Has anybody ever heard of the instrament brand "Victory"? I was wondering if any one had any "violin buying" advice for me like suggested brands an stuff like that. I am a totally beginner and I need some advice.
ThanX
-AuKarumn

When I decided to buy a violin I didn't know anything about them. I didn't have a lot of money so I couldn't afford something good,cause when violin is more expensive it is better. I had 100 $ and everybody was saying to me to wait until I have some more money,cause violins of 100 are bad,very very bad. But,in my place,in one music shop I saw one violin of 100$. When I saw it,I couldn't wait even for an hour. I ran out home for money and I bought it! I just wanted it so much,and I didn't listen to anyone,I just couldn't wait any more. And I didn't regret! I don't know is that a lucky,destiny or a God,but my violin is perfect! It has happy and warm sound,so wonderful and nice! I know that I risked a lot when I did it,cause violins are delicated instruments,so you have to be careful when you're buying them. If you can do it,you try it in shop,before buying it. Just put rosin on a bow and get few strokes to see the sound.Don't worry,maybe you don't know nothing about violins,but you will hear if sound is bad. There is few perfect sites like www.violinmasterclass.com and www.violinonline.com. Just one thing-DON'T GIVE UP! Many people,and mostly all will tell you that you are crazy if you take it without teacher,but I did it like you,and I am now so happy! You said that you habe already been playing piano,so you know the music theory and you have great sense,so I don't see the reason why not?! I would like to help you if you need anything more,just post everything you need. And one more thing,how old are you? Years are not any barricade but anyway...just ask for any help if you need. I heard that the violins from Prastro are good...my violin is chineese,but excellent chineese Sorry for my gramatic and bad english,but I am from Croatia...if you have ever heard for that little country!

Thanks for the advice!
Humm... I've never heard of Croatia. Where is it? Any way, I am between/including somewhere with in the ages 15-22 (don't want to give my actual age out on the internet). I really want to play violin. How long have you been playing violin?
Thanx
-AuKarumn

I've been playing violin for a month now and I already can play many easier songs. Don't worry,if you already played piano,there won't be any problem with violin for you. I'm 17 years old. If you need any help,just ask!

DO NOT BUY ANYTHING WITH A PICTURE OF A BIRD IN IT! brands like skylark are cheap violins and great if your a little kid but if your a bit older go for something else. you dont have to spend great amounts if your a bebinner, my first violin only cost NZ$250 and its great, granted its not really the best. second hand violins can be good too because they are sometimes hidden littel gems. its the sound you are looking for really and the better the quality of the violin the more expensive. so compromise and get the best sound you can afford. see if you can try out the violin too and if it feels alright, then consider it. watch out some people will sell the bows seperately depending on their qualitly, they can make more money this way. the case is generally included.

What about the violin bow or the case?
What can you tell me about buying those?
-AuKarumn
Thanks for all the help

any advice

!?!?!?!?

I purchased 3 violins from this site:

www.chineseviolins.com

very good!

It will be one of the many Chinese imports.

Don't say that if you have never played Mr Bai's violins, otherwise you are hopeless.

I'm a violinist from Australia, I have played many different brands of violins include the one you recommended, Mr. Bai's violins are very good in terms of quality and value. I went to China and met many Chinese makers there, I think his violins are really good.

I was referring to the Victory brand, not to the hand made ones that are constantly announced here.

Bows can be made out of fibreglass or wood, for a learner a fibreglass is ok. the real biggy is if the hair is horsehair or nylon. NYLON IS BAD! the rosin doesn't seem to stick to it so good, so the sound isn't the greatest when you play. im not sure how to tell the difference very well though...
Cases can be any old thing as long as it stays closed and everything is still in its place when you open it. the old black ones are good, just get a bit of cloth fold it up (not too thick) and place it over the bridge before you close. this stops stuff rattling around. its also a handy rag. you can get really funky cases, that are hard shelled, or material covered. as long as they do the job theyre ok. its just the cosmetics really.

oh oh!!

i LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my case!!!

it's wonderful!!

it's SO VERY VERY LIGHT!
i'm small person and not very strong. i used to hate carrying around a heavy case.
my case wasn't cheap (if i remember correctly) but it was 100% worth it!
i've had it for at least six or seven years. maybe longer? i don't remember exactly when i got it. but it's pretty much like new. has lots of nice pockets and compartments to store stuff. has room for extra bows and even my sheet music and books!

it's so wonderful!

i just checked it and it says "super light sonata case" i tried to google it and can't seem to find it. but i DID find these sites.

http://www.free-scores.com/boutique/accessories_668_shop_80.htm

http://www.violinsetc.com/violinsetc/dept.asp?dept_id=106

http://beststudentviolins.com/cases.html


if i could recommend one thing. it would be invest in a LIGHT WEIGHT case and one that has a place to keep your sheet music and books. it'll be a lot easier to carry one light case, than a heavy case along with a bag to carry all your music in.


hope that helps!!

To buy a perfect violin, it is recommended to buy an old violin =3. It is possible to buy new violin that sound good, but older violin, i found, is more reliable, because they prove that they last longer and still sound good. I got a 1914 Italian Violin for 4 years now. It gives a very beautiful and unique sound =3. If you include good and expensive strings (yes, they do affect), violin will sound marvellous. Bow also affect the sound quality too. Bow can range from very very cheap (such as $50 NZ) to very very VERY expensive (more than $5000 NZ !!).
However, if you are only a beginner, i recommend you to buy a cheaper violin, strings, and bow first. Learn the basic, and if you think you are able to handle the basic techniques, move on to a better violin. This cycle only stop until you got a violin that suit you best.
E.g. My violin suit me well so i don't need to buy further violin