For thousands of years, musicians, creatives and even mathematicians (shout out to Pythagoras) have been trying new things to see what works. One of these unlikely things outside of the mainstream classical world is a fretted cello, which is exactly what it sounds like: a cello with frets! Yes, like a guitar! They are not […]
String Instruments
Band vs Orchestra: Which One Should You Choose?
When it comes to music, two of the most popular types of ensembles are bands and orchestras. While both groups produce beautiful music, there are some distinct differences between them. Understanding these differences can help you appreciate each type of music and perhaps even inspire you to pick up an instrument and join in the […]
43 Amazing Instrument Sounds (+ Video!)
Instruments vary in sound and general tone, depending on the materials they are made with, their shape, size, slight model variations, and most importantly – the instrumentalist. In attempting to describe the various notes that come from the most common instruments, we have covered 43 instruments (String, Wind, Brass, Keyboard, Percussion) and gathered the opinions of […]
16 of the Best Violins in the World
There’s no denying violins can be incredibly expensive. Even as musical professionals, it’s often difficult to find instruments that fit our budget! However, there’s no denying that the quality and pedigree of a violin can really make a difference. What makes a good violin? Each individual is different, and everyone will like different qualities in […]
Best Violins For Professionals
As you are progressing to a higher level in playing the violin, be it a professional or student, you will reach a stage where you need to upgrade your violin. When is it time to upgrade your violin? It is when your violin doesn’t produce the sound quality that matches your skill level; it doesn’t […]
Best Pickup & Microphone for Violin Recording
Stringed instruments, like the violin or ‘fiddle’ for some, have a uniquely beautiful sound that should be heard well in an orchestra or any string ensemble. It can be a challenging chore to capture the sound. Amplifying it through the use of microphones is the only way to do it. It would be an injustice […]
Best Violin Strings for Professionals & Advanced Players
Violinists are very meticulous when it comes to their instrument, and having the best possible strings is essential to their performances. Logically, if you have a high-quality violin, it normally comes with high-quality strings. However, the strings do not last that long to ensure perfect tonal qualities each time you play. It does not matter […]
Best Violin Strings for Beginners
There are several factors to consider when choosing strings for your violin. First, you must consider your level of skills. So, at the onset, you need to figure out at what level you are in playing the instrument. Are you a beginner or are you a professional violinist? Beginners, of course, need the type of […]
Best In-Ear Monitors for Bass Players
All musicians should take care of their hearing. If you’re a bass player, you probably have had experience playing live in different areas – and suffered from it. While the combination of a lively crowd and your own music is fun, the constant exposure to live, loud music can be painful. It can also lead […]
How Many Strings Are On A Violin?
A violin, referred to as a fiddle at times, is a wooden string instrument that is played mostly by drawing the bow hair across the strings (bowing) to produce sounds that are powerful enough to evoke almost any emotion from the listeners. The strings can also be plucked by the fingers (pizzicato) or struck by […]
Different Types of Cellos
Cellos are not just a large violin, though they are part of the violin family. A standard cello will have four strings tuned a fifth apart: C, G, D, and A. Compared to a piano, the C string is the second lowest C on a piano and it goes up from there. Cellos are classified […]
Different Types of Violins
Standard violins are small, wooden, four-stringed instruments which are played with a bow. They were first developed in the 16th century and largely retain their original form, although some features have been modified over time. There are several types of violin which differ significantly from the modern standard model, as well as historical violins (e.g. […]
Different Types Of Ukulele
You may remember learning the ukulele at school, holding the instrument, and thinking it’s nothing more than a plastic mini-guitar. Often it’s one of the first instruments that will lead to a guitar but in actual fact, they are so much more than a child’s toy, or a warm-up to the ‘real’ thing. Ukuleles have […]
10 Most Famous Double Bass Players
The double bass, or simply the bass, is the lowest-pitched and largest bowed string instrument in the contemporary symphony orchestra. And if you are playing it, you will surely be conspicuous and get the attention of everyone. Kidding aside, it is indeed very conspicuous because of its huge size. Throughout the years, countless musicians have […]
10 Famous Cello Players You Should Know
As an aspiring cello player or a student cellist, you will undoubtedly be looking to some of the greats in the industry for some inspiration or perhaps encouragement. If you’re thinking along this line, you’re not alone. But, most people do not know where to look or even whom to look for. If you fall […]
How Many Strings Does a Double Bass Have?
The double bass, as an instrument, had a long history of evolution from the three-stringed bulky instrument to the modern-day five-stringed double bass. It is an essential component of the orchestra’s string section, and it is not hard to notice, for it stands proud among the string instruments. Maybe you have watched the comedy-mystery films […]
Interesting Facts About the Double Bass
The double bass is truly a remarkable instrument. It is the largest of all the stringed instruments that feature in a modern-day symphony orchestra. Also, it has the lowest pitch amongst all stringed instruments. But, that is not all there is to know about the double bass. For instance, did you know the instrument goes […]
How Much Does A Cello Cost?
When it comes to musical instruments, the string instruments are amongst the best. Not only do they create the most beautiful sounds, but they really help to elevate an orchestra. While many people are familiar with the violin, some people may not have a large understanding of the cello. It is a truly wonderful instrument […]
What Is Shredding Guitar?
Shredding is a high-octane, fast and furious guitar style popularized in the 80s by six-string wizards such as Eddie Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, Paul Gilbert, Dimebag Darrell, Dave Mustaine, Marty Friedman, Glenn Tipton, K.K. Downing… the list goes on and on and on! It’s possibly the definitive […]
How To Clean a Guitar
As a musician your instrument is your pride and joy, you want to look after it as well as you can. Guitars are very intricate pieces of musical equipment and they do require some specialist care especially when it comes to cleaning. It is important that you know what you are doing when it comes […]