So I'm buying my girlfriend's Christmas presents...

[Zoidberg523]

Here's my problem; My girlfriend used to play violin, and she really wants to get back into it. So, for Christmas, I'm thinking of picking one up for her. Nothing really expensive (we don't have alot of money), but just something for her to learn on.

On the 'Bay I've been seeing these "Crescent" violins. Now, I know that I wouldn't trust one of their basses (they look poorly made), but I'm wondering if their violins are any better made. I mean, there isn't too much that can go wrong with a violin, is there? No electronics, no frets, no truss rod... I mean, I could be wrong.

Does anyone here have any info on this company (their craftsmanship, value, and quality)?

Any and all replies are appreciated guys, but I need some opinions soon if I'm going to get express shipping in time for Christmas.

[bassninja7]

talkbass.

not talkviolin.....

[jwbassman]

OT or Misc.

[OtterOnBass]

Don't buy an unknown from eBay -- they're just as likely poorly made imports that don't have to follow US laws in marketing.

Check craigslist in your area, and then the rest of the craigslists in Michigan. Go way back, there's a chance that the violins of 3 months ago are still for sale.

[Zoidberg523]

I know it should have gone into the off topic, but then I would get no answers what-so-ever; more people view the basses pages and I need some help. I understand that I placed it in the wrong category, for the reason above, but you don't have to be rude about it.

[bassninja7]

again, bass.
not violin....

if possible, see it in person first.
my .02

[4bpauly]

bassninja..once again... thanks for your amazing input.


sorry i couldn't help

[Zoidberg523]

Originally Posted by OtterOnBass

Don't buy an unknown from eBay -- they're just as likely poorly made imports that don't have to follow US laws in marketing.

Check craigslist in your area, and then the rest of the craigslists in Michigan. Go way back, there's a chance that the violins of 3 months ago are still for sale.

Kind of what I was thinking... thanks Otter.

[mongo2]

I bought a violin off ebay for my son a little over 8 years ago. His main criteria then was that it be painted black (he was 10). I picked one up for about 60USD and it's till going strong. Once he decided to stick with it (after about 5 years) I purchased a better grade of instrument for him locally (not black this time) and the old black one is still doing service as his practice/backup/rough venue instrument.

[bassninja7]

Originally Posted by 4bpauly

bassninja..once again... thanks for your amazing input.


sorry i couldn't help

i bet we'll be posting threads about sax's next.

[Zoidberg523]

Originally Posted by bassninja7

i bet we'll be posting threads about sax's next.

Lol... hey, at least a violin has four strings.

[Jim Carr]

go to Steve Reiley. He re-graduated the top on my bass about 30 years ago. Now he sells instruments and can advise you. He is well-known in Grand Rapids.

http://www.guarnerihouse.com/

[pedro]

So I'm buying my girlfriend's Christmas presents...

Anybody else find this thread title a bit mis-leading?

[Andrew Jones]

You might find the double side a little more informative.


AJ

[Jeremy Crockett]

Originally Posted by Andrew Jones

You might find the double side a little more informative.


AJ

And infinitely more cranky.

[Rugaar]

Originally Posted by Zoidberg523

I know it should have gone into the off topic, but then I would get no answers what-so-ever; more people view the basses pages and I need some help. I understand that I placed it in the wrong category, for the reason above, but you don't have to be rude about it.

Most everywhere I've ever been, people that intentionally break the rules tend to get treated a bit harsher than those that respect the rules. Just a thought.

[yellofury]

well what is your budget???
you can prob get a decent one for about 400 bucks
anything less is going to be okay to learn on but not worthy of any performance level and even then most serious professionals use instruments that are from $2000 and up (its not unheard of for some to use violins that cost 25-30,000 DOLLARS!!!)
My brother used to play and you can start by looking at low end Yamahas and or even Fenders.

So something to get back into and not into something "serious" then I would go to your local music store (Not Sam Ash or those megastores) and ask what they think . Tell them your budget restraints and your understanding that you are only after a student level violin. A store selling orchestra and band instruments would be a good start

here are some places you may want to look at:
http://www.guarnerihouse.com/

http://www.meyer-music.com/

http://www.hansensmusic.com/

[Eilif]

Originally Posted by Zoidberg523

.

On the 'Bay I've been seeing these "Crescent" violins. Now, I know that I wouldn't trust one of their basses (they look poorly made), but I'm wondering if their violins are any better made. I mean, there isn't too much that can go wrong with a violin, is there? No electronics, no frets, no truss rod... I mean, I could be wrong.

Does anyone here have any info on this company (their craftsmanship, value, and quality)?

Any and all replies are appreciated guys, but I need some opinions soon if I'm going to get express shipping in time for Christmas.

Yeah, this should be in OT, or over on DB, but I'll try and help a bit...

#1, I hope this doesn't scare you, but there are far more things that can go wrong on your average orchestral instrument than on your average electric bass.

#2 If you want a cheapo that might implode after a year or two, the ebay special's are it. However, if you've only got 60 bucks, and it doesn't have to last, then Ebay is probably your only option and it is likely that you will at least receive a playable instrument.

#3 A reputable string dealer, violin teacher, or school orchestra director should be able to at least point you toward a few sturdy brands of beginner instruments.

#4 I don't know anything about Crescent, but if you wouldn't trust thier basses, then steer clear of thier violins.

#5 If you really care about your GF's musical enjoyment, pay for a proper setup for the violin you get her. At the very least, the bridge and soundpost should be properly fit and adusted, and there may be more that would need to be done. There's some chance that a used craigslist violin would have this done already, but knowing most parents knowledge about their kids string instruments, it's probably only a 1 in 4 chance that this is the case.

#6 Once you find some reputable brands of student Violin (especially the brands that your local shops carry), Craigslist is your friend. Kids quit Orchestra every day in favor of Drama, Band, Football, etc. and those instruments can be a great deal. Consider even putting an ad up on Craigslist looking for a violin.

#7 If you're really strapped for cash, a cheap fibreglass bow may be better than the uber-cheapo wooden bows.

#8 If you can bring along a violinist friend to inspect the instrument your chances of not getting screwed increase emensely.

Your violin and thread placement knowledge may be a bit lacking, but your heart is in the right place. All the best with the Violin hunt.

One more thing: This is a dealer, but there is some very good information on chosing a student violin at this site http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.co...lin/index.html

[rap138]

Originally Posted by Zoidberg523

Lol... hey, at least a violin has four strings.

yeah, besides, isn't a violin a very tiny double bass?

[martyman5000]

Don't buy an unknown from eBay -- they're just as likely poorly made imports that don't have to follow US laws in marketing.

LOL...Does ESSEX make a violin?