So I'm going to start learning the Violin at 22 and have decided to buy one using those nice tax rebates (probably not the consumer retail purchase they had in mind, but oh well). After reading alot of nice things on these forums I have decided to go with a Gliga. There seems to be some people there knowledgeable about the brand here so I figured it'd be a nice place to ask (seems everyone goes to Liz ).

I am thinking of the Gems1 or the Gloria model as I have heard from many that if you can buy a nicer one from the start you'll be happy since you won't need to upgrade as soon. I am wondering if there is a huge difference in these models (Seems the gems 1 has some better options in a few places).

When I purchase what options should I choose (reading some threads on the subject here it seems like I should upgrade from the standard Dominant strings, but maybe that's nothing a novice would notice at first).

Should I upgrade the tailpiece or is fine tuning something I won't be doing much of at first and can always upgrade later?

Is the standard bow a good one for beginners?

There seems to be alot of different variation's in each model, but they are all the same price. I see normal, and antiquated and a dozen choices within each of those. Is the difference just the look of the Violin?

Also, is violinslover.com the right site? and have people had good luck with it? Secure checkout and everything? Site looks a little low-tech, that's why i'm asking.

Thanks for all the help and for having such a informative forum to browse.

If you've never played before, you might want to rent a violin for at least a month before committing to buying one. Even if you're certain it's the instrument for you, having a little bit of experience in how the violin should sound, feel, and play will make a big difference when it comes time to buying one. And you should never commit to buying a violin without playing it first! If Gliga doesn't give you that option, Stringworks does - check them out as well.

As for your other questions - Dominants will be fine for the first few months, at least. You're not going to notice much of a difference for a good while - maybe even years. And you'll have snapped a few of them by that time. You'll want the tailpiece with 4 fine tuners - fewer fine tuners is for more advanced players, who can easily tune the instrument. You want the ability to make small changes in the pitch without moving the pegs - get 4 fine tuners. I don't know what the Gliga standard bow is - the cheapest is usually fiberglass, the next step up is Brazilwood, and then carbon fiber or pernambuco. But cheap is fine to start with. If many models are the same price, there's probably no difference in the tone or extent of setup - just the look. Good luck!

I am a french violin teacher passionate about teaching and pedagogy on 4 strings. My french method ( " j'apprends le violon " ) is now available in english : " I learn the violin " ( 3 volumes ).

This method is very detailed on the site: http://hartigan.club.fr/violin/learn/index.htm (pedagogy, contents of the book and Cd, demonstrations, etc…)

This method is available on eBay.

musically yours,

olivier LESSEUR, violin professor (traditional, Irish, jazz) in Bourges ( Center - FRANCE )