Can You Put Viola Strings on a Violin?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 พ.ย. 2019
  • In this video, I explain the solutions that are available to you if you need a really small viola and some of the traps to avoid when buying a small viola.
    Difference between a viola and a violin: • Difference Between Vio...
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ความคิดเห็น • 103

  • @edloki3057
    @edloki3057 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Okie you've convinced me. I'm switching to a viola. 2setviolin be damned.

    • @natepultorakmusic928
      @natepultorakmusic928 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      As a spiritual member of the viola gang, I salute the choice!

    • @RockStarOscarStern634
      @RockStarOscarStern634 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@natepultorakmusic928 A Hutchins Upright Viola isn't compromised plus playing it vertically relieves weight off your shoulders

    • @Cxn1323
      @Cxn1323 ปีที่แล้ว

      you became the very thing you sought to destroy

    • @user-uc9wy1sn3b
      @user-uc9wy1sn3b ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I know and personally I love sound of Viola but to teach students I can put Viola strings in to Violin.

  • @sheilaclarke3692
    @sheilaclarke3692 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Many thanks for your talk on viola C string being used on a violin. I have a German concert violin which is very loud. I think it will convert to a viola! As a violinist who loves passionate music, I get frustrated that I can only go as low as G. Thanks to you I am going to convert this violin to a viola. I will let you know how I get on. Many thanks! You are a brilliant guy! Sheilah .

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Let me know how it turns out!

    • @rosemaryraplar8
      @rosemaryraplar8 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'd like to do the same. How did it turn out?

    • @boglarbalazs4382
      @boglarbalazs4382 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm going to do the same with mine. (It isn't a quality intrument though 😂)

  • @patriciajrs46
    @patriciajrs46 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thank you so much. The C string acoustics are very intersting. The wider body is engagingly delightful. I like a deeper, richer tone. I don't really like the high-squeal of the violin E strings. Thank you so much for telling and teaching how to tell the difference between a violin and a viola.

    • @RockStarOscarStern634
      @RockStarOscarStern634 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      5 String Violins often have a slightly deeper body so that the E string doesn't sound too shrill

    • @patriciajrs46
      @patriciajrs46 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@RockStarOscarStern634 Okay. Thank you.

    • @boglarbalazs4382
      @boglarbalazs4382 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Where have you found one?

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Kennedy Violins Geared mechanisms designed for Violin make tuning it so much easier. Nowadays lots of people are choosing geared tuning machines for violin, this is because actual geared mechanisms for Violin, Viola, and Cello are much more affordable these days, and they produce a much more pleasant sound.

  • @buibichphuong2131
    @buibichphuong2131 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much! This is so informative!

  • @boglarbalazs4382
    @boglarbalazs4382 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you so much! 😊
    To be honest, when I asked the question in the title, I wanted a yes or no for an answer. Didn't feel like sacrificing 9 mins of my life to get one.
    Well, this video so worth every second!!! Along with the comment section. Very informative, pretty entertaining. (I love the way you play the instruments ❤) I'm glad I found it. 😊 Special thanks for the samples of sounds! Such a great help for me! I knew, if there was going to be even the slightest difference, I would be able to hear it, as I'm good at that. But the differences were huge!
    I personally don't like the sound of the wider viola at all; wouldn't go for the other viola if I had a choice ... I'm in love with the sound of that violin with those viola strings 💕 That's what I've been dreaming of 💖
    You made my day 🙂
    ps: What is the passage, you're playing?

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks for the nice remarks and I'm glad the video was helpful. Regarding the "music" I was playing, it wasn't an excerpt from any music. It was just scale excerpts with a couple corresponding double stops. 😉

  • @margoils
    @margoils ปีที่แล้ว +3

    fyi, ii taught elementary string music for many years and i ''sold the viola sound'' to elem kids who ONLY KNEW OF THE VIOLIN, and i also pushed the cello, so when the kids went to ''rent'' a viiola and found either few or none, they music store tried to change the kids mind to rent a violin in stead, and they (BLESS THEIR HEARTS) insisted on renting a viola to play, and so they DID PUT VIOILA STRINGS ON A VIOILIN (0bvioiusly string size smaller so that the string tension was about the same, and i did this for many years, just so we didn't have VIIOLIN PLAYERS playing the viola part transcribed for violin because they REALLY WANTED THAT SOUND.... and it worked well, it meant that i didn't iend up with ALL VIIOLINS and no other instruments,

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Cool. There are many ways to create "converts" but it's always a great thing. 😉Go violas!

