My best friend is in his late teens, and used to play the violin when he was much younger. Around 11 his parents sold it, and ever since he has been pining for another one. I know absolutely NOTHING about violins, other than basics like they come in different sizes, student, professional, and that I will have to spend a hefty sum of money to get one in good condition that will meet basic needs.

What I would like to buy him is a violin that won't just meet his needs, but be high enough quality to survive wear and tear. I have a budget of $500.

Any information or recommendations about brands, prices, finishes, length/sizes, how to decipher what size he would need measurement-wise and so on and so forth would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,
Clueless

Full size. As for brands, my strong recommendation is for Gliga.

Liz

Is the measurement of a full size "4/4"??

Yes.

Can I help you? we are a violin maker with 20 years in China.
You are welcome visit our website: http://www.hbjinhua.com
and you also can email us to: hsjinhua@yahoo.com.cn

My violin was around $500-600 and I got it from Sam Ash since I don't trust buying online and I could personally test it out before I buy. (samash.com) If you choose to buy from another online source- try sharmusic.com. If you do purchase online I suggest you double check with a instrument dealer, violin teacher, etc to check if the value of the violin you get matches up with what you paid for it. I've ordered an $800 violin from sharmusic before that my teacher told me its quality was of a $500 violin.

As for the type of violin, I've heard a full back is better than a 2-piece in case you ever had to choose. Hope this helps.

what about taking him to buy it?

let him pick one out perhaps?
make a day of it. go for lunch and tell him you have a surprise afterwards and take him to pick out a violin.