Maybe learning violin

    
Maybe learning violin    00:15 on Tuesday, April 29, 2008          

PublicAutopsy
(1 point)
Posted by PublicAutopsy

Alright so, im 15, ive been learning the guitar for about a year and a half now and I decided I would like to expand my instrumental repertoire. I was thinking violin, ive always found it to be a really nice instrument but I dont know if im going to stick with it. Ive decided to get this one
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000FBL9E0/ref=ord_cart_shr?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3C1OYEM4FMOSU&v=glance

or this one
http://www.amazon.com/Cecilio-CVN-300-Antique-Orchestra-Accessories/dp/B000FBMX1S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&m=A3C1OYEM4FMOSU&s=generic&qid=1209445822&sr=1-4

Do the specs on those look ok? I mean they most likely suck, but theres a lot of good reviews for the first one, and the second is liek the same thing except an ebony chin rest and tail piece. So should I spring for something better or just try one of these?


Re: Maybe learning violin    22:56 on Wednesday, April 30, 2008          

eri
(38 points)
Posted by eri

First of all, don't start learning the violin by buying one - for lots of reasons. Having never played, you don't know if you'll like it. Also, you don't know what you're looking for in a violin - what it should sound like, feel like, look like - how it should be set up, good strings, bow, etc. Try renting one for a few months first and get a feel for it before investing in one, especially a cheap violin. And any violin below $300 (and many above) fall into the 'cheap violin' category.

Reviews on the first violin mention that the bridge is not cut correctly for the violin. This is very typical in cheaper instruments, and can cost upwards of $100 to repair. The sound will be lousy with a badly fit bridge. Most of the reviews are from people who are just beginning - they don't know a good instrument from a bad one. Focusing on the amount of stuff it comes with rather than the tone and playability is not a good sign.

The second one has even worse reviews. If the pegs don't fit correctly or stay in place, you won't be able to keep the violin in tune.

Rent first. Then buy. And make sure you play it before you buy it! Never buy an instrument, especially a string instrument, without playing it first.


Re: Maybe learning violin    03:28 on Sunday, May 4, 2008          

blackhellebore89
(156 points)

no offense but they both look like crap. i don't see a bow included in the specs and it doesn't look as though it is set up.
i wouldn't bother buying one until you have tried out an instrument for a while. ask around for rental instruments particularly at your music store. im from nz and with the dollar the way it is at the moment i can easily compare prices and stuff. i wouldn't go near it with a ten foot pole, and if you decide not to play after buying it i doubt it will have much of a resell value.
we are not trying to put you off playing but i played on a rental for four years (well actually more then one rental - i dropped one, not good!) and it served me well enough. it was a pleasure to finally get my own (at my teachers suggestion after i broke that one!)
give it a go and then see what happens!


   




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