I've been playing the violin almost 6 years now. I have my third violin, but my teacher has been telling me that my violin isn't really good. So I've been thinking that I want a new one that's better...wayy better. It's irritating because I'm first chair, in our quartet, and I plan on being one of the few freshmen to be able to get into the top 12 violinist in the highschool. I have pretty good technique and all, but I fear if I don't have a good violin along with all that, it won't make a difference. So my mom and I are kind of on a budget since I also want to buy a new flute, but does anyone have any suggestions of what kind of violin I should get, and about how much that would cost? Thanks

That's interesting, I was in the same boat last month. You might find that there are a lot of online resources to help you make a new purchase. Try a site like this...

http://www.howtoplayviolinonline.com/violin-prices

Otherwise, I would suggest that you check Craigslist. Note of caution when buying used: Always ask the seller if you can have the instrument checked by an instrument technician before you buy. You'll have to drive the instrument to a music store yourself, but it can save you a lot of money!

I almost bought a violin for 300 bucks but I found out from a technician that repairs would be another 300, jeez. It wasn't worth it!

Go to a local music store that sells violins. Tell them your price range. )You sould wait on your flute so you get a good violin that will last you. It will be better in the long run.)

Have a violinist (maybe working there) help you choose by playing some, then you try them out. Thats how I got my violin!
Good Luck!

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Also, If you can take the violin on loan and have your teacher check it. (Or ask your teacher to come with you to buy it!)

Thankss(:
My teacher can be pretty confusing, first he says my violin isn't good..
then he finds out it's made in Ohio, and says that it's a pretty good one.
I don't know!!(: haha, but thanks again(:

Get another opinion besides your teacher.

A violinist is not a luthier tho many think they are

Me and my brother both got our violins from A&G Music in the San Francisco/Oakland area in California. About 2 years ago, our music teacher said our violins had fantastic sound, and that we had the best instruments in the entire class. I hope this helps atleast a little. I think they have a website too, if you look them up. Our violins were $145 each. They were used, but in great condition.

For anybody else reading this, I really recommend A&G's instruments. They all sound great and are in good shape.

Well, good uck on finding that violin! Hope you get a good deal.

I think you should hire a performing violinists to help you choose violin. I'm assuming you'll be getting ones that'd cost at least $1500USD. Hire 2 violinists for whatever price they offer and ask them for opinions, decide on a few places, and then go there for them to check out each violin.

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Quit Spamming the forum with your little scam advertisements JamesV.

i am quite agree with spirits.... my teachers (many teachers i experienced since i'm now a professional)all like my antique violin, which is over USD4k when i bought it years ago, it sounded very matured in all playing conditions,as a violinist you should not spend your lifetime playing a new instrument if it is not that type can develop you further.especially those suspicious chinese master-copy,it's totally a waste of time if you are looking for more quality time in your playing.anyway, hope you can find your dream violin.