My daughter is going to try violin lessons. She has wanted since she was 3. She is now 7. The teacher measured her up and said a 1/4 size is the go.
My question is this, would a Czech made Stradivarius in thata size, second hand from eBay be okay? And is this price okay? I have no idea. Check it out here if you like.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2370336406&category=623&rd=1

Thanks in advance
Davidius

"Made in Czechoslovakia by Stradivarius" eh?

It`s probably OK, hard to tell without more detailed pictures. You must be in Australia then?

Liz

The numbers of bids surprises me, small violins are usually difficult to sell on ebay. I just did the currency calculation. Over here at least, that would compare in price to a new Chinese beginner`s outfit, and yes chances are it`s better than that though there are no guarantees. It may well only have ebonised fittings though.

Liz

Those were quiet rare, I think. Like, 562 in existence

Well the unknown held me back from bidding. It went for AUD$162.50 for interest sake. I am going to keep my eyes open, but I`ll probably end up getting a beginners outfit from my local music store. Thanks to those who replied.

Cheers
Davidius

That may not be your best bet, unless the local store is a specialist outfit. One thing music shops are very prone to, for example, is to sell you a bigger violin than the one the teacher wants you to get, on the grounds that the child will grow into it (ie. that they haven`t got one in stock in the size you want!) I`ve seen it done. Also if there is no violinist on the staff the set up may be really bad, though that`s not a problem if it is going straight to the teacher I suppose.

Some of you may be interested to have a look at our "horrors" page where we have some ebay violins and also some from regular non-specialist music shops` websites:

http://www.elidatrading.co.uk/vileviolins.htm

Liz

Liz

I posted this on a earlier thread. It might be of use.

Liz

My teacher was impressed with the bow and suggested it was worth getting it re-haired to fulfil its potential (I, of course, am a limiting factor).

Today, I took it to my local specialist and while we were chatting, someone came in with a violin they had bought goodness knows where. It was a cheap violin, and did it show. The pegs did not fit, the bridge was badly set and there were terrible, thin steel strings (this for a nine year old). Their face fell as the owner explained the cost of bringing it up to scratch. They said they would take it back for a refund but, I don`t know if they would have any luck. It would seem they got what they paid for.

The point of all this? Go to a specialist. Liz was very helpful and I am delighted with my fiddle.