• Zurf
  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
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Topic: Fiddlrey

OK, so I'm not sure that fiddlery is a word, but I'm considering doing it any way.

I've had a fiddle on my wall for quite a while.  I pull it down and tune it from time to time, but for many years it has been nothing but a decoration. 

Two questions:
1. I'm interested in learning to play cajun style fiddle.  What's the tuning?  Is it G, D, A, E (low to high) or does it have a different tuning?

2. Is there a website where I can get value estimates of instruments?  This is a vintage old beast and I'm wondering if it has any value beyond the intrinsic.  Won't sell it one way or the other, but it may help to motivate me to find out the darn thing is worth something. 

There's a great store nearby called "Picker's Paradise" that specializes in bluegrass instruments.  I'll probably take it by there to see whether there are any fiddle players hanging around that feel like chatting.

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • aabb
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  • From: MI
  • Registered: 2009-02-27
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Re: Fiddlrey

as far as I know their tuned gdae" low to high" I'm sure some songs will have a different  tunin, just to throw ya off. I know a couple fiddlers who switch from country to bluegrass to cajun never change tuning and never look back. Look for a name or date or number inside your fiddle, sometimes they will be on the underside of the top, if ya find one, google it. don't know what else to tell ya except  "love them fiddles"

Ron
  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
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Re: Fiddlrey

Thanks for the suggestion.  Suffice to say that the violin appears to have sufficient value that it's worth taking to a professional estimator to get an insurance rider. 

That ought to motivate me both to play and to keep my kid's hands off of it. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • aabb
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  • From: MI
  • Registered: 2009-02-27
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Re: Fiddlrey

Yes indeed; take it to a professional estimator. Kids! Hands off! And may the tone be as rich as the value.

Ron
  • G S E
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  • From: Detroit Lakes , Mn , USA
  • Registered: 2008-01-30
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Re: Fiddlrey

Hey Zurf ,
   Welcome to " fiddlery " ? Good luck and I
hope you enjoy the fiddle as much as I do ...
   As to the value , as aabb said , look for a label inside one of the f-holes or as stated , I have also seen them signed on the underside of the sound board ... Very few makers did'nt have enough pride in their work to at least sign it ... That said , in my experience with violins , most times an old violin is just that and not worth much unless made by a recognized maker ... The eldist in my collection is almost 150 years old and does'nt carry much value due to being made by an obscure maker ... To me though that one has a tonal quality that my others lack ...Anyway whether it be worth good money or not , treat it with respect and enjoy it for what it is , you'll have a lot of fun with it ...
                  Jerry

" Just reading the lyrics , it's hard to hear the song , but if the words tug at the heartstrings......it's enough for now........... "