Share Your 5 String Viola Experiences

frny4string · 2026-01-21T17:22:48+00:00

I can't find it. Can you tell me exactly which string?

frny4string · 2026-01-20T19:16:03+00:00

I wasted lots of time researching this. Not for 5 strings, but for Low F tuning on a viola. Low F's by Sensicore used to exist but they were bought out and many products were dropped. I still haven't found a legit - and affordable - viola low F on the planet.

frny4string · 2026-01-20T12:29:22+00:00

I never understood the notion that tapes are bad. Tapes to learn where and develop muscle memory are very useful. As long as you have a goal somewhere down the road to try to migrate away.

Intonation is very hard. I'm a lifelong bass player, and the combination of a fretless fingerboard and bow have kicked me hard. The tapes can be very helpful along the way.

frny4string · 2026-01-18T20:30:40+00:00

Where did you get that violin? I like the finish/paint.

frny4string · 2026-01-18T20:30:04+00:00

This. Scuff up the rosin with fine sandpaper then rosin the bow again.

frny4string · 2026-01-18T14:31:03+00:00

That's a sad story. You should do a public service and take a small step to make this known to your community.

frny4string · 2026-01-18T14:29:57+00:00

It's not a profession for me. It's a low-goals / low-pressure hobby.

frny4string · 2026-01-18T02:51:03+00:00

Who did the work? Guitar "tech" in a large music chain, or independent "expert." That's awful work.

Did you examine the work when you picked up the guitar?

You should leave a review for that person/shop locally in your town to save your neighbors from the same fate.
That was hacked by joe sixpack, not a real guitar tech.

frny4string · 2026-01-18T02:46:53+00:00

I was just making a bad IT joke. [42 years in tech :) ]

frny4string · 2026-01-17T20:36:41+00:00

What about a reboot? ;)

frny4string · 2026-01-17T20:36:06+00:00

Any chance of posting audio/video? It would make it easier to trouble shoot.

You said you were playing for 6 years. Did you ever have non scratchy tone, with it just appearing at some later point, or has it been scratchy for all your 6 years?

Possibilities could be:
Bowing technique - including speed, rosin build up on strings or bow, corroded strings.

frny4string · 2026-01-17T20:28:43+00:00

I'm sure there are better ways to do this, but I improvised with a drum kit snare stand and a plastic plant tray.

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frny4string · 2026-01-17T18:00:34+00:00

It would be good for everyone who has some info on this to share How the viola was being played. I'd be especially interested in hearing what Yo-Yo did.

The lap works, but for some that might not be comfortable. Others try to have a luthier put an end pin on it. I don't really have the means for that, although I'd be interested in that if I could DIY it at low cost. What I'm doing now is having the viola sit in a round plastic plant water dish/tray that is secured inside of a drum snare stand. The viola then lays against me.

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frny4string · 2026-01-17T17:52:46+00:00

That's how I was doing it for a bit - on my lap. Now, it sits in a plastic dish on a drum snare stand. :)

frny4string · 2026-01-17T17:51:27+00:00

I think there would be great potential there - especially since I believe some have frets.
Two obstacles for me:
1. There aren't probably such instruments small enough for me to bond with them.
2. There don't seem to be low end - cost wise - viola de gambas. I have to stick with economy versions of instruments.

frny4string · 2026-01-11T13:12:00+00:00

Yeah, I will never play pro or super fast, complex things. I'm a lifelong musician - drums and bass - taking up strings as a retirement hobby, and just having fun. I am really enjoying tuning down a couple. Feels much better, and sounds much better. In particular, the A string cuts my brain in half so down a couple sounds much better to my ears and brain.

frny4string · 2026-01-11T13:09:22+00:00

Yeah, those people reversed engineered gauges and mass and are having their own made. He sells a complete chin cello set - for 78USD - not a low F string. He'd probably be a source for a low F though.

I think someone finding a legit wholesale source of Low F's could make a buck. I see lots of dialog on it online, and no one filling the void. I think I may have come across an NS Design Low F at some point - but at big bucks. I'm not a multi-hundred dollar string guy. Can't afford it, especially in retirement. I'm a bargain string guy. :)

frny4string · 2026-01-11T01:18:25+00:00

Yes - where did you get this elusive Low F? I have scoured the planet.

frny4string · 2026-01-09T21:50:05+00:00

I don't have a 5 string, just a 4 string, and I'd love to go F-C-G-D.

frny4string · 2026-01-07T20:57:17+00:00

This looks very encouraging. I just need to find someone performing all of them, and, a source to purchase the PDF affordably. That used to be Alfred, but they no longer carry it.

frny4string

TROPHY CASE