4/4 Violin hunting

Thank you NeverEver and claraschu. I'll look at their website and check the details.

I have a question about bow...

We have two functioning bows at the moment. One is DS's crappy 3/4 and another is a decent 4/4 bow borrowed from jd. DS is not particularly keen on the 4/4 bow and also it looks still a bit too long for him so he's been still using his crappy one and we are going to return the bow to jd. I know people sometimes stay with their older, shorter bow and move on to the next size after they get used to the new violin (and this way they prob have better ideas what kind of bow they would like for the violin).

Now my dilemma is when to start looking for a 4/4 bow. How long should DS stick to his crappy one?? We are away for May half term as well as summer so if we don't start looking for a bow now, it'll be autumn half term or Christmas or even later...

I will ask the teacher of course, but we won't see her until the end of this month. Wondering if we should look around and possibly get a few for approval before the first lesson of this term. Because once the lesson starts DS won't have time to visit shops for bow...

Could anyone kindly share the information of instrument insurance companies?

We use Newmoon for DS' 3/4 violin, simply because it was what the luthier recommended at the time. The renewal of the contact is due on 23rd April. However, we are going to do part exchange for 4/4 so we don't need to renew the contact for 3/4 but need a new one for 4/4 (haven't bought yet but we are nearly there).

Now, 4/4 will be a lot more expensive. I am slightly under the pressure to make sure we cover everything needed! Hence, thinking of shopping around this time.

Any recommendation/advice would be greatly appreciated!

I will PM you shortly, stringmealong.

We returned the £4k and the £7k today. Returning violins has some sort of detox type of feeling! Not sure if anyone can understand what I mean!!

Tomorrow we are returning a £3k German which DS's teacher totally disliked! It was our attempt to find a reasonable, healthy violin but obviously we completely failed the task!

Niggle, it's so nice to have a hunting buddy. Please do update on your search when you can!

Welcome Niggle! Please do re-read and take notes! There are plenty wisdom and knowledge, especially for your price ranges. Try not to go beyond your budget if you can. The last violin we collected was £7k. It's so easy to creep up without noticing as things develop so gradually. Luckily DS and I both realised we were being out of reality so put the violin back in the case ready to return asap!!

The teacher tested the Old French and her favourite £4k non-label German. She still liked the £4k, but agreed with DS it may not be good enough. She could see DS had to work harder to produce the sound he wanted on the violin. She was OK with the Old French. She seemed to like A and E which she complained before so a luthier adjusted a bit, but this time she was not fully happy with G and D!!! She said it created more colours when DS played a slower piece (compared with the £4k), but G and D being so dominant and loud, it didn't sound great when DS played an energetic piece with lots of dramatic chords. DS would have to learn to play less energetic on G and D but it would not be great for the learning point of views, she said.

We are returning the £4k and the 7k tomorrow. Not sure how long we can keep the Old French. Ideally we like to keep it until we receive the two violins which are supposed to be delivered sometime this week.

Tired.

Romaine, thank you so much for such a kind note. Every post is greatly appreciated as a contribution. It keeps me going and gives me energy! I don't play any instrument so you have my absolute admiration for passing grade 2 violin!

Thanks, ealing. I am slightly nervous to hear what the teacher would say tomorrow!

I would say be careful with the f hole not to be damaged while you are fiddling with the setter inside!

We have quite a few violins at home but most of them are going to be returned. We will keep two - the Old French and a newly collected modern Polish. DS's teacher was not very keen on the Old French due to the unbalanced sound and surface noise which were supposed to be sorted by a luthier. Will see what she would say. She kindly offered to see the violins this Friday.

We are receiving two more violins next week. We had one of them before but returned due to some (perhaps unnecessary) concerns but DS always ALWAYS liked the violin and still talks about it. After exchanging many emails with the dealer, and also consulting other luthiers I know, we decided to have a look at it again. This time, the dealer arranged to send us another violin made by the same maker also, hence we are receiving two of his. Deeply appreciate the thoughtful gesture of the kind and patient dealer (and the maker).

I am secretly hoping it will still be DS's No.1. Partly because I am keen to support a new maker who is quietly doing a great job, and also am willing to build a good relationship with such a committed dealer.

ealing, thanks for all the info. We visited William John a while ago. He is a great chap. DS really liked him and also his violin. We nearly bought his violin, but again 'it wasn't quite right' so in the end we returned it... (sigh...) However, the teacher seemed to like his violin, and he was one of those who made a charming offer, so I haven't totally let the option go. DS is also keen to visit him again. But, DS tried all the violins (within our budget) and picked one, kept it for a long enough time, then decided to return it. I am not sure if there is any point taking him back there. William John kindly said he would be happy to have DS to go through his violins again. So the doors are still open!

Yes, I know Matthew Coltman. Another lovely chap. We are thinking to go back to him for a bow (but sadly we are not at the stage yet ).

MidLifeCrisis007, I am really impressed by your DH's ability of spotting a right instrument! I know it's not fair! Bu really, could I please borrow a tiny bit of his luck!??! Fingers crossed for the happy bidding!

Thanks for sharing such an interesting article, oxcat1. Oxford is quite a trek but this is again not the first time to hear about the shop so may be worth travelling!

ealing, thanks for popping in! I always liked the sound of your description of miniealing's violin and was wondering where you got it from. I know William John. Could I ask you how you got to know him and how much you normally pay for the annual maintenance? Are you totally happy with his service?

all seem to think their own work is the best
Agree!