Hello,

I am new to the forum and to learning the violin. I'm an adult beginner and hope to start lessons shortly, but first I need to choose my violin.

I live in the UK and am considering two violins from the Violin Company but I can't choose between these two

the Gliga Genial 1 and the Primavera Loreato Plus

Has anyone any suggestions?

Thanks!

Thanks! From what I've read, the Gliga is a very popular make, although I can't find much about this particular model. I understand it's the bottom of the Gliga range but a very good student choice. The Loreato has some good reviews on the site and when I emailed the shop, they told me I couldn't go wrong with either the Loreato or the Gliga. I really like the appearance of the Loreato, while the Gliga has a matt finish. The descriptions of both are very positive. Not that it's important, but I love the purple case of the Gliga.  I know the shop import their Gligas, while the Loreato is set-up by them.

Hi Terry and Barry,

I'm from Leeds. There are shops where I could hear them, like Hobgoblin, but I don't know what to listen for, to be honest. I tend to buy online for everything because I've a condition that affects my mobility. I may end up ordering one so that I can try it as they let you try and return for a refund. They've been very helpful at answering all my queries and don't think I can go wrong with either.

Both violins are the same price and my budget was up to £250. I wanted something that would last a while so I wouldn't have to part-ex too soon and luckily, as I stilll live at home I can afford it. I know appearance isn't everything but I do like the finish on the Loreato. Then again, Gliga is a very popular make. I know I don't want a coloured one. That's just personal preference, although they do look impressive.

I'm undecided about a shoulder rest. I have a condition that means my balance is poor so I'll be playing sitting down most of the time. I don't know if it will help me or get in the way. I'm going to get one after I start, if my teacher recommends it.

What music books would you recommend? I am planning to get the Fiddle Time series and maybe the Stepping Stone series for practising myself but probably work on other stuff, like some classical with my teacher. I know Fiddle Time is for kids but my sight reading is abysmal so I need to start simple and I actually really like some of the tunes. The CD, I think, is a must too.

That would be great, thanks! They sound like good books. The E string is the one I'm most apprehensive about because it can sound so screechy.

I have spoken to a teacher about having lessons. We are going to start at the end of July as the next two weeks are a bit busy for me.

Thanks for all your help so far. On an unrelated note, I love the 'verify you are human' test on this site. So much nicer than a captcha, which I can never read.

Right, bedtime for me. Speak to you tomorrow maybe. It's actually midnight here.

Well, I'm still torn. I asked the company for more of a comparison of the two violins and got this reply;