Some things to make my violin sound nicer?

Question:I'm going to be performing my first duet on the violin in May, I've been playing for seven and a half years.
Yet, for some reason I don't know what will make my violin have a very pure sound. ^_^" For instance, do strings make a difference? What about the wood the violin is constructed of? Stuff like that. I want to make sure my violin sound very nice for the duet. Any suggestions on what I can do to get the sound?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm going to be performing my first duet on the violin in May, I've been playing for seven and a half years.
Yet, for some reason I don't know what will make my violin have a very pure sound. ^_^" For instance, do strings make a difference? What about the wood the violin is constructed of? Stuff like that. I want to make sure my violin sound very nice for the duet. Any suggestions on what I can do to get the sound?

There are quite a few things that effect the sound. Unfortunately, unless your violin is a better model, there's not much that will really make a whole lot of difference, but you can definitely try the things mentioned above; also it's possible that the bridge and sound post can be replaced with top quality ones, which *may* make a bit of difference. (No guarantees!)The sound post may just need to be adjusted a little. (instead of replaced)
For your information, I've included some things about the tone that you may not know! :)
1. The wood in all likelihood is spruce and maple; 99.99% of violins are made of these woods. But the quality and grain of the wood greatly effects the tone!
2. The thickness of the top and back plates. This is extremely important. Sometimes the top can be taken off and the plates re-worked.
3. The shape of the bass bar helps tune the violin. (This is made and glued in before the violin is put together. It affects the "tap tones" of the top plate.
4. I've read that the shape and thickness of the neck matters too!
5. The varnish has a sight effect also. It can refine the tone.
6. Yes, age does make a difference! The wood needs sound (which makes vibration) to age properly. The best thing anyone can do for a brand new violin is to play it!
Well, this was all I could come up with on the spot... it gives ya somethin' to think on!
No maker knows exactly how his/her violin will turn out tone wise. The better makers can turn out fine instruments every time, but each one will be different.
One last note. If you don't already use an 'over the tailpiece' model of chinrest, I highly recommend getting one. There's a wood block under the tailpiece (inside) that supports the base of the chinrest. Otherwise, it clamps hard on the top plate, which *can't* be good for the tone!
Good luck on your duet!! :)
~Claire

Age. Age will make a violin sound better. Of course, this can't be sped up. Perhaps a review of your technique might be in order.

(They found a violin from like the 15th century, and so a professional played it on a morning show one day, and it sounded legendary. Age sets the wood that the violin is made of, and makes it sound better.)

idk but your smexy and i want yo number :)

yes string make a difference. the cheap strings that come with the violin give crappy sound there are better ones out there but they can be expensive.

the ones i use were like $70 for the whole set.

also you bow can make a difference but they can be expensive too

the wood also makes a difference now adays alot of violins aren't made out of wood but of weird plastic stuff that looks like wood. again you could get a beautiful wood one but like the guy above me said it would sound crappy because it is young... and its more expensive

all of that matters.

Something to also think about is your bow.
make sure that its tight enough, but not to tight, because this can make a difference in how the strings vibrate.

Also (you probably already know this) when you run your bow across the strings make sure you're not pushing down to hard. I recently heard a violinist that was pushing to hard on the strings, and it sounded horrific. (especially to someone who has a good ear, like your judge will!) it makes the notes sound out of tune.

Trade it in for a Stradivarius.

Well, that depends.

If it would suit the duet, you might try a mute. They add a nice sort of softer, more pure, sound to the playing.

Strings do make a difference. Ensure that you've got good quality strings that suit your purpose -- there are different types; some meant for orchestra players, others meant for soloists.

It's not so much the wood, as it is the violin itself, and the maker.

If you're really serious about it, stop in with a local music store. They'll help you to take a look at your instrument, and find solutions that suit the instrument itself. Without knowing more about your violin or playing style, or what type of duet it is, it's rather difficult to offer suggestions.

However, good luck with the duet =]