Members vcnyls Posted November 9, 2010 Members Share Posted November 9, 2010 OK, so it's not a guitar... but it's got strings! My sister-in-law is looking to learn how to play the violin and asked me for advice (because I play guitar, I must know about violins, right?). Well, going off that same logic, I'm hoping that one of you guys plays the violin or at least has a clue of what a good one would be for her to learn on. Any suggestions? Doesn't need to be absolute bottom of the line (would like it to be something she can grow with). Used is more than fine! Thanks! I suggested one of these but she wants a real violin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jerry_picker Posted November 9, 2010 Members Share Posted November 9, 2010 Recent student violins made in Rumania are decent, playable, entry-level instruments, and can be had new for around $750-1500, used about half that. She might consider renting a better quality student instrument from a local music shop that deals with school music programs, so she has a point of reference while shopping. Note that serious students of the violin spend tens of thousands on their instruments, and not uncommonly, thousands on the flipping bow! No need to go there until one has studied several years on a cheaper model, IMHO. This website will give an idea of prices:http://finestringinstruments.com/pages/violins/prof-violins_50-200.shtml Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members vcnyls Posted November 9, 2010 Author Members Share Posted November 9, 2010 Certainly puts guitar prices in perspective! She definitely doesn't need anything fancy - she doens't know how to play a thing, but I'd like her to get something that will be good for her for a little while. Any specific brand suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members guitarcapo Posted November 9, 2010 Members Share Posted November 9, 2010 For my daughter, for some reason I've had the best luck with old violins made in Germany or France. I buy them cheap on Ebay and fix them up. replace parts. There's something about age that does something to the wood that just makes an old violin LOUD and CLEAR. I don't think it's the build quality.These are mass produced and nothing special. I've tried assembling violins from kits or purchasing new violins that cost around $1,000 and the sound just isn't there. My daughter is playing some Chechoslovakian violin built in 1930 right now that I paid $100 for and just refurbished with modern hardware and parts. It sounds better than all the other parents new violins costing way more. something typically like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/Antique-Curly-Maple-Czech-Violin-No-Reserve-/260686887750 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Jkater Posted November 9, 2010 Members Share Posted November 9, 2010 Actually, violins made in China have come a long way in terms of usability in recent years. Believe it or not she could get a violin for around $300 like a Stentor that would serve as a violin to learn on for a year or two and see if she stick with the instrument. It would be good however to bring that new instrument to a violin maker to have it optimized for playability (nut grooves and bridge height) and check the tuning pegs. Getting a better bow right away is a good idea too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members vcnyls Posted November 9, 2010 Author Members Share Posted November 9, 2010 Interesting. Thanks for the input. Any particular brand names to look out for online (she's going to check craigslist and ebay probably). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members satannica Posted November 9, 2010 Members Share Posted November 9, 2010 The missus has a Yamaha that she likes. Seems like a solid instrument. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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