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So, I'm looking to buy a new violin in a few months, and I was thinking maybe between one of these two. Besides the price, I was wondering what the main differences are, or what is it that makes one more expensive.
I'm still very much a beginner. I guess I'm wondering too if any differences between the two would be so applicable to me as a beginner. Maybe it would still be okay to invest in the Master? Or would it also be an immediate matter of the Master being a little harder to play?
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The answer, like the answer to all questions of choice, is it depends. FM will have to answer your specific question because I jumped from the Concert to the new Soloist. I can tell you though, that for the money the Concert is a really good deal. On the other hand, if the extra 200 bucks is not a financial hardship, you'll be getting a better fiddle with a nicer finish and better tone, which is generally true of anything as you climb the price ladder. On the other hand, if you'd feel the loss of the extra $200, then the Concert is plenty good enough to get you through the first two or three or more years of playing. I'm pretty sure that some of the people here have been playing the Concert for years and feel no need at all to get a different one.
Edit:
Your question reminded me that I hadn't had the Concert out of the case for months. I got it out, tuned it up and lo and behold it still sounds pretty darn good. Does it sound as good as the soloist? Generally, no, but I would say that for some kinds of music, such as Angelina Baker, or Swallowtail jig, it really hits the spot right on, since it's quite a bit brighter and more "fiddle-like" than the soloist. Part of that is the strings, but part of it is the instrument itself. I need to play it more often. It plays easily and is set up nicely. Yup -- still a good fiddle.
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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@Spots My opinion is to buy the best you can afford. It will not be "too much" to handle and it will last you much longer as far as pleasing you. (Just my opinion...I started hearing other violins and wanting more from my violin after almost 2 years). On the exact anniversary, completely by co-incidence I received the Soloist Violin. Not the new one but the first edition Soloist.
@Uzi I like your reply.
You know when I came to the sight and people talk about bright violins, I have always had an impression in my mind, but never really knew. I have a violin very similar to the FM Concert violin (my first violin)....I don't play it .. but when I do play it, I notice something. And I think I just figured out by your comment. It is brighter. 
Funny how it takes us (well some of us ) a while to get some of the terminology down and "get it."
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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I own both the concert violin & viola. Im an advancing player and can tell you these are quality instruments that will carry you far into your journey
There is no shame in playing twinkle, youre playing Mozart
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Thanks for the feedback
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I have the Concert violin i bought the time Fiddlerman came out with the video demo. I don't remember how long ago that was. It's a wonderful violin for the money. Very light weight (which is important to me) i don't want a violin that feels like a brick on my shoulder, which a lot of beginner violins are. It keeps on pleasing my ear and feels good in my left hand. I thought about upgrading, but i would miss the sound if i do. Love this instrument. I scratched the back where a shoulder rest goes, the rubber foot on the rest was missing and i didn't realize it. Bow also makes a difference in the tone. All thing considered, i get more out of a wood bow.
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So, "a few months" turned in to "today." The more I kept researching and reading reviews, the more excited I was about it, and the more I realized I have a lifetime to make it up to my wife (: Only joking of course. When we bought our original violin, we did plan on it being a little longer until we got another one, but she's ok with the plan changing. Anyway, I am currently anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new Fiddlerman Concert violin...and the Fiddlerman cap...like I said I have a whole lifetime...I hope (:
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Congratulations. I'm sure you'll be very pleased. It's an easy playing fiddle and well set up. Have fun and keep us up to date on your progress.
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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TellTom - the feet for the shoulder rest should be in the box. If it's not please contact us and will take care of you. Sorry to hear that you couldn't find the feet.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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The violin came yesterday! It's great. Even the box it came in is great! My kids have been playing with that box all weekend now. They have a room full of toys, but put an empty box in front of them and they lose their minds. Again, love the violin
Each of us knows the joy of a new violin so we can truly share your joy.
We are happy for you and will be happy to share the joys of your journey.
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@Spots
Congratulations on the arrival of the new violin.
I am very excited as I am sure MANY are. YIPPPPEEEEE 
Hope to hear more about it. Pictures?
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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Congratulations on your new fiddle. I'm sure you're going to love it. Keep us posted on your progress and don't hesitate to ask if you have questions. There are many people here who are qualified to answer your questions and the rest of us will be happy to mislead you.
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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@Uzi ha ha.. that is so funny... I wonder if I go back how many I have led astray..... ha ha ha... good thing for me that I am a late bloomer and do most of the question asking... not answering. Lucky for you all. 
the rest of us will be happy to mislead you.
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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Thanks! (:
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That is great news Spots. Thanks for sharing.
I am glad that even the box got some good use. LOL
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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In actuality, I've heard that the better quality Violins really don't sound very mellow at all. They'll have a tendency to have alot of brilliance and projection and complexity, alot of which a beginner wouldn't be able to handle and be discouraged by. This is why I've heard..... that less experienced violinists/fiddlers have a tendency to choose a "mellower" Fiddle over a "brighter" one...is this true?
I mean, I've read that Violins by nature just aren't mellow instruments, and actually that extra bit of clarity and piercing brightness is what one should look for in a real quality violin, at least a professional concert violinist....at least this is what I've read. I think country, folk or bluegrass musicians can get by with with more inferior instruments given the settings they generally play in.
The Master model FM violin is the top of the line right? is that the one with the spirit varnish? I think that Solid yet "lightweight" feel is the mark of a better instrument.....the less wood they have the better they should resonate. The best luthiers always look for maximum amount of strength using the "least" amount of material when building violins. This is often why factory Fiddles can often be improved through a process of "re-graduating or "re-voicing" the tops and bass bars...."trimming the fat" a little if you will
" I just keep telling myself...."It's all about becoming one with your bow"
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Actually the Soloist is the top of the Fiddlerman Violin line. 
http://fiddlershop.com/fiddler.....iolin.html
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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