Do I have a poorly made violin?
Bought this violin from a teacher I was taking lessons with in high school. I stopped playing for about five years during college, and recently started up again. Granted, I was in the very beginning stages of learning back then, I am still in that stage (about 7 months under my belt).
I now know that he didn't know much about the violin, but was more into guitar. He basically repeated what was in 'essential elements' books, and I took this for teaching.
anyways, I'm wondering what you all think about the violin I have, and if I should modify it or not. Obviously buying some dominant strings wouldn't be a bad idea since I have not changed them in years.
Although I may have a VSO, I would still like feedback..however negative it may be. I've read many of the posts and blogs on the site regarding VSOs, and I understand they are not very welcome here.
I bought this violin for $199. It's called "DiPalo" No. 9554 'made in china.' The bridge, I believe is custom fitted because the legs are different heights and fit the body quite well- the E string side is also much lower. Without providing a photo I realize there is not as much to go on. There is a small crack in the right f hole, about half an inch. There is painted on purfling, which isn't a good sign, and wood on the neck is also painted black.
The question I have is: would I be able to just buy some strings to hold me over until I get a little better? what do you all think about this brand, and what are my options besides this?
positive feedback only please, don't hate on my bad decisions.
Replies (11)
I appreciate you taking time to read..and yes I'm saving for a new one. Thank you for the advice.
This is coming from someone else with a cheaper violin. Put new strings on it and play the thing till you saw it in half. You'll be that much better when you get the new one. Buying a used violin at that price isn't a bad idea. Buying a new one for $35 that comes with a case, set of strings, tuner, and bow? Now that's a bad idea. Personally I'm kinda curious. Just what is a solid wood violin? Gota love Ebay.
I most certainly do love ebay. For even less than the $199, I have purchased excellent violins off ebay. I know that many many people on this site don't like it, but if you know where to look, it's great.
...I have a $50 violin 'kit' I bought for fun several years ago.
Trust me, it's not worth putting new strings on a violin like that...unless you want to try with a set of $10 strings...but that's likely what it came with.
However, $350 will buy you an Eastman 80 beginner set-up, which is a great instrument (and case and bow) for the price...
I'd much rather save up for that then spend any money on the VSO).
And if you can save up a bit more than $350...go for it!
Avoid eBay unless you know what you're doing...and even then be prepared to get a poor deal.
Renting is an option. If you don't have a violin shop near you, you can rent them over the Internet. Most shops will put some of what you paid in rent towns the purchase price of a new one if you decide to buy from them. But if you like how it sounds then don't worry about it.
I second the renting option.
I rented a violin for $35/month when I started; the violin I rented wasn't great, but would be a big step up from the violin you currently are using.
Paul asked "Just what is a solid wood violin?"
Simple. One carved from solid wood as opposed to the plywood (formed from laminations, common in basses) ones.
I disagree with simply writing this one off. Don't bother with Dominants but something like Corelli Crystals or D'Addario Preludes should help without breaking the bank. Get a luthier to check the setup if you can. I've seen several cheaper than this that play and sound unexpectedly good. Get a better one when you need to, not just because this one is assumed to be junk by people who have not even seen it.
Start saving money. You may be able to use this one for awhile, but it most likely won't hold up over any length of time. It's probably not worth having the F-hole crack repaired. With what you'd spend on that, an ebony fingerboard, a new bridge and strings, you really could get into an Eastman or one of Shar's less-expensive instruments.
I greatly appreciate all the comments and especially the personal messages...overall very helpful- both in finding a new violin and repairing the old. thanks again
Nick, I have played for several years and I used to have an instrument that was appraised for 4000 USD. I have a violin I got on eBay from Yitamusic for $152.50 and I love it! It's a T19+ and that means its their advanced violin and it signifies what physical shop in China it's made. They claim that it's completely hand made and by the same maker Lui Xi. Also, I did absolutely nothing but stand the bridge and tighten the synthetic strings. It played perfectly and sounded great.
Every little black mark, varnish run, etc in the pictures were there. You get what you see. Not what you can't hear. They also bid many times for $300 to $400. I watched my bid closely and it wasn't my first instrument I bid on.
I don't necessarily recommend this option of buying violins but for someone that was thinking about a new violin in the 1-3K range and didn't have the 1-3K budget this is an option. And I'll also add that I have 2 other eBays and a beginner Shar violins that I now have to find new owners for.
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March 11, 2012 at 06:24 PM · Probably not worth putting strings on. Can you save towards a better instument?