Violinist on the move
As a Violinist and Sound Technician, I traveled a lot for the past 26 years. I’ve been performing as a violinist in different countries and doing my sound job onboard a cruise ship that travels the world.
Working as a violinist in different countries means great opportunities and traveling is a bonus.
Great opportunity, meaning… Meeting people from different nation and to interact with them musically is something that I didn’t expect that you will learn something that you never learned from school.
Culturally you will learn so much, as most of them are from the same countries as your favorite composers.
Language is not a barrier, if you are talking about music plus you learn the proper accents pronouncing names of the composers if they are from the same country.
Traveling and performing as a violinist requires a lot of preparation and research. You have to know your audience and what music to prepare. Performing is secondary cause you already prepared your repertoire, but sometimes you have to check and feel what people want and enjoy.
Preparing for a tour or just simply playing on a gig.
I always prepare stuff that are needed like spare set of strings, rosins, bows, shoulder rest and sometimes a spare instrument if needed and don’t forget about the music sheets if you use them.
If we are talking about the spare strings, I think of two factors, first is comfort and second is durability. Every venues are different specially the weather, it can be very hot and humid sometimes it can be dry and cold.
I use Pirastro Chromcor as my first choice.
Chromcor strings have a single filament steel core wound with chrome steel. The character of the sound is so versatile, perfect for all around gig. Balance sounding, good touch and responsive. Superb durability that last long and good for all types of weather specially when you travel around the world.
I installed a chromcor on my violin last 2006 and to be honest they are still installed until now, I already replaced the E string though but the rest are still original. Slightly detuned due to the age, playable but requires a lot of finger adjustments.
Second choice is Pirastro Tonica
Tonica strings have a core made from nylon. Warm, balance sounding and very responsive. Great feel and playability, good for all genres. Quite sensitive with temperature changes though.
Rosin
I tried different types, colors, shapes and brands but end up with Pirastro olive/ Evah rosin. This rosin has a very good grip, no matter what type of strings you are using.
I also recommend Pirastro Gold, Schwartz, and Tonica.
Shoulder Rest
It’s good to bring spare shoulder rest in case you lose one, it’s always good to have a spare on standby just in case.
I started with Resonans shoulder rest, and tried different types. Wood, metal, plastics, foam, adjustable and non adjustable you name it but I find Wolf Forte primo the best one for myself. Wolf Forte secondo is also good but I just don’t like the Idea of adjusting the length.
Bow
I think this is the most essential, having a spare bow is a must. Since your Violin case can accommodate 2 bows, it’s a good idea to have a spare that you are comfortable playing with.
A good balanced bow makes your life easier.
No matter what articulation you are playing, a proper balanced bow and a good technique is a perfect combination for a great tone and performance.
Spare Violin
Bringing a spare violin can be a hassle but this can save your night in case the other one breaks. What if you are a cruise ship violinist and unfortunately you accidentally dropped your Violin, where and when can you get a replacement? And even if you can get one, you need time to get used to the new one. You don’t really need to bring two violin cases, you can buy or order online for a double violin case.
And last but not the least, let say you ran out of spares and you don’t have time to buy in the music store. You can always buy it online, while waiting for your flight going to your destination or at your own convenience. For instance, buying from Amazon and Ebay. Always BUY everything you need together, you will save a lot from shipping charges or some shipping cost are free once you reaches a certain amount.
Amazon is known worldwide and they carry a lot of brands for your needs. They have different options for payments and they can expedite your orders and deliver it to your location anywhere in the world.
Ebay is another way of buying your stuff online, a wide variety to choose from and they also deliver right in your door step.
PayPal for me is the best way to pay what ever you bought online, and as a buyer you are protected from fraud.