Welcome to our forum. A Message To Our New and Prospective Members . Check out our Forum Rules. Lets keep this forum an enjoyable place to visit.
Private messaging is working again.
Log In
Register
Home
Topic RSS
(1 votes) 
Member
Offline
I'm a 40 year old guy. When I was in the 6th Grade I wanted to be a fiddler like my Grandfather. We were lucky in that we had just moved to a city that was large enough to have and orchestra class. I begged my dear Mother to get me a violin. I was in Orchestra for 2 years and enjoyed it, and was doing ok with it. Then bad things happened and we had to sell everything we had and move. No more classes. I kept that cheap beginner violin with me through thick and thin and finally about 5 years ago I had it stored in a house that I had to leave vacant for a while while I worked out of state, and wouldn't you know it, someone got in there and stole it.
Well now I've matured a little. And my schedule has finally mellowed out and I caught myself thinking I'd like to get another violin and actually learn to fiddle. Classical is fine but I want to be a fiddler like my grandpa and play at dances and weddings and such. If it's even possible...
So I'm looking to buy an instrument. I don't want to spend thousands, as I've injured my arm - broke my left elbow and it's hard to twist it and I'm not even sure I'll be able to play anymore. That being said I don't want to pay hundreds and hundreds of dollars, but I absolutely don't want a cheap, crummy toy one either. I'm thinking my budget would support something in the 350-375 range. And then after I played a while (if I can...) Then maybe down the line if I got any good I could maybe buy a professional instrument. I guess, like everyone else, I'm looking for the absolute best I can get in this range. I like the idea of a kit too, I don't feel like hunting and pecking all over the place for this piece and that piece. I've been doing some research which has led me here. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks. - Kev.
Offline
Hey and welcome to the forum kevoxyde,
Glad to hear that your life is allowing you time for some fun stuff. 
We have a bunch of great people here that will be happy to guide you. I on the other hand am biased so you can't listen too much to me.
A few to consider would be:
Fiddlerman Master Violin
Fiddlerman Apprentice Violin
and the Kohr K500
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
Regulars
Offline
Welcome (back) Kevin. We are a rag tag group of people young and mostly old who just come here to share our love of music. Specifically the violin/viola. Most of us are beginners or just beyond. You can be assured, at what ever level of skill or ability, you will be unconditionally welcomed here. Some people are only "self taught" with the great tutorials here while others have formal lessons. Join in where you feel comfortable and don't sweat being "older" and learning.
I think PickFish, is our most senior player at the ripe young age of 84. Oh, wait a minute. He might only be 70. Well, now that I think about it, I'm not even sure he can collect retirement. He never mentioned getting a senior discount at Denny's. Hmmm. its possible he's under 50. I mean surely PF is not younger then 40. 
Well, regardless, be assured we do have people long into their years. Its a great time just being part of the Fiddlerman Community.
"I find your lack of Fiddle, disturbing" - Darth Vader
Member
Offline
So I've been looking hard at the Johannes Kohr K500P and the Fiddlerman Concert Violin. They are both about the same price once the case and stuff are figured in. I've watched the videos. I think it's about a toss up. My untrained eye and lack of experience can't tell them apart. I thought the Concert Master sounded a bit better, maybe, but it's just a video. I know every violin even by the same maker will sound a bit different. It's going to boil down to which is prettier I guess. I'm a big fan of fancy wood. Any opinions...even biased ones...are encouraged to help me decide. Preferably from someone who has experience with both instruments.
Member
Offline
My next violin will be the Concert Master....I think it has an incredible rich sound for the price. Pierre/Fiddlerman will do right by you & you won't be sorry with whichever one you choose. 
Offline
Welcome and good luck! Happy to see you here. The fine folks here won't steer you wrong when it comes to getting a violin / fiddle.
Nice to read your story.
Toni
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
Offline
The K500 appears to have a more new, perfected finish while the Concert violin has the hand made, less perfect, but more interesting finish. If you like an instrument to look brand new get the K500. The sound differs from instrument to instrument.
I test all the Fiddlerman instruments before we ship.
The Fiddlerman Concert Violin has a darker browner finish whereas the K500 has this red orange contemporary finish.
The Concert violin is more unique in it's appearance than the K500.
Both are great and now include the Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber bow with the outfit.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
1 Guest(s)
Mouse
ELCBK
Jols
Strabo
Fiddlerman
