Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

Original poster

Ok, need to buy a violin again

31 replies

CURIOUSMIND · 02/01/2014 21:59

My Ds1 has been using a 1/2 size Stentor 2 with dominant strings , now on solid grade 5 standard. Looks like he will very soon need a 3/4. His violin is second study only, so I don't want to spend too much, but still want the violin good enough for grade 8.
I found there are very limited choices for 3/4 size suitable for advancing students. Any suggestions for me please?
I was thinking £500, for the violin+bow+case.

OP posts:
Schmedz · 08/01/2014 23:27

Curious - yes, looking for a 3/4. DD using a lovely bargain 1/2 size we found on ebay and has been the most FANTASTIC violin ever. It is a Cantabile set up by Soundpost in Guildford. Paid £200 and it sounds incredible. She is just about ready for a 3/4 but to upgrade size and quality is proving tricky for anywhere near that budget. I would love to find a good secondhand Gliga Gama (or maestro) because she is grade 7 at the moment so is going to need something to last her to diploma level...she just doesn't seem to grow!! Love the Paesold 807 model too, but can only find a full size secondhand one at the moment and it is WAY over our budget.

Maggie the cat - I can't recommend my DDs half size highly enough! Maybe we could set up some sort on online mumsnet violin trading....

Schmedz · 08/01/2014 23:30

Meant to add that I have also been very impressed with Elidatrading. They know their stuff and are not anywhere as expensive as other retailers.

Original poster
CURIOUSMIND · 10/01/2014 22:06

I think I should update our journey. Teacher own a very old 3/4 violin, valued at a price much higher above my budget range.Now, first lesson this term, he told us he is going to lend the violin to us for free, until Ds1 grow out of it, then may lend it to my younger boy, who started first lesson with the 1/2 one today.I am over the moon! Teacher has long list of pupils, why do we deserve the magnificent favour? It means lots of trust and expectation, got one more solid reason to work well!So grateful!

OP posts:
Schmedz · 11/01/2014 10:08

Lucky boy! Enjoy the music making ??

maggiethecat · 12/01/2014 01:22

Schmedz need to think about this one - we are in the exchange programme at the moment and would prefer if we could use that to our advantage.

When do you think your dd would be moving up?

Schmedz · 12/01/2014 09:11

She should be changing within the next few months. Probably best to change the size before doing her grade 7 so she has time to get used to it. I have tracked down the luthier who sourced her half size and he is willing to do a part ex on a similar instrument so I will see how much that is going to cost. Will probably spend a few hours there...fun day trip Smile her violin teacher has also suggested trying a few different bows. He is very keen it 'feels and sounds right' so hopefully she will be able to find something suitable in our budget. He loves her current violin so is adamant we get something at least as good.
If I decide not to part-ex then I will have to sell the half privately to help cover costs of the new one, but if the part ex equals what I paid for it, then I will go for it.
PM me if you and your DD are interested in having a look at it. It may be that you guys live too far away!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread