FAQ
Pricing
Option 1: Free
Use all features for free. Miss 15 min of practice in a day → $2 USD lazy fee (billed monthly).
Option 2: Subscription
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How to Get an MXL File?
Three ways — from photo scanning to manual entry
PlayScore 2
Mobile app, subscription. Snap a photo and export — excellent recognition accuracy.
Soundslice
Web-based recognition tool, great for occasional use.
MuseScore
Manually enter sheet music and export as MXL — ideal if you have time to spare.
Violin Safety
Do I need to worry about safety and formaldehyde when buying a violin for the first time?
Yes — and it's more often overlooked than you'd think.
When buying a beginner violin, most people focus on price and appearance. However, the materials and manufacturing process can affect health and safety — especially regarding formaldehyde (CH₂O) residue.
Some low-cost or mass-produced violins may use formaldehyde-containing materials in the following areas:
- Synthetic adhesives (not traditional hide glue)
- Engineered plywood or compressed wood
- Surface coatings or chemical lacquers
These materials may continue to off-gas trace amounts of formaldehyde after production.
Compared to other instruments, the violin has one unique characteristic:
- The face is very close to the instrument body while playing
- The nose is typically positioned directly over the F-holes
- Gases from inside the body cavity can be released through the F-holes
This means even low concentrations of formaldehyde can accumulate through prolonged, close-range inhalation.
Used an entry-level violin (approx. NT$4,000) and noticed unusually heavy sweating during practice.
Later measured with a formaldehyde detector and found approximately 0.1 ppm inside the body cavity — potentially released through the F-holes.
While this is a low concentration, the extremely close inhalation distance makes it worth noting.
Avoid excessively cheap or unknown-origin products
Quality is inconsistent and material sourcing is harder to verify.
Prefer traditionally crafted violins
Hand-crafted, using hide glue, and made from natural tonewoods.
Allow ventilation and off-gassing time for new instruments
Leave a new violin in a well-ventilated area for some time before regular use.
Use a formaldehyde detector as a supplementary check
Especially useful when practising in enclosed spaces.
- Violins may contain trace formaldehyde, primarily from adhesives and coatings.
- The playing posture brings the airway very close to the instrument body, increasing inhalation risk.
- The risk is higher with cheap mass-produced instruments, but not all beginner violins are problematic.
- Choosing natural materials and reliable sources can effectively reduce the risk.
Technique Optimization
Bow Length and Angle Correlation
Physical arm length limitations prevent the bow from fully reaching the tip.
Adjust the violin holding angle by shifting the instrument slightly toward the body's centerline (as shown), improving right arm extension efficiency.