HELP! What violin? I know NOTHING!

[PeachyClairHasBadHair]

Hi

Sam has been told to get a violin by next Thursday for school.

I ahve had his size checked ( 1/4)for me by the teacher, and am now stuck. Frankly, I could be sold a dead rat with a string on and not know any better LOL!

I saw one by Intermusic, are they OK? I guess the fancy colour would appeal to Sa, but is it a fancy colour to attract gullible types like me?

here

Also,I read it needs to be set up on one site- this one seems to be, is that right?

I am so clueless

[tortoiseshell]

Where are you based? Is there a violin shop near you? If so, go in, get their advice, and they will check size etc. Tbh, you don't need to spend very much on a small violin, and lots of shops will give you a good deal, where they will take the violin back when he's on to the next size, in return for its value of the next one. I think I would go for an ordinary one rather than a blue one as well....bu t that's just me!

[PeachyClairHasBadHair]

There's not even a butchers here, much less a music shop LOL! The others will go into cardiff, but I can't unfortunately


They do a not blue one for cheaper, and I would let Sam choose which of the two he wanted if that was a decent enough starter model- it's his DLA money he's using to fund this after all. (He has been begging for violin lessons for years, and we thought- if that's what he wants to use hiis money on, why not?)

My Aunt ws down alst week dammit, her son just got into Cambridge to do music and plays Violin, but Mum's in Menorca and I have no idea what Aunt's address is (somewhere in Hemel LOL)

[Littlefish]

Can you hire one through the school/LEA? When I was a music co-ordinator in a school, many children did this. That way, you can make sure it is really the right instrument for the child. If the child subsequently changes their mind about lessons, you return the instrument.

[Northerner]

I played the violin but I loaned one from the school. If you can't go to a music shop than on line is your only option really. That blue one looks funky to me, my ds would like it too!

You'll also need a bow (check it comes with one), resin, and replacement strings - unless his teacher will supply these? I also needed a chin rest, not sure if they still use these?

[Yorkiegirl]

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[Yorkiegirl]

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[tortoiseshell]

We're hiring one to begin with for ds1, he's beginning next week, then his godfather wants to buy him a violin (he is a really good violinist). There's a good violin shop in Cardiff, or the Bristol Violin Shop is good, and you could phone them to see what sort of prices they do, just as a comparison.

[PeachyClairHasBadHair]

Thanks YG!

Have ahd a look and intermusic seems a decent enough brand, sam likes the bluee colour and I do too (but then my hair is purple atm LOL)

Seriously tempted, this one comes with case, bow, rosin / resin (see! I had no idea what that was- good old MN!)

You try to do better for your kids than you got yourself (3 music lesson with my sister with this strangfle bloke who used to disappear into the back room with his boyfriend all lesson. All I remember wbout the whole experience was he wore blusher LOL) and then you get plunged into complete confusion!
(Am generally regardeda s a bit useless at school, hate idea of turning up with a piece of rubbish)

[PeachyClairHasBadHair]

I just kep staring at them in confusion

Normally so decisive

[FillyjonktheFluffy]

does it need to be decent or is cheap ok?

You can get secondhand ones through Footes, in London, for around £40 max.

Or go for the blue. If it appeals to him, and it'll motivate him to practice, thats the main thing!

You really can't get to Cardiff? There's about 3 school music shops off St Mary's Street, as I recall.

You know you can hire them, yes? Bonners and I think Footes do a 6 month rental with the cost offset against the purchase of the instrument.

[Northerner]

Of course I meant Shoulder rest!!

[cooperflykiller]

I bought a blue one from them (came with bow and roisin and case) and it is fine for a kiddies first violin (and you can sell it on when he needs a bigger size).

The colour was just to make it more appealing for my ds2 - it is a bit leery, but he likes it - they have pink, green and purple sometimes too! (shuts eyes in horror!!!!)

[TheRealCam]

He will very quickly outgrow a 1/4 size one so I wouldn't spend too much.