If its fiddle rather than violin he's learning, I'd go to a good reputable violin dealer and buy a reasonable quality old instrument thats been well set up. It will cost the same as a mediocre quality new instrument but have a lot more character and soul. Most kids like to own something that is old and has had a life of its own, they become part of that instrument's story and it becomes part of theirs. Its hard to get attached to some brand new Chinese instrument like that.
A couple of guys I help out have new german fiddles in the 2-$3000 class...both seem like pretty nice fiddles.
But thats not cheap cheap either.
I can't really help, they are,as they say, where you find 'em
My Dad played, & also collected fiddles, so I've yet to buy one, though he passed away a couple of years ago, there are still a couple across the pond with my mum.
If I had to buy one I'm really not sure how I'd go about it.
But check every source even the ads in local classifides...my dad got afew good ones that way
good luck in your search
cheers
roger burridge
Are there any repair shops near you? A repair luthier might have a lead on some interesting German numbers that aren't too expensive...
Does he have a teacher who can recommend a violin shop? Word of mouth is usually the best way to find a dealer/repair shop that can sell nice violins for relatively inexpensive prices...
Also - I have an Artur Teller (German from the 70s - no "h" in the name!) that tops out in price around $750 (I've seen some for less) and it sounds GREAT. Elderly Instruments used to have one in stock but it sold -but hunt around, you might can find another one....(his brother Roman Teller also made instruments but I'm not sure about their quality - but they came from the same shop).
Firstly, what do you mean by relatively inexpensive? !!
My advice would be not to spend much on the instrument. IMO The bow is where you would be better spending some money. So I suggest finding a cheap second hand fiddle and getting a good luthier to set it up specifically for your sons hands and style of music. Ie low action and a good soundpost.. Next spend money on good strings.I like Pirastro Eudoxa or Gold. Myself,Others have their own preferences....
Why does he need a full size one? is he fully grown? I play happily on a 3/4 size fiddle and Im big! saying that my favourite fiddle is oversize.[and cost about 90dollars] I have a number of different fiddles including an old German one, but I prefer the sound and feel of my cheapie!
' It will cost the same as a mediocre quality new instrument but have a lot more character and soul '. No, not in general. There are plenty of new instruments with much character and soul and plenty of old instruments with little.
I'd suggest that you take him to visit a good violin shop or luthier that sells violins as well. Bring his current bow with you when you visit. Then have him try out all the instruments that he can get his hands on until he gets a sense of what he likes. Also- have the bow looked at to be sure it is of the correct size as well- as good bow is super important. Then have the instrument set up properly for him in terms of action, strings etc if he needs any adjustment, as well as the shoulder rest if he uses one. I wouldn't personally advise trying to buy a violin thru e-bay at this point, although some people do, but to me trying it is super important.
As for new or old- there are plenty of fine instruments in either category and mediocre ones as well- so I wouldn't generalize at all on this;well other than to say you DON'T want to buy the hundred dollar bright blue and green jobs advertised on e-bay but you probably already know this. Also, if he has a teacher, ask him/her for advice as to a good seller of violins.
My first instrument was a Czech workshop violin, and it was really good for what I paid for it, around 1000. I moved up to a better French instrument, and eventually to an even better French instrument after some time. I would suggest looking at least in the 500 range, I've never found anything worth looking at for less, but others may have.
Thanks for all the replies. I was not sure about Chinese violins - I have heard they are okay. We are looking for something to learn on really. In a few years time we would think about getting him a better instrument. Thanks again.
Thats what I thought. My advice stands, a cheap fiddle, well set up with good strings and a good bow, What is your budget? If it were 300 say, I would put 50-60 to strings,180-200 for bow, 10-20 for a fiddle ! and the rest on getting it set up .
Whatever instrument you get you will need to get it set up for him .
In fact I reckon use the fiddle you have, get a new bow and strings , my choice is Pirastro Eudoxa and get the 3/4 set up well.
