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First violin
Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 (1 votes) 
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Wmacky

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February 16, 2015 - 11:02 am
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Looking at a first violin. I don't need a expensive antique, but I would like something a little nicer than basic. I've noticed some standard price points. I'm debating between the $400 dollars point, and the next step up $800 range. 

I was all set on a beautiful Gliga Gama model, but starting reading some negative stuff, about better options at those price points, but those options are never listed!  I guess these negative comments are going to be common for all the low range models.

What other option in this range? I need a shop that will includes a good setup and reject bad examples. Some shop have views of the actual instrument you will receive.  Thats is a huge plus to me.

 

So far I like fiddlerman  stuff ( though no pics of what you actually get?), and I see Gliga from a 2 shop both with pics for actual stock. What other options to peruse?

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Christine (moonlitday)
PEI, Canada
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February 16, 2015 - 11:09 am
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The fiddlerman stock has pictures. He's also got video reviews for each violin he sells and they are each tested and adjusted as necessary before shipping. A lot of forum members have purchased instruments from fiddlerman and I plan on purchasing my next one from him as well. 

 

The fiddlershop youtube channel has the sample sound clips for each instrument they ship: https://www.youtube.com/channe.....KMnTHh-hTQ

 

While the fiddlerman channel has product reviews and lessons: 

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Wmacky

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February 16, 2015 - 2:10 pm
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moonlitday said
The fiddlerman stock has pictures. He's also got video reviews for each violin he sells and they are each tested and adjusted as necessary before shipping. A lot of forum members have purchased instruments from fiddlerman and I plan on purchasing my next one from him as well. 

 

The fiddlershop youtube channel has the sample sound clips for each instrument they ship: https://www.youtube.com/channe.....KMnTHh-hTQ

 

While the fiddlerman channel has product reviews and lessons: 

I did not see pics of the actual available violins. Perhaps I missed that. That would be great as they are high on my list currently. Not having a lot of luck finding other recommended choices in the $400 to $800 range? Other than Gliga. Where are these better than gligas options people post about in other forums?  We have Fiddlerman to start....

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Uzi
Georgia

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February 16, 2015 - 2:53 pm
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Welcome to the forum.  I know what you mean about the individual pictures like they have on the primary Gliga site. Fiddlerman does have stock pictures rather than pictures for each individual instrument.  However, he does a lot more than individual photos. If you ask, FM may create a video for you, showing you the actual violin he intends to ship AND he'll play it for you so that you can see how it sounds.  In addition, when it arrives, if you don't like it you can send it back for a full refund. Except for a possible return shipping charge, it's a pretty no risk way to go about getting an instrument.  I also encourage you to watch the videos associated with each violin to get a good idea how that particular model will look and sound.

It's not that I have anything against Gliga.  I think they are OK violins, but picking a violin based just on a photo is a pretty inaccurate way to go about getting a good fiddle. There a millions of violins out there that are very beautiful to look at, but are quite unplayable and conversely there are many fiddles out there that look like they've been buried in a coal mine for a few decades that sound amazing.  While you naturally want an instrument that looks good, tone and playability are more important. 

It's also important to note that many violins (and I think this includes Gligas) are shipped to the U. S. "in the white."  Which means that they are unfinished and have not been set up. The importer then finishes the instrument (sometimes including fairly major changes to the internal structure, fingerboard, etc.) and puts the varnish on the instrument.  Sometimes they are properly set up, sometimes not, depending on the importer.  If not, this means that the end customer has to either learn how to do violin set up on their own or take it to a luthier, which leads to additional cost after the sale. This is one of several reasons why, regardless of where you buy your instrument, that you get it from a reputable company that does the final set up (properly) and that has a no questions asked, 100% return policy. 

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
February 17, 2015 - 10:20 am
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16429

Thanks everyone,

The reason that we don't have individual pictures is that we turn over a lot of instruments very quickly. We prefer to dedicate our time to testing and adjusting the instruments rather then taking pictures. If we were to post pictures of all our instruments, the next month they would not be available. The fact that we sell a lot of instruments is good for keeping the price down. We need small margins to survive. :)

If you decide on a price range and give us a call we will be more than happy to take a few pictures of several instruments of your likings. Others have asked us to do that as well.

http://Fiddlershop.com
(954)530-5999

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Wmacky

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February 17, 2015 - 10:33 am
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I understand. And I'll take you up on that offer. I've decided on the master I think. I'm the one that sent the email looking for nice flame! BTW, I'm up the road from you in the Jacksonville area.

