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;

Thanks, guys! That's what I was thinking too. The Loreato is very bright sounding but some of those higher notes were a bit too much for me and I think in my hands, this tendency would be worse. I'm sure that guy is not a novice at all. The Loreato has a lot of reviews which are complimentary about its tonal qualities but even the shop admit that they will vary and at times I wasn't keen on the sound of this one.

I'm glad it's not just me so thanks! I'm very indecisive so although the shop have been great about not steering me too hard in any direction, that's why I really need to hear. I am definitely going to order the Gliga, even though I'll have to wait another week or two for it to arrive. The reputation of the maker and the greater consistency between individual violins is reassuring.

I have not found a video of the Genial violin (although there are some good ones of pleasant-sounding Genial violas) and some videos of Gliga Gems (the next model up) which sound warm but darker and more mellow. This beginner has posted some good videos with a Gliga Gems, like this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....CavLGHmk-k

I won't be seeing my teacher til late July or August so actually the wait is probably a good thing. It would be too tempting having the violin around.