philparker

That's interesting to hear - I am using Belcanto's at the moment and wondered about the Pirastro Passiones, I've heard good things about them and was thinking of trying them out next?!

Welcome over to the DB side!

I would also keep an eye out for some good second hand strings on this forum as there are good bargains to be had at 2/3s to 1/2 price of the new price. Yes, good strings will make a very good and tangible difference. If you're only going to play pizz, then Spiros will be fine, if you also want to play arco then Evah Pirazzis will be better. It could get extremely expensive to find a personal choice by trying out lots of different strings. There are also some trial strings doing the rounds from Daff on the Innovation Strings sub-forum - they are also the best value strings to buy new for the price.

It's definitely worth getting a good tutor - and he/she can also advise you best about getting the set-up done on your new acquisition. You will get so much enjoyment, but you will have to spend some additional money!

Hey, well done for going through with it!

You're right, it's 4 x as hard playing under exam (or Master Class) conditions - even more so as you advance in age. At least you will know what to expect next time, if that makes it easier.

I will take my next exam in November and I've got enough time to practise on my weak areas, but it will still hit me fast and hard!

It would work, but with a BP100 you really need a pre-amp.

I hope they're suitably punished for their actions!

Speaking as an engineer and not a Luthier - I would leave it under tension! I would be interested to hear otherwise with a valid explanation?!

Thanks for the link - I've just watched it all the way through (whilst recovering from my cycle ride!), I really enjoyed it.

Very talented musicians and a great band!

So, which one are you going to use?

Let me see - eeny, meeny, miny, moe...

Warwick Alien?

I use the Zoom H4n and would also recommend the Zoom!

I would suggest removing the card and placing it in your computer, to open up and see what is on it before deleting everything and then re-formatting the card in your Zoom.

Love that Kashmir!

Yes, I've used Nick Marchant for a DB set up - he probably can't do it while you wait.

Yes, interesting clip - could have even been much longer and will have still retained my interest. Thanks for posting.

I had a new Despiau adjustable bridge fitted and Fishman Full Circle (supplied by me), and a general healthy check, which only involved moving the sound post a little and a good clean up. Obviously the action and curvature was set up to my preference, but it didn't need a skim or anything else.

I paid £200 for that service and I was pleased with the result and happy with the workmanship and price.

Nice to see them all on BBC4 this evening!

Hey, let us know how you get on and what set pieces you played?

Good Luck! Which grade are you taking?

I wasn't aware the grades were necessary to get the gigs? I took the exam, and will take the next two, just so that I can follow an established and structured progression.

good tip about an accompanist!

Yes, you're right, it will be the focus of my practise for the next 6 months before grade 7 and I won't get it wrong (I've played other music to a much higher standard & that is why I am disappointed).

I am also enthused - I was thinking of only taking Grade 6, then concentrating on Pizz, but I will persevere and take it up to Grade 8, all being well!

Thanks for your words of encouragement!

My accompanist was a local (within 15 miles) Piano Tuner by trade, who is an excellent player and sight reader. I had 3 sessions with him prior to the exam (it gets expensive!).

I was disappointed with my sight reading; it was full of semi-quavers, mixed slurred & single strokes, dotSQ/Q/dotSQ Q rest in 2/4. Up to F. Quite tricky compared to the other 3 pieces he could have chosen on the double open page, but I should be better than that. My dynamics were non-existent. I will have dropped points. However, I left with a good overall feeling and he even said I did very well!

Thanks - it went as well as it could.

I played in this order: Capuzzi, Rondo & Allegro; Walton, A Deep Song; Bottesini, Study No. 40.

I learned and played most of the A & B selection, but those were my favourites. I will start on the Capuzzi Allegro straight away, ready for a grade 7 at the end of the year.

Quite daunting really!!

I haven't taken a music exam since my final year in school, some 35 years ago and took my grade 6 this afternoon.

I was sharing the waiting room with a 12-year old and a 15-year old and they were much less nervous than me. More nerves than any gig I've ever done.

It went as well as it could have done for my set pieces, but it will be interesting to see how many points I've dropped in the other sections?!

+1 on the above - congratulations - and get a good set up soonest!

It looks very nice!

That's why I bought the Headway - so I could blend a Full Circle with a mic, but I haven't had chance to try it in a gig situation yet.

Glad you're sorted!

Well, it looks very nice - and it looks like it's worth it: it all depends what it sounds like?!!

Just what I was thinking after following the previous thread!

Like the proverbial London bus, however, if you miss one-you might have to wait a long time until the next one comes along!