Hello, I've been a Fiddlerman.com lurker and 1stfiddlerman \"student\" at YT for a couple of years now and am now in the position to buy a violin. I have a few questions for which I'm hoping I can get some peer advice.

First: The type of music I'd ultimately like to play are the more powerful, energetic concertos such as Sibelius, Carmen Fantasy, Tzigane, Zigeunerweisen and other Sarasate and the like. Such pieces have broad emotion, depth and even sometimes peasant-like quality.

Level: Beginner.

The choice is narrowed to two instruments:

Fiddlerman Concert Violin: http://fiddlershop.com/fiddler.....iolin.html

Johannes Kohr K500: http://fiddlershop.com/johanne.....k500p.html

Questions:

Is one better suited for my musical style?

Which would progress the furthest to higher proficiency levels?

Which plays higher finger positions better?

Any optional aftermarket tweaks for either? (just curious; not a deal breaker)

What kind of strings come on the Kohr?

Misc:

Are options still available as mentioned in the Kohr video? (strings, boxwood...)

If so, how are requests made?

Are there any advantages to the wood frog on the FM CFB?

Thank you very much for the advice. These sites are tremendously helpful. I hope my questions aren't redundant--and if they are, not too terribly redundant.

Pierre, thank you. And thank you for whoever might be able to help.

Catherine