Hi all,
I`ve been wanting to learn to play violin for many years now, and finally decided to get one, though I need some advice, as I know basically nothing about violins.

I`ve been playing guitar for around four years, so am aware of the differences between a good and a bad instrument, and how the tone may differ. I`m 20, so will be looking for a full size (is this 4/4 I assume?) instrument. I`m in England by the way.

I could do with some basic help, in regards to what models to look for to buy, with a budget probably of under £100, unless people feel that this is too low. I`ve seen a lot of `beginner` guitars by brands such as Stenton for around £70, though ebay has a whole array of less-expensive instruments.

Thanks in advance, I`d appreciate any emails if you have the time.
If you have MSN and some time to spare, my contact is foamingspinner@hotmail.com

Best wishes,
-Dan

No it`s not too low for a beginner. Stentor is OK, Primavera is OK, some dealers have own brands which will be good buys. Best advice is to make sure you buy from a reputable seller, especially if you`re buying on ebay.

Liz

Thank you for the fast response,
In egards to ebay: I`m looking at this style of auction, primarily because it`s a white violin.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10180&item=7335766199&rd=1

The "Buy it Now" price is approx £55

Could you offer any comments on that model? Is it worth buying? If so, I`ll hopefully have my first violin next Tuesday

Thanks again,

Well, the BIN has gone now so you might well get it for less. I wouldn`t buy from that seller though. For one thing he has too many negs and neutrals (for musical instruments I wouldn`t touch anyone with less than 99.9%, including neutrals, unless the negs and neutrals were very obviously unfair) and second, someone who describes a standard metal tailpiece as "hardwood" probably has little if any knowledge of what he is selling. I think you will finds those pictures are all manufacturers` pictures and that what you actually get comes bridge down (though there is no harm in asking if he`ll send it bridge up). Bridge down is fine as long as the soundpost doesn`t collapse and as long as you aren`t the type who gets nervous putting the bridge up. For me there are just too many ifs.

If I were you, I`d find some specialist seller and mail them and ask them if they are prepared to ship the violin with bridge up and strings tightened - ie. ready to tune and play. If they`re not, I`d go elsewhere. If the soundpost collapses, and the seller won`t take it back, you`re going to have to find a specialist shop to put the soundpost back up for you and they`ll end up selling you a full set up that will cost you twice as much as the violin - or selling you one of their own.

Still, if the price stays low, it could be worth taking the risk.

Liz

That`s a fantastic post and has provided much informationt hat I hadn`t even considered, so thank you for that. Yeah I`m going to go to a local shop on Monday and see what they can do there for me. Also I`ve been told to find and book lessons before I get my instrument, as teaching myself probably would lead to bad habits etc. I`m entirely self taught on guitar, but realise the distinct differences between the two instruments, in both capabilities and technique of playing.

Can anyone give basic advice on what to look for in a violin when I go to get one? General advice that indicates its a `healthy instrument`?

Thanks again

The best advice, honestly, is to go to a reputable shop (or, of course, buy from a reputable internet dealer). Avoid general music shops. Having said that, you will find that many specialist shops bump the price up greatly (to double the list price and more) and it would be worth checking out the list prices of brands in your price range before visiting a specialist shop.

There is some legitimate room to do some work on a cheap instrument and to charge extra, but once you start doubling the list price, as far as i can see, you would be better just to get a better quality instrument in the first place. Whatever you do to a Stentor 1, it`s only ever going to be a Stentor 1. Bumped up prices also mean that you are going to make a crashing loss when you trade it in, unless you stick with the same shop, which makes it even more important to get the shop right if you are going to pay bumped up prices.

Where are you thinking of going?

Liz

The place I`m looking at is a local ran shop (not a large company whatsoever) owned by a musician who plays and sells an array of instruments, including violins. I`ve been recomended to go and to talk to him about them, so hopefully the recomendations are worthy.

I`m heading to York on Saturday too, so I`m going to have a look around there, I`ll just do some basic internet research now for any potential shops,
Best wishes,
-Dan