4/4 Violin hunting

And possibly a spare set (violin, bow and case...)...

Now all we need is a bow!

Just realised I haven't finished my reviews!

Cardiff Violins

Whoever kindly suggested this place, I just can't thank enough. First of all the trip was very pleasant. The transport, the location, the shop and the cafe we went, all were just wonderful. And DS met his violin there.

DS played the violin quite early on, and quickly decided he liked the sound. He tried a lot, some were probably too nice for him. But then the violin remained DS's favourite. The shop assistant/violinist said it actually sounded very nice when DS played. Sometimes violin also chooses player. They let DS try the violin in several rooms, let him compare it with the violin we brought from London (our fav at the time), played both violins for DS, closer and also from distance.

We needed flesh air to think properly, so popped out and sat in a cafe in front of the shop, and had tea then discussed. When we went back to the shop, it was dark and the shop was nearly closing. We were the last customer but no one tried to kick us out.

As you know (or hope you remember all the dramas happened to the violin!), we had quite a few twists with this violin. But every time, they dealt with a problem sincerely and patiently. After the last crisis, Cecil from Cardiff Violins said the matter had only straightened our relationship and faith and I can't agree more. They care about people involved in their instruments - the makers, players, and dealers (and anxious mums of the players ). They really proved me that they are trying to achieve 100% satisfaction of the customers.

I also got to know the maker of DS's violin. I communicated with him via Cardiff Violins. He always replied with all honesty to every question I asked. I described him as a young maker who had probably just started violin making. But I was wrong. At least I found his violins at a few well established dealer's shops in London and they all talked about him highly and described him as a very skilled, experienced, laid-back, humble and lovable maker. His current violins are a way above our budget. DS is so lucky to have his violin really.

Cardiff is a long way from London. But it was so worth it. DS has his dream violin in his arms now, so of course.

Interesting. I did thought about getting a cheapish violin for school use but was always persuaded to stick with just one main violin for all purpose. However a cheapy one can also be used for travelling. Hmm. I may seriously consider the option now! I suppose you still should use your main bow for both violins as it directly affects bow technique learning?

Anyone knows anything about Gliga Gama? I heard it's quite nice for the price.

We do keep it mostly indoor in controlled climate conditions however at some point we travel within the country and I would like to leave violin at our base but obviously we will switch off air-conditioning while we are away from the base, so it'll be left in a boiling room! Alternatively we can take it with us everywhere we travel but that creates another worries...

I'm afraid the destination (country) of our visit varies, Taggie. So leaving violin with a one place doesn't work sadly.

I bet DS would love the novelty of playing electronic and I think it would be great fun to use at school. Def get more approval from boys than playing normal violin I am sure...

disorganised, how is mini-disorganised getting on with his new violin and bow? I hope he is enjoying and loving it.

Now electronic violin would be a different story I guess? Violin has no space issue like piano so people wouldn't go for electronic as a replacement of real one?

I did consider getting one though as we'll go to a country with extreme climate and want to take violin with us. Or 'practice violin' (no electronic) could be another option. But never met one who uses it so not sure if it's worth having. Though I'm very reluctant to take DS's delicate violin... Any idea?

I think recent development of digital piano has opened up opportunities to many people who otherwise wouldn't have leant 'piano'. It certainly made learning piano more accessible nevertheless of your living environment. I prefer this way to limiting the opportunity to those who can own acoustic piano.

However I can see some serious irritation for 'instrumental snobbys' (and I am calling them lovingly) as there is huge difference between playing piano and 'keyboard'. Though I suppose understanding the difference between digital and acoustic and practise accordingly would help fill the gap.

DS owned only clavinova until he passed g5. The teacher would make DS aware of the mechanism of how grand piano worked by showing him the hummer action while playing and taught him to be conscious about the strings inside. DS would then play his clavinova in the same style as he would play the teacher's grand piano when he practised at home. So he was conscious about the imaginary hammers and strings. I think it made a difference in his playing and understanding.

We eventually got an acoustic piano a year and half ago but we never had any pressure to make the move from the teacher. She is all about 'practice makes difference no matter what gadget you have.' Not all teachers are like that and instrumental snobs are rightly snobby as I see the reasons but I appreciate the teacher's openness as it allowed DS to progress within his means.

NeverEver, interesting to know that piano also requires 'upgrade' according to player's progress like violin. But more I think of it, more it makes sense. Of course it should be! But outgrowing after only two years is quite an achievement, no? I imagine it's quite a pain to get rid out of the old piano? Or you get p/x like violin?

NeverEver

Out of curiosity, if money and living environment are allowed, which piano will you get? Is there your dream piano? Is grand piano it is always? Just wonder. I am not a pianist!

While DS adores his U3, he says the teacher's Steinway is easier to play (trills etc). But I suppose U3 is nice enough for someone who doesn't play piano seriously!

The piano at the exam centre we use is truly awful. Very hard to play dynamics. But the teacher says she still expects her pupils to play well in any condition. She says it's good to get used to playing varieties of piano as being able to adjust your playing accordingly is a crucial skill as a good pianist. You can't carry your instrument like violin!!

ColourOfRain, I think it's OK to have an opinion or even strongly dislike something. NeverEver is a passionate pianist so she has every right to get frustrated by the limitation of digital.

We've got to appreciate and make do with what we have otherwise someone will soon start debate over upright vs grand piano!

I would say it's like going into a Japanese restaurant run by Chinese chef. Nothing wrong with Chinese chef but they have totally different culture and taste and when you expect to have authentic Japanese cuisine a bit of different touch from traditional cooking can be a real let down. But if you expect to have Asian fusion it can be enjoyable. Basically digital can be a huge put off if you expect real touch but by its own it does a job.