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Hello every one, I currently do not use a shoulder rest, I bought a cheep violin and started teaching my self how to play. Later I found out about shoulder rest and bought one I couldn’t get used to it, but maybe I didn’t give it a chance. What are the benefits of a shoulders rest beside a straight neck? And how do I put a picture in my…[Read more]

hello dan its still not the most efficient way but found a used bow at local flea market
looks like a brazel wood but not sure having it rehaired I gave my best bow to my granddaughter but have a feeling I won’t be getting it back

Hi Bond61. From what I’ve been told, it’s probably a German mid-grade instrument made around 1900. The top is not original and has very wide grain and less professional workmanship. The finish was horribly scratched during some refurbishing which probably took place in the 1980s. It’s not worth much, I fear, but I’ve owned the instrument for…[Read more]

Hi, Dan. You know, I don’t have much personal experience with a well made carbon fiber, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I did play with one during a country show a while back and didn’t like it as well as my regular bow.

I do remember that they had a bad rep when they first came out, but I would imagine that technology has changed…[Read more]

I have been trying out bows for a couple of months now. My current bow is a German Brazilwood silver mount bow, but it is heavy, over-haired and poorly balanced. Being a rather financially challenged guy I have been looking up to around $700 or so. I have found that a pernambuco bow in that price range isn’t much better than my clunky German…[Read more]

Hi there, Ajshough. What device, operating system and browser are you using??

Let us know so we can figure it out.

I’ll email you as well. Thanks!

Thanks for chiming in Casey. I had thought that was the reason but didn’t want to speak out of turn. Kevin has real steady rhythm in his solo playing.

Hi CJS, and thanks for the question. Kevin’s trad Irish fiddle lessons don’t come with guitar tracks. Per Kevin, trad Irish playing doesn’t rely on guitar, so he felt that including any would not truly reflect this style. My lessons and Hanneke’s all include guit tracks. Thanks!!

Ok, Nevermind.. I realize some of the tutorials have them, just none of the Kevin Burke videos yet.

Update – I’m in the studio today with Kevin Burke, and he chimed in to say that for an experienced player, good equipment is paramount. Kevin recommends his brother, Noel Burke, who is one of the best makers these days….his price will reflect his expertise, but Kevin says that good quality will be an investment. If you’re a student in a harsh…[Read more]

I hear you, Bassman. I would recommend staying away from fiberglass or carbon fiber bows. You should try several different pernambuco bows from a reputable violin shop. Some may allow you a trial period with a couple to see what works best for you. I know you can spend tons of money on a bow, but it’s a cost/benefit equation, where most…[Read more]