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Double Bass Hey, upright guys: Recommend me a studen violin

SanDiegoHarry

SanDiegoHarry

Inactive
Supporting Member
Aug 11, 2008
17,143
9,104
San Diego, CA
#1
I know, this is a bass forum - but I don't know the whole "Violin world" and I'll bet some of you folks DO.

My GF's 9 year old boy is being enrolled in a violin class and is told to get an instrument. The stores she's being pointed at are pretty spendy (she's in Pasadena) so I thought I'd ask: What brands might you suggest? I see prices for student instruments running from $50 on Ebay to as much as you can spend elsewhere.

thanks much
 
#6
BigOldHarry said:
Yeah, given that I'm very nearly within walking distance of them here at work, that's where I should go (I forgot they sell lots of stuff NOT bass related!)
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They'll be a good resource for you. Its crucial that the child get the correct size of instrument so an experienced violin salesman is important.
 
#7
In the violin category for beginners: Gliga, Kohr K-500, Eastman 305 and Cao STV 500 or 600, Doetsch, Dunov. It would be good to connect with someone that is upgrading, and buy their used, serviceable 1st violin. Some of the familiar names from the music stores before the Internet are simply not competitive anymore.

In the bow category: CodaBow Prodigy. There's some good carbon fiber bows at a lower price point.
 
#8
Stacatto said:
In the violin category for beginners: Gliga, Kohr K-500, Eastman 305 and Cao STV 500 or 600, Doetsch, Dunov. It would be good to connect with someone that is upgrading, and buy their used, serviceable 1st violin. Some of the familiar names from the music stores before the Internet are simply not competitive anymore.

In the bow category: CodaBow Prodigy. There's some good carbon fiber bows at a lower price point.
Click to expand...

Now, THIS is why I tossed my post up! Thankee!
 
#9
I work at a violin shop doing repair and set ups. Please avoid those $50 ebay violins!!! Of the ones I have seen/worked on, they were all complete garbage! It is almost as if they have never been set up. The nut groves are usually unevenly spaced, the fingerboards aren't completely straight, the bridge feet usually don't fit and the bridge itself is way too high! Also, the soundposts are usually too high which can case uneven sound from string to string and also potential soundpost cracks.

Eh, I don't even want to rant about the bow. Pretty much in the same boat.

That being said, I liked the idea above about getting a used violin that the player got rid of due to an upgrade. That or check out what the local violin shop has to offer (please help us small violin stores!). Just like with basses, another option is see if you can get something used and put a small amount of repair money into. I've picked up some junky violins at pawn shops. After some cleaning and set up, they make really good student instruments!
 

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