Is your Instruments holding you back?

[@oldfogeymusic4248]

My violin told me I was holding IT back… 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@natanc1227]

Oof

[@nupsiwulst9946]

That’s what I just heard from my violin....😬

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

🤣... get to practice!

[@brumbybailey6599]

Mine too 😣😢😂

[@brattingprincess]

It deserves a ten million dollar violinist 😢

[@david_broz]

I must say, Olaf... That song at the beginning is a masterpiece depiction of an annoying fly. You are a genius!

[@dolofson]

Seriously, that is the most hilarious sound I've heard in a very long time. Brilliant!

[@Delphini_Zucchini]

I thought so too!

[@eyekosaeder5387]

“Your voice is so recognizable” Well, my grandma still confuses me with her dog, so I don’t know. I thought I stopped barking a few years ago.

[@charlieyang2279]

Shur'tugal Vodr haha

[@teddyong4829]

After switching to my new violin for a while, I went back to play my old 3/4 and realised that the tone is completely lacking! How could I have thought that I sounded good back then...

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

I can imagine...

[@bohuslavpavlyshynets]

I had the same story. Now I have a new (old) 4/4 violin, and I am slightly upset because I am from Ukraine and I cannot to show it to Olaf. It is old and need to be vanished again. But it is a beautiful handmaid violin that sounds very resonant and clear.

[@reaganb6013]

I finally got a full size violin a couple months ago (I'm 14 but I'm pretty small), and I'm so happy. It sounds so much nicer than the 3/4 I had and I feel like I can actually make a good sound now.

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Great to hear! Yes a nice sound makes such a big difference.

[@ecoria-x9113]

Your videos are the best, always super helpful!

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Thank you for your feedback Joan... It's my goal to have way more informed string players out there 🙂

[@azurefoxprince]

The beginning skit is definitely me right now, I pick up violin in the 6th grade till the 8th and didn't play it after that, I really don't know why I didn't keep playing it through high school and beyond, but I finally picked it back up after the years of abuse and neglect of not playing it. Biggest regret of my life not playing it.

[@Shiro_Amada]

Important thing is you are doing it. Keep it up. You can only get better.

[@ziraiah]

I've never played violin, but now I almost want to start learning. 😅 I've been watching TwoSet for a while, and I was happy to find your channel too. I play piano, but string instruments are also so fascinating.

[@Technicotop]

"string instruments are also so fascinating" Especially when you make sounds of dying animals with them :D

[@wakingtheworld]

So did you take up the violin then? TwoSet inspired me and I'm 1 year in now. All super, super challenging but so very rewarding... And, no, I've never sounded like a dying animal!!

[@ziraiah]

@@wakingtheworld Unfortunately I don't have enough money for a violin or any lessons at the moment. Student loans and mortgage + part time job is not a nice combo. 😕 Maybe some day things change.

[@wakingtheworld]

@@ziraiah Well if it helps at all, I couldn't afford a violin either and a TwoSetter suggested I rent so I have a gorgeous violin worth £700 - rental costs are £17.50/month. (UK based). Yes, lessons cost too and certainly motivate me (along with Brett screaming at me to 'Go practice') but online help is there in spades. But with the cost of living skyrocketing and everything else you have on your plate now is not a great time - understatement and there are things you will need to buy as well: shoulder rest, rosin, music stand, spare strings, tuner etc... I've had to re-prioritise my life and work more (I'm retired) to pay for it all... Don't lose the passion though. A violin can sing in a way a piano never can....

[@zactownsend1099]

Hi Olaf, can you do a video comparing different quality bows and what difference a bow can make?

[@oscarordiano2112]

That is at great humor. Thank you

[@jasminevera2980]

Thank you Olaf, you confirmed that my 2nd violin I acquired does not fit me and has caused intonation problems on my other violin. I was going back and forth between the two and it set back my playing considerably. I'm an adult 1yr playing beginner.

[@VIM365]

Thanks for another great informative video Olaf!

[@rarepepe8790]

Is there a psychological difference? Like what if u practice more because it more expensive

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Hi Rare Pepe, It helps if you really love your Instrument. I have a client that is playing on a cheaper instrument. When I suggested that she might upgrade some day to match her level of playing she said: "but I totally love this violin" So in that case that particular violin is perfect for her. But when you are holding a Strad or other expensive instrument you would try to do your very best playing, so having a more expensive instrument can sometimes have psychological effect.

[@SuchirAgarwalepicface]

I think that there is. If you have a cheap instrument that you really don't feel anything for, then it might be hard to find the motivation to practice. However, if you are willing to spend a few grand on a decent intermediate instrument, you may find that you find more motivation to practice because you love the sound of your instrument. Not sure if it works for everyone, but this is just based on my personal experience.

[@HealsTheTail]

love you Olaf! Keep making videos! Cant wait to see what your content becomes ^_~

[@mariequelquechose387]

I love it! I'm sad that I can't turn on the notifications, KZbin says that your channel is for kids 😩

[@CelilasArt]

i could turn them on just now. try again?

