Violin Forum/Message Board

[Shirley]

Well, Harmy ~ it looks fine (very similar to my first viola, so I sort of reacted to the picture emotionally), but all advertised violins look fine. Is this dealer in the the US? Seems a shame to have a European-made violin sent all the way over here, and then sent back to you.

The main disadvantage I see, if this is the case, is that it would be more difficult to have a "realtionship" with a dealer so far away - though not impossible. Do you know anythig about the dealer? That is a pretty steep "discount," but all dealers offer discounts of some amount on many instruments (as you have discovered).

As always, the final decision depends on sound. Would it be more expensive to return this violin if you didn't like it? Could you "trade up" with this dealer?

I sound negative, but I'm not really - it's just that you seem to have found a couple good dealers in the UK - and it is sort of impossible to be sure of quality from an ad alone.

It sure is pretty, though - as I said, I'm emotionally drawn to it, but only because it reminds me of my first viola. Do what your instincts tell you - I think they are good, backed up as they are with research. Good luck! Please let us know what you finally decide?

Well, my post is NOT short! Shirley