KVR Audio

No name · Post by **No name** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 1:41 pm

I want to get down to violin. It's been something i've wanted to ever since I started to learn how to play piano. I was hoping someone around the forums played because I have a simple question for them. What is the best=cost efficent violin for a beginner? I hope there is someone around that plays and can guide me because I have no clue as to what constitutes a good violin from a bad one.

I'm aware of that difficulty, fully aware, so i'm going to get me a violin, and then an instructor (of course).

wrench45us · Post by **wrench45us** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 1:44 pm

(surprisingly) there are a number of violinists and violin teachers on the cakewalk Project 5 forum

you might post there

http://forum.cakewalk.com/tt.asp?forumid=6

No name · Post by **No name** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 1:46 pm

Huh, who would have thought. Thanks, i'll check it out.

No name · Post by **No name** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 1:50 pm

Hmm, i've signed up, but it doesn't seem to wanna let me post. Is there something else I need to do, or do I have to own one their products to post?

wrench45us · Post by **wrench45us** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 1:55 pm

maybe
i don't know
i'll post a link to here from there, so those string players can respond here

Hink · Post by **Hink** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 1:56 pm

No name wrote:Hmm, i've signed up, but it doesn't seem to wanna let me post. Is there something else I need to do, or do I have to own one their products to post?

does it need to be verified by responding to an email?

No name · Post by **No name** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 2:02 pm

Oh, yes, i've done the e-mail conformation. When I went back to the forums though it still said I could not post or reply to messages.

Edit: I signed up to a violinsts forum and asked over there. Lets see what they say.

Warmonger · Post by **Warmonger** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 2:17 pm

I play a little. Well, I used to play in middle school and high school, and now my little brother is using my violin so I can't play right now.

A good violin, huh? It should sound good, and... yeah. It's not something you can really explain over the internet, especially not to someone who doesn't play, because tone is everything. I would usually tell someone to simply try out a whole bunch of them until you decide, but it's tough to say.

Also depends on how serious you are. I played for 10 years, starting with some rentals, and eventually I bought one for $650 + $330 for the bow. Only towards the end of high school did I feel like the instrument was limiting me, and that I needed a new one. The problem is you have to spend *a lot* more to get a little better sound. I would recommend one roughly in that $1000 range for a complete set if you're serious (which it sounds like you are). Maybe you can get away with something a little less.

I feel like I'm ranting here, so I'm gonna stop. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions.

Adaerus · Post by **Adaerus** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 2:32 pm

I play the violin and I am an instructor too. I would recommend first you buy a cheaper one since when you start you will only squeak the violin (speaking out of experience). It takes time to develop the right posture to generate a nice sound out of it. So you can spend around a $100 on a violin for starters. As you get better at it I'd say to look for a better sounding violin. By that time you'll have more knowledge of how to look for a good one and how to test it.
As a rule of thumb though you'll be able to fine good practice violins in price range from $350 to $1200. I got mine with about $760 and I am satisfied with it.

Good luck.

Warmonger · Post by **Warmonger** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 2:41 pm

I think this is the one I have: Cremona SV-350
Just for reference on what one particular player bought after 6 years playing.

Wicker Man · Post by **Wicker Man** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 3:06 pm

As per the above...start on an inexpensive violin and if you like it, progress from there. If you are new to older string instruments then you will soon realise a different technique and it is not something everyone, however musical, can get on with.

Here's some violin playing :
www.wickermanmusic.com/For%20Unity.mp3

Note : Electric violins are quite reasonable these days and you can practise with headphones and with far less pain to anyone in earshot.

foosnark · Post by **foosnark** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 3:49 pm

I used to play, haven't in years though.

It's worth noting that a cheap violin may sound a whole lot better with a little work. Have the bridge replaced, tailpiece too if it's buzzing, and try out different strings.

As a beginner you'll probably want fine tuners on all four strings, but dump them later on.

Don't worry too much about the instrument's tone at first though, because for the first several months, the problem will be you rather than the instrument

hlmst · Post by **hlmst** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 3:58 pm

erm it takes like 15 years to get decent on a violin, provided u got talent (with average of a few hours a day practice) Better pick an easyer instrument. An enthusiastic buddy struggled for 2 years and got nowhere

DWb · Post by **DWb** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 4:15 pm

No name wrote: Edit: I signed up to a violinsts forum and asked over there. Lets see what they say.

There are probably a surprising number of Cakewalk users on it...

hypolydien · Post by **hypolydien** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 4:26 pm

The Suzuki Nagoya model is probably your safest bet. it retails for about $300 USD. They will have it at all violin shops or check these online stores:

http://www.swstrings.com

http://www.sharmusic.com

thanks to wcgabp on P5 forum for the links

I am a violin instructor also, there is nothing that should keep you from picking up the violin if you want to. However, to be realistic,do not expect to be able to record violin tracks on your recordings for... well... a few... well... years.
But you might have a lot of fun playing it, and develop an appreciation for classical music and string playing in general.

Cheers

Are there any violinists around?