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Extra-curricular activities

Buying a violin

9 replies

treehouselover · 18/10/2013 14:22

DD needs a new violin. She's been learning for 18 months on a 3/4 size borrowed from school, but she's now ready for a full size. She's 11 and just done grade 1.

I'd like to get her something with a reasonable tone so that it will last her through a few more grades at least. She's come to it quite late having learned piano first so I don't imagine she's going to be a virtuoso or anything, we just want something good enough to give her a bit of encouragement and be suitable for orchestra etc.

Our budget is up to £200 although cheaper would be better!

Anyone else been through this? Any experience of buying online. I've had a look and they are much cheaper online but is it a risk?

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YDdraigGoch · 18/10/2013 15:06

I think DD would need to try several violins out to find one that suits her best. I wouldn't buy on line.

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morethanpotatoprints · 18/10/2013 15:12

Ask her teacher to accompany you to shop to get a proper set up, pay teacher if required as this will be worth it. Don't buy online unless you are very knowledgeable.
If you can't ask the teacher ask for recommendations of a good specialist shop where they can advise you.
You can still get away with a mass produced Chinese instrument up to about grade 5 so I wouldn't worry about the tone too much at grade 1-2.

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willyoulistentome · 18/10/2013 15:15

My son has a zeller. Lovely tone. We got it second hand but only played for one term for £40 and his teacher was very pleased as she said they cost about £200 new.

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lljkk · 18/10/2013 15:43

I bought a 2nd hand one for DD few weeks ago, £65, with case.
In our local shop.
She is Grade 3 & tried it out before purchase. She could tell if it was in tune, straight, etc.
It's a Stenor. I knew that should be ok because it's what the schools use for hiring out. Not top quality but reliable.
Don't forget how much the cases cost! Ours needed a minor repair, too. Is a lot more beat up than the violin itself.

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morethanpotatoprints · 18/10/2013 21:00

My dd is due a full size one within the next few months, but no way would we consider a Stentor again, they are horrible and rubbish, even the more expensive models.
Can anybody recommend a non mass produced non Chinese model that would be good quality for grade 4+
I am thinking of good second hand and know of a good shop, and repairer but not well up on different makes.

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pigsinmud · 18/10/2013 22:15

Ds2 had a stentor and it was great. Stentor conservatoire? He's now playing on his great grandmother's violin. My ds2 must be small as he's 13 and only just moved on to a full size!

I'd ask the teacher for advice or else go to a decent music shop - preferably recommended by the violin teacher!

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treehouselover · 19/10/2013 00:24

Thanks everyone. I've had a chat tonight to DD's teacher and she recommended looking for a second hand one. She's going to ask around, and I'll have a look online.

I don't see the point in paying loads because she really isn't ready for anything that fancy.

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Theas18 · 20/10/2013 13:48

Second hand definitely. Ask schools / teachers/ orchestras - there is always someone moving on up with violins ( unlike when ds needed a French horn!)