Any violinists out there (or parents of) ?

[HowManyDucks]

My DD is going to start learning the violin and I am looking for a full size violin for myself to play/practice with her and would really appreciate some recommendations. I'm looking for a student/intermediate violin but only have a budget of about £300 (because it's really only going to get played in the living room!! )

Aibu to think a playable violin is available in this price bracket? Don't mind second hand.

Thank you 😊🤞

It's definitely do-able these days - I've been seriously impressed by the quality of violins we've bought for my son over the last few years.

This is what he has, and it's excellent, nice to play and lovely sound quality, I'd highly recommend for what you're looking for:

https://caswells-strings.co.uk/product/vivente-violin-outfit/

I hope you both enjoy it!

PS I'm a very lapsed professional level violinist, and used to be very snobbish about violins needing to be old / handcrafted. Glad to say I'm a reformed character 😂

I would think you would easily get a second hand one for that price.

My son plays and has one of these, as do most of the kids in his orchestra! https://www.gear4music.com/Woodwind-Brass-Strings/Stentor-Graduate-Violin-Outfit-Full-Size/UQL?origin=product-ads&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22232762342&gbraid=0AAAAAD_kjLRXPZxccNSSXTwyk5Yjs0K_O&gclid=CjwKCAjwsZPDBhBWEiwADuO6yw3purSF6Bqz1w6_sw3nlMZPiRWb6AWmqXxIG234kC6joBaasS7SvxoCl2wQAvD_BwE

The one linked above from Caswells is infinitely better than the Stentor from Gear4Music and setup from Caswells is also exceptional I’ve found.

Does your daughter have a teacher yet? They may be able to recommend one, or they may have an older student looking to upgrade their own and sell on their current instrument.

Ask about on local WhatsApp/Facebook groups etc as I’m sure someone has one they can lend you if not give you, many of us have a variety gathering dust!

Thank you for the replies. Caswell strings was a great shout. While I'd usually opt for a Preloved violin, I think a good but inexpensive student violin is exactly what I need ( my DD may even grow into it 🤞).

I'm trying to choose between the following 3 models and also whether to consider a string upgrade.

https://caswells-strings.co.uk/product/vivente-violin-outfit/ as @GardensBooksTea suggested.

The Stentor student II violin outfit
https://caswells-strings.co.uk/product/stentor-ii-student-violin-outfit/

Or this:

https://caswells-strings.co.uk/product/stohr-novara-violin-outfit/

I plan on teaching DD myself initially as a fun activity rather than formal lessons, until she's a bit older and her 1/16th violin stops looking like a viola on her tiny frame 🤣

I'd skip the Stentor. It's what I learnt on. It's fine for a 10 year old, but seriously limited development. Nice strings will slightly reduce the strangled cat effect, but strings may have improved in the last 30 years

That's the thing I'm worried about. I'm not 10 years old and I think I'll quickly become frustrated (even if just in my living room). I was very fortunate to learn violin on a 60 year old 3/4 size which had been passed down from my grandfather with a new and decent set of strings, so I've been spoiled!

I forgot to say I recommend upgrading the strings on the Vivente from Caswells to dominants.
The pegs on this violin are amazing! They move so easily it’s a joy to tune it. You will love the tone!

You're selling it to me! 😅
I just don't want to be upgrading a year from now. Would you say this violin would carry me through to approx grade 7/8 level? Thanks again for your recommendations

I second this and also forgot to mention - it's definitely worth doing.

Strings have changed beyond recognition on the last 30 years. So much more choice.

Well you might be pushing it to go to Gd 8 but I’ve had kids achieve that with similar instruments.

Can’t say I’ve got tons of knowledge re low end violins, but (as a sound engineer by trade) I would say that I think you probably shouldn’t spend any more than that on your first violin or one to help with learning.

It’s probably the hardest instrument to play so it sounds good, you could spend a ridiculous amount on one and give it to a learner or someone less than amazing and it would likely still sound awful; it’s absolutely technique over everything, which will come with time.

So I think around that figure, for a learner or for someone guiding is about right. My first drum kit cost less than that when I was young and there’s a lot more involved with that. Just my 2p and good luck op.

Thank you everyone!