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Hi Everybody,
I'm looking for advice on finding a luthier. My violin is not in trouble (yet) but I figured it's like finding a good doctor, better to have one before you need one. Any helpful hints on what to look for ( or who if its near the Chicagoland area). I'm kinda nervous because not only am I self taught but I also purchased my violin online (Gliga gama). The violin world is intimidating enough without those two things counting against me in some circles. What questions should I ask for a basic instrument check up? Is it even necessary? I don't know what to expect but like I said, already having someone in mind seems like good maintenance. What do you guys think. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Nicole
"One must always practice slowly. If you learn something slowly, you forget it slowly."
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This place sounds like it might be good: A440 Violinshop.com
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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ncwclark said
.........not only am I self taught but I also purchased my violin online (Gliga gama). The violin world is intimidating enough without those two things counting against me in some circles..............
Neither one of those things are considered negative here. You'll probably be able to figure out if it's a good luthier by just talking to him/her and seeing the workshop.... If the first thing he says to you is that your instrument is junk, that is a sign that he is not good and just wants to sell you an instrument. 
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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I'd also say that as a Guitar Luthier, if I see a customer come in asking about a setup (which is what guitars need most often) I don't try and upsell them on refinishing their guitar or something crazy like that. I just give them the price and let them play an instrument I've set up recently.
In luthierie the proof is in the pudding... er Tone and playability rather. If they give you a violin to jam on and a bow, it shows confidence in their work. If they trash talk your instrument, leave. They aren't trying to help you, just sell an instrument.
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@Uzi: thanks for the link, I'll check out their website
@Fiddlerman: Yep, that's why I like this site. Everyone is friendly and non-judgmental. If only the rest of the world would be so kind I don't post often, but I'm always poking around reading (and learning) from the forums and videos.
@Joe Average: It seems both you and Pierre are hitting on the same thing so I will definitely take that into consideration. Hard selling + trashing talking =RUN!!!!
"One must always practice slowly. If you learn something slowly, you forget it slowly."
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ncwclark - I just noticed your signature under your posts. I like that. LOL
Not sure it's 100% true but I like it a lot. If nothing else, it get's us to practice slowly which benefits many aspects of playing.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Yeah - if I can just remember to do it (practice slowly). As a beginner I think you can make almost anything sound decent if you slow the tempo down enough but what I hear in my head collaborates with my my fingers and they want to run off and do their own thing. I keep trying to learn Swallowtail Jig. Love that song. As long as I go slow, okay, but the music takes off in my head and my hands have other ideas! I'll get it one of these days.
"One must always practice slowly. If you learn something slowly, you forget it slowly."
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I also have to remind myself to practice slowly.... SwallowTail is my Nemesis in regard to tempo.. I can't keep the starting tempo .. I get faster and faster... I can barely control myself... grrrrh...
I will write your signature line on a paper and put it on my violin stand for now.
Thanks.
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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LoL, Put NewClarks' sig line with mine and you can practice all day and never forget! LOL
"If you practice with your hands you must practice all day. Practice with your mind and you can accomplish the same amount in minutes." Nathan Milstein
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