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Hello all,
I have been on the lookout for used violins for a while. I finally find one that is promising. I will be going to try it on Saturday. I know a major component of buying an instrument is how it sounds and feels. Apart from that, can anyone give me advice on how to tell if you are getting a quality instrument at a good price? The list price is $365, but seller has gone down to $310 for me.
This is the description in the ad for the violin. I've attached pictures of the instrument too.
"I've had this violin for 10 years and I haven't had the time to play nor am I interested in getting back into it anytime soon. This violin is made in Korea and it has been through many concerts such as BSO. This violin has also gone through many modifications as seen in the pictures.
Included accessories:
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- Kun Bravo Shoulder Rest
- Concert Bow (x2)
- Bow Rosin
- Case
Modifications:
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- Standard bridge is replaced with an ebony insert on the A and E strings
- Replaced the friction pegs to planetary pegs (or gear pegs makes it easier to tune.
- Removed fine tuners
- Replaced nut"
Thank you!
Rodas
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The original owner expended about $250 of labor into the violin alone, so he/she must have thought that the sound was promising. Looks to be well cared for as well. I think that you will enjoy the Knilling pegs. I have them on my violin.
And you get an opportunity to play it before purchase, which is a bonus. Good luck this weekend and tell us how you make out.
Success is the progressive realisation of a worthy ideal. —Earl Nightingale.
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Thanks for the breakdown, that was my train of thought as well. I will be sure to update after my trail on Saturday. @Irv
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Hi @ryonass
That looks like a really nice instrument! @Irv That's a really useful calculation when considering a used violin. But in the end, you're both correct on the main point. Being able to play a used instrument before purchasing is a huge plus (HUGE.)
Before I finally bought a new 30th b-day present violin for my son, I was also scouting around for charming used instruments and it was a lot of fun.
If the violin turns out not be be your cup of tea, take a look at this "unlabeled sample" over at Fiddlershop. https://fiddlershop.com/collec.....olin-no-54
When I bought my son's b-day violin from them, it was a toss between this one and another sample. I was actually thinking of getting it for myself to put octave strings on but I've been on enough of a spending spree for now. Michael O'Gieblyn played it for me and, naturally, it sounded very nice. I also played it and it was very comfortably set up. Same price range as the one you're looking at and same shop return guarantee as all their stuff.
I hope you make