I think Eastman is a Chinese made instrument. A woman at my local session has one and it is pretty nice for the money. Try out a bunch of fiddles, make sure you can take a couple home to play for a week or so. Keep doing this until you find what you are looking for. And same for the bow.
Patricktoms is right....try Haide/Jay Ifshin fiddles...for the money they can't be beat. Great sound. Great projection but you need to try out a bunch to find a good one. Go to a good luthier shop...they should have a selection. Under 1000 -$1200 would get you a nice one. More will get you even more.
I have just what he needs in my collection. A late 30's Jan Jusek (production model-- but a good student grade. It plays as easily and true as any I own but lacks the depth I have grown accustomed to. I stupidly purchased it for 750 US thinking it was a signature model from the Prague period. However, It would be the perfect fiddle for a beginning student as it notes so cleanly and plays so easily. It's a very "bright" sounding fiddle, which is probably better for primary tone recognition. (good set of obligato strings--58 US). I ask 485.00
including a descent/functioning old case. You may have it for two/three weeks and, if you regret your purchase for ANY reason,
I'll refund the 485.00 minus shipping cost ($35).
If interested--email me & I'll send digitals for your review
Beginner's fiddle
Beginner's fiddle
Hi, my son has been learning fiddle for a year and now needs a full size one. Can anyone recommend a good, relatively inexpensive, fiddle for him?
# Posted on March 21st 2009 by DNP66
Re: Beginner's fiddle
If its fiddle rather than violin he's learning, I'd go to a good reputable violin dealer and buy a reasonable quality old instrument thats been well set up. It will cost the same as a mediocre quality new instrument but have a lot more character and soul. Most kids like to own something that is old and has had a life of its own, they become part of that instrument's story and it becomes part of theirs. Its hard to get attached to some brand new Chinese instrument like that.
# Posted on March 21st 2009 by TinWhistleSamurai
Re: Beginner's fiddle
A couple of guys I help out have new german fiddles in the 2-$3000 class...both seem like pretty nice fiddles.
But thats not cheap cheap either.
I can't really help, they are,as they say, where you find 'em
My Dad played, & also collected fiddles, so I've yet to buy one, though he passed away a couple of years ago, there are still a couple across the pond with my mum.
If I had to buy one I'm really not sure how I'd go about it.
But check every source even the ads in local classifides...my dad got afew good ones that way
good luck in your search
cheers
roger burridge
# Posted on March 21st 2009 by Roger B
Re: Beginner's fiddle
Are there any repair shops near you? A repair luthier might have a lead on some interesting German numbers that aren't too expensive...
Does he have a teacher who can recommend a violin shop? Word of mouth is usually the best way to find a dealer/repair shop that can sell nice violins for relatively inexpensive prices...
Also - I have an Artur Teller (German from the 70s - no "h" in the name!) that tops out in price around $750 (I've seen some for less) and it sounds GREAT. Elderly Instruments used to have one in stock but it sold -but hunt around, you might can find another one....(his brother Roman Teller also made instruments but I'm not sure about their quality - but they came from the same shop).
good luck
# Posted on March 21st 2009 by thejigisup
Re: Beginner's fiddle
Firstly, what do you mean by relatively inexpensive? !!
My advice would be not to spend much on the instrument. IMO The bow is where you would be better spending some money. So I suggest finding a cheap second hand fiddle and getting a good luthier to set it up specifically for your sons hands and style of music. Ie low action and a good soundpost.. Next spend money on good strings.I like Pirastro Eudoxa or Gold. Myself,Others have their own preferences....
Why does he need a full size one? is he fully grown? I play happily on a 3/4 size fiddle and Im big! saying that my favourite fiddle is oversize.[and cost about 90dollars] I have a number of different fiddles including an old German one, but I prefer the sound and feel of my cheapie!
