I play piano and mandolin and would like to learn the violin.
What could you recommend in the $400 to $1000 range for a decent sounding instrument? Also, any comments on wood type and quality and country of origin would be appreciated.

Easy. Get a Gliga.

Liz

Or you could look into a Stringworks instrument (www.stringworks.com). I love mine; it`s perfect for an advancing beginner.

Oh, as far a stype of wood goes, "spruce" top, "maple" back, ribs, neck and scroll are standard. The fittings (pegs, nut, fingerboard, tailpiece, chinrest) can be many different woods but "ebony" (what clarinet people call "grenadilla") is most common.

Bridges are always maple.

Sometimes the backs and ribs are willow, poplar, even chestnut.

Laminated violins are very uncommon but there is a "suzuki" produced in Japan that is laminated (see shar).

In the price range you are looking at, there really isn`t much importance to this wood thing. You are not going to get a 50 year seasoned tonewood violin for $1000.

Set-up is more important :-)