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Post by ed on Jul 2, 2017 1:28:12 GMT
Any suggestions?
I find I have to use considerable pressure on the bow in order to get a note, and then it is fairly loud - I can't get much variation in volume. If I try to play softly I get either a squeaky sound or nothing at all. Does anyone have any recommendations?
The bridge, bow and strings are all relatively new, although the instrument has been on the shelf unplayed for a while. However I think my instrument has always been like this, I just didn't notice it as long as I was only a beginner.
Ed H
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Post by dawei on Jul 2, 2017 5:18:32 GMT
I'm sure the more experienced players have some better ideas.
But my first question - did you really get enough rosin on the bow, as it is new?
New bows often have very little to no rosin and need attention to get them really working well. That's not even addressing the issue of bow quality. Any new bow needs rosin!
That would possibly explain the need for a lot of pressure to get a note to sound, and then you'd be digging in so much no wonder it is not soft.
Be sure to rosin BOTH sides of the bow hair, best of luck, please let us know how it goes.
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Post by edcat7 on Jul 2, 2017 23:41:10 GMT
Hi Ed, try using an erhu mute, then you can bow as hard as you like and it will still sound quiet. Normal pressure on the bow will soften the volume even more.
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Post by fatpanda on Jul 5, 2017 12:05:21 GMT
Yes, I remembered my teacher helping me applied rosin on the new erhu I bought from him. He was rubbing the bow with rosin very hard for like 10 mins. Luckily, I did not ask for a new bow after all his hard work...
Anyway, I get an impression that we are not suppose to play too softly as the sound produced from insufficient strength on the bow is not desirable. Correct me if I am wrong.
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Post by davidmdahl on Jul 5, 2017 19:54:58 GMT
When starting out on the erhu, it is best to aim for a robust good tone. That will build the best habits. After a while, you can play softer with a little less pressure on the bow, and slower bowing speed. The harder the pressure of the bow against the strings, the faster you need to bow. With less pressure, you don't have to bow as fast, and the volume will be less.
I had a mute at one point, but don't like using it. A mute will help to avoid bothering family and the neighbors, but it is not good for learning to play with good tone.
Best wishes,
David
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