Fiddle String Comparison

A very poor string comparison....
but, hey! we're all stuck social-distancing and having no life, so at least you can criticize my poor playing, poor song selection, poor looks, speech, and hair!!!

[@rickcraw100]

Jon, I always enjoy watching and listening to you play the fiddle. I am hoping to see you film another fiddle series. Thanks and be safe. Rick

[@grandpasmountain]

Thankyou, Rick! I'll get something going :)

[@ryanconran824]

It's always nice to hear you play Jon, glad to see you're still having fun and I can't wait to see what sort of violin you make next. :)

[@patriciajrs46]

Your fiddle with the Fiddler strings on it sounds more even, deeper in tone and less of an echo. They both sound good and I like that you used locust and cherry for the backs. Very nicely done. Your playing is getting better. Do not give up.

[@grandpasmountain]

Thankyou so much for the encouragement. I need it! I get quite frustrated with my playing. I was much farther along after the same time on the piano!

[@FrankBenally93]

Jon, I’ve absolutely been enjoying your videos. From your violin/fiddle building to your new journey in Tennessee. Your down-to-Earth methods in teaching processes in luthiery or building houses is amazing. You absolutely are a treat to have and I wish you and your amazing family the best. You’ve gained a new subscriber and I can’t wait to see more from you. I’d love to have a fiddle made by you!

[@danielvzagumennyy3729]

I love the exotic wood selection you have! I'm making a violin using spruce top and Koa back scroll and ribs from the big island of hawaii

[@remarsh3]

Your Making a Fiddle series inspired me to try my hand at one. Just attached the neck and while I've made a whole smorgasbord of mistakes, at least I know what I need to work on based on the down to earth but technically precise instructions you've shared. I love hearing you play on the all beautiful instruments you've made. Thank you.

[@grandpasmountain]

Wow!! That's wonderful! I'd sure love to see your project, if you're willing to send a pic or two. Thanks so much for the compliments!

[@congero113]

I really liked the Pirastros. Love your content, keep up the good work!

[@grandpasmountain]

Thankyou so much!

[@jgconwaythe2]

Interesting comparison. Every violin/fiddle has it’s own voice that said to me the Pirastro strings seemed a bit brighter. While the Fiddlerman a bit warmer.

[@fredbowman8307]

Hi Jon, thank you for posting. Seems to me that the most important factor in producing a good sound is not the particular instrument or setup, but rather the artist. To my ear, you make all of them sound good. Perhaps to me the Fiddlerman strings are a bit warmer, and I like that. You sent me an email a few months ago, sorry, I misplaced your address. Would love to hear from you again. Thanks and stay safe!

[@2old4u]

Nice to see a new video. Strings on the farewell seemed rather bright. The cherry sounded rich and warm.

[@MisterBigDave]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’ve used the Pirarstros but not the FS.

[@mrgroovestring]

You Sir, are a fine fiddler. I wish so much that I could afford to have you make a fiddle for me.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

I don't have an ear to know the difference, but sure enjoy seeing and listening to you play regardless.

[@cfladrow]

I don't care which strings you use, I just like listening to you play.

[@grandpasmountain]

You're too kind :)

[@edmiller4149]

I still like hearing you play one of your fiddles. Hope you and family are well.

[@grandpasmountain]

Hi Ed! Yes, thankyou!

[@juandavid8849]

I think both soud great. In the pirastro's I like the warmer sound on the lower notes and in fiddlerman's I like the sound on higher notes. (Btw I really like your Content. it is a really good guide for instruments making. Keep up the good job.)

[@grandpasmountain]

Thankyou so much, Juan.

[@paulhammer1363]

Both strings sound very good, with Fiddlerman's perhaps being a bit warmer...but that might be partly due to the instrument itself. Both these fiddles are superb, good work!

[@weshughes5180]

Great playing by the way. It is interesting to see the craftsman play his own violin. I like the Tonicas.

[@grandpasmountain]

You're very knowledgeable and, Wes!

[@maxlever9196]

Jon, as I have never built a fiddle, never learned to play to your level or above, am fat round and bald, you'll get no criticism from this guy. Now let me add, I believe that your Cherry instrument sounds mellow, and old. Honestly, not to insult your playing, or your choice of music, but I would love to hear Beethoven Violin Sonata number 1 played on the Cherry by a violinist with an exemplar video here on KZbin with their concert tuned Guarneri. I believe that your Cherry would come out the other side with nothing to be ashamed of.

[@grandpasmountain]

I hear you, Max. I started learning classical....but.... My grandkids can't dance to it, lol. Nothing like a great violinist with a great piece by Bach! Maybe be someday I'll find one. I've actually never met another person who plays the violin in my life! Seriously. Don't put yourself down, btw. We all have our strengths.

[@jamesmillard177]

That's some good music right there! Hello from Oklahoma

[@grandpasmountain]

Thankyou, James!

