I blame Paul Mercer for this...

[nathan_fhtagn]

So today I picked up my viola from the shop. I had brought it in to have it fixed up because it's been nearly 10 years since it was last played. Now it's got new strings, a new chinrest, a rehabilitated bridge and a new Kun shoulder rest. It still kinda sounds like hell, but that's when comparing it to my nice new violin

Comments

[nathan_fhtagn]

Oh, hell, yeah. Learning the bass sounds like a great idea. I can't recommend it enough. :)

[modius13]

Why do people get nervious if a man walks into a bank with a viola case? It might actually contain a viola- and he might actually take it out and play it.

[nathan_fhtagn]

What's the difference between a dead skunk in the road and a crushed viola in the road?

The skid marks before the skunk.

[carpe_jugulum]

Ah yes, and a viola holds more beer. *hands you a straw for the f-holes*

I am glad you're getting your alto chops back. Does this mean I'm gonna have to start practicing again too?

That Paul Mercer is something else. :D

[nathan_fhtagn]

Is it true that the quality of the viola determines the quality of the beer? I certainly hope not. I'm not in the mood to drink cheap beer.

And as for you practicing goes: It's not like you have anything better to do with your time. :p

I KID! I KID! PUT DOWN THE KNIFE, PLEASE!

[carpe_jugulum]

It's true; I spent at least 3 hrs. a day rearranging my collection of neotokyo trading cards on my freezer door.

I'll also have you know, sir, that your picture is right next to a flyer that says "MEAT SALE" all over it. Coincidence? I think not!

[rhiannon76]

Did your viola hiss and snarl when you brought it out into the light? My cello does that when I haul it out for my once-a-year string quartet gig. I realized that gamba had really become my main instrument when I got out the cello for one such gig and discovered that I'd forgotten how to tune in fifths (and was convinced my bottom string was a D).

Also, hello! I'm friends with carpe_jugulum and dreadful_red, from whom I've heard many wonderful things about you. Now that I hear you're actually coming to our little Indiana hamlet, I thought I should say howdy and friend you, if that's all right.

[nathan_fhtagn]

Actually, my viola wasn't quite as awful a music companion this time as it was in times previous. I remember a time, oh, back about 3 years when I pulled it out and it was an utter bitch. It wouldn't give me any kind of satisfaction.

Of course, I think that might have had something to do with the fact that I was completely out of practice. This time, I've got a year's vioin woodshedding under my fingers so I think my viola is a little more willing to be nice.

I've been told that a good workman never blames his tools but I tend to think that's a load of bollocks! :p

And the more friends the merrier! I've friended you right back.