[@mariequelquechose387]

@@CelilasArt still not :/

[@CelilasArt]

@@mariequelquechose387 oh i'm sorry :( that is annoying!

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Hi Marie, I will try and change the settings today...

[@mariequelquechose387]

@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker Hi, thank you! I hope it'll work 😊

[@yukizhang4981]

OMG I love your videos!

[@authenticbaguette6673]

The part at the beginning sounds like something Penderecki would write ! By the way , it's actually criminal that I didn't get to know about your channel until now ..

[@Fidi987]

Okay, seriously, I was watching that video, then paused the sound, wondering if my tinnitus had come back!

[@davidcoulombe2000]

I like how you explain things. Sadly I am playing the Pan flute. Still I found out while it is interesting to learn a bit more about violin. Some of your tips apply to some wood instruments in general. Why are you doing wind instruments? :D Keep the good job!

[@sadhbhdelahunt]

I'm not a good player but I can hear a beautiful sound and my first violin was crap now that I've heard alot of violins

[@SoSme]

Hi Olaf how are you doing? i want to get a violin for starting to learn which violin do you recommend thx alot much love

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Hi, Make sure you get a violin that is well set up by a violin maker. It has to have a nice sound, be set-up so it is easy to play and generally well made. Don't buy anything under $500 if you can help it... It's just worth saving up a bit. My Garibaldi is an excellent example of a good type of violin to learn on, or the Vivace. On my website I also describe what it takes to have a violin well set up. All the best on your violin journey... It's hard at first, but super rewarding.

[@SoSme]

@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker thx alot will take your advice and save up for one

[@brigittekittner2750]

Hello Olaf! These questions may be unrelated to the video. But context: I've been playing violin for 3 years, unprofessionally (nothing intense, no 1-on-1 teacher). 1. I was bad at frequently cleaning rosin off. The area under the strings is not smooth, so I'm concerned about the varnish. Should I check with a luthier? 2. My bow is warped. It's cheap ($30), so it's not worth a rehair. But it's worked fine for my playing. Should I just buy another one to those cheap bows?

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Hi DIamond, Great to hear that you are playing violin.. it's such a great instrument! 1- Yes, if the rosin is stuck to the top-plate, it is a good idea to get a luthier to clean it professionally and re-polish 2- DOn't buy the $30 bow... if you just spend a little bit more, you can do much better. For around $100 you should be able to get a much better bow. You can even see if you can find a lower end carbon fibre bow. Just make sure that you try out the bow before you buy. The internet is not a great place to buy a bow.

[@brigittekittner2750]

@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker Thank you for the reply! I'll definitely visit a luthier now and consider a carbon fiber bow.

[@brattingprincess]

PS a rehair in my area is 70-100 anyway so you should def get a more expensive bow than 30.

[@lenardpareja3145]

I am an advanced player and with a relatively expensive violin my bow was holding me back for highly complicated Spicato and chords that improved heavily with a better bow

[@LuminousLibro]

I think I have a fairly decent student violin, but I wonder about the bow. Maybe a better quality bow would make a difference. What do you think? Could you do another video about how your bow is holding you back?

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Great idea, thanks!

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Also maybe see if you can try some bows at your local luthier and listen to and feel the difference... Bows litterally change the sound of instruments, so having one that works for you is super important.

[@rob_odd]

Omg, I will buy my very first violin probably next week and I am so afraid of buying a bad model after seeing this video! :D I will probably buy it at Thomann and I will spend at least 600 to 700€, so I hope I will get a decent beginner instrument. But I guess I will soon take it to a luthier for a check up.^^

[@tachyon3.14]

Slowly glances at the cheap $160 violin my parents got me so I had something to do during quarantine *gulps* I’ve grown slightly too attached to it

[@zwz.zdenek]

It could probably be improved by a luthier, unless it's made of plywood. Then there's no hope.

[@danielphendarko2651]

@@zwz.zdenek fortunately my ~$100 violin is not made of plywood and it sounds good enough

[@sneddypie]

what do you mean, that instrument sounds great!

[@Feredino28]

Strings height can also modify your pitch in higher positions because of stretching the string itself too much...do you agree?

[@kevinfelton4886]

I took my viola to my shop wanting to upgrade. The maker chewed me out for letting my strings and bow hair go too long without replacement. Also, the instrument needed work, including a new sound post. He let me play other instruments, but was adamant that I didn't need to upgrade, just take care of what I have.

[@debbiemcnutt6281]

If you only have a general music store or two, would they be able to answer those questions?

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Probably not 😟

[@TheGotoGeek]

Don’t forget the bow! That’ll hold you back, too!

[@Fidi987]

I just found out that after a hiatus of several years, my "bought just for fun" beginner violin sounds way better than my inherited estimated-to-be-quite-expensive violin. Actually, the expensive one sounds "cheap" to me and the cheap one "expensive. Weird!