[@benmartin8321]

I started on steel strings but moved on quickly to synthetic core strings. Cost me 30 pounds a set but they are super strong (not had any snap yet and I play for hours daily) and once settled they just never seem to need tuning apart from tweaking.

[@grandpasmountain]

I like synthetics alot. I am trying some new Helicores....but I don't think I will change to steel.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

Hi, It's great to hear from you again. This was a very fun test to listen to. Both sets sound OK but I definitely favor the Tonicas and trust that the two violins are similar in tonal complexity. This intests me because. I bought a cheap Mendini for $79 that just isn't the same "species" as my good violin. The Mendini is harsh as hell so I'm toying with putting a set of Obligatos on it along with fitting a better bridge to mellow it out. Unfortunately, the sound post is most likely glued in place so that can't be changed or moved. Anyhoo, have a good one.

[@grandpasmountain]

Hello! Thanks -- I doubt the sound post is glued.... But you CAN cheat and move the feet of the bridge closer or away. Usually what makes cheap fiddles sound terrible is poor carving. It's hard to fix, but you can improve it.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

@@grandpasmountain Glary's glue their sound posts in so there's a possibility. They ship them with the bridges off and we both know that a properly set sound post wouldn't stand much of a chance staying in place all the way from China if there's no tension on the front. Anyway, Obligatos would take the edge off.

[@grandpasmountain]

Hmmmmm. I'd insert a tool and give the post a good whack and knock it out, then!

[@anthonyzbikowski529]

Definitely prefer the Fiddlerman strings over the Tonicas. If I remember correctly the two fiddles are very similar in sound. I thought them pretty bright. Now, I'm a violist by original training and inclination and prefer a darker tone. Those Fiddlerman strings are pretty neutral and have a nice resonance. I was thinking of putting them on my violin the next time around. I've been using D'Addario Zyex on my viola. I wish Fiddlerman made those strings for viola... Dominants are just too rich for my blood these days. Used to have a mixed set of Eudoxas on the C&G and Dominants on the D&A. Way too pricy now. Your playing gets better and better. Thanks for all the videos. Very valuable resource. Someday when I have the time I'll try my hand at building my own fiddle.

[@teacher_of_the_arcane5399]

Okay …. I've watched you build fiddles, and Father-and-Son guitars …. great work by the way! I'm waiting for you to do a banjo, and bass fiddle so a blue grass jam session could be done some weekend !! Just a thought !

[@grandpasmountain]

One of these days.... :)

[@iaenmor]

I think I would be picking the Fiddlerman strings. I like the warmer tone. They don't seem as harsh/sharp when you go up the neck on the A and E strings. But then again I am more fond of old time music and the sound of gut strings. Maybe swapping the strings will give a better comparison. Should negate the differences in the woods of the fiddles. Name/s of the tunes played if you would please. Thanks for the video.

[@grandpasmountain]

It is terrific to hear your opinion. I think I have been using one brand of string too long! They sounded flat to me, at first. Midnight on the Water, and Napoleon's Retreat.

[@bluehoo0]

Good to see your keeping healthy, each time I listen I change my mind as to which strings I prefer. So I guess the answer is I like them both. How’s things carona wise with you? We’re still in lock down but no problems getting food supplies, I have no problems with lockdown as Judith says I’ve been in lockdown for months making fiddles 😀 I think I’ve caught Cremona virus can’t shake it off🤣🤣🤣 Fiddle wise the Strad and Guarneri body’s or corpus are assembled the necks are nearly completed should have them attached next week, I will string them up before varnishing just to leave them in tension and check all’s well. Then dismantle and apply varnish. As to when the girls will play them is a waiting game. But I’ll post a video of them being played. So bye for now stay safe and look after yourselfs.

[@patrickgriffiths2628]

Hey Jon its Patrick from melbourne Australia,ive been watching you progress you doing a great job there.I was using Tonica's found them ok,then switched to hilicores fonund them to be more responsive and warmer.Easer to play.Cheers

[@grandpasmountain]

I've been thinking about trying Helicores....I think I was biased against steel strings. Thanks for the recommendation! I would never have thought they would be warmer. I assumed they would be louder!

[@patrickgriffiths2628]

@@grandpasmountain Cool man, yeah warmer and quiker responce.And i love your fiddle making clips espesaily the plate tuning stuff.im keen to give making a fiddle a go

[@grandpasmountain]

Thanks so much, Patrick. I sure hope you do!!

[@rockhard2654]

they both sound fabulous i gotta go cherry

[@mccypr]

Fiddlerman quiet. Tonicas brighter and more dynamic. Thanks!

[@philochristos]

I can only barely hear a difference, and I don't know if that' has more to do with the violins or the strings. They both sound good to me, though.

[@grandpasmountain]

The differences are small --- honestly, it's all about personal preference. "Good" is subjective.

[@deltafour1212]

That boy can play! Who knew to use cherry wood on a violin. Love the sound of it

[@grandpasmountain]

You're very kind.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Why not try a set of Black Diamond N719 Fiddle Strings? You might also wanna get machine head tuners for Violin.

