My Worst Nightmare - To Life

February 8, 2013 at 1:33 AM

My worst nightmare came to life today - I dropped my precious violin! I don't even know what happened, I was practicing and looking over my music to see where I needed to practice next, and BOOM! On the ground. I got into an emotional wreck. My heart started pounding, and I was just nervous on the verge of tears. (And I'm a boy. That doesn't naturally happen.) What made it worse was when I tried to move my E String peg, it wouldn't tune. So I nudged the shifted bridge back into its spot ever so slightly, and what do you know - problem basically solved. I could tune my strings and everything! I even finished up my practice session. But to be safe, I'm going to tell my technique teacher what happened and see if he finds any additional damage.

From Lydia Tay
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 7:22 AM

Oh gosh!!! That must have been really traumatic!

From Joshua Iyer
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:15 PM

Yes, it was. I try to take really good care and make sure my instrument is in top condition, and when something unexpected happens I freak out.

From Paul Deck
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 1:46 PM

What we really need to know is whether you were using a shoulder rest so that your accident can forevermore be used as fodder for the SR Wars.

From marjory lange
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 1:49 PM

Joshua, even if your teacher finds no damage, if you can, it would be wise to take it to a good luthier who can check things like soundpost placement and whether any seams have come open.

Glad it's ok so far. That's really scary. (And boys 'naturally' cry; it's society that [unnaturally] says they shouldn't.

From Lois Linton
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 1:48 PM

Make sure someone checks it out. I dropped my violin case while traveling and nothing seemed wrong. A week later, the neck was separating from the instrument due to a terribly small crack between across the top button (?) and top/upper block (?). Expensive repair but don't worry, the violin is much better now.

Mistakes do happen and it's okay. Even Arnold Steinhardt had instrument problems. He ran to catch the NYC subway and tripped. Violin case flew (gasp) and went splat. It was cracked but Arnold took it to a good luthier and it ended up sounding better than before. Amazing, right? (Shout out to good luthiers and Steinhardt's book called Violin Dreams!)

From Joshua Iyer
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 8:55 PM

Thanks for all the tips! Yes I did have my teacher check it out today in technique and he fixed the bridge, so now I am pretty sure the instrument is fine. And yes I was using a kun rest, although if I remember correctly I don't think the violin was quite on my shoulder when I practiced, I think I was just bending over or something and it fell. Well now I've been sure to take better care and when I practice tonight. Thanks again! :)

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My Worst Nightmare - To Life

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