My son is ready to move up to a 4/4 but there are few music stores in our area and the selection of violins is very limited. We don't like the idea of buying on the internet but we may not have a choice. The local store is offering only $250 for my son's Scherl & Roth 3/4 that was $650 just 2 years ago (still in new condition) and they want $750 for a 4/4 Meisel 6110. Unfortunately the store that sold the Scherl & Roth has closed down. How to you know when you are looking at a quality violin? The Meisel just doesn't seem to me to be as nice. The other violins (all Meisel) that are in the lower price ranges ($350 to $650) only have one fine tuner. My son said that isn't as good as having 4. I have seen more expensive violins with only 1 so why are they not as good? We do have an offer of $400 for the 3/4 violin so we will probably take that and then we will need a replacment fast? What websites are legit??
2006-12-05 18:51:57 · 5 answers · asked by DonnaJ 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
I'm a violin teacher, and here's what I suggest--
Try looking for a violin on www.swstrings.com or www.sharmusic.com. They're both really reputable online strings dealers, with wide selections and price ranges. I think they both have consultant people you can call and tell what you're looking for, who can then advise you what would work best from their store. It's hard to know whether or not a violin is good if you're not yourself experience with one, but I would say the most important parts are that the pegs adjust smoothly and don't slip, that the strings are quality strings (something you can change later if you need to, of course), that the bow is comfortable and MOST importantly, that the sound is pleasant to your son. It's really best if possible for you to take the instruments you're thinking about buying to his teacher and have the teacher try them out. And try out a few so you have something to compare all of them to.
As for the fine tuners, don't worry about the violins that only have one. Tuners are really cheap (only a couple dollars) and easy for a teacher or the music store to install on a violin that might not have all four to start out with. The main reason some only have one is that more advanced players don't always need all four because they have enough practice tuning using only the pegs. However, for younger students, fine tuners are VERY helpful. So don't let the number of tuners affect your decision much-- but if you get a violin with only one, just buy three more and have them put on the instrument later.
Good luck!
2006-12-07 05:08:35 · answer #1 · answered by akirel42 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As for buying a violin on-line, for the violins under 1000, it think that it would be safe to buy from string specialty stores such as Schar.com, or Youngmusicians.com. I have ordered strings and cases from them before, and they are definitely legit.
Also, you might want to consider getting your son's old violin appraised at another store. However, if the price still doesn't please you, just keep it. Violins, unlike technology, do not depreciate in value, and in time you'll get an offer that you will be happy with.
Also, fine tuner do not define the quality of the violin. Usually, more youth-based violins have four fine tuners, which make it easier to tune, while more expert-oriented violins have only one. This is only because the more you play, you get more comfortable moving he pegs around. However, I remember a few years ago, I was terrified of moving the pegs, and always felt safer with fine tuners. If your son feels this way, it is very easy to just add fine tuners. They are not too expensive, and they can easily be attached to any violin.
As for quality violins, it is usually hard to tell without actually playing them. It might help to find someone such as a teacher, or a friend who plays well to go with you to a store to try out violins.
2006-12-07 10:01:26 · answer #2 · answered by scienceproject in need 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You look like a type of men who will come residence a few day after paintings and uncover an empty condominium, and if there may be any justice, an empty financial institution account, too! Personally, I wish it's SOON.
2016-09-03 11:42:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use these people to supply my guitar habit and I find them to be a good legit site, however.......the only thing I know about violins is what they sound like and what they look like - here's a link
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/home/navigation?q=Violins
2006-12-05 19:04:00 · answer #4 · answered by Norman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Musiciansfriend.com....awesome website with all kind of cool deals....
2006-12-05 19:47:29 · answer #5 · answered by ~*~A~*~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