  • @GeeGnebAb
    @GeeGnebAb 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So informative, many thanks

  • @Cloxxki
    @Cloxxki 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I just saw a video where a full size violin had viola octave strings and the low C seems to have been achieved!!
    As I'm a big guy and a total novice I might go for a viola body anyway, but awesome if indeed it can be done routinely

  • @petromic1947
    @petromic1947 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good info thanks. Can I put violin strings on a 15” viola and will it sound better do I need to change the bridge thanks

  • @rlilac643
    @rlilac643 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Hey I see you watchin' twoset!

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    6:52 the ribs on a Viola will usually be a bit thicker than on a Violin by at least 1/8 of an inch.

  • @KennedyViolins
    @KennedyViolins  4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Hello Sherry, I'm not sure why guitar strings cannot be used but I do know that a very high level of acoustic engineering goes into developing violin strings. They are wound in a very specific way and very expensive materials are often used like tungsten, titanium silver or gold. Every year I find a new crop of strings have been invented by new companies and 98% of the time the strings are inferior to the strings that are produced by the 3 big string companies. Even the Chinese, who are very good at copying just about everything, have to date as far as I know, never been able to produce a decent quality violin string, despite many years of trying. So apparently, it's quite difficult to create a good violin string! 🤔

    • @RockStarOscarStern634
      @RockStarOscarStern634 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      th-cam.com/video/T-g0vLKWf5c/w-d-xo.html actually you can use Guitar Strings on Violin like N719

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have seen Viola Conversions & also a 20 in Alto Violin which is an Upright Viola

  • @ralphkruger9996
    @ralphkruger9996 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was an excellent explanation of the possible problems putting viola strings on a violin. But why do octave violin strings work okay on a violin?

  • @ggccdde3743
    @ggccdde3743 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have an interesting question: What if I put violin strings on a 14 inches viola sounds like?

  • @gabriellepeacock2709
    @gabriellepeacock2709 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I tried to string a violin as a viola, but using it's own violin strings. But it didn't work :) I loved the sound you made on all the ones you just played, but there was a huge difference when it was the proper viola.

    • @boglarbalazs4382
      @boglarbalazs4382 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You mean you just tuned your violin strings lower?

    • @gabriellepeacock2709
      @gabriellepeacock2709 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yeah, it's ok I bought a viola two years ago:) @@boglarbalazs4382

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The 7/8 Size Violin is 13.5 inches, a good halfway point between a 3/4 size Violin & a 4/4 Size Violin. Those are common among musicians w/ smaller hands.

    • @boglarbalazs4382
      @boglarbalazs4382 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you! I was wondering if there was any option, like this.

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    3:27 That C String can hit the Fingerboard as it vibrates if put on a violin

  • @lindapoling3987
    @lindapoling3987 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Do I need to change the bridge of the violin that I put viola strings on?

    • @ApplepieFTW
      @ApplepieFTW 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Short answer: yes. Long answer: contact your luthier and ask him. He will give you the short answer: yes.

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    3:39 Very sour sounding low c, they make 5 string Violin C strings.

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    3:42 I don't know if the camera can pick it up

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    There are 5/4 & 6/4 Size Violins

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    3:39 Violin Low C
    3:54 Viola Low C

  • @irlandesarette9776
    @irlandesarette9776 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Than Kshatriyas

  • @patriciajrs46
    @patriciajrs46 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Where is your store located?

  • @lonniepaulson7031
    @lonniepaulson7031 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I play both violin and viols. A number of years ago before I got my viola a friend purchased what he called a child's violin. He had just gotten it repaired because the back had a hole in it. He showed to me in the case. The first thing I noticed was two viola bows in the case. I measured his instrument with mine and it was 14 inches the same size as my full size violin. I tuned it and started playing it. The strings looked like violin strings. I noticed the sound was different, it did not sound like a violin. The sound seemed muffled. Could this be a violin with viola bows or could it be a 14 inch viols with violin strings? What happens when you put violin strings on a 14 inch viola?

    • @boglarbalazs4382
      @boglarbalazs4382 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'd like to hear the difference!

