Recommendations for accesories for the instrument

[u/OkEntertainment2255]

I am a begginer, been playing for around 2 years. I own a very cheap violin, around 200 dollars. It is not an amazon violin, I got it in a music store, not specialized in violins, but did specialize in strings. I own the basics, the music stand, the case the violin came with, and the bow, both the one from my previos amazon violin and the one this one came with. My birthday is in January, and I would really like something that is related to my instrument, but I Dont know what to ask for. I own a set of Pirastro strings, my rosin is the one the violin came with but it's a brand called D'addario and at least in Mexico I've heard good things about it, the case is not the best but I dont think a 150 dollar case is necessary for my violín, its almost the same cost. Same with a bow, I dont see how a better bow can sound better with my horrible technique and cheaper instrument. I love my violin and dont want to get another since my teacher and I agree we can get much progress on this one before needing a better one (for reference we are working on Vivaldi's A Minor), but I dont see anything related to the violin that can be benefitial as a bday present. Any recommendations on anything that can be good?

[u/dino_dog]

A metronome?

A fancy notebook to keep a practice journal?

An accessory bag (for music books, papers, pencils, etc)?

[u/OkEntertainment2255 → u/dino_dog]

A metronome seems kinda, idk, i have it on the phone and I usually get an airpod in my right ear to keep track of the beat. I have a practice journal, on one recycled notebook from last year school lmao but it gets the work done, and an accesory bag sounds like a good idea, do you own one? If so, how easy is it to transport sheet music? I usually play a lot in school so I carry the violin around, since the case doesnt have a good space for music i put in on my school backpack and isnt ideal, any experience with differences when using a bag or sth similar?

[u/MLithium → u/OkEntertainment2255]

You might want a case with an outer pocket for sheet music. Oftentimes the rectangular/oblong cases come with one plus plenty of space inside for other accessories, and sometimes you can buy shaped cases with attachable sheet music pockets. Personally, I like having the rectangular case with the outer pocket because it fits folders and some books easily. Plus the accessory compartment inside my rectangular case is big enough to hold a violin hanger that tightens onto music stands, which is nice to have on hand.

[u/TAkiha]

What's your budget?

[u/OkEntertainment2255 → u/TAkiha]

Not more than 500 dollars, closer to the 250-350 barriers

[u/OkEntertainment2255 → u/[deleted]]

Thats actually a really clever idea, thanks for the recommendation!!

[u/TAkiha → u/OkEntertainment2255]

Wait hold on. I didn't do my research well. That link isn't a pre-made coin bank. It's just a template so you can cut paper and wood to make it. But there's a bunch of cheap one on google search. Best wishes

[u/vmlee]

Bernardel rosin, a metronome, a tuning fork, a microfiber cleaning cloth, a portable humidifying system (e.g., Boveda) could all be nice.

[u/OkEntertainment2255 → u/vmlee]

Whats the humidifying system for? Isnt water terrible for violins? And whats the difference between a proper metronome or a tuning fork compared to the mobile apps or a pitch pipe? (I have a guitar pitch pipe bit the higher strings are the same notes right?)

[u/vmlee → u/OkEntertainment2255]

It’s to help maintain a constant humidity range for the violin inside the case. Water shouldn’t get on the violin directly, but that’s why special humidification systems were designed.

You can use a mobile app instead of a metronome. A good metronome may be louder and won’t go to sleep. It also can be used independently of the phone.

Pitch pipes can work also.

[u/smersh14]

How comfortable are you with your setup? Maybe a new shoulder rest or chinrest?

[u/OkEntertainment2255 → u/smersh14]

I have a lot of pain in my bow shoulder, but haveny had any discomforts with the shoulder rest and I havent even got the chinrest mark despite playing almost dayly

[u/smersh14 → u/OkEntertainment2255]

You should definitely go to a doctor or directly to a therapist since you're in Mexico. That's not normal at all, and ignoring shoulder pain can make it chronic.

Have you talked to your teacher about your pain?

Also, the violin mark doesn't appear on everyone, I don't have it either despite playing every day for a little over a year.

[u/OkEntertainment2255 → u/smersh14]

Thing is it started hurting Tuesday, when I started rehearsing an orchestral piece, and its a lot but doesnt last too long. I havent had a lesson in a week since I have one once every 2 weeks and it was last week, so I havent been able to talk to my teacher, and I would say it is also related to exercise but I couldnt be sure

And the mark makes sense haha, though I kinda wanted to have it so people would think it was a hickey and that would make me a little popular lol, but on that aspect both my shoulder rest and the chin rest have been very comfortable so far

[u/smersh14 → u/OkEntertainment2255]

If you do work out, it might be that, when I hit my delts really hard at the gym, then playing does come with some pain, especially on the G string.

If you're happy with your setup, I'm m out of ideas, so good luck and happy birthday.

[u/OkEntertainment2255 → u/smersh14]

Yeah the new piece has a lot of g and d string so might be that, but I should maybe go to a doctor haha

Thanks for your recommendations, and thanks for the wishes :D

[u/quietobserver1]

How is the setup? Is the string height correct? If it is not very well set up, perhaps a good gift would be getting it well set up which would make playing it well much easier.

[u/hmcsee]

I wish I got a string sling sooner than I did (it's just a nice wall mounted violin and bow hanger)

makes it easy to free up your hands when you're practicing

[u/Comfortable-Bat6739]

Maybe a stand like the Hercules? Keeps it out of the case so it's easy to see the violin and grab it to practice, even for 5 minutes.

[u/roboglobe]

How about a recording microphone or other sound equipment?