A Lonely Man

[MarioD]

I had some time yesterday to try my new Swam VSTis, the Solo Strings. This quickly composed song, about 3 hours, uses the solo violin. You can let me know if it sounds realistic or not. Thanx.

I am playing the VSTi via my keyboard controller while Band-in-a-Box is supplying the balance of the tracks.

https://soundcloud.com/mario_guitar/a-lonely-man

[bvdp]

It is a good e-violin. Matter of fact, it is a very, very good electric violin ... But, and I am not an expert in these things, it doesn't quite sound like a real one to my old and tired ears. I suspect it's the bowing and all that which violin players spend years and years learning? But, I might have been fooled if I didn't know better??? Don't know.

[MarioD]

Bob, I agree.  Part of that maybe the fact that I don't know much about the art of playing a violin. I think it sounds better in the lower registers than in the higher ones.

Thanx for listening and commenting.

[bvdp]

I've never learned fiddle ... I just don't think I could get though the annoying learning stage. I do love a WELL PLAYED fiddle (opps, VIOLIN!) as done but some of the concert players and gypsy jazz folks. Gotta say my favorite is Stephan Grapelli. BTW, I can't stand fiddling (as in gigs, reels, etc).

I think we (musicians) should probably admit that e-instruments are different from real ones. And that is a good thing ... it means we have 2x as many things to keep us amused though the long winter nights

[MarioD]

Fiddle and violin are really two different instruments.  Fiddle players lower the bridge so they can more easily play two or more string simultaneously.

Stephan Grapelli was great whether it was with Django or when he played the standards.  I really liked it when he played the standards., i.e. Misty, How High the Moon, etc.

Yes, e-instruments are different from the real ones.  E-instruments are just an emulation of the real thing and not an exact copy sound wise.

[bvdp]

Fiddle and violin are really two different instruments.  Fiddle players lower the bridge so they can more easily play two or more string simultaneously.

I'm not looking for a facebook argument here But, I have always been told that they are the same beast; just the style of play is different. So, I did a very quick look on the network which conveys all the truth Lots and lots of hits, but they all seem to be of the type: https://www.johnsonstring.com/violins-facts/fiddle-vs-violin.htm But, honestly, I have no idea what I'm going on about here!

I think Grapelli would have been great playing a couple of spoons ... he was a great musician who happened to play a fiddle/violin!

I really hope I can play guitar on my accordion one of these days

Let's all continue to make music! Good for the mind and soul.

[MarioD]

The only reason I said they were two different instruments is because of the bridge modification for someone playing a fiddle.  A violinist would never modify a bridge like one whom plays a fiddle would.  At least that was what I was told.  Other than that they are the same.

[folderol]

I think the sound would be convincing as a supporting instrument, but not quite in such a prominent lead role. Very good sorrowful tune though - definitely fits the title!

[MarioD]

Thanx Will.

[elwoodblues91]

Sorry....but to my ears, not very convincing(especially at this steep price point.) I think my London Solo Strings Reason Refill I bought many years ago, sounds significantly better(at a fraction of the price.)
Nice tune though...

[MarioD]

Yes, Thom I agree.  I am disappointed with those sounds.