[@bnatrual]

do you have any advice on what to do with a violin that I bought of the internet? its overall fine and the bridge has been fitted, but i'd like to upgrade to a proper one from a luthier...

[@brattingprincess]

Take it to a luthier?

[@bnatrual]

@@brattingprincess i actually ended up buying one from a luthier, best purchase ever

[@yopomdpin6285]

Hi Olaf ! A little question... How do you "outgrow" your violin ? What does it mean really ?

[@brattingprincess]

When you outgrow your violin you instantly notice how difficult it is to play in terms of sound production. When you advance in your studies, you learn about advanced techniques and if nothing changes with your sound...you literally outgrew your violin. After about 7 years of terrible non-existent practicing, I outgrew the very beginning tier of instruments for sure. The 300-600 USD instruments are REALLY hard for me to produce sound. My violin is around 1k. I probably need to do the next 3-7k upgrade soonish.

[@yopomdpin6285]

@@brattingprincess Sorry I'm not sure to understand what you mean by producing a sound... I suppose you mean getting a specific tone or variation ? But then how do you make a difference between the violin being too "restrictive" and... Well your own ability to do something. Cause right now there's a lot of times my sound is crappy but I'm pretty sure it's 100% on me xD

[@brattingprincess]

Yo Pomdpin I feel I am literally fighting against the beginner violins to produce the same tone I play on my 1k with little-no effort. the beginner violins aren't VSOs but your starter tier instruments. That maybe why Olaf stated 2k AUD is great for everyone. (that's not the start of the starter tier).

[@MegaSoyP]

I bought a nice antique violin with a fake label for 8k USD and have been really happy with playing it because of its sound quality and great playability. And I recently brought it to another shop for a crack on a front plate.... he thinks that it is not worth what I paid for. I was so unhappy to hear that but I love my violin

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

The most important thing is that you love your violin... Even if you paid too much, you can still enjoy playing it. I don't know about your exact situation, but unfortunately these things can happen in our industry. You always hope that violin shops and sellers are ethical.

[@lewisyuu]

but does he practice 40 hours?

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Even better... he does 50 hours!!

[@teasokolovska8099]

Ask Olaf the Violinmaker hahaha 😂

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

Challenges for beginners; 1) Forcing yourself to practice for hours on an instrument you aren't in love with. 2) practicing correctly. Pretty obvious stuff.

[@curtwuollet2912]

Neither my Gliga or my $79 mv400 are holding me back. Anyone who can actually play can produce beauty with either.

[@MW-iz8wz]

hi, thank for your videos. i have a cello but im left handed, so i reversed the strings and the bridge, also the sound post isn't inside, do you think it will break appart?

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Hey MW, Make sure you get a soundpost fitted or put back in as soon as possible... there is a lot of weight on the top-plate... and not having that support can do some real damage over time.

[@MW-iz8wz]

@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker Ok thank you. i puted sound post inside but it feel like the A string (on the bass bar) sound loud, and C string (on sound post) sound low. so, i think i will open it and reverse position of sound post and bass bar. i had the cello for low price so i gonna try to do it by myself cuz of luthier price here in france haha. Please keep doing amazing videos!

[@edwither8284]

🎻

[@authenticbaguette6673]

3:56 what I'm about to say may sound dumb , but I just noticed that the violin bridge is not symmetrical , as in the G string is higher than the E string

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Thats right... on the violin the e string is 3.5mm off the fingerboard and the G is 5.5. It's because the G has a much bigger vibration and not as much tension. So it's still comfortable to press down, but doesn't make a buzz.

[@authenticbaguette6673]

Ask Olaf the Violinmaker that's "Interesting" ! Never noticed that before .. Thanks for the knowledge , Olaf !

[@brattingprincess]

If the violin shop doesn't let you borrow the instrument candidates for a trial period run far far far away. That stuff is standard.

[@dearfriday5448]

I play piano idk why im watching this🤣

[@paulkolesnikov1441]

That violin is going through puberty.

[@danielwacek]

This background noise is annoing

[@shakahislop619]

Hey Olaf I really appreciate your videos, they're really interesting and it's nice to learn from your experience. But for one thing im feeling a bit bad about: the hairstyle of your "dumb character". Sorry but each time I see it, it's reminding me of very bad afro-clichés. Its an afro hairstyle though its purple. I think its not what your intending, but I feel its quite obviously hitting the same spot as the chauvinistic display of europeans/whites of african people to mock them or to display their "inferiorness". So i really would appreciate if you can rethink, if you can replace that wig with another hairstyle and if this particular one is really necessary. Best, Carl

[@shakahislop619]

Also interested how others might feel about that

[@brattingprincess]

Perhaps Black viewers can comment? I never saw it like that.

[@garyz2043]

I wouldn't trust a teacher.Chances are they are a failed musician who thinks they know the theory.Just use those things on the side of your head.If they don't work there's not much hope.I know many players who to themselves think they sound great. In reality they do not!

[@sadhbhdelahunt]

I'm not a good player but I can hear a beautiful sound and my first violin was crap now that I've heard alot of violins