All About Violin Classes and Teachers

[phankao]

chamonix:

Oh yes, the original strings are pretty scratchy. My friend couldn't stand it, that's why she loaned my son her kids' old Synwin violins. Once my son played on it, he could no longer stand the factory made violins. Kept commenting my girl's violin sounded horrible.


But really strange, I did ask the violin teacher if I should change the strings on my girl's violin. He didn't encourage it. Even when one of her strings broke, he merely replaced it with a $1/$2 string. Then at Synwin, the staff (could be one of the brothers) also advised me not to. Weird :? . Maybe it was because I asked for the Dominant strings? What kind of strings do you usually get for your students?

We personally used Pirastro Piranito strings with a special version E-string. Until he changed his violin and used Vision Titanium strings as advised by his teacher. Seems that Pirastro strings not so popular with students here? Even though they are around the same price range (maybe slightly cheaper if you buy in bulk from overseas). I personally prefer them over Dominant bc there is very little adjustment time needed for the strings.

http://www.wwbw.com/Pirastro.wwbw

You may like to read these 2 articles which do a review on various strings:

http://www.stringsmagazine.com/issues/Strings95/coverstory.shtml

http://www.violinist.com/wiki/violin-strings/

[dasalo]

chamonix:

Kept commenting my girl's violin sounded horrible.


Even when one of her strings broke, he merely replaced it with a $1/$2 string. Then at Synwin, the staff (could be one of the brothers) also advised me not to. Weird :? . Maybe it was because I asked for the Dominant strings? What kind of strings do you usually get for your students?

Hi charmonix, where to find $1/$2 strings these days? Synwin has 2 brothers? I thought Mr Yap have only a son and a daughter?

Dominant is generally good for all violins IMO.

[fristrom]

dasalo:

Hi charmonix, where to find $1/$2 strings these days?
Dominant is generally good for all violins IMO.

I replaced one violin string in synwin few weeks ago, and the string was $2.16. Soon, the replaced string had problems, and we ended up replacing the whole set with Dominant. If I know the strings make so much difference to the sound, I would have replaced the strings much earlier

[metz]

fristrom:

dasalo:

Hi charmonix, where to find $1/$2 strings these days?
Dominant is generally good for all violins IMO.

I replaced one violin string in synwin few weeks ago, and the string was $2.16. Soon, the replaced string had problems, and we ended up replacing the whole set with Dominant. If I know the strings make so much difference to the sound, I would have replaced the strings much earlier

From my kids' violin teacher. Was quite surprised that the string was that affordable (first time changing string).

Dominant strings are good but I think the violins also play a very important part. Both my kids are using Dominant Strings now but my girl's violin still sounds rather scratchy when I compared hers to my son's. I suppose I'll have to bear with it since it's still a beginner's violin.

[buds]

Hi all. Hubs finally bought a new violin for our DD.

She received it for her birthday present.

Thing is... now we have to return the violin that
our friend loaned to us. While his violin is still in
good condition, the violin case is worn out from
lugging the thing around rainy days and all. The
straps also came off. Hubs checked it & said it
really cannot be fixed.

Am hoping someone knows where i can get just
the case? Planning to return him before
we move... :xedfingers:

[phankao]

buds:

Am hoping someone knows where i can get just
the case? Planning to return him before
we move... :xedfingers:

I usually buy just case alone from Gramercy at Tanjong Katong shop. Their cases are lighter and cheaper than the ones at Synwin. But do look out for rust at the metal parts and check carefully before you confirm which case and pay for it, that's all. Other than that, their cases are pretty good for the price.

I bought rectangular case that can put files/scoresheets in the side pocket for around S$50. I think the violin-shaped cases are cheaper.

[phankao]

dasalo:

Dominant is generally good for all violins IMO.

Only problem is that I find Dominant strings to have several days run-in time, unlike the Pirastro strings. So I prefer to use Pirastro student strings.

[smurf]

just want to check, anyone knows the teaching style of Mr Q (dunno how to spell) at Crestar Thomson Plaza? :?

[dasalo]

phankao:

I bought rectangular case that can put files/scoresheets in the side pocket for around S$50. I think the violin-shaped cases are cheaper.


Only problem is that I find Dominant strings to have several days run-in time, unlike the Pirastro strings. So I prefer to use Pirastro student strings.

S$50? That's really cheap! From Gramercy and rectangular shape? For what size violin? I want one too if that's the price.

Pirastro student strings no run in time? Wonderful! What's the cost per set? Where to get?

[phankao]

dasalo:

phankao:

I bought rectangular case that can put files/scoresheets in the side pocket for around S$50. I think the violin-shaped cases are cheaper.


Only problem is that I find Dominant strings to have several days run-in time, unlike the Pirastro strings. So I prefer to use Pirastro student strings.

S$50? That's really cheap! From Gramercy and rectangular shape? For what size violin? I want one too if that's the price.

Pirastro student strings no run in time? Wonderful! What's the cost per set? Where to get?

Hah - i just checked my email with Gramercy from last time. It was S$60. Yes, Rectangular. For 1/2-size violin. I've also bought 3/4-size violin box - around similar price, I recall. They always try to sell me the more expensive ones, but for 3/4 - why do I care? I would spend more on a better case for a full-size violin.

The A4-size files or scoresheets can fit comfortably in the pocket of the 3/4-size violin case.

Pirastro - about same price as Dominant in singapore, I think. Can get at Music Essentials or Synwin. Not sure if Gramercy Have. Last time I think I just bought from USA but ship locally bc the shipping is free in the USA - using VpostUSA, and then have that shipped to Singapore. So I just buy many things at the same time, lor.

I get this range:
http://www.wwbw.com/Pirastro-Piranito-Violin-Strings-466044-i1415506.wwbw

And I also get this special E-string bc it's really beautiful sounding:
http://www.wwbw.com/Pirastro-No-1-E-for-Violin-466133-i1416907.wwbw

Hope that helps.