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Funny thing Bowed instruments always come strung w/ Flatwound Strings

  • @empireentertainmentevents1353
    @empireentertainmentevents1353 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have an Electric Violin. I was thinking of putting high tension Viola strings on it (to compensate the shorter scale length of the Violin) and make it sound like a Viola. I think the sound will be 'flabby' if I use medium or soft tension viola strings on a 14inch electric Violin.
    An Electric Violin does not rely on its body for tonal quality. The electronics and pickup are the ones that do; so the low C string will still sound big and round on it.What do you think?

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You probably have the right idea in regards to putting high tension strings on. That'll probably help quite a bit. Helicores are pretty high tension and might be a good option. However, your C string will probably still hit the fingerboard when you play more forcefully. If I were you, I'd install all violin strings, except for the C. This way you'll only have 1 "bad" string. Good luck!

    • @empireentertainmentevents1353
      @empireentertainmentevents1353 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@KennedyViolins thx buddy....but I want to have VIOLA tone....so with High Tension or Short Scale Viola strings, I should sound closer to a Viola. I dont like Violin as much as Viola tone.

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@empireentertainmentevents1353 As a violist myself, I can't blame you for having that sentiment! 🤪

    • @RockStarOscarStern634
      @RockStarOscarStern634 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@KennedyViolins They make a 5 string Violin Low C String

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    5:08 Passage name?

  • @WorshipGuitarist4life17
    @WorshipGuitarist4life17 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    0:01 exactly what I'm wondering. I want to play I'm cgda. But I don't know if anyone makes a c string for violin

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      As far as I know, there is no such thing as a "violin C string" but if you want to go that route, I'd advise getting the thinnest C string you can. You'd want it to be the tightest tension possible, so that means it should be a steel core, not a synthetic core. The most obvious option would probably be the thinnest Helicore C string you can get. 👍

  • @colinwrubleski7627
    @colinwrubleski7627 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Would you be able to comment on the slightly unorthodox case of high-class professionals who use a single viola string for a certain effect on their uber-valuable Strads, "del Gesu" Guarneris, etc.-? The clearest example is that of violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, who apparently uses a viola A-string (Savarez / Corelli-?) in place of a more conventional violin-specific string. What does she achieve by so doing, and are there any risks of premature wear or breakage with a string that is too long for the instrument body length? Any info or commentary you can offer would be appreciated. Thanks...

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I do not have personal knowledge of players such as Mutter using a viola A on their violins because I have not spoken to them directly. However, my guess is that anybody who does this, is probably working with the theory that the sound may be warmer because of the thicker string, and because of the increased tension, it may make it easier to play really strong fortes without some of the mechanical issues that may come along with a string that is of lesser tension (hitting the fingerboard, sound giving out, etc). I would imagine that the compromise may be less projection, responsiveness, and a slightly different feel under the fingertip, but it's all just conjecture. It'd be interesting to play around with this idea!

    • @boglarbalazs4382
      @boglarbalazs4382 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If you ever get round to experimenting with that, I'd like to hear the difference it would make, just like in this video! Thank you :)

  • @neopagan1976
    @neopagan1976 ปีที่แล้ว

    I definitely have a few questions for you, but they pertain to holding a violin bow. My questions are these. What's your position on the use of a PinkyHold for Violin and Viola - Rose Pink - Bowing Aid? Does this device actually help with developing muscle memory when it comes to holding a full size violin bow correctly? Is this device actually worth the money? Would using this device be a good habit for an adult beginner to get into? I'm an adult beginner who's having a lot of trouble with getting my fingers and thumb to relax. Every time I try to hold my violin bow correctly using the franco-Belgian method, My fingers and thumb seem to cramp up. I've tried the Russian method, but the cramping seems to get worse with that particular bow hold. I thought that the bowing aid might help with that. Would this bowing aid be a good investment or would it be just a complete waist of money?

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I'm aware of the device and I know that a fair amount of teachers use it. I don't know how successful it is because I never needed to use it. I developed a way of teaching the bow hold that worked without any other products. However, I'd say as a general rule, if it works, then use it. You can try it. If it works, then great. If not, it's not a huge investment of money, so why not? The most important thing is that you are aware of the issue/challenge and that's half the battle.

    • @neopagan1976
      @neopagan1976 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@KennedyViolins Thank you so very much for getting back to me, Sir. If there are teachers currently using it, then it must be a pretty good product. I'm going to go ahead and get the device and see if it works for my particular problem. Thanks again.

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    3:11 So this Thicker string needs more room to move.

