do ebay violins come set up already? (the bridge and strings, etc..)?

Question

look at this violin, does it come set up?

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Cecilio-3-4-Student-Violin-60-Free-Accessories_W0QQitemZ130183189371QQihZ003QQcategoryZ38109QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

i can't tell, please help!

Answer 1

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is not good and not true. Definitely email the person and ask your question. Save the response because if you are disappointed, you will want to show that to Ebay so they can intercede for you.
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Answer 2

Most violins that are shipped, are usually not set up for safety reasons. If they send the violin by air and the air pressure changes dramatically (baggage areas are often not pressurized) then the bridge can break or collapse the top of the violin. The bridge will usually be tucked under the tail piece and the strings will usually be just tight enough to hold the whole assembly together (the strings literally hold the tail piece on to the instrument)

Sometimes the soundpost will have fallen down as well, since there is no bridge to hold it in place. The strings put the pressure on the bridge to push down on the top of the instrument and keep the sound post in place. When the bridge is not there, the soundpost often falls over if the instrument is jarred much.

Setting up an instrument involves much more than just placing the bridge however. The bridge often has to be modified slightly so that the strings are exactly the right height from the fingerboard. Sometimes the tuning pegs need to be "finished," the bow needs to be primed (sometimes you still have to do this yourself, but a good luthier will make sure that the instrument is ready to play when you receive it) and the tail piece often needs to be adjusted slightly, especially if it is too far forward so the bridge cannot be placed properly. You would think that all of these things would be done when the instrument is assembled, but in the case of Factory assembled instruments, the instrument is rarely even played before it goes out the door and into the hands of a distributor.

You can usually get a violin set up for between fifteen to eighty dollars (the wide disparity reflects the fact that setting up an instrument varies greatly between a storefront and a professional luthier. You can also do it yourself, or ask a music teacher to help you. Some music teachers will do it themselves to avoid allowing the instrument to be set up improperly or trusting it to the hands of a friend or parental unit that is "pretty sure they can figure it out!"

I am more concerned over the fact that you are considering the purchase of a 3/4 sized violin here. Unless you have very short arms, or are very young, you are really going to want a full sized instrument. You should at least get sized before you consider purchasing this violin. Take a full sized instrument and put the lower bout (the end with the tail piece) into your armpit. Stretch your arm out and try to cup the scroll (the end with the tuning pegs) If you can get your hand all the way around the scroll, you are going to need a full sized instrument. If you can barely reach the scroll, you will probably be just fine with this 3/4 sized violin.

If I am wrong, and the violin does arrive "set up," (bridge in place, strings taught, ready to play) I would be a little concerned. Have a teacher or experienced player look at it before the return period expires. Inspect the packaging before you accept it from the carrier as well. If the packaging seems crumpled, collapsed, poked or dented, ask to have it inspected before you open it. When you accept the package, any damage often becomes your responsibility and your great bargain becomes a liability.

Best of luck no matter what you decide. I hope I have given you some useful information. If you have more questions, give me a shout. I would be happy to help further.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

We can't assume all Ebay violins are alike, but the ones under $100 are probably not set up.

Answer 5

I know from buying previous items from ebay that they are not always what they seem. A friend of mine purchased a PS3 and they sent him the box. Another time I purchased a keyboard and it was wonderful. So you just have to trust your instincts. Maybe try one that comes with a picture, or better details.

Answer 6

It would depend on the violin, seller, used or new, etc.
Before buying anything on Ebay, check for good feedback from the seller.

Answer 7

You could always check the feedback and maybe send one of the buyers of the same product an email via ask seller a question.....Im sure they would give an honest answer.

Answer 8

Some advice,when i buy something off ebay,i only buy from power sellers,+ email and ask questions ,and DEFINATLY be sure they have atleast 98% positive feedback.

Answer 9

Well I would say get it!
It says on the page: (Included Case, Bow & Strings)
And in the picture it as a case, with the bow and strings on it, so dont worry about it, and get it!!!!