Violin Forum/Message Board

[caeman]

I am not going to have the ability to set aside $500+ for many months. There are simply too many other expenses that when considered, the $500 would be better spent to pay off. But, I find myself with the odd $50 to $60 that wouldn't be so hard to part with.

I am jonesing to have some sort of fiddle shaped object in my possession right now.

I have been cruising Craigslist in my local area checking out the used violin deals and I am seeing a lot of people putting those Chinese imports up for sale for $40 and $50. I am seriously pondering one.

I understand from some research that often, the strings need to be immediately replaced to make them playable. So, maybe if I succumb to one of these cheapy used models and then take it to the music store for a bit of tuning (new strings, make sure the bridge is set correctly, the pegs work), I could have me a workable beginner fiddle until I do have more money for a higher quality model.

What do you guys think of this plan?

[Karrie]

I am also brand new at this but I did keep following Craigslist and just found a new violin, case, video, and bow for $200 total. I had a local violin maker check it out for me after I bought it and he said that it was perfectly fine, its a Romanian fiddle with virtually no wear and has decent strings. I am pretty pleased so my advise would be to keep following Craigslist unless a bunch of people tell you hear that the cheap ones would be fine too

[John Cadd]

If you fancy playing a violin,a teacher would be a better person to ask.
One practical bit of advice I would give is to see if your fingers will reach the top of the fingerboard.Some players hook the thumb onto the edge of the body but round the "bump" on the neck is the proper way.Odds on a girl will be more flexible in the wrist .Finger length will be best judged by looking at your parents fingers for when you are older.
These basic checks may save you the misery of never being able to reach properly.Would you call that unrequited violin-playing?
I helped one teacher in a music shop as she tested 3 or 4 instruments.Just said if one sounded nicer from a distance etc.
Following that we had a short chat and I was amazed that she had never heard of Joseph Hassid.(a very great player who died young leaving just 6 short recordings)
The temptation to play like him may encourage you.See u tube!

[techfiddle]

I think this is the best instrument you can get at an affordable price, which sounds good, and it's $180 with free shipping:

http://beststudentviolins.com/violins.html#SV175