  • @richardallen6552
    @richardallen6552 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What does a viola sound like if it’s strung up like a violin with G, D, A, E?

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The E will suffer. It will probably not be as "brilliant" or project as well as it would on a violin.

    • @RockStarOscarStern634
      @RockStarOscarStern634 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@KennedyViolins A 5 string Viola might work better

  • @gregmonks9708
    @gregmonks9708 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The "chin cello" strings you buy for violin and viola are just short cello strings for short-scale cellos. I was using 1/10 cello strings on my violas many years before "octave strings" were "invented".

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    4:07 Ok so that's 2 points, one will be the sound and the other is physically the string needs more room to move around.

  • @prakashgupta8191
    @prakashgupta8191 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can we use guitar strings on violin

    • @gutbucket260
      @gutbucket260 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Tension might be to much for the top.

    • @RockStarOscarStern634
      @RockStarOscarStern634 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@gutbucket260 They might have to be special made to work

  • @crochetqueen6440
    @crochetqueen6440 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    So I'm sure elsewhere in the comment section will have already asked what occurs to me...
    What about then, putting violin strings on a viola? will the strings be long enough?

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Generally speaking, violin strings will not be long enough to fit most violas.

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That video (please turn the comments back on & turn off the made for kids action):th-cam.com/video/d4R3lbbaRsU/w-d-xo.html that explains why Violins don't have machine head tuners like a Guitar does is now "Outdated". The interest of using machine head tuners on a Violin, Viola, or Cello has actually gone back up for 3 new reasons 1) they're much lighter weight than they were years ago, 2) they're much more affordable these days, & 3) the different look isn't considered "different from the traditional design" anymore, it's now an "ergonomic" variation of the traditional design meaning that more ideas are being thrown back in. So if you were a maker making your living building instruments w/ "ergonomic" variations of the traditional design the audience actually would love those instruments due to how much more fun they are to play.

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, "times, they are a changin..."

    • @RockStarOscarStern634
      @RockStarOscarStern634 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@KennedyViolins I replaced the friction pegs on my 5 String Cello w/ Machine Heads:th-cam.com/video/NFG7KhnH5TI/w-d-xo.html & what's really cool about them is that in playing position the knobs will point over your shoulder.

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    3:29 Bartok Pizz

  • @michaelblaney4461
    @michaelblaney4461 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You know you could also join the 21st century and put truss rods in a violin neck to set neck relief . ( as well as geared pegs 😮)

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Unfortunately, it's been tried many times over the years. It makes the violin too heavy and kills the sound.

  • @vegan.violist
    @vegan.violist 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Curious, what would happen if you put a viola's G, D, and A strings on a violin and use a violin's E string?

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      It would sound quite dull and the action would be very loose. The Viola strings are thicker gauge and they would not "sing" and would sound muted.

    • @vegan.violist
      @vegan.violist 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thin gauge?

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@vegan.violist Gauge refers to the diameter of the string. Violins have thinner gauge strings than violas. 😉

    • @vegan.violist
      @vegan.violist 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@KennedyViolins I meant, would thinner-gauge viola strings be comparable to medium-gauge or even thicker-gauge violin strings?

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@vegan.violist I suppose it's possible that the thickest gauge violin string could be comparable to the thinnest gauge violin string but it'd really come down to the manufacture and style of the string. Every manufacturer uses different specifications and it really matters what material the string is wound in, the style of winding on the core and if the string is even a wound string at all. Perhaps the best luck would be if the viola strings were exactly the same manufacturer and type (prelude to prelude, Helicore to Helicore for example). If this exact match occurred it may be possible to replicate one string for another but those are details that I'm not privy to for sure. The manufacturer may keep it a secret. Hard to say. Interesting question though. 😃

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    3:42 I don't know if the camera can pick it up

  • @ggccdde3743
    @ggccdde3743 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have an interesting question: What if I put violin strings on a 14 inches viola sounds like?

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Probably mostly just smaller sound but there's only one way to find out!

    • @ggccdde3743
      @ggccdde3743 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@KennedyViolins would you like to try it on camera and show us? 😃😃😃

    • @KennedyViolins
      @KennedyViolins  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ggccdde3743 Well, that's an interesting idea. Perhaps when I get my mic situation figured out, I'll do a vid like that. I'm not very happy with the sound right now. 🤪

    • @ggccdde3743
      @ggccdde3743 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@KennedyViolins I will certainly enjoy your vid. 😄