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"How To" Videos

Hello Nation,

As some of you know, I am an instrumental music teacher in Maryland as well as a CBG builder and player. I have recently entered 3 videos in an Instructional Technology competition. They are representative of what I do as a music teacher. The first one is for use by parents, so that they can learn more about the instruments their children are interested in playing. The second one is for use by students so that they can have a refresher course when they get home. The third video is for use by other music teachers - I show how to fit a new violin bridge (some of you may find this interesting as well). This is a shameless plea for support from the Nation. Please follow the link below to the contest page. I am Entry #28. If it says the video is not found, just click on the weblink below it. PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE FOR ME AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE!

Thanks everyone. I know I can count on you!

-Ben

http://sites.google.com/a/pgcps.org/digital-arts-contest/emerging-t...

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on November 8, 2010 at 7:13am

I voted for ya!!

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Permalink Reply by Ben on November 8, 2010 at 8:01am

Thanks! Every vote counts!

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Permalink Reply by Johnny Debit on November 8, 2010 at 8:31am

Very well done. It's good to know that half the diameter of a pencil is a good string hight for a violin. I'll have to add that to my existing precision tool kit consisting of a nickle, a dime, and a matchbook.

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Permalink Reply by Ben on November 8, 2010 at 9:20am

Ah yes, the precision comes in removing the eraser!

Johnny Debit said:

Very well done. It's good to know that half the diameter of a pencil is a good string hight for a violin. I'll have to add that to my existing precision tool kit consisting of a nickle, a dime, and a matchbook.

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Permalink Reply by Skeesix on November 9, 2010 at 12:53am

I voted for you too.

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Permalink Reply by Ben on November 9, 2010 at 2:07am

Thank you!

Skeesix said:

I voted for you too.

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Permalink Reply by Diane in Chicago on November 9, 2010 at 2:23am

The fiitting the fiddle bridge was really helpful! Can I link that to my fiddle geek friends?

Also, when you remove all the strings, how do you assure your sound post won't fall out of place?

This is really timely -- I have a wonky bridge on a cheap fiddle, and was going to do it myself rather than spend $ on a proper fitting -- that would cost more than the fiddle is likely worth!

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Permalink Reply by Ben on November 9, 2010 at 2:34am

Feel free to link to it. If they're really geeky I'm sure they'll find something to dispute! (Although I did learn this method from a highly reputable luthier in the DC area - he works on National Philharmonic and Service Orchestra instruments). As for the sound post, one that fits well should be fine in this situation as long as you don't bang it around. Would you be interested in a "setting the sound post" video as well? I don't know how well it would turn out. Do me a favor and link to the voting page also and have them cast a vote for me!

Diane in Chicago said:

The fiitting the fiddle bridge was really helpful! Can I link that to my fiddle geek friends?

Also, when you remove all the strings, how do you assure your sound post won't fall out of place?

This is really timely -- I have a wonky bridge on a cheap fiddle, and was going to do it myself rather than spend $ on a proper fitting -- that would cost more than the fiddle is likely worth!

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Permalink Reply by Diane in Chicago on November 9, 2010 at 2:55am

Yes to the soundpost video!

Yes they are really opinionated, geeky fiddlers, some are also luthiers who no doubt would prefer the DIY crowd remain in awe of their superior skills -- which they have, don't get me wrong. I'm sure a bunch will appreciate seeing a fitting done live, though.

Here is a vid you might have missed, fitting a bridge with a saw-zall:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1XXuo3hv6U
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijfo8MpbAus&feature=mfu_in_order...

Ben said:

Feel free to link to it. If they're really geeky I'm sure they'll find something to dispute! (Although I did learn this method from a highly reputable luthier in the DC area - he works on National Philharmonic and Service Orchestra instruments). As for the sound post, one that fits well should be fine in this situation as long as you don't bang it around. Would you be interested in a "setting the sound post" video as well? I don't know how well it would turn out. Do me a favor and link to the voting page also and have them cast a vote for me!

Diane in Chicago said:
The fiitting the fiddle bridge was really helpful! Can I link that to my fiddle geek friends?

Also, when you remove all the strings, how do you assure your sound post won't fall out of place?

This is really timely -- I have a wonky bridge on a cheap fiddle, and was going to do it myself rather than spend $ on a proper fitting -- that would cost more than the fiddle is likely worth!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ben on November 9, 2010 at 3:03am

That's one of the reasons for the disclaimer at the beginning of the video. I don't want people to get the impression that you can watch a video and do what the masters do (I don't fall into that category). This will, however get you up and running fairly well. The method of using the pencil to draw the line will give an arc that is a little flatter than some classical violinists like, but I find that most fiddlers like it just fine.

And yes...I am well aware of those videos...I don't think I'd try that even if I did have a sawzall...especially the second one!

Diane in Chicago said:

Yes to the soundpost video!

Yes they are really opinionated, geeky fiddlers, some are also luthiers who no doubt would prefer the DIY crowd remain in awe of their superior skills -- which they have, don't get me wrong. I'm sure a bunch will appreciate seeing a fitting done live, though.

Here is a vid you might have missed, fitting a bridge with a saw-zall:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1XXuo3hv6U
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijfo8MpbAus&feature=mfu_in_order...

Ben said:
Feel free to link to it. If they're really geeky I'm sure they'll find something to dispute! (Although I did learn this method from a highly reputable luthier in the DC area - he works on National Philharmonic and Service Orchestra instruments). As for the sound post, one that fits well should be fine in this situation as long as you don't bang it around. Would you be interested in a "setting the sound post" video as well? I don't know how well it would turn out. Do me a favor and link to the voting page also and have them cast a vote for me!

Diane in Chicago said:
The fiitting the fiddle bridge was really helpful! Can I link that to my fiddle geek friends?

Also, when you remove all the strings, how do you assure your sound post won't fall out of place?

This is really timely -- I have a wonky bridge on a cheap fiddle, and was going to do it myself rather than spend $ on a proper fitting -- that would cost more than the fiddle is likely worth!