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Confused Veggie Violist

winnlovesyou

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Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 3:22 pm

Hello, my fellow veg*ns! heart

I have a question. I play the viola, and the way you do that is with a bow that uses hair from a horses tails, but only hair is cut off from the tail. I want to know that if I went vegan if I would still be able to play my viola. I want to go vegan, but I don't want to give up playing.
The reason I ask is because I read somewhere that a vegan lifestyle excludes all animal products from your life, and my instrument uses horse tail hair. I don't think any synthetic alternatives exist, so this troubles me a bit.
And before you ask, I am lacto-ovo vegetarian.
Please help, I really need some counseling or something!!! gonk

Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 5:31 pm

Don't panic, they make bows from nylon, and probabably other synthetic materials.
Bows specifically marketed at vegans are available here. There are several models in a $125-$155 range.

Cheap synthetic student bows are here.

I can't really vouch for sound quality, as I've never used a bow.

If you don't like these, search for "Synthetic viola bow," and make sure it isn't just the bow itself that's listed as synthetic.

Maggoty Anne

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Regenbogencolours

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Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 3:55 am

{ Regenbogencolours }

I on your hand wouldn't panic about something like that(if there are no other products) 'cause I think going vegan or vegetarian shouldn't cut down your happiness. Sure it's sad that there may be no other products as good but I definately wouldn't cut down playing the instrument if it makes you happy. Going vegan itself is a really great improvement, and I personally think you shouldn't make yourself unhappy with something like that. On the other hand I hope that the replacements are as good as the "original", and if they are use them. If they not...well...dunno, it's your decision, but personally I would continue playing, tough it may be not okay for some other vegetarians/vegans.

{ Become a hero made of ordinary marrow and extraordinary heart }

Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 4:36 pm

Hey everyone, thanks a lot! This really does help! heart

winnlovesyou

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nautilus96

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Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 5:11 pm

It's just like getting a haircut- I'm not trying to be offensive, but do people get killed to get their hair cut? they just cut off some of the horses hair and it grows back.

Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 5:34 pm

Nautilus96

It's just like getting a haircut- I'm not trying to be offensive, but do people get killed to get their hair cut? they just cut off some of the horses hair and it grows back.

While some horse hair is simply cut off a living horse, a lot of it is taken from horses that were killed for their meat or hooves.

Also, strict vegans don't use any animal products. Even if the animal isn't hurt or killed in the process, strict vegans don't think humans should ever take something from an animal just so that they (the people) can gain.

But it's great to know that there are alternatives out there! That was a good question, Wyn! 3nodding

LorienLlewellyn

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