I'm 27 and intend to start playing the violin. I'm looking for a little advice in buying. I've seen a Marquis brand (Chinese) at Costco, but can't find anything else about it. First, can anyone give me advice on the sound quality of this violin? Second, I'm looking at Gliga violins. In that regard, I'm considering the Maestro or the Professional. I'm just unsure what the difference in sound quality is between the two, though I'm not sure it would matter given my beginner status. Can anyone offer some advice on the relative strengths and weaknesses of the models above? Does anyone suggest acquiring a violin some other way? My budget is between 500 and 1800 dollars. I'm just trying to figure out the best options at that level.

Hi, I think you shuold go for the Gliga, i thik they around the $500-$600 mark. I teach and i tell my students that are older to go for a gliga or suzuki. They have a good sound and if you are going to stick at playing this violin should last you a while..
Hope that helps.......

i just recently bought a gliga (the maestro one) over here in oz. i am so happy with the sound and it was reletivly cheap too. i think the only difference between the models is the look and price of them.

hope this helped xoxo

Hello
Gliga violins are very good for when your starting out. They sound good. They are easy to play and the workmanship is very good. I recently upgraded from my Gliga because I was looking for a more open complex tone and when I was trying out new violins it took a sugnificant jump in price to get better then the Gliga. I still have mine it is a Gliga Gem1 with a one piece back. Iam thinking about selling it if you are interested let me know. They usually sell for around $430-$400 I was thinking about only asking $350. It's in perfect shape.
Let me know if you want pictures.
Here is a review I did of some of the violins I tried out at the time I was upgrading. http://www.stringworks.com/discussion/messages/4262/7980.html?1175307116
This review I did is posted on the stringworks site. I was thinking about buying a Karl bartok from them but the Gliga I already had that was half the price blew the stringworks violin away.

hi first thing is if you intend to go deeper into violin I suggest you buy a good one like Gliga violins. Chinese violins are not very good though. Pay attention about prices because I bought a violin at about Lm500 an it was not worth it. So pay attention to the quality most important to the sound of the violin. Generally, it's better if you buy a second-hand violin because when violins are old the have a splendid sound. Hope to have helped you.