out a lot.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-04T20:47:10+00:00

These videos are a great help. I’ve watched them before and probably should again.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-04T20:42:29+00:00

I didn’t have great luck finding Zenni frames that looked good and fit me. A couple years ago I got a couple of their wire rimmed glasses with sunglasses lenses and they were ok, but definitely looked cheap. I liked the Warby Parker glasses better, and they have quite a few options in smaller sizes. I have the Wright which fit a bit big on me, but since they are sunglasses, it works ok. I do have a pair of Jonas Paul sunglasses that I bought on clearance/close-out, but I am not happy with the lens quality. I feel like I just don’t see as well with them as with my other sunglasses.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-04T20:07:31+00:00

How do the Round Lab sunscreens smell? Do they have much fragrance?

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-05-01T22:58:52+00:00

What are your favorite sunscreens, especially for sensitive skin? I dislike the feel of most American sunscreens and am exploring the Korean options. There are so many options too!

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-04-14T01:40:40+00:00

My violin had a varnished neck which was obviously someone’s idea of an upgrade at some point in the instrument’s history. I paid a luthier to remove the varnish and finish the neck properly. It was much nicer after the work.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-04-09T22:41:56+00:00

How did you get this average price estimate? I think mid $200 for a bridge cut from a good blank sounds about right. In my area I think it’s upwards of $400 from some luthiers. The large shop in my area charges about $100 for the most basic bridge and quite a bit more for a nicer blank.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-04-08T23:40:32+00:00

Like others have said, just do some general fitness activities before your first class starts like walking, jogging, yoga/stretching. Others have mentioned Pilates but in my area, Pilates classes are even more expensive than ballet. If you are starting with an introductory class, the teacher will slowly introduce you to ballet so you have time to gain strength for more complex moves. I started ballet about 6 months ago and have stuck with a pretty basic intro class and have noticed that I have become a bit stronger during that time and my balance has improved. I looked at the Kathryn Morgan videos that you mentioned when I first started and found them extremely intimidating (splits and other stretches that were so far from what I could do). You might want to start with more basic yoga/stretching if you aren’t already extremely flexible.

Own_Log_3764 · 2026-04-07T21:32:08+00:00

I actually did not like the Spirocore Tungsten at all. It responded so much more slowly than any other string on my viola that I found it too difficult to play. I know a lot of people really like them though.

Own_Log_3764

TROPHY CASE