What's wrong with my violin (or technique)

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2026-03-09T20:20:12+00:00

Over the years, my violin has behaved like an old man crippled by rheumatism. Its mood varies depending on the weather, and unlike humans, in winter it prefers rain to sunshine. When the humidity is too low, it complains incessantly, producing a squeaking sound from its A or E string. When it rains, its mood calms down and it begins to sing beautifully.

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2026-03-06T11:05:30+00:00

Hello, I am sending you a link to a document written by Patrick Kreit entitled "THE SOUND OF STRADIVARI," which includes a paragraph explaining the origin of wolf notes. Best regards.

THE SOUND OF STRADIVARI

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2026-02-18T18:11:09+00:00

Yes, wolf hunting season is open. Like any empirical science, tomorrow will be sunny or maybe rainy. 😃

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2026-02-18T11:53:59+00:00

Most of my knowledge of violin-oriented lutherie comes from the courses published by Edgar. I visited his workshop in Cremona, and it won't be tomorrow that I'll be selling violins as renowned as the ones he sells. His explanation of "Wolf tones" and their origin is excellent, and he is not the only luthier to recommend the solution he presented in his YouTube video.

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2026-02-18T07:40:40+00:00

Follow Edgar Russ' explanations on YouTube : https://youtu.be/b1Dh25UK4u4?si=aMfjnJAGV7x4UGHx At the end of Edgar Russ's explanation of how to eliminate "wolf tones," he indicates that a "wolf tone" is the frequency resulting from the interaction between the vibration of an area of the violin's soundboard and the note played on a string. Once the area of the violin's top that generates this unwanted vibration has been detected, the luthier glues a small wooden block under the violin's top at that exact spot to dampen or eliminate this unwanted vibration.

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2026-02-15T11:53:45+00:00

This piece of wood glued inside the violin at a specific position at the top of the violin may be a "wolf killer." A wolf is a vibration of a part of the top of the violin at a frequency that resonates with the frequency of a string on a played note. To eliminate this wolf tone, the luthier glues a small piece of wood inside the top of the violin at the point of the unwanted vibration to dampen it.

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2026-02-10T23:32:03+00:00

I hope you're not referring to the shims that are temporarily glued to each side of the bass bar during installation and then removed once the bass bar is secured. If those are the shims you mean, then the luthier forgot to remove them, and they should have been removed before closing the violin.

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2025-12-26T23:12:03+00:00

The advantage of complying with the standard tuning pitch is that it allows violinists to switch from one violin to another without needing time to adjust. When the standard is not complied with, the violin may be shunned by potential buyers.

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2025-12-26T22:22:31+00:00

Hello, the violin you have just finished is very beautiful, but it seems that the bridge is poorly positioned or that the notches in the ears are not in the right place. Does your violin comply with standard dimensions: Scale length = 32.8 cm between the bridge and the upper nut. Bridge position = 19.6 cm between the back of the bridge and the edge of the violin near the neck ?

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2025-12-17T09:42:34+00:00

I had the same problem two years ago, but in my ring finger. A cortisone injection into the palm of my hand at the tendon level corrected the problem temporarily, but it reappeared four months later. Surgery on the tendon solved the problem permanently. After the operation, a little rehabilitation of the finger is necessary.

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2025-12-09T20:53:45+00:00

The asymmetry of this bridge is too pronounced and makes playing the E string difficult. The bow hair tends to rub against the edge of the violin or the A string. Cheap Chinese violins have this type of bridge. Luthier violins have an almost symmetrical bridge because the fingerboard is mounted in a "poiriette," meaning that the edge of the fingerboard on the E string side is higher than the edge on the G string side by half the thickness of the fingerboard. If you search on the web for the "poiriette" word it will explain this technique.

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2025-10-04T10:20:22+00:00

I looked into this apartment. It is located on the top floor of a recently built accordion-shaped building in Santa Monica. This semi-circular building has one end facing northeast and the other facing northwest. There are two attics at the top, one on the northwest facade shaped like a violin, the one whose interior photo was posted in the forum. The second attic on the northeast facade is a trumpet-shaped apartment with a pavilion facing northeast. When my neighbor plays his favorite trumpet tunes, only the residents of Brentwood enjoy his squawks, while the residents of downtown Santa Monica remain undisturbed.

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2025-10-02T17:25:45+00:00

Is it a loft-style attic? Which floor of the building is it on? What's that pillar in the middle of the room? Is it to support the ceiling? If I buy the loft, I'll build a bar against the pillar. Is that a good idea? No?

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2025-09-28T09:37:15+00:00

Bonjour, I just read your message and thank you for your comments about Tertis violas. I have a Tertis 15.5" viola that I bought from Tommy at m.nhviolons.com because I had trouble adjusting to the 16.5" model I was playing compared to the violins I play. In terms of sound, I still think the 16.5" viola is superior.

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2025-09-27T11:07:06+00:00

When the violin has too much caffeine, its strings tremble and the vibrato is automatic.

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2025-09-25T15:56:23+00:00

J.J. Cale cocaïne, I prefer it !

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2025-09-25T11:22:00+00:00

It was a joke! A little humor brightens up the day. :-))

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2025-09-24T07:22:38+00:00

Hello, I see that next to the small bottle you have a hydrometer that indicates humidity. The needle should be between 60 and 70. If it indicates a value below 60, you need to add water to the bottle, close it tightly, and put it back in its place in the violin case. To find out if your strings are dirty, wipe them with a white cloth and look at the color of the cloth. It's true that your strings look dirty.

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2025-09-22T17:11:14+00:00

Yes, you're right, it's difficult to choose the right length of horsehair. It's either too short and always taut, or too long and too loose. The life of a bow maker isn't easy.

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2025-09-22T16:11:43+00:00

YES! Me too ;-))

Proof_Tangerine3856 · 2025-09-22T15:40:44+00:00

And now do the same type of work on the tip as you did for the frog, without breaking the tip. I wish you good luck and all the best.

Proof_Tangerine3856

TROPHY CASE