Chiff and Fipple Forums

I'll definitely be doing some before and after photos and I'll post them. It'll be a few months, though, I imagine. It's a actually a pretty lengthy process, isn't it? I hope that at the end of the journey, I find I've purchased a good quality Stainer copy - soundwise. And yes, my goal and hope is t...

Thanks again, fellows. Highland Piper, you are absolutely right about pulling a straight bow. The motion feels quite unnatural, but it's essential. I've really been working on that, watching myself in the mirror. I have signed up for lessons. I've had two thus far. The right arm posture has been her...

In reality, you will probably be better served by spending time working on learning to generate good tone through your bowing and getting control of your intonation than by messing around with strings. A good bow is pretty important once you have basic control. It makes a huge difference. Well, I'm...

Thanks guys for the suggestions. The fiddle is a very difficult instrument, I think, especially initially. If I could just get a pleasant sound!!!! :( If I can get there, it will be SO worth it, though. I've always wanted to learn to play fiddle. I'm gonna stay after it, work dilligently, and try to...

Hi CrookedTune,

Thanks for the mute suggestion. I'll pick one up. The family, understandably, is driven quite insane by my humble/feeble efforts. You will be their hero .

Thank you for the advice Highland-Piper. I am working diligently on trying to produce a pleasant sound, practicing in front of the mirror trying to ensure proper form, i.e. relaxed wrist, straight bowing, etc. as well as trying to focus on intonation, which is absolutely critical. It's just that, as...

Hi everyone! I'm visiting the string forum for the first time. I play irish flute, whistles, and guitar and just recently inherited an early 19th century HOPF fiddle that is in fantastic condition. I'm hanging out with a lot of local folks who play and am signed up for a couple of beginner fiddle wo...

I'd been calling mine Kermit, but I like Gumby. Gumby is great! I'm changing it's name. Call it what you will. It is one AMAZING whistle!

I think they are great not only for enjoyment at home, but they are also nicely pitched for solo work. And yes, the low F is particularly comfortable to play in terms of finger spread and stress on the wrists.

Actually, I am also rather fond of my Bb.......

I also find the F whistle to be extra special somehow, particularly on some tunes.

Also, worthy of mention: The DVD, which runs about 2 hrs, has significantly more material to sample.

I actually had the pleasure of catching this show live over in Boone, NC - minus a few of the guests featured on the DVD. It was an amazing show.

Actually, around 4 or 5 years ago, the Chieftains did a tour called Down the Old Plank Road where they incorporated a number of bluegrass tunes, musicians, and vocalists. That show is available on DVD and there is also a CD.

Thought of a few more:

Seneca Square Dance
The Bell Cow
Flop Eared Mule
Sally Ann
Sail Away Ladies
Spider Bit the Baby
Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss
Cumberland Gap
Golden Slippers
Off to California (hornipe - goes great with The Boys of Bluehill)