It`s very oversimplified and very out of date, James. There are better guides out there. Most are out of date these days though, a forum like this is probably the best source of up to date information for most.

Liz

It`s supposed to be oversimplified. That`s it`s intent. Even then I couldn`t keep it much shorter than I did.

Now, if there`s something out of date, or if I`ve made some gross mistake, please let me know and I`ll change it. This information has been gathered from a rather intensive period of research I did from December `03 to February `04.

I tried to answer all the basic questions I had along with those questions others had. I`ve read available books, all the `how to` sites I could find on the internet, talked to parents, teachers and professional players.

This is not intended for experts in the field. I made that clear in the intro.

I think it`s a pity that you have locked it, it could be well worth discussing on the forum it was posted to. However, my comments will be posted here in due course.

liz

Dear Liz Ward

I just would like to express my opinion on the article in defence of your criticism.

The article is simple and covers elemetary basics of violin whatsits and knowhows.

It was written by Nox, a keen, serious, experienced amateur - with a goal of providing complete newbies some knowledge. This does exactly that. The also very fact that it was written by an amateur is also important - does not go into unnecessary, intricate details - sticks to what amateurs want to know, the real basics. Nox knows these as an experienced amateur.

I`ve seen many articles much more complicated "professional" articles myself, however see many of them as over detailed and confusing for the newbie. The more complicated issues are for our discussion forums.

The article was locked because it was pinned. Nothing stopping anybody starting a thread on it.



James
Administrator
http://soloviolin.com
http://solomusic.net

Ok James, new thread duly started

liz

Well, are there any other suggestions for new instruments at my playing level? It`s hard to find good instruments at a reasonable price.
Thanks,
Maria

"Concertmaster at my high school" doesn`t mean a lot to me, since I don`t know your high school. You also don`t say what violin you have now. I WILL say with confidence that as far as i am concerned Gliga is the best value you will get anywhere.

Liz

maria82487:

If you are the concertmaster, you should not go shopping for instruments on the internet. By the description of that instrument, I don`t think you`ll be satisfied. I don`t really trust that site anyway.
You should aim higher, maybe in the thousands of dollars. Also, consider changing your bow. Your bow may affect your instrument quite a bit. Don`t get a cheapo meretricious bow either. You have to be more serious about your instrument.

Please note that the concertmaster of an orchestra doesn`t have to be the best violinist, although he/she usually is. Since you say that your orchestra is a high school orchestra, I don`t know if you carry all the responsibilities of a concertmaster. I do, but that`s pretty unusual.

well, I am the best at my school, and I am only a junior, so there is a lot of honor in my postion because it traditionally goes to a senior. Hmmm, as for a little more insight on my skill level, I am on book 9 in the suzuki series, but only because i have spent over a year perfecting a solo for contest this year. I`m not sure what else to say. The instrument I currently have was made in the 1800s and has been taken apart/put back together, some of the varnish stripped and peeling, It`s not in very good condition, but that`s how I got the instrument. I am not at home, so i don`t have exact details, but those can come later. It`s got a pretty good sound, but not as loud as I would like.

I`m in the UK and over here Suzuki is not the dominant teaching method it seems to be over there in the US: it`s mainly used for small children, so "book 9" doesn`t help much either. Over here we think in terms of grade exams but if you don`t have those that isn`t going to help much.

However ... "made in the 1800s" could mean almost anything from a trade violin upwards. What strings have you got on it? If it`s volume you`re after then Evah Pirazzi and Zyex are the loudest strings out there (both are loud but Evahs are bright and Zyex are warm) and also you might find a better bow would help.

I honestly don`t think you`re likely to get much for $600 that will suit you better. However if you want to try, the loudest violin I have come across in that price range is the Kohr K500. Lots of people rave about this instrument. It`s far too bright for me but Americans tastes seem to be rather different from UK tastes.

liz

yes, suzuki is the most dominant private book used, but not just for small children. The piece i`m working on is the Concerto in A Major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the adagio and allegro aperto for my solo, but I`ve learned most the rest. Though I`m definitely not playing it as fast as Itzaac Perlman... they have some reall good pieces in there. 3 years ago I played the Bach Double which was also in there. I dunno maybe we`re not as good as the violinists over there.

oh, and by the way i`m no longer looking at that violin. I asked the sales rep for more specific info because the description was so vague, but he ended up practically reading te description word for word! I`m going to order a gliga gama and a Londoner three star bow, I really like that bow it works well for me, i prefer it over the codas.

hey here`s the info on my instrument label.. anyone kno o it`s origin and any other background info?
1st line:F.Breton,brevele deS.M.G.
2nd line: M la DUCHESSE d`ANGOULEME
3rd line:a Mirecourt, 1831 Breton(in italics)
The large space is he center of the label, where there is an iage of a crown on a stand (or at least that`s wat i think).
If anyone can find any info that`d be great..

hmm the spaces didn`t work let`s try it again.
hey here`s the info on my instrument label.. anyone kno o it`s origin and any other background info?
1st line:F.Breton,brevele---------------- deS.M.G.
2nd line: M la DUCHESSE------------ d`ANGOULEME
3rd line:a Mirecourt,------------------1831 Breton(in italics)
The large space is he center of the label, where there is an iage of a crown on a stand (or at least that`s wat i think).
If anyone can find any info that`d be great..

oops messed up AGAIN! oy, I`ll double check it htis time
1st line:F.Breton,brevele---------------- deS.M.G.
2nd line: M la DUCHESSE------------ d`ANGOULEME
3rd line:a Mirecourt,1831 ---------------Breton(in italics)