Question: Tuning Fiddle Down
- Ceann Cromtha
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Question: Tuning Fiddle Down
Greetings! I play uilleann pipes and my youngest daughter's violin teacher wants her and me to play together at her next recital. I quickly learned in our practice sessions that my concert pitched D set (A =440 Hz) is too loud for her 1/2 sized violin. So, I think I'll try my C# set instead. The only question is: how do I tune her violin down one step (?) to accommodate my chanter. What is the procedure I should use? I know that this probably sounds like a stupid question, but, I've never done it before. Thanks!
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Re: Question: Tuning Fiddle Down
How do you tune the violin now? If you tune it to G D A E with an electric tuner, use the tuner to tune it to F# C# G# and D# (or Gb Db Ab Eb). If you tune the A string to a piano and tune the other strings from the A, tune the A string to G#/Ab on the piano (or on your chanter), and tune the other strings from the A string. You may need to re-tune frequently until it settles in to the new tuning.
Be aware that the tone of a 1/2-size violin is already challenged because of the smaller size, and tuning it flat will make it that much worse.
Be aware that the tone of a 1/2-size violin is already challenged because of the smaller size, and tuning it flat will make it that much worse.
- benhall.1
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Re: Question: Tuning Fiddle Down
I would do it carefully. Personally, I'd want to loosen the E string a bit before tackling the other strings. If, as is likely, the adjuster on the E string is tightened to some extent, undo the adjuster a bit to bring the E string down a bit. Then have a go at the other strings.
When you come to tune the fiddle back up, it will seem like you're tuning the strings to breaking point. It should be OK, but I don't like tuning and re-tuning too much as it can put additional strain on the strings.
When you come to tune the fiddle back up, it will seem like you're tuning the strings to breaking point. It should be OK, but I don't like tuning and re-tuning too much as it can put additional strain on the strings.
- Ceann Cromtha
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Re: Question: Tuning Fiddle Down
Thanks for the thoughtful and very helpful responses!
Re: Question: Tuning Fiddle Down
[Thread revival. - Mod]
Just twist the knobs a little. It doesn't take much. I play old-time music and regularly tune it up to AEAE or down to GDGD so it's really no big deal. Use a clip-on tuner and it'll be much easier.
Just twist the knobs a little. It doesn't take much. I play old-time music and regularly tune it up to AEAE or down to GDGD so it's really no big deal. Use a clip-on tuner and it'll be much easier.
~ Diane
Flutes: Tipple D and E flutes and a Casey Burns Boxwood Rudall D flute
Whistles: Jerry Freeman Tweaked D Blackbird
Flutes: Tipple D and E flutes and a Casey Burns Boxwood Rudall D flute
Whistles: Jerry Freeman Tweaked D Blackbird