[@grandpasmountain]

Adding the weight to the head of the violin would change its sound. Those tuners are fairly heavy, and we are shooting for less mass. Those strings....are....well....crap, lol. I prefer a real violin string for a quality sound. If I was just scratching out a time and trying to be heard over a banjo....then, maybe! :)

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@grandpasmountain Actually the N719 Silver Wound Violin Strings have a really special sound. You gotta remember those mechanical tuners aren't as heavy as you think. They're a tad bit lighter than normal friction pegs so they actually lower the weight. They said the machine head tuners would enhance the sound, that is change the sound in a good way. Machine head tuners bypass the need to use fine tuners on the tailpiece cause they stay put. Perfection Pegs are mahine heads that look like regular pegs but there's a gear mechanism inside, plus they're made out of a Synthetic material which makes them a tad bit lighter.

[@grandpasmountain]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 I had never heard of Perfection Pegs. I looked them up, and they are definitely heavier than wood pegs, but much less than the ones I am familiar with. Thanks for mentioning them to me. I don't have fine tuners, except on my E string, as I don't want to add weight there, either. I bought a set of Helicores to see if they would last longer for me. I burn through strings in a matter of weeks. Usually my A string disintegrates. I added a tailpiece to one fiddle that incorporates the tuners for that one. I'm not in love with the Helicores. They require more bow pressure, sound metallic at times and are prone to squealing. With synthetic strings, I can use a very light tough and rarely need to rosin the bow. I truly appreciate your suggestions. Sorry I seemed to write yours off. I will try your string/ tuner suggestion so I can have an actual opinion for myself. Thanks!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@grandpasmountain Actually Helicore Strings require less pressure to bow because they're a little bit thinner, plus a CodaBow Joule for Violin and Dark Rosin really helps. Also the perfection pegs are made out of plastic so they're actually lighter weight than friction pegs. Things have changed over the years as technology got updates.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@grandpasmountain First of all Helicore Strings (the set with a Wound E String) have their advantages written on the back of the package. Helicore Strings are generally easier to bow cause they're a little bit thinner, also they have a Stranded Steel Core which eliminates the Squealing. The technology used to make strings has gone under many updates. Also Wound Violin E Strings never squeak, so no squeaking E String, no worries.

[@garycowger9579]

Did Ya every try a sawmill tuning GDGD .

[@grandpasmountain]

Noooo... Dead man's tuning....but what a pain to retune! I just keep my fiddle tuned correctly.

[@samsam3499]

Cherry fiddle.

[@curious4967]

For the song, fiddle, strings... gotta go with first fiddle. Spectacular!

[@edmiller4149]

The Pirastro strings seem pretty loud and fiddle worthy while the Fiddlerman seem more mellow and violinish, if I may say. Kinda like the mellow sound but it might depend on what music you’re playing.

[@grandpasmountain]

They ARE louder --- and I hear more color in the notes.

[@garyslone7751]

Jon you have real nice fiddles g

[@olejohanpalsrud6896]

Good video. Seems like the Pirastro have a Sharp and klear tone. Personally I liked the Fiddlerman better, it has a softer tone I think :-)

[@grandpasmountain]

Thanks -- yes, they are definitely softer. They also broke in much quicker.

[@ponysmonicaharrison812]

The second set

[@ratherrapid]

Tonica much the best--all ranges.

[@mccypr]

The Fiddlerman strings sound warmer and slightly more complex. It could have a little to do with the Janka hardness differences between locust and cherry woods. www.wood-database.com/wood-finder/?fwp_name=L&fwp_paged=2. Tap the bars/menu at the top of the page and tap wood finder if the link takes you to the first page. I love the sound of the cherry fiddle. Thanks! Stay safe!

[@cpl1854]

I thought the pirastros seem more focused than the fiddlermans.

[@grandpasmountain]

That's what I thought. I actually re-examined the setup on that fiddle to make sure it was not the instrument doing it.

[@СергейИльин-г9г]

Hello, I wanted to ask where do you get the dec form.

[@grandpasmountain]

Could you explain the last 2 words for me?

[@СергейИльин-г9г]

@@grandpasmountain Sorry, I don't speak English well. I meant template soundboard .

[@grandpasmountain]

@@СергейИльин-г9г that is ok :) I made my own templates. There are printable templates on www.makingtheviolin.com это хорошо! Я не говорю по-русски! Я сделал свои собственные шаблоны из рисунков. Спасибо, что написали! eto khorosho! YA ne govoryu po-russki! YA sdelal svoi sobstvennyye shablony iz risunkov. Spasibo, chto napisali!

[@СергейИльин-г9г]

@@grandpasmountain thank you for understanding and help )))

[@patriciajrs46]

Your fiddle with the Fiddler strings on it sounds more even, deeper in tone and less of an echo. They both sound good and I like that you used locust and cherry for the backs. Very nicely done. Your playing is getting better. Do not give up.