What are some cool bowed string instruments I can learn?

Question

I have a cello and violin, but I am turned off by them in that they are simply not that fun to play in my opinion. It is very uncomfortable to play violin and the cello is also a little uncomfortable and so bulky that it s kind of a pain to play casually. So what other bowed string instruments are out there that aren t incredibly difficult to get a hold of?

Answer 1

It sounds like you're just not used to violin and cello. I'm a cello major in school and it just took some practicing for me to feel natural holding a cello when I started; now it's really second nature. But if you're really not interested in pursuing either further, check out the erhu. It's a traditional Chinese instrument (much more awkward to hold than a violin or a cello in my opinion--but then, I haven't practiced it much ;) ) and you can get one for around $100. Pretty cool instrument IMO.

Answer 2

There are two bowed folk instruments that are seeing a great revival right now that might suit your purposes.



The bowed dulcimer is an instrument reminiscent of early viols in that it is played with a bow but has frets like a guitar. The gentleman in the video, Ken Bloom, is almost single-handedly responsible for it's introduction..



The bowed psaltery has become increasingly popular over the last decade or two within folk music circles. It is a type of zither played with a short bow. It can have 40 or more strings, each string playing a single note. Its an exceedingly hard instrument to record and most of the recordings are very poor quality. It is considered one of the easiest instruments to play.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crEKSogYz5U



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CIQnQBXO1Q

Answer 3

Why not an Electric Cello?



That gets around the bulkiness of an acoustic cello, is pretty slick looking and opens up a world of electric guitar-style accessories and effects.



Example:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/orchestral-strings/ns-design-nxt-4-string-electric-cello



(That's just for a picture - I'm sure you can find them cheaper elsewhere).

Yes, they start cheap - eg.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-4-4-BLACK-CELLO-Solidwood-Electric-Silent-CELLO-Case-Bow-FREE-V1-/331748056144



Or different / better? looking cheap ones -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-4-New-Electric-Cello-Powerful-Sound-White-Color-big-jack-small-jack-solid-10-/361526914230

Answer 4

Erhu.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI4m3AEy3RI



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu5XohUR3Pg



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZT1l5jf7vs

Answer 5

Cool String Instruments