Hi! My children, aged 11 and 8, have been learning violin for slightly more than a year. We having been hiring 2 Suzuki violins (1/2 and 1/4 size) since they started their first lesson. Now I am looking at buying them each a violin because they both enjoy and commit to the practice.

We are living in Australia and our budget is around US$600 (approx AUD$1000) for each violin. When I approached some local shops, I realised they have different brands and many of the instruments are made in China. I play flute at leisure and to be honest I won`t recommend any entry level flutes to students if the instruments are made in China. Is it different for violins?

Currently, we have 3 brands to choose from - 1) Suzuki; 2) Yamaha; and 3) Mathis Thoma. Could someone tell me more about the Thoma. Are they good? Who is the maker?

Please also advise on what are other brands that will suit my budget? In regard to Chinese violin, what are the reliable ones?

Thank you for your help.

I haven`t played any of the brands you mentioned, so I can`t comment on them. I would recommend that you look at StringWorks though. I have their Maestro model, and I`m very happy with it. They sell almost exclusively online, and they give you a 2 week trial period with any instrument they send you before you have to commit to it. They also have great trade-in policy, which would be useful if your kids decide to continue with the violin through college. Good luck!

Gliga, Gliga, Gliga. Impossible to equal anywhere near the price - as long as you get them from the internet.

Liz