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I'm new here. My kids are all grown and one of my grandkids (8 years old) is talking about learning to play the violin. I never played one, and my kids played the flute and trumpet, so I know absolutely nothing about violins. Can anyone give me some input on the Strunal violins? I like the fact that they are handmade, but I'm not really sure if that matters much. I found them on this site – http://violins-for-sale.com. I would like to buy a new one instead of one that's used and the prices seem to be ok. Any help would be appreciated. Also, if you know of a better one than the student ones by this manufacturer, I would love to know which ones you feel are best. Thanks for your help!
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Hi, and welcome!
Have you checked out Fiddlershop.com? The owner, who goes by Fiddlerman on the forums and chat, posted some reviews of the CVNs on Youtube and they seem to be pretty solid beginners' instruments. A lot of the posters around here seem to play them, at least. They're also less expensive than the ones on that site so if the kid doesn't like it then you won't be out too much.
http://fiddlershop.com/Instrum…..ts/Violin1
I think the "handmade" aspect of any violin is really more marketing than anything else. There are plenty of good violins that use both machined components and hand assembly. It really comes down to the individual instrument. (Shoot FM an email or lurk around the chat. He can really help you out.) Also, an 8 year old isn't going to care too much so long as it sounds halfway decent and is relatively easy to play.
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Joe, you owe it to yourself to check out the Cecilios at Fiddlershop.com [link to the right]. Some decent reviews, and Fiddlerman is intent on making sure you are satisfied with your purchase.
I know some folks have found value in going to their local violin shop to try out various models, but there's no surety of a quality product just because you've held it at the shop and it's important to know the shop (whether brick & mortar or online) stands behind their products.
Best of luck!
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I checked out that site. Unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to test the Strunal violins. This is the first I hear about them.
A few things to be cautious of after visiting the site. They have a video on why you should buy a hand-made violin which has nothing to do with their instruments.
Also they have a demo of one of their violins which someone is playing in a stairwell with a bad quality video recorder. That is like playing in a bathroom, you can't really get a conception of the sound. Not that it is bad in itself but the proof is not there what-so-ever.
The video that they posted on why buy a hand made violin is for the Gliga violins that are made in Romania.
No where on their site does it state where their violins are made.
The term hand-made is very loose now a days. Many violins, as with the Cecilio's are hand made in China. Supposedly 70% of all violins made in the world are made in China. Sometimes people claim a violin is made somewhere when it's made in China and assembled elsewhere.
The Chinese make fantastic instruments as well as cheap bad ones.
As ftufc said, one of the best ways to buy an instrument is to find a maker or dealer and try them out but you are best off bringing someone who knows how to play with you. You'll find that the prices are different though.
Your budget for the instrument makes a big difference too.
In any case, good luck with your pursuit. Hope you find a great fiddle for your grandkid. It's always a good idea to encourage them when they are asking for it.
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Thanks for the information. I did find out that the violins are made in Czeckoslavakia <sp?> I appreciate your help since I'm flying blind in this…
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Where did you get this information?
It sounds suspicious since Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.
I have no idea what kind of work they do. I've never tried any instruments made in the Czech Republic but there are great and bad luthiers everywhere.
Maybe someone here has tried one of those violins.
I would almost bet that they are made in Slovakia instead.
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The site for the mfr -- http://www.strunal.cz/en/default.aspx says Czech Republic. Sorry I took so long to get back to you, I have been a bit preoccupied. I think I am going to get one of the Strunal student ones and see what I think.
Thanks for all your help.
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You're welcome. Let us know how you like it.
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Just checking back in – the kid likes the Strunal violin – got the 220 (not sure that I know what is different between the two student ones) – still very 'squeaky" but he is staying with it.
(As a side note, it didn't bother me much that the video on their site was of another maker, I traded a few emails and the site admin told me that the video was the best one he ever saw showing how a handmade violin is actually put together.)
Thanks for all your help – we'll see where the g-kid is further down the road.
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