George Bretz

Darren,
Casey has me helping out with forum moderation.
I’ll add your tunes to the request list. Production takes some time. Casey is juggling a few projects.
In the mean time, you better put that lifetime membership to use and dig into some of the great content on the site.
Thanks,
George

Chris,
I wish I lived in Carmel Valley, it’s beautiful.
I used to wonder why people waited until retirement/senior age to learn an instrument.
When I retired, I realized it’s the free time that liberates people to take new life endeavors.
Best wishes,
George

Jackie,
Welcome, as you know lots of Celtic music here.
Thanks,
George

Hi Kim,
This site will certainly stretch you.
You might try fiddlehangout.org. There is very little learning opportunity there.
However, there is decent networking opportunity. You can use it to to find out what’s happening in areas of the States you might be visiting.
People often post “I’m going to be in XXX on his date, any jams?” Usually…[Read more]

Ansgar,
What you are doing with viola is so cool. I’m envious of every classically trained musician I’ve ever met.
I’m not that disciplined.
At a bluegrass jam I attend we have a viola player who plays with the community symphony.
When she attends the jams she plays a five string violin. So she has both a viola and violin? I guess.
She has m…[Read more]

Guillaume,
I saw Andre perform at Wintergrass in Seattle earlier this year.
While, the videos on Fiddlevideo highlight his talents, I was completely blown away to see him live.
He really has tremendous rythemic skills and sings wonderfully and of course he is a wonderful fiddler.

The board he used looked like a piece of plywood with a frame to…[Read more]

Welcome Deborah and Patti. I’m just making the blind assumption you are new here. Forgive me if I’m wrong.
Portland is one of my favorite cities. I lived in Silverton for many years.
Patti, it seems you are kind of near the heart of bluegrass music in the Carolinas. I’d love to visit that area.
George

Welcome Ansgar,
What tune or type of music are you working on?
George from Central Oregon

Richfiddle,
Thanks for your question. I have not tested a Vidami Blue control pedal. However, company info and independent reviews show it works great with YouTube videos. As you are probably aware, edited versions of fiddlevideo.com content are plentiful on YouTube. In fact, YouTube is one of the most common paths to fiddlevideo. There is…[Read more]

Roger,
You’re my hero! Excellent news on the contest and congratulations on the top 5 finish.
I have been torturing myself with regards to fiddle contests the last couple of years.
I keep making excuses as to why I can’t/don’t enter one. We even have age handicapped contest I could pursue.

But you had the courage to jump in there! That’…[Read more]

Swannae,
Welcome to the site. Tons of great info and great teachers. I find myself focusing in one area for a time. After I’ve learned a tune or technique I go out and explore other areas and I’m blown away at the amount of content here.
Also, cool that people from around the world are here.
Best wishes,
George

Tim,
Fortunately for you, Kevin Burke is a favorite here on the site.
It’s always been hard for me to wrap my head around the fact he lives in Portland Oregon.
I’ve been able to see him a bunch of times. He’s a gentle soul.
George
Moderator

Tim,
Thanks for the kind words. I’m sure Casey will pass your feedback to Kevin.
Glad to hear you are enjoying the site.
George

Hi Noah,
I’ve seen people use them. I’ve only seen them at old-time jams used by older beginners.
I don’t know one from the other. It seems that the people that use them are dealing with some type of orthopedic issue that prevents a “classic hold” on the instrument.

I’ve never used one and would not encourage or discourage there use. I don…[Read more]

Philip,
I’m surprised Brilliancy is not already on the site. That’s a great tune with lots of versions.
I’m most familiar with Eck Robertson’s version. He takes a pass through Bill Cheetham, and Drunken Billy Goat in his medley.
I’ll pass your request onto Casey.
Thanks
George

Miss Elaine,
Thanks for the tune request.
Will add to the list for Casey.
George

Guillaume, I had the opportunity to see Andre perform a couple of months ago. What a talent. I was surprised to hear him play fiddle, tap rhythm and sing all at the same time.
I need to work on some of his tunes.
George