Alice Kowalski

annoying squeaky E is gone!

February 16, 2010 02:53

I tried to post this in my previous blog, but the button disappeared (computers sometimes drive me mad)!

I would like to thank all of you who gave me suggestions on my squeaky E problem. I changed my string to a Larsen, and not only did the squeak go away, but it sounds so good - sweet, round, wonderful. No new string break-in sound worth mentioning, just wonderful tone. I never knew I could play like that! My higher notes always sounded a bit scratchy, which I just attributed to my lack of ability, but maybe was just the string. I am VERY happy with the change. I actually think it made my other strings sound rounder too (is that possible, or am I having acoustic illusions?). I also recently celebrated a clean run through Mozart´s A major, which fits in so well with my new sweet sound. Can you tell I am happy?

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Annoying squeaky open E

February 1, 2010 04:05

Hi all,

I am writing in hopes of solving a mystery: why my open E squeaks.

For a little background, I am a reasonable amateur (in the sense that I can play most standard violin pieces, albeit not necessarily play them well...). I practice maybe about an hour a day. In the last few months, my E string has sometimes (not always) squeaked instead of playing when used open (awful!!). This happens mostly when I do not use a lot of bow pressure, and when I come onto the E string from other strings. When the E string is already vibrating from other notes, I do not notice this problem.

I have tried changing strings (although I have not changed brands, Dominant) and experimented with different levels of rosin, with no noticeble change. I had my bridge changed a few months ago, but the problem seems to have started before that.

Does anyone have a clue as to why this happens, and how to avoid it?

8 replies | Archive link