Rain Fly - This is the flap of durable fabric that, similar to a tent fly, covers the zipper and protects the opening of the case from getting wet. All my Fiddleheads' brand of cases all have some manner of rain fly, with some having a partial-length rain fly just covering under the handle where the zippers meet, and others having a full-length rain fly covering the entire edge of the case. Many shoulder rests can be adjusted in their height andtheir location on a violin, but their overall length cannot be changed. The length of a shoulder rest directly correlates towhat size violin it will fit on. The first shoulder rest I used on the viola was the Kun Shoulder Rest (I have the collapsible model). This is probably the most famous standard shoulder rest.

Fun Fact: Like the scroll, the f-hole is a defining visual characteristic of violin family instruments' maker/template.Goffriller - Matteo Goffriller was a Venetian luthier who made a particular mark in the cello world but crafted violins and violas as well. Active from 1685 (the same year JS Bach was born) to 1735 and was the founder of the "Venetian School" of luthiers when Venice was the center of the violin craft and is believed to have taught lauded cello maker Domenico Montagnana the craft. Similar to Strad and Guarneri models, contemporary instruments made with his unique patterns/templates are called Goffriller models. Flame - This is the level of figuring (kids call them "tiger stripes") in the wood, which are made from the rings in the tree as it grew over many years. More pronounced flame on a quality tonewood is highly prized, so of course it costs more. Fun Fact: Many fiddlers play at the tip as it takes less wrist control, but does make rapid string crossing tiring on the bow arm. Pro Tip: When choosing a case consider if you want to use it short-term or for many years. A strong, quality case will save your instrument from a drop or impact at some point; I speak from much experience as a player and a teacher!

I found it almost impossible to use the Poly-Pad straight out of the box–I had to put a piece of carpet gripper between the viola and the pad to keep it from slipping around on the instrument. Certificate - A document issued by the maker, workshop head or studio head that proves authenticity of the instrument with details like the year, location, a signature and other details. Some certificates have photos, measurements, a copy of the label and other special details about the varnish and overall construction. Instruments may hold a higher value when accompanied by their original certificate, but not all makers issue certificates. With advancements in shoulder rest technologies, there are a multitude of ways to adjust them to your exact needs. Concertmaster - In early orchestras, the best violinist was the leader of the orchestra and used their bow to conduct. As music became more difficult and required more entry cues, dynamic input and phrasing, the bow was replaced by a baton and the Conductor became the leader of the group. Still the Concertmaster remained second in charge of the group. They are responsible for tuning the orchestra (either playing a tuning note for others to match, or directing the First Oboist to play the tuning note) and only sitting down when the tuning is accurate and complete. There are other perks to earning the distinguished role of Concertmaster: When a first violin solo is written, it is played by the Concertmaster and the Concertmaster is the last musician to enter the stage at the start of a performance before the concert. Another time-honoured tradition is that the Conductor shakes the Concertmaster's hand (and sometimes the other string sectionleaders' hands) at the end of a concert as a means of thanks and respect.

Available in nine different sizes. Measure the viola at the mounting point to ascertain size required - usually the widest point of the lower bouts. Please note the back length shown is for guidance only. Please rely on the width measurement first.

Should you need just the hex nut, this can be replaced with metric automotive nuts. Visit your local auto parts store to replace it. We found the hex nuts are pink metal in Canada. I believe you can accomplish ALOT if you train your 2 fingers to play as efficiently and RELAXED as possible. REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Rhiannon was very helpful with setting me up with the right accessories for improved comfort with my violin and her expertise is greatly appreciated! Sometimes a larger surface-area is less comfortable for the user, this is something subjectively down to the individual so you may find, despite their weight distribution, you prefer a smaller form. Fractional (sizing) - Any violin, viola or cello smaller than the standard full or 4/4 size. Sizes range from 7/8, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16 and 1/32. I provide all these sizes in student instruments except 1/10 and 1/32 since they are never requested and are pretty much redundant.