Even though I'm at nine months in violin (almost a year--yeah!), I had three violins that I bought used, and decided to pare down the collection.

Yesterday, I sold a violin through Craigslist, and a high school viola player came with her parents to look at it.  She was all county on viola, and wanted to get a violin.

She picked up my violin and started to play a piece she knew, and well-- that violin that was about to leave my home sounded very very nice.  Her parents bought it for her, and I was happy to see it go to a good home and a musician that could make it shine.

I was wondering, have any other beginners let an experienced person play your violin? It might sound quite nice, and help to motivate you.  I'm a self learner, so really right now, it's just me trying to figure things out.

Anyway, I still have two violins at home, and that should be plenty.  I've also been paring down my collection of violin books (I decided to switch from the classical etude books, and refocus on traditional Celtic dance music instead).  For me, first it was acquire too much stuff to try different things, and now I'm paring down to what I really need, and focus on learning the music.  I can't tell you how many different shoulder rests, chin rests, rosins, strings, mutes, etc. I've tried, but think I now have what works for me.

These are just my thoughts.  I'm interested in hearing the experiences of other members here, and getting to know you better.  I'm still not ready to post a video yet (and a bit technically challenged on that too), but perhaps in a few months.