Violin Forum/Message Board

Ken Pollard · Posted: Fri May 24, 2013 6:47 pm Post subject: Pochette

My latest project was a dance master's fiddle.

I've put a post on my blog regarding the construction. Let's see if I can get a link to work --http://owyheemountainfiddleshop.blogspot.com/2013/05/glasgow-kit-fiddle.html

It's certainly not a concert instrument, but I'm having a little fun messing about with it.

Cheers,

Ken

kjb · Super Member Joined: 06 Feb 2013 Posts: 385

ok is that a short bow or is it longer than a 4/4 violin??
looks interesting, I am thinking of something like that for a electric 5 string..
send a sound sample if you get to it.

Ken Pollard · Posted: Fri May 24, 2013 7:02 pm Post subject:

Yes, I should have put some details here.

The bow is a 1/4-size violin.

String length is 3/4-size violin.

Overall length of the instrument is just shy of 20 inches.

I need to get my video/audio recording in order. Should have one posted before too long.

violinarius · Member Joined: 14 Dec 2007 Posts: 171

Nice work.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers

actonern · Super Member Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 444

How does the sound compare to a full size fiddle?

Best regards

E

Ken Pollard · Posted: Fri May 24, 2013 8:39 pm Post subject:

Part of the reason for building this was to have something for traveling. It fits inside a slightly modified 1/4-size violin case. Nice for plane travel. And I found, not being a touring performer, that I didn't need a full-sized violin when traveling, just something to dink around with, maybe learn a new tune or two, as an aside while traveling. There's always time where your partner is perphaps busy make herself beautiful, while you're in a motel room, and you don't want to aggrivate the neighbors. So a practice mute. And this sounds something like a full-sized violin with a heavy practice mute in place. It wouldn't win any tone awards. But, for me, using my spare time to diddle around on tunes, it might work. I don't know yet. Soon to take a trip and see how it goes.

There are more details listed in my blog, the link being in the original post. I built it quickly and cheaply as a proof-of-concept (or failure-of-concept) trial.

You can also see more construction photos at my flickr site http://www.flickr.com/photos/23218266@N06/sets/72157633349095028/

actonern · Super Member Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 444

I think off-beat instruments like this that someone has gone to all the trouble to make from beginning to end are cool!

The thought occurs... it doesn't have the same left hand upper bout reference point dimensions for shifting cues... does that feel strange?

E

Ken Pollard · Posted: Fri May 24, 2013 8:58 pm Post subject:

Shifting? What's that? Very Happy

I am a fiddle player, and not a very good one. I play for dances, weddings, and various old-time or Scottish gigs. First position works for me most of the time.

Making things worse, this kit fiddle is played down on the arm, maybe against the chest or ribs. Even Rachel Barton Pine said that the kit fiddle is played with a collapsed wrist and in first position. So, I took that as good permission!

That being said, I did try to make the neck as nice as I could. One thing about these pochettes, I think, is that the width stays nearly the same as a full-size while the scale length is shorter. So the 'frets' are closer together, but the strings aren't.

R Mac · Posted: Fri May 24, 2013 9:38 pm Post subject:

That looks like a fun project, Ken!

How do you find dealing with the shorter string length? Does it mess you up, or do you find that you just "get it" in a bit?

I have been to your blog before while looking for stuff on medieval fiddles.

Mac
_________________
Robert MacPherson

http://www.lightlink.com/armory/
http://billyandcharlie.com/

Ken Pollard · Posted: Sat May 25, 2013 12:55 am Post subject:

Thanks, Mac.

The shorter string length doesn't bother me, but again I'm mainly a 1st position player. After a couple moments, I find the notes and then don't think about it much.

I do have a few fiddle students, some of them young kids, and get the chance to tune and play their fractional instruments, so maybe that is some training I benefit from.

ctviolin · Posted: Sat May 25, 2013 2:25 am Post subject:

ctviolin · Posted: Sat May 25, 2013 2:31 am Post subject: Re: Pochette

Oh yeah...
I almost forgot - very cool violin, Ken.
It looks immensely convenient for travel.

ct
_________________
Look,
Listen,
Learn.

ctviolin · Posted: Sat May 25, 2013 8:20 am Post subject: Re: Pochette

DonLeister · Posted: Sat May 25, 2013 8:23 am Post subject:

Cool fiddle Ken!
I thought you played the fiddle pretty well And that was before the beer and afterwards who cares!

DonLeister · Posted: Sat May 25, 2013 8:28 am Post subject:

I think playing in tune seems to be a learned reflex and is encouraged by those nearby. I could see a bumper sticker that read 'Friends don't let friends play out of tune'