Buying a violin for an adult beginner

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Permalink Reply by Erin Shrader on December 7, 2009 at 9:42am

Hi Kimberly,

I have published two articles recently that you may find helpful. The under $1500 story was done several years ago. One was about what you get at different price points: I asked three well-known companies to send me three examples of their entry-level, step up, and more advanced models. I was quite impressed with both instruments in your price range, the entry level Eastman 100 (about $475) and Scott Cao's entry-level that retails for about $450 for the outfit. Snow's entry level instrument is very good, too, but more expensive. Here's a link to that story: http://www.allthingsstrings.com/article/default.aspx?articleid=22982

And here is a link to a more recent article on violin outfits under $2000. http://www.stringsmagazine.com/article/default.aspx?articleid=25183

Good luck!!

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Torosian on December 8, 2009 at 1:47pm

I suggest an outfit from Shar Music. It's true that certain outfits are geared towards younger students, but that's just a sign that the outfit was created to be affordable and durable, the two key points parents look for. It should be a full size violin, with a decent shoulder rest (Kun is my rest of choice), rosin, a fairly good bow, and a durable case. The average student bow is made of fiberglass because of it's low cost, but you may consider upgrading to one of brazilwood or even pernambuco. The Franz Hoffman Etude violin probably would be fitting; I have the viola and I love it! The outfit comes with a brazilwood bow and shaped case, all for less than $300.
A shaped case means that the case is curved like the violin inside it; there is a multitude of options regarding form and style, but for a beginner it's best to keep it simple. Don't spend top dollar on a fancy case with a hygrometer built-in just because it sounds cool!
Talk to one of Shar's apprentices, because they can really help you decide what's best for your husband. Getting my viola was really easy because of them! I didn't know what to look for, but I love mine. The Etude model is an excellent mid-range instrument in that line. It has a healthy sound, but it isn't overwhelming for a "transfer" like me who's natural instrument is the violin.
I wish your husband the best of luck, and hope he enjoys the violin as much as many of here do. Don't be afraid to post questions here! We're a community!

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Permalink Reply by Kimberly Manning on December 8, 2009 at 10:40pm

Thank you Erin!

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Permalink Reply by Kimberly Manning on December 8, 2009 at 10:41pm

Thank you Kelly!

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Permalink Reply by Philip Nicholas on January 13, 2010 at 3:07am

G'day Kimberly,

Sorry I didn't see you posting earlier, but you seem to have got good local advice. Can I just add that good strings can make a violin sound a lot better. Much better value than cheap strings on a good violin. Strings do wear out, but a set of good ones can make a birthday present if you got him the violin for Christmas!

Cheers,
Philip Nicholas

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Permalink Reply by Kimberly Manning on January 13, 2010 at 10:46am

Thanks to everyone who replied, I ordered the Franz Hoffman Etude from Shar Music after lots of shopping. It is beautiful! He nearly cried when he opened it, and began immediately to look up violin lessons on youtube and to download a tuner app for his blackberry! We have located an instructor and should have him starting lessons very soon. It was a home run Christmas gift, and right in the budget I was hoping for. Thanks so much!
-Kimberly

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