Tuesday, 17 December 2013

A Brief Guide To Violin Accessories

By Cornelia White


A violin can be a big investment. In order to ensure you properly look after it you need to be sure that it is kept in the best condition. Therefore it is worth investing in the right violin accessories so that you can keep it stored properly as well as ensuring you get the best possible sound from your instrument.

One example of an item that affects the sound of the instrument is a mute. A mute is a small item that is clipped onto the bridge of the violin. These can be made from a range of materials such as wood, metal or plastic. As the name suggests a mute softens the sound of the instrument, creating a softer sound that can be useful when you need to change the tone during a piece.

Another way to reduce damage to your instrument is by using a dehumidifier. The danger with a wooden instrument is that it can bend and warp in extremes of temperature. With a dehumidifier you can compensate for the moisture in a room and ensure the instrument stays in the best condition.

There are also accessories you can buy that can improve the quality of how you play your instrument. One example is a mute. This is a small item that is clipped onto the bridge of the violin. As you might expect this then makes the sound of the instrument quieter, ideal for pieces that require a softer tone.

One area that violinists debate is whether or not you need a shoulder rest or indeed what kind. Some people improvise shoulder rests themselves, fashioning them from blocks of wood or sponges. Others purchase shoulder rests because of fears they will drop or damage without them.

One point of contention between violinists is whether or not to use a shoulder rest. There are some musicians who maintain that people should not use a shoulder rest. This is because they believe this separates the musician from their instrument and this means the music lacks that additional element of personal contact.

Those opposed to using a shoulder rest maintain that this will result in a distance between the violinist and their instrument. Therefore they are also opposed to chin rests for a similar reason. Regardless of whether or not you object to this what is true that the relationship between a violinist and their instrument is often a personal one and therefore it can be very difficult to say what is right or wrong in this particular aspect as it is about the personal comfort of the person playing the instrument.

There are numerous places where you can purchase violin accessories. It helps to look at product reviews and customer feedback as well as asking for advice from your tutor or fellow musicians. This will make it easier to find the right accessories that are appropriate for your needs.




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