Hi. I am a vocalist interested in beginning Violin. I have been interested in violins all my life, and when band as a flutist has gotten just too harsh with school and all, I have decided to purchase a flute using my own budget and teach myself. My school, unfortunately, does not have an orchestra! I am twelve years old and in seventh grade.

So, I have come here for help. Do you know what size I should get? I have seen 1/4, 3/4, 4/4, etc. Which would be the best for me? I would like the real thing. Also, I do not understand strings and such and which bows to use. Is there a type I should get? Any help greatly appreciated.

Also, what books should I purchase for beginners?

Thank-you!

There's no 'one brand' to get - there are so many out there. If you don't know what you're looking for in a violin now, you might want to rent one for a few months until you're (a) certain you want to invest in one; (b) have saved enough (or convinced your parents) to get a decent student violin; and (c) know exactly what you're looking for in a violin. The place I rented from was asking $750 for the rental - seemed reasonable when I had just begun playing, but within a few months I realized what a piece of crap it really was compared to other models - glad I didn't buy it!

You can start on almost anything - but if you're playing an inferior instrument, you may become frustrated quickly, and it won't be your fault! See if you can rent a decent one at first to get a feel for it. Good luck!

And of course, I didn't actually answer the question. You'll most likely need a 4/4, unless you're small for your age. I stand about 5' 2'', and a 4/4 instrument is fine for me. If you find it's too big, you'll need a 4/4 soon enough, so don't buy a smaller one - it'll probably just be a waste of money; wait until you can play a 4/4 comfortably (but that's probably now).

I just questioned about size. I have one on my list it is very low priced but has a high retail (850 or so) but I can get it for very cheap. My mom thinks it's better to buy a cheap one before an expensive one. I figure I will mess around on it a bit. Any idea on books?

well ive been playing for several years, and the book i started with was strictly strings volume one. it worked great for me, so you may want to take a look at it at your local music store

anywho, about the violin size thing. what you have to do is go to da music store and try out all sizes. the violin is a good size if you can hold out your arm to full length and the top-swirly part of the violin fits in your palm nicely. a 3/4 or 4/4 should be suitable for you, but you should check both out first


and i dont know why those rentals are so expensive. where i live, you can get a decent violin rental for 20 bucks a month.

I see. Is there an inexpensive but suitable brand I could use? Or is it okay to get a bad quality one to mess around with until I am decently good, and then by a new one? I now own my flute, and mom says if I want a violin, I have to buy one on my own. Thing is, we are going on a super-long road trip to a few states away, and I would also like a Nintendo DS and iPod for the way there. So, I am on a limited budget. E-Bay has some fairly decent ones that I could get for $50 or so total, either new or gently used. I basically just want to mess around on it, because I am not getting lessons, but I want to "play" it too!

Get a cheap violin to start out. Maybe about 150-500 dollars would work. As for the bow, I don't think it really matters what type for a beginner, as long as it works well. My beginner's bow was 60 dollars, and it was fine for me until I grew more advanced and needed a better violin and bow.

You probably need a 4/4 violin at your age. If you're small for your age and you decide to get a smaller one then make sure not to spend a lot on it, because eventually you will need a 4/4.

I would recommened Essential Elements for a beginner's book.

annd.. that's it, I think