What should I look for when buying a violin?

Question

I'm just learning how to play violin and really enjoy it but want to buy my own off of ebay, what is a "must have" for a beginner violinest?

Answer 1

It's kind of hard to know what to look for on E-Bay because you aren't going to see it until it arrives. You may be able to return it, but that might cost you extra! I don't know where you are as far as how well you currently play, or approximately how old you are, but if you are talking about dealing directly with E-Bay, you must be at least old enough to know what you like.

I put a few links on here to help you out. I personally use the Cremona VL-150 or VL-175 in my classroom, and no, I don't get any kind of royalty or discount for saying that. They are Chinese instruments made by the SAGA corporation. You can usually get them for 125 - 150 dollars with a case and a bow, and so far (I have bought four of these so far) the bows have all been worth playing with. There are many other brands that speak well and will last you five to ten years, which is the most time you will probably need one before you will want to move up to a more professional instrument anyway.

I bought a violin with a grey case off of E-Bay, just because one of my students did it and the whole thing intrigued me. It ended up costing me about forty five dollars and it came with two bows. One of the bows was playable, but the other one was hopelessly warped. I use the violin in my classroom for when a student forgets their instrument, and have lent it to students until we could get them a school instrument several times, so the experiment was a complete success as far as I was concerned. I don't particularly care for the instrument myself, he grain on the soundboard is exceptionally wide (it's best to have about 12 - 16 straight grains per inch) but the darn thing plays and it speaks well. A couple of my students regularly tease me for it and one of the parents offered to buy it from me for more than I paid for it. I don't sell anything to students (conflict of interest) but I was pleased that someone found value in my little E-Bay special. I named the instrument after the student who originally got his from E-Bay and my students actually ask for it by name! Thought you might be amused by the story. Sorry if I bored you.

Best of luck with your quest to find an instrument. If you are not sure about one when you find it, show it to your teacher or a student who plays, whom you respect.

Answer 2

I am not so sure, but if it were me, I would research the violin. The history, the brands of violins that are not only best for a beginner, but a violin you can keep for a long period. Learn about the actual strings. Which strings are best for the violin you are considering to purchase. Most of all, you must think about the kind of Investment you want to make when purchasing a violin. There are really good violins. Perhaps a notable music store would be best. EBay is not the place to purchase an instrument you like or love. Good Luck.
NOT EBay. Wikipedia will give a decent history of the Violin, and Brands of Violins to consider purchasing.

Answer 3

If you have a tutor, Have them come out and help you select an item. Also, you should be sized, but a full size violin with a real deep barrel ( more round look to it then a flat look to the body) will give you more deep tones and help pitch your vibrato very well. Also, look into getting a nice bow with a thick hair to it- thinner hair means more use and less friction on the string. Also invest in professional strings ($50-100 sometimes), they will ultimately provide the best sound because the cheaper red and white labels will still sound twangy on any violin. Used violin are still OK, just check to make sure your sound post is OK, your pegs fit well, and your bridge is correct. By applying more pressure and long even strokes from bow to string will drastically improve sound. Good Luck!!

Answer 4

If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. The cheap Chinese violins have lots of problems and you'll be spending more money fixing them at the music repair shop. You can get a good beginner violin from a local music store for a reasonable price. I do not recommend buying your violin on E-bay or at Target/Wal-mart/Costco. I have had students purchase these lower quality instruments only to be told that the instrument is unplayable and unfixable. It is better to pay a bit more up-front than have an instrument that doesn't work properly. Music stores can fit the violin to you, give you a warranty on the instrument, and answer all your questions.

Good things to have on your violin: fine tuners on all strings, horse hair bow, good strings, and a case.

Answer 5

Yes. Don't buy off ebay. go to a music shop and try one out.. The Chinese ones (Lark?) are OK,. Rainbow violins are a good starter make, and they come in different colours! I have a young student who has always had a Rainbow and it plays well. She has now graduated to a purple electric one! Get the best U can afford, with fine tuners on the strings, a hard case and a decent bow. If U like metal strings, Tomastik Dominant r the best, but a bit expensive. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Don't buy from e-gay if you're looking for quality. You may very well be lucky and get a genuine good deal, but it's chancey! Go to a reputable musical instrument store and see what brands they have - see if there's anything in your price range. If not, you may be able to scout the second-hand dealers and find one of those reputable brands in good condition and within your price range. You need to see what you're buying.

Answer 7

dont ever look on ebay for a violin. ive gotten 4 bad ones

Answer 8

well...
if you're just beginning...
go buy a cheap violin.. nothing super fancy..
just go to a local music store and buy a cheap student violin.. you can always upgrade later.. or..
just rent one.. thats probably the best idea..
you will have everything you need to play without having to go through the trouble or buying one, you can probably get a better quality rental which will do you better when starting

-Anthony