Comments on: Violin Buying Advice?

By: Brian A

Brian A — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:56:44 +0000

I’ve purchased keyboards and acoustic guitars for my at-home studio online and had no issues with it. I also knew what I was buying and wanted. Saves you a trip / money.

Look at some of these:

They are very reasonably priced.

By: wirechoir11

wirechoir11 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:13:15 +0000

You sound like a realist. You realize that an adequate instrument will not be dirt cheap. This is a good start! Online shopping has two facets: reputable stores who also have websites (Shar and Southwest are reliable, I have dealt with both NUMEROUS times and not been disappointed, and I’ve BEEN to Shar), and online liquidation centers who specialize in pushing garbage on the unsuspecting.

The Hoffman line from Shar and the Mueller line from Southwest are both good for beginners. They will come set up for you with good quality strings. I wouldn’t go for the bottom of the line, but the “Etudes” are pretty good in both lines. One of these will run you between 300 and 400 dollars.

You should look into local retailers as well, but if you are beginning then trying them out is really not going to help you much. I’d take someone with you who does play so they can give you their opinion.

By: violinist13

violinist13 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:51:43 +0000

Choose what feels the best if you go to an actual shop. Luthier and Violin shops are the best. Just bought a violin myself. I chose the one that felt the best under my chin. Remember if you buy it you’ll probably have it for a while. Think about the sound quality and what not. IF you have a teacher have them with you to help with the choice. Teachers usually know what the best is! Good Luck! :D

By: zack_haines

zack_haines — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:42:38 +0000

One thing NOT to do is Buy off the internet.
ALWAYS try before you buy when it comes to instruments.
But if you are buying off the Internet then i’d use craigs list. You get to go check out the instrument, not to mention its definitely cheaper than the retailer, but the downside is you have to trust what they say because frankly they can make it’s history up just to get rid of it or make quick cash.
Id recommend going to a Luthier or Violin shop or where ever you’re buying your violin at, and asking them what they’d recommend for you.

Really, Good Luck to you.