# Posted on March 21st 2009 by piobagusfidil
Re: Beginner's fiddle
' It will cost the same as a mediocre quality new instrument but have a lot more character and soul '. No, not in general. There are plenty of new instruments with much character and soul and plenty of old instruments with little.
# Posted on March 21st 2009 by Henk Bos
Re: Beginner's fiddle
I'd suggest that you take him to visit a good violin shop or luthier that sells violins as well. Bring his current bow with you when you visit. Then have him try out all the instruments that he can get his hands on until he gets a sense of what he likes. Also- have the bow looked at to be sure it is of the correct size as well- as good bow is super important. Then have the instrument set up properly for him in terms of action, strings etc if he needs any adjustment, as well as the shoulder rest if he uses one. I wouldn't personally advise trying to buy a violin thru e-bay at this point, although some people do, but to me trying it is super important.
As for new or old- there are plenty of fine instruments in either category and mediocre ones as well- so I wouldn't generalize at all on this;well other than to say you DON'T want to buy the hundred dollar bright blue and green jobs advertised on e-bay but you probably already know this. Also, if he has a teacher, ask him/her for advice as to a good seller of violins.
# Posted on March 22nd 2009 by fiddlinfarmer
Re: Beginner's fiddle
My first instrument was a Czech workshop violin, and it was really good for what I paid for it, around 1000. I moved up to a better French instrument, and eventually to an even better French instrument after some time. I would suggest looking at least in the 500 range, I've never found anything worth looking at for less, but others may have.
# Posted on March 22nd 2009 by Splendid Isolation
Re: Beginner's fiddle
Thanks for all the replies. I was not sure about Chinese violins - I have heard they are okay. We are looking for something to learn on really. In a few years time we would think about getting him a better instrument. Thanks again.
# Posted on March 22nd 2009 by DNP66
Re: Beginner's fiddle
Thats what I thought. My advice stands, a cheap fiddle, well set up with good strings and a good bow, What is your budget? If it were 300 say, I would put 50-60 to strings,180-200 for bow, 10-20 for a fiddle ! and the rest on getting it set up .
Whatever instrument you get you will need to get it set up for him .
In fact I reckon use the fiddle you have, get a new bow and strings , my choice is Pirastro Eudoxa and get the 3/4 set up well.
# Posted on March 22nd 2009 by piobagusfidil
Re: Beginner's fiddle
Eastman violins generally have a good reputation. Good solid starterish instruments. Nothing really exciting, just solid design and construction.
Whatever you end up with, do get a luthier to set the instrument up correctly.
# Posted on March 22nd 2009 by awildman2384
Re: Beginner's fiddle
I think Eastman is a Chinese made instrument. A woman at my local session has one and it is pretty nice for the money. Try out a bunch of fiddles, make sure you can take a couple home to play for a week or so. Keep doing this until you find what you are looking for. And same for the bow.
# Posted on March 23rd 2009 by leoj
Re: Beginner's fiddle
Patricktoms is right....try Haide/Jay Ifshin fiddles...for the money they can't be beat. Great sound. Great projection but you need to try out a bunch to find a good one. Go to a good luthier shop...they should have a selection. Under 1000 -$1200 would get you a nice one. More will get you even more.
# Posted on March 23rd 2009 by skin&bow
Re: Beginner's fiddle
I have just what he needs in my collection. A late 30's Jan Jusek (production model-- but a good student grade. It plays as easily and true as any I own but lacks the depth I have grown accustomed to. I stupidly purchased it for 750 US thinking it was a signature model from the Prague period. However, It would be the perfect fiddle for a beginning student as it notes so cleanly and plays so easily. It's a very "bright" sounding fiddle, which is probably better for primary tone recognition. (good set of obligato strings--58 US). I ask 485.00
including a descent/functioning old case. You may have it for two/three weeks and, if you regret your purchase for ANY reason,
I'll refund the 485.00 minus shipping cost ($35).
If interested--email me & I'll send digitals for your review
# Posted on March 23rd 2009 by hauke