Need advice for buying my first real violin.

August 18, 2014 at 01:30 AM · I'd recommend a Yang Wei violin from Old Violin House. I own two of them.

$500

August 20, 2014 at 02:39 PM · I'm happy with the type of violin that I got, an Enesco Antiqued, Euro-Workshop series. Paid $850 in 2007 for it. I have a hunch you could buy it online. Here's a thread where I discussed the violin and its purchase further (and also, others made suggestions for buying a violin with an $800 budget). http://www.violinist.com/discussion/response.cfm?ID=10384

August 20, 2014 at 02:51 PM · In regards to the above instrument I mentioned, I'm thinking this might be it, but I can't be sure. And, of course, you know that it would be a tricky business to buy something, unheard, online, right? Make sure, wherever you choose to buy, that you have the option to return within a week, should it sound just awful.

http://www.gryphonstrings.com/instpix/37045/index.php

This shop, Gryphon Strings in Palo Alto, is where I bought my violin, FWIW. The nice thing would be that you could call them and talk to them. But, like I said, no guarantees that this is the violin as mine, anyway...

August 20, 2014 at 03:04 PM · In your instance...I'd be inclined to order one of the 'better' factory violins out there from a reputable shop (ex. Shar_...and just pay the 18% fees.

Sometimes we nickel and dime where we shouldn't.

Eastman (the 305 seems to be the 'go to' model), Shen, Cao are all examples of good 'brands'.

Or if you're inclined to gamble a bit more...try the Old Violin House as Seraphim suggested...or YitaMusic from eBay. But I think for a first violin you're better off ordering from a company like Shar.

As far as I know Fiddlerman stands behind his products too. A loose decoration on a peg is really neither here nor there...but you might want to get something better than a Cecilio.

Keep in mind that $800-1000 is not a lot for a violin package.

Do ask about what strings are on the instrument. Thomastik Dominants are one of the better 'standard' stings you'll find available, or that you can ask for. And make sure the instrument is otherwise set up correctly (bridge cut properly, etc.).

Get a better rosin to begin with as well...

If you want to upgrade to a better bow and/or case at the point of ordering...you can check into that as well.

It's a bit of a maze when you start looking, but once you've sorted out what's what it won't feel quite so daunting.

August 20, 2014 at 03:33 PM · @Matt ' "... if you start late in life you'll never get any good"). I disagree, anything is possible with the right mind.. '

I totally agree with your last sentence! Age is no barrier if :- the physical and mental potential is there; you have the best teacher you can find; alongside the teacher you put your part of the work into it; and the environment (which includes the violin and bow) is suitable. In my case, I didn't start playing the violin until after I retired. Now seven years on and I'm playing violin fluently in high-standard amateur orchestras, thanks to what I would regard as an "apprenticeship" with a very good teacher. In case you're wondering, exam grades have not been part of my study; I am of the view that the exam grade approach is not necessarily the most suitable route for the older adult, although it can be for children and teenagers.

One of my violins is a Jay Haide (made by Ifshin Violins), not too expensive, which does sterling service for practice, folk music, and as a reserve for orchestral playing. You may like to look at the Jay Haide range.

Whatever violin you get, make sure you also get the best bow you can afford; the quality of the bow makes as much difference as does the violin itself (at least 50/50 I'd say). Good quality wood bows tend to be pricey, so if this is an issue I'd consider one of the big brands of carbon fiber - Coda and Arcus are two that come to mind. CF bows tend to be about half the price of good equivalent wood bows and are naturally more robust. There are professionals on this forum who are very impressed by them.

August 20, 2014 at 07:50 PM · Whether you buy online or in person, I'd recommend finding a shop that has a 100% trade-in policy. That definitely takes a little bit of the stress out of the equation when making the purchase - especially if you're ordering online. With such a policy, you know that you can trade it for another instrument (usually of equal or greater value) in the future.

I recently purchased a Jay Haide myself, and while I'm pretty happy with it so far, it gives me peace of mind to know that I can trade it in down the line if I decide I want something different.