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General: What made you goe to a 5-string??

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    What are some of the reasons you have started playing a 5-string? I am wondering if I will get the answer I suspect?
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    • CommentAuthorberg
    • CommentTimeFeb 4th 2008
     
    I have not yet gone over to a 5 string, I have since I discovered this site looked around for 5 stringed violins..

    The ones I have had my hands on did not live up to my demands in a violin, so still looking..

    I would like a five string vey much, because of the added range and possibilities and not needing to carry both my violin and viola to gigs..
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      CommentAuthorpgf102
    • CommentTimeFeb 5th 2008
     
    For me, it was some of the classical literature that caught my attention (Bach's sixth cello suite and ome of Telemann's music for the viola pomposa) even though some of it is exceedingly difficult. But in more popular settings (country and Celtic in particular) it can really depth to a song particularly the slower songs.
    I've gotten to a point where I can hardly play a 4 stringed instrument anymore because I play 5 strings all the time.
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    Do you players think that the 5 string will ever find acceptance in the classical world?
    • CommentAuthorjoeebel
    • CommentTimeFeb 5th 2008
     
    Classical world? Wouldn't know or care too much. I've got a five-string acoustic made by Arthur Conner and I love it. I primarily back up singer/songwriters and that extra string adds such depth. I'm lost on a four string now. Haven't played one in over ten years!
    • CommentAuthorberg
    • CommentTimeFeb 6th 2008
     
    I think joeebel is right, the classical world would be the last to embrace the five-stringed violin.
    However I think som orcestra teachers would like to have a violin/viola hybrid for teaching purposes..
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    I had a Conner 5 sting in my shop a couple of weeks ago for some set up work and was really happy to be able to see it. It sounded really good and it is certainly a unique fiddle.
    The owner liked the fiddle a lot.

    Berg I think you may be right about teachers that teach violin and viola.
    • CommentAuthortxfiddler
    • CommentTimeMar 9th 2008
     
    There were several reasons I went to a five string. One was that I started playing in a World music ensemble with heavy emphasis on Indian and Middle-Eastern music. In particular the Indian music had a lot of droning Cs which is ideal for a five string and it saved my third-finger from having to drone on the G string. Often I would have to change fingers to keep the drone going. I also like having the five string for Jazz and Swing settings, especially when I play with horns. I also like it in Rock settings when I play with or mimic a guitar. I still prefer a four string for most Celtic settings.
    • CommentAuthorspackar2
    • CommentTimeMar 11th 2008
     
    1. Bobby Hicks 2. Wider range 3. Being able to transpose licks more, and to more areas of the instrument.
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    How many of you teachers that teach both violin and viola have used your five string to teach both??
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    I first started looking for a 5 string in December 1986, when I opened my studio in Amherst, MA. There wasn't much to speak of around western Mass at the time, nor could I find anything in Boston or New York. There was no internet to speak of, no email or instant messaging, so I relied on word of mouth and my contacts in the music business to alert me to a company in Korea that made electric violins called Strauss. I purchased my first one for $650, used, from a guy who had switched to cello and needed the cash. I played that 5 string with a variety of ensembles until 1997, when I started my Irish band Woodkerne and needed something unplugged. It took me several years to find a maker in the US (Martin Brunkalla), and finally, Emily and I went to China to find a factory that would be willing to make our own. TwoTree Five Strings are now available in 14" and 15.5" lengths. Contact me for information and pricing.
    • CommentAuthortartini
    • CommentTimeApr 21st 2008
     
    During the course of my 25 year professional career, I performed on both acoustic/electric violins and a ZETA (Jazz MIDI Model,4 string,made in 1988)playing mostly classic and modern country music and many times called upon to perform rock pieces at incredibly loud volumes..those glory days have passed since I now suffer from chronic gout all over my body. Now I play only traditional music, and can still play some classical pieces, God willing.

    I chose to return to acoustic violin for an indefinite period of time due to the lightness of the weight and the fact that many recording studios are wont to only record an acoustic instrument and certainly all "traditional" bands only want acoustic instruments. The 5th string would have been unnecessary in my club days, as I would simply use an octave pedal for certain effects. In traditional music the lower string adds a depth that adds,in very subtle ways,a richer color of sound. I have also found the 5 string useful when I teach viola, and I encourage the violin player as well to play viola, and vice versa for the violist.

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