Buying a string instrument

caff · 12 Oct 2008 at 19:16

Any tips on where to start? I'm an experienced piano and clarinet player, but haven't played either for years.

I have a feeling there will be a more diverse choice of music for solo violin, than for viola / cello / bass, so I'm interested in picking one up.

Any tips on violin makes / brands, particularly 'good value' ones (no set budget - anything considered so long as it's not crazy) and where to buy?

Maccy · 12 Oct 2008 at 19:32

Stradivarius

/close thread!

caff · 13 Oct 2008 at 17:22

Any other suggestions? I've seen a fleabay shop called yitamusic based on China that has some fairly good (but sometimes mixed) feedback on various forums.

izzy eckerslike · 13 Oct 2008 at 17:27

Be completely different & get an Indian Sitar, even if you don't play it still makes a good conversation piece

caff · 13 Oct 2008 at 19:45

I'm not buying it for a 'conversation piece', I just want to play the violin! I love the sound of it.

Jono · 14 Oct 2008 at 15:02

Then I suggest you go to a shop that specialises in violins/violas (maybe cello/db) and try some out.
My old violin teacher could make my cheapo crappy "Lark" chinese or whatever it was mass-produced instrument sound amazing.
I, on the other hand can make my hand-made, about 150 years old or something violin sound awful (but it used to be nice when I played regularly).

The sizes are pretty standard, but obviously there's a massive variance in sound/tone and the way the instrument feels to hold (different shaped neck pieces/fingerboards etc). If you're going for anything other than Cheapy McCheap then you HAVE to try several.

You could also try one of those yamaha silent violins too.