The violin has long been a popular instrument to learn how to play. The beautiful sounds that the instrument can produce, and the overall elegance of it make it very appealing.
There are many myths surrounding these amazing stringed instruments, let’s have a look at those now, and uncover the truth.
The Violin Hasn’t Been Around That Long
We know the violin has been a part of musical cultures for some time, but many people think it has only been at the forefront of music for a hundred years or so, however this is untrue.
The violin was invented in the 1500s, by Andrea Amati. It is not clear whether the viola of the violin came first, but the stringed instrument as we recognise it first came into being in the 16th century.
The Violin Is Simple To Learn
This is sadly not true. Many years of practice, dedication and organisation as well as patience are needed to master the violin.
It is always better to have formal instruction from somewhere like LVL Music Academy, as your tutor can feedback how you are doing, and where you need to improve.
Playing The Violin Doesn’t Take Much Effort
It’s true that professional violinists make playing their instrument look effortless, but it does actually take a lot of energy.
Playing the violin involves holding it in a slightly unnatural position under your chin, constantly moving your arm and fingers, and also intense concentration on what you are doing.
In fact, it is estimated that playing the violin burns around 180 calories per hour.
Violins Come In One Size
This is another myth. Although the standard size for a violin is 36cm in length, they do come in different sizes.
This is because violin students often start very young, and so they would not be able to hold a full size violin.
Violins start in sizes as small as 1/32 of full size, and move up in graduations, including 1/16, half sized, and three quarter sized until the student graduates on to a full sized violin.
Violins Are Simple To Manufacture
Again, another myth. A good violin maker will make the violin appear as if it has been shaped out of one piece of wood, however there are more than 70 pieces involved in making a violin.
The wood making up a violin is usually maple wood or spruce wood, due to the rich and beautiful shades these woods hold.
Violin Is An English Word
We are so used to seeing this word, it is sometimes easy to forget it’s roots.
However, the word violin comes from the latin vitula, which translates into stringed instrument.
Violins Are Cheap To Buy
This is sadly not true. Although you can find second or third hand violins fairly cheaply, a new violin will set you back several hundred dollars.
The most expensive violin in the world is one made in the 1600s by Giuseppe Guarneri, and is estimated to be worth eighteen million dollars.
Violin Strings Are Made Of Animal Guts
Well, this used to be true. The first violin strings were made from sheep gut – also known as catgut – which had been dried, and then stretched and twisted into different thicknesses.
However, this method is no longer used thankfully, and violin strings are made from manufactured materials such as steel or other synthetic materials.
Violin Bows Are Not Made Of Hair
Although we have thankfully moved away from using animal insides for the strings of violins, we do still use horse hair for the bows.
The bow comprises approximately 200 horse hairs, although they are sometimes made of nylon, but horse hair is considered superior.
The More Expensive Violins Are Better Quality
Not always. Playing an instrument is a very personal experience, and whilst a more expensive violin may feel better to some, to others one from a lower price range will work better.
More money does not always equal better, and it is ultimately down to the violinists preference.
Older Violins Are Worth More Money
Well, sometimes yes. A violin made by a world famous violin maker will always be considered collectible, and therefore worth more money.
However, not all older violins hold their value. With age, a violin can deteriorate and become damaged or broken, and these will not be worth as much.
Left Handed People Need Left Handed Violins
This is not the case. Whilst left handed violins are available, most teachers will want to teach you on a right handed violin.
Many people say that a left handed person actually has an advantage when playing a right handed violin, as their dominant hand will be on the fretboard.
If you have ambitions to play in an orchestra, you will be expected to play right handed, so as not to spoil the uniformity of said orchestra.
Tuning Pegs Work Better When They Are Stiff
Another myth, and one that might be told to you should a non-reputable dealer be selling you a violin with stiff tuning pegs.
Whilst tuning pegs should not be loose, they should turn easily, and not require a great deal of effort.
The Strings Never Need Replacing
Whilst good quality strings will last you some time, they will eventually wear out from repeated use.
As the strings age, they get thin and over stretched and this means the sound produced will not be as good as it could be.
Check the strings on your violin regularly, and change them as needed.
Plastic Fittings Are Better Quality
Some people will think that plastic lasts longer than wood, but this is not the case.
A violin that is made completely from wood will last far longer than those with plastic fittings.
Plastic will not survive general use and wear and tear for very long, and will need replacings more often than its wooden counterparts.
Cracks Are Easily Fixed
Whilst small cracks around the seams can easily be repaired, larger cracks can present a problem.
Cracks on the body of a violin can be difficult and expensive to repair, and can permanently alter the sound of the violin.
Hopefully this article has busted some violin related myths for you!
