Need help with buying a used violin... anyone with suggestions?

[samba2nite]

I am interested in buying my daughters used violins for them to learn to play. I know NOTHING about violins and am looking for suggestions or guidelines on what to look for in a used violin or what to stay away from. My girls have expressed an interest in playing them but until I know for sure that they will stick with it for longer than two years...I want to go used.

 

Any one care to give their thoughts

[mominbc]

We rented a violin when my son was just starting. It was very inexpensive ($17/month) and they took care of any repairs etc. It gave my son time to find a sound and feel that he liked before investing in one. I found that reselling a violin can be difficult so it gave him time to decide if he liked playing the instrument and then what he would want in a new one. hth

[Bird Girl]

For just-starting out violinists, I would definitely recommend rental; a good rental department will fit the instrument, include rosin and other necessaries, and provide a playable-quality instrument for a small price-per-month. If you decide at a later date that you wish to purchase something, that same rental department can often either sell you a returned instrument or point you in the right direction.

 

Fractional violins (and full-sized violins, really) can come in an incredibly range of quality; it would be all too easy to spend money on something that's not really playable or isn't the right size. A rental is a far safer, more predictable way to get started out with an instrument.

[Shasta Mom]

ditto on renting. Your child is growing and may outgrow the size in less than a year. http://www.ifshinviolins.com/rentals.html in Berkeley rents countrywide - they ship the instruments, as I'm sure other shops do.

[mom2abcd]

We bought a violin for $100 shipped from Woodwind & Brasswind. Dds violin teacher said it was a great beginner violin. You should be able to recoup the money if you sell it, too.

 

http://www.wwbw.com/

[corbie]

Shar music has a rental upgrade program. They are very knowledgeable and ship quickly. When you are ready to size up, you send back the old violin and they give you credit toward the next one. Check out their website. I think it's http://www.sharmusic.com Excellent customer service. You can't go wrong with them. I have bought five violins from them! They also have a wide variety of price points and can guide you to the correct purchase for your needs. HTH

 

Kristina

[elw_miller]

This website has good information about violins:

http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/instruments/violin/

 

The website describes what to look for in a quality instrument, sizing, rental programs, etc.

 

Rentals can be a wise choice. If you want to purchase, go with a private seller. I at least have gotten better quality instruments from private sellers--both from eBay and from Craigslist.

 

I have heard many bad things about instruments from China in terms of quality of workmanship.

 

Slightly OT: Do you have a program in mind? My daughter takes Suzuki violin lessons. I have been very happy with her teachers and the program overall. The method emphasizes immersion in music and a high degree of parental involvement during lessons and for practice at home. I really like the method; it really seems to nurture a love of music in children.

 

http://www.suzuki-violin.com/suzuki_violin_vstraditionalviolin.htm

http://suzukiassociation.org/