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Wmacky

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February 17, 2015 - 1:01 pm
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Thanks for the input everyone.

 

The order just went in for a Master model. Can't wait to get started with it.

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LyleA
Little Rock, AR

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February 17, 2015 - 1:17 pm
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Hope you enjoy your new violin!  Nothing quite as exciting as the day it arrives...

Never mind maneuvers, just go straight at them.

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Uzi
Georgia

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February 17, 2015 - 1:20 pm
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Congratulations!  I'm sure you're going to be very pleased.  If you have any questions, there are lots of knowledgeable people here to answer and the rest of us will probably answer too.

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright

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coolpinkone
California, the place of my heart
February 17, 2015 - 2:14 pm
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Congratulations!  

Can't wait to see how you like it. 

Cheers.

Toniviolin-1267

Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato

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Bunkei

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February 19, 2015 - 1:29 am
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Wmacky .. congrats on the instrument!  I'm going mention something that Fiddlerman has repeatedly stated in his videos: He does not review bad instruments.  Gliga is quite a popular brand, but yet Fiddlershop does not carry their violins. I'll leave it there.

Looking forward to pictures and maybe a video or two? :)

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Wmacky

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February 19, 2015 - 9:09 am
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Thanks!

 

Yeah I'll post some pics. As a matter of fact, if anybody has any pics they would like to post of their newer GCV Master, I'd love to see them, as there aren't that many good pics that I can find. Looks like a have a little bit of a wait before mine will arrive. This gives me time consider  a Kreisler Replica. I fell in love with the pics that were just posted of one. I'm afraid it's more instrument that I need, but it sure looks great. I wonder if the GCV master looks anything like it?

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LyleA
Little Rock, AR

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February 19, 2015 - 9:56 am
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@Wmacky GCV makes good instruments.  I don't think you will be disappointed regardless of which direction you go with them.

Never mind maneuvers, just go straight at them.

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Wmacky

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February 25, 2015 - 10:03 pm
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Interesting follow up!

 

I got cold feet while waiting for the Master shipments to come in, and cancelled my order yesterday. Wasn't sure I wanted to start a new instrument when I'm still not that great at the current one. Mike promptly refunded me, But mentioned the shipment had come and mine had already been selected, and adjusted, and it was fantastic! Curious, I asked for some pics. Well, that's all it took. I immediately repayed for MY violin. smileI thank Mike for his patience during my indecision. It shipped today, and as I'm only a few hours away, I should have it tomorrow!

 

Here's what changed my mind.......

 

IMG_31061.JPGImage EnlargerIMG_3107.JPGImage EnlargerIMG_3104.JPGImage EnlargerIMG_3103.JPGImage Enlarger

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Uzi
Georgia

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February 25, 2015 - 10:09 pm
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Oooh!  That's purdy.  Man, that back is very unique.

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright

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augustoad
Ponta Grossa, Paraná - Brazil
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February 25, 2015 - 10:39 pm
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Welcome aboard! Hope your new violin suits you. It looks gorgeous, by the way. :D

Skype: augustoad Email: [email protected] Phone number/whatsapp: +55 42 9861-4084. I'd be happy to talk anything fiddle-related to anyone! :)

 

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
February 25, 2015 - 11:55 pm
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Your violin was shipped and I remember it well. It's a good one to say the least. We'll be uploading a video tomorrow. :)

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Wmacky

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February 26, 2015 - 12:26 am
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Fiddlerman said
Your violin was shipped and I remember it well. It's a good one to say the least. We'll be uploading a video tomorrow. :)

Awesome! I was wondering if I'd get a video. I'd love to hear how good it sounds, as good sound won't be coming from me for a long time......violin-student.

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micra
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February 26, 2015 - 3:03 am
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Wow, that's gorgeous!  Congrats!  Mine has a two piece back, looks nothing like that one!

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Daniel_Shaped_Object
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February 26, 2015 - 6:33 am
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Oh wow, that is a nice-looking instrument! Gorgeous patterns on the backside. Congratulations!  

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