The Fiddle Fretter takes about five minutes to install on your existing violin.

The following steps should be taken to install the Fiddle Fretter correctly.

STEP 1

Loosen the strings on your violin, and spread them apart to make room for the FIDDLE FRETTER.

STEP 2

Remove the protective backing from the FIDDLE FRETTER to expose the adhesive.

(Can be removed and reapplied anytime.)

STEP 3

Position the narrow end of the FIDDLE FRETTER against the NUT.

Align with the fingerboard.

Press down firmly all around until secure.

Return to the top

STEP 4

Align your strings.

Tighten.

Tune up and you are ready to play your FRETTED FIDDLE.

The FIDDLE FRETTER was developed to help students learn the early stages of violin playing. This is a critical time when many “give up” this difficult instrument due to frustration when trying to achieve the correct notes on the fingerboard. It also helps musicians who may already play instruments like the guitar or mandolin and have already developed an ear for music. For those players it is disheartening to be continually making flat & sharp notes when playing violin.

A fretted fiddle eliminates this problem and the player can gain confidence and proceed with the learning process.

The paper thin nylon FIDDLE FRETTER slips under the strings of your existing violin and sticks to the fingerboard. One just has to loosen the strings and part them to install the FIDDLE FRETTER. It takes a couple of minutes and nothing on the violin has to be changed. With the FIDDLE FRETTER installed, just tune up and play. You have a fiddle with 24 flexed frets that are calculated and positioned to give you exact fingering as on any fretted instrument.

The FIDDLE FRETTER is self adhesive and can easily be removed anytime and put back on anytime.

“Fretted Fiddles” are not new. In fact they have been around for centuries and recently have become popular in modern electric-fretted violins. These violins are very expensive and the frets are permanently fixed on the fingerboard. The FIDDLE FRETTER can be attached and detached at any time, giving the player a choice to be fretted or not.

If you have any questions please e-mail me.

info@frettedfiddle.com

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Do you place your fingers on the frets or behind the frets?

Try to place your fingertips just behind the frets. Preferably so you can FEEL the fret. This would be the exact position you should be in when not using the Fretter. Some teachers use tape to indicate where to place fingers, but then the player has to LOOK all the time which isn't much help.
One student described the Fretter as the "BRAILLE" method.

2.

How thick are the frets?

Quite tiny! About the thickness of 12lb fishing line. (Check the hardware store)

3.

I am left handed. Does that matter?

Not at all.

4.

Do I need to adjust the nut to fit the Fretter?

No. Unless your violin is defective or damaged in that area.

5.

As the tuning on the mandolin is the same as on a violin, can I use mandolin tablature with the Fretter?

Sure can! Lots available.

6.

Will the Fretter help my bowing, which I find difficult?

Sorry. The frets just straighten out intonation. Maybe someone else can invent something for that

7.

Has anyone famous used your Fretter?

Not that I know of yet, but prominent violinist Mark Wood makes, sells and performs with a fretted fiddle called "The Viper". The frets are permanent and he makes them for 4,5,6 &7 string fiddles.
Quite pricey, but check it out.

8.

On that point can I get a Fretter to fit a custom violin, i.e. 6 string, etc?

Yes, dimensions are needed. Width of fingerboard at Nut. Vibrating string length and width from 1st string to (in this case) 6th string at Bridge.

9.

If I order the Fretter how long will it take to get to me?

They are sent airmail from here in Nova Scotia, Canada. Mail service can be unpredictable, but they usually get anywhere in Canada in under 7 days. The United States is normally under 2 weeks, and all other countries allow up to 4 weeks (although one guy in Australia got his in 2 weeks). There are two Fretters in each order.

If you have a Question or wish to make a Comment,
Click Here to send an email to question@frettedfiddle.com

Marc Tairraz using a Fretted Fiddle

Marc Tairraz is a Swiss violin teacher who uses Fiddle Fretters to expediate the learning process for his students. Fretters are also made for 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 size violin and also for viola.

Return to the top

Return to Violin Frets Help A Lot!

Peter Stoney is from Bangor, Northern Ireland and now lives, teaches and performs in Nova Scotia, Canada. He majored in Piano and Classical Guitar at the Ulster College of Music in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He has made numerous recordings over the years and developed the Fiddle Fretter to make learning and playing violin easier and more fun especially in the early stages of instruction.

Return to the top

Return to Violin Frets Help A Lot!

Music teacher Peter Stoney developed the FIDDLE FRETTER to help students gain confidence, identify notes faster and make learning & playing easier.

Each Pack contains 2 FIDDLE FRETTERS
The "OPTIC FRETTER" with 24 GOLD frets and indicator dots.
(Original design as in pictures above.)
and
The "STEALTH FRETTER" with 24 BLACK frets and NO dots.
(Blends with the fingerboard and is barely noticeable)

ORDERS ARE MADE AND SENT FOR 4/4(FULL) SIZE VIOLINS.
(Vibrating string length 328 Millimeters)

The New Price for all Countries is:
THE FIDDLE FRETTER 2 PACK	$28.00 USD Free ShippingWorldwide
Note: Payment will be to owner, Peter Stoney.

OR Send Cheque or International Money Order in US funds for $28.00 to

Peter Stoney 425 Alexander St. Box 836 Windsor. Nova Scotia. Canada B0N 2T0

Any questions, queries, comments you may have please e-mail me, Peter Stoney,
and I will send you a speedy reply.

EMAIL: info@frettedfiddle.com

Thank you,