What Are Violin Mutes for? (& How They Work)

Violins, and string instruments in general, often need a few accessories to work well. Picks, supports, covers, and mutes. The first three are self-explanatory, but you might be wondering now; what are violin mutes for?  In the next sections, we’ll explain the function of violin mutes, who needs them, how they work, and the various … Read more

Are Electric Violins Silent? (Solved!)

Practicing a musical instrument can be a little difficult if you have neighbors that complain about the slightest bit of noise. If you have such neighbors and you’re in the market for an electric violin, you’re probably asking yourself, “Are electric violins silent?”  However, there are some misconceptions about electric Violins being silent which are … Read more

Are Electric Violins Easier to Play? (Solved)

The Electric Violin has many key differences compared to the traditional Violin. One of which is the way sound is produced – electric violins use a ’pickup’ that transmits sound to the amplifier. This is therefore an electric production of sound, whereas an acoustic violin relies on sound waves reverberating in the body of the … Read more

Should I Learn Piano or Violin? (How To Decide)

If you want to learn a classical instrument, learning to play the piano or violin is an excellent option. These two instruments produce a beautiful sound, but both are played very differently. Playing the violin well involves learning pitches, playing motions, and proper finger placements on the strings.  The piano is more straightforward, requiring no … Read more

Are Violin Strings Supposed to Be Tight? (Explained)

Violins are delicate and lightweight, and yet their bodies support pounds and pounds of weight from the strings that stretch along the body of the instrument. Are violin strings really supposed to be so tight? While you don’t need to know all the science in order to play the instrument, here’s what we can teach … Read more

Is the Violin in Tune with the Harp? (Explained)

Harps joined classical orchestras in the early 19th century, thanks to the invention of the pedaling system. These handy add-ons allowed harps to produce a broader range of notes, thus fitting in nicely with the main star of any orchestra: the violin. Whilst harps have 47 harps and 7 pedals, Violins only have 4 strings. … Read more

Why Do Violins Make Us Cry? (Solved)

The emotional range of the violin is astounding! It can make you feel warm and fuzzy one minute, and in the next, you’re feeling melancholy and sad. This is why movie directors exploit this power violins have over us when they want us to feel heartbreak and pain. Today, I’m doing a deep dive into … Read more

Is Violin Rosin Toxic? (Solved!)

As a violinist, adding rosin to your bow is essential in improving sound quality. Applying the rosin on the bow will increase the friction of the bow’s sleek horsehair that grabs the violin strings, producing an even sound. If you have used violin rosin before, you have likely noticed the distinctive smell of the substance.  … Read more

Violin Strings vs. Guitar Strings (Important Differences)

Although both modern-day Guitars and Violins use metal strings, there are many differences to consider. Whilst it’s physically possible to place Guitar strings on the Violin and vice versa, strings are meticulously designed for the instrument in both dimensions and usage.  For example, the Violin is shorter, doesn’t have frets and is normally played with … Read more