Comments on Profile Post by Lyander

You can learn them at any age really. It's easier when you're a kid, but still quite possible as you get older.

So I've been told, but something about stubby fingers not being suited to strings. Eh, I do plan on picking up violin one of these days (LOVE the sound!), regardless of if I can be any good with it. I've a friend who's a pro though, and don't want them riding my butt over how terrible I'll be :))

Just start and try to have fun. Age might affect you but you can still learn to play your favourite instrument well enough for others to enjoy it. The moment I have a less demanding job I am going to restart guitar lessons. Sometimes you will sound bad but that is where you start.

go for it, you are never too old.

I will agree that my stubby fingers are a touch challenging for bass playing, but not in the slightest for cello. But don't use it as an excuse. If your fingers work you ain't too old to learn...

Thanks, all. Yeah, no point whining about it if it's something I want, yeah? I'm never gonna be as good as my friend, but it's not as if I'm doing it for her sake or anything. And yeah, being bad at something is the first step towards being sorta good at something, right @Deep Funk? :))

And @ButtUglyJeff: yeah, I won't. Thank you.

Oh, if violin is your jam, remember this. They come in multiple sizes. You'll see 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 (full size). If your finger size worries you, do not fear the 3/4.

Also the viola has a slightly larger gap between the strings. And I think a well played viola is butter...

Yeah, I was actually considering a viola for that same reason! Still, short and stubby fingers do not an elegant violinist make, so I'll make do with what I can manage :)

Also, butter >>>>> margarine. No naysayers I hope :))

I can't agree with the sizing. The size of your violin should be more dependent on your arm length, not the size of your fingers. A lot of the left hand for violin playing is about how you angle your arm, which influences your hand positioning. No matter how stubby your fingers may be, you can always find a way to adjust your arm so that your hand can be in a comfortable position.

Sometimes, violinists get too caught up in either elitism or the extremes when talking about playing. You might not have the "optimal" fingers to play Paganini flawlessly, but most people don't. You can definitely learn to play, no matter your body type, and you can definitely improve if you are willing to commit the time. The one thing I would HIGHLY recommend is to find a teacher when first starting out.

Thanks, @GanGreinke. That was really useful advice. I've got a few friends who play, but I suppose finding a proper mentor is one of those things that one cannot afford to skimp on, yeah?

Also, the musician makes the instrument, not the other way around. No need to go all-out on your first instrument. But at the same time, there's a fine line between a 'cheap' instrument and an 'inexpensive' one. Half price, usable twice and whatnot.

Also also, the rental/used markets for instruments are usually pretty great.

Secondhand market it is. As with all things, value proposition is usually better than buying new, unless you're dead-set on supporting the manufacturer or whatever. Thanks, @FallingObjects!

Be very careful with buying a used instrument from random people. There are a lot of really crappy used instruments that people try to sell, and these instruments are either junk from the moment they are made or need lots of professional work (and hundreds of dollars) to not be junk because they have been neglected for such a long time.

You live in a very humid part of the world. You want to buy from someone who is aware of how important that is to wood instrument care. Ask if the case has a hygrometer, that might help sort the musicians from the wet noodles...