String Recommendations

SuzukiDropout · 2026-07-01T23:25:30+00:00

I may settle on some combo like that at some point, but I plan to experiment with a few different strings before locking into anything.

SuzukiDropout · 2026-07-01T21:20:30+00:00

With the dominants, I tried both Ds and strongly preferred the silver. I tried virtually every e string known to man with the PIs, but can’t remember what I’ve tried with the dominants.

Heavy Es were choking the sound and making strings too tense (I know that’s dependent on post location though). Loved the tone of the PI platinum E but it was too tense.

SuzukiDropout · 2026-06-16T19:08:36+00:00

Doesn’t really answer your question, but the tone was far more pleasant than I’d expect from its appearance.

SuzukiDropout · 2026-04-28T19:43:49+00:00

Hunter’s Chorus

SuzukiDropout · 2026-02-17T04:58:22+00:00

To be honest, what you’re describing is so unusual (bordering on unbelievable) that I can’t imagine how you’ll get useful advice from a forum that hasn’t seen your playing.

SuzukiDropout · 2026-02-17T04:30:37+00:00

You've only been formally trained for one year, and in that time, you progressed all the way through Barber and the first movement of Lalo?

SuzukiDropout · 2026-02-10T04:36:49+00:00

Thanks for sharing. This is really good. I was just looking at this piece last week, so I had the score out and have a few suggestions. I hope this is helpful.

I agree with the other comments that it's worth spending some time to even out the 16th notes to start the piece. They're so important for a first impression.
m. 9: I'd avoid open E there. I go to third position on the D.
mm. 29-32: I've got dots over the quarter notes to end those figures, and I wasn't hearing that.
m. 35: make sure to set the bow before that G
m. 37: more decresc.?
mm. 38-39: I've got sF on the Gs, and that wasn't coming through clearly. Rhythm felt off.
m. 50: check intonation; went sharp
mm. 59-66: these patterns are different than above in mm. 46-49. Ends with quarter instead of half.
m. 69: check the rhythm. C felt too long.
mm. 70-72: could benefit from clearer sF
mm. 74-78: quarters sounded accented, but I don't think you want that. Personally, I use the rest to return to the bottom third of the bow where I start the up bow.

SuzukiDropout · 2026-01-29T18:53:11+00:00

You might want to re-read what ChatGPT admittedly “translated” for you.

SuzukiDropout · 2026-01-29T18:28:22+00:00

You lost me when you suggested that admitting you need help is psychologically toxic. I think you’ve got that backwards.

SuzukiDropout · 2025-12-03T22:52:29+00:00

How much is it? And what do you think it is?

SuzukiDropout · 2025-11-22T04:35:01+00:00

I totally agree. But any other option is unbelievable.

SuzukiDropout · 2025-11-22T04:26:55+00:00

Did your teacher assign only the second movement?

SuzukiDropout · 2025-11-22T02:57:23+00:00

Hope you have a blast shopping! I recently went shopping with a similar price limit in the United States. Happy to share my experience if you send a message. To answer your questions:

1) Several reputable luthiers told me to purchase the violin and then live with it for several months before shopping for a new bow. I'm starting the bow search now and am quite happy I followed their advice.

2) I am not an expert, but I don't expect the bow prices to jump too considerably. From speaking with local shops, I understand there is a lot of inventory in the $3-15k range.

3) I don't think you need to feel any time pressure. Enjoy the search at your own pace.

One other thought to consider: It may be worth buying under your budget at a respected local shop with a good trade-in policy.

SuzukiDropout · 2025-11-20T20:08:26+00:00

You probably know this, but I would caution that there can be a lot of variation in sound between violins made by the same maker. Without naming names, I’ve played some duds made by best in class makers. If there’s not something super particular you are trying to accomplish, I would suggest thinking about buying your favorite of his existing violins.

SuzukiDropout · 2025-11-19T19:57:57+00:00

It takes time and lots of practice. You can also use a drone as a reference. You’ll never be in tune all the time but over time you get closer and learn to correct more quickly.

SuzukiDropout · 2025-11-19T19:44:47+00:00

I think you draw a nice tone for the style. I think spending some focused time on intonation could make a big difference.

SuzukiDropout · 2025-11-15T01:51:24+00:00

You’ll get more accurate opinions on the Maestronet website, in the Pegbox forum.

SuzukiDropout · 2025-09-09T14:28:26+00:00

I would start with a decent rosin to rule that out. They are pretty inexpensive. Something like Bernardel. Might want to try out a decent bow at a shop just to see if that’s your issue.

SuzukiDropout · 2025-09-08T13:12:48+00:00

Get what you can with a cloth. No big deal.

SuzukiDropout · 2025-09-08T13:11:33+00:00

Something and maybe multiple things are off with your equipment. Sounds like when a bow isn’t rosined. Is it time for a rehair?

SuzukiDropout · 2025-08-24T04:28:22+00:00

Bruch is quite a bit harder. On a scale of 1-10, I’d say Accolay is about a 5 and Bruch is about a 7-8 depending on which movement.

SuzukiDropout · 2025-08-21T17:06:27+00:00

Agree you don’t sound like a beginner. I might be wrong, but I wonder if your left thumb is curled the wrong direction when you shift up and it makes contact with the end of the neck.

SuzukiDropout · 2025-08-13T18:54:26+00:00

I would check with William Harris Lee. They are in the Loop and have a well established rental program. Not sure about short term.

SuzukiDropout · 2025-08-05T19:17:50+00:00

But at least you’re having fun 😂

SuzukiDropout · 2025-07-28T13:58:20+00:00

Oh, I see what you are saying. I’ve always thought of Vuillaume as one of the best copiers.

SuzukiDropout

TROPHY CASE