I have never played before but I fell in love with the way the violin sounds, I am looking to puchase a violin but I dont know where to start. Can anybody tell me the name of a good beginner violin if there is such a thing?

Hi Keith,

Which country are you trying to buy a violin in? It makes a difference.

For makers, I`d personally recommed Gliga, and Scott Cao is getting a lot of mentions in the US. In the UK Stentor, above the most basic models, is a reasonably safe bet for a new violin.

Take a look at Fiddle Forum, various makes have been discussed recently and there`s some good information in the threads.

what`s your budget? that has some bearing on the issue

Liz

Well I will be purchasing in the United States. I am not sure of what my I can spend. I am a college student...well I should say a starving college student =) but I don`t know how much I have to spend to get a decent beginner violin.

Hi Keith,

You need to work it out the other way round, in my opinion. "Decent beginner violin" is rather a vague term and a figure would make life much easier.

Liz

Keith,

What state do you live in?

Well I live in California and I have about $500 dollars to spend right now...but I suppose I could save more if I had to.

By the way you all have been a big help! =)

Ah this is a source of constant amazement to me: beginners in the US seem willing to spend a lot more than beginners here

In that case my answer is as simple as it is predictable. Get a Gliga Gems 2 from violinslover on ebay (or his website is http://www.violinslover.com). These are unbeatable at anywhere near the price (and i speak as a dealer importing directly from four countries as well as going through two wholesalers). Get dominant strings and four adjusters fitted though (Cristian should be able to arrange this for you.)

Liz

These violins (Gliga) look nice, and they are within my price range. When I go to buy one of these what should I ask for? Remember I am new to all of this. You have mentioned that I should purchase dominant strings and get four adjusters fitted. What are the next steps after buying the violin?

Thanks for the help,
Keith

right, go to www.violinslover.com and have a look there. email Cristian and ask if he can get you one with four adjusters and dominant strings. If that doesn`t get you anywhere, come back to me.

Liz

hi, i want to buy a violin too... but i just want one to mess around with.. i dont want to spend more than 100... but then im not sure if those 50 ones on ebay is TOO bad...

=\ i want one... =\

I have several brand new inexpensive violins for sale.The violin comes with real Brazilwood bow,nice case,and rosin for $99 with free shipping.Contact me anytime!
Alan
marianshusband@yahoo.com

Test the violin by playing an open string, then, while playing the note, lift the bow (The stick). The sound that rings on the longest wins!