The violin is one of the most popular musical instruments to learn, but also one of the most complicated. First played around 500 years ago, a fiddle is the same instrument, just played in a different way (more folk than classical music). The word is from the Medieval Latin ‘vitula’ which means ‘stringed instrument.
One accomplished violinist was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mostly known for his piano work, he was equally as good as the violin, thanks to his father, who was also an excellent violin player.
choose a greener violin
Most violins are made from maple or spruce wood, so choose ones that are sustainably-sourced. And choose strings free from catgut (not from cats but sheep) and bows free from horse hair. You can find violin strings made from steel or other metals.
During lockdown, bored violin-maker Padraig O’Dubhlaoidh created his own ‘vegan violin’ made from a plant-based glue made from steamed pears, berries and spring water (go figure). It’s a whopping £8,000 but shows just what can be done with a creative mind. Already used at Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall, his work and research has already achieved a ban on industrial harvesting of pernambuco wood to make violin bows (the use of the wood has led to near extinction of this South American coastal species).
Codabow recommends carbon fibre as an alternative. This is an affordable lightweight bow that offers rich tones and high-quality acoustics. You can also buy ecoRosin (like a violinist’s alternative to vegan eco surf wax, made from plant-based biodegradable materials).
music break: nuevo nocturna
How can this band not be a worldwide sensation?
