Hein de Jong: Playing the viola da gamba left-handed

Do you see yourself as left-handed or right-handed? 

LEFT LEFT LEFT

Have you always played your instruments left-handed?

I write left. Play tennis left. I think left... Scissors: left (clumsy things...)

Recorder right-handed. That wasn't a problem. Guitar: always left. By nature. 

Viola da gamba: I tried with right-handed but my shoulder got injured (RSI), my body is clearly not wired for right-handed playing. After three months (I started when I was about 45) I had to give it up. My teacher tried to give lots of advice on how to get the right-right, but it didn't work. So I restarted, changed the strings, and tried left. I had to start completely all over again - nothing (as I remember) I could transfer to the other arm. It is as if the left and right muscle memories aren't connected at all... After three months I was at the same skill level, but left-handed. And still am left-handed, after 15 years.  

Have you faced any reservations or concerns from other people about playing left-handed? From where did you get support?

Well, my first rented gamba was of course right-handed. There is a bass bar in the belly that should be under the low strings. But anyway, it was a pretty big gamba so also without bass bar but with the strings mirrored, it already sounded well. My gamba builder Floris Jan offered to build a left-handed one for me, which I still play today. 

How did you come by your lefty instruments? 

The gamba builder made it for me and he is the son of my teacher - so that is a short link.. ;)

Is playing left-handed part of your identity as a musician? Are you connected with other musicians playing left-handed?

No, left- or right-handed is not really a common ground as far as I know. Just like blue eyes or brown eyes... it just happens to be so.. 

What is your experience with playing left-handed in orchestras or ensembles?

I need a bit more space, since the bows tick to each other. :)

Has your left-handed playing ever caused any funny or strange situations?

Mwaa... not really...

Does playing left-handed present any advantages?

Yes! The builder made a beautiful gamba just for me.. :) and it sounds so very well...

I guess that left-handed people must be a bit more creative to survive a right handed world.

Cover photo: symbol image by Alexander Englert

Many thanks to the viol maker Floris van der Voort for putting us in contact with Hein!

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Read more interviews with left-handed musicians playing viola da gamba, lute and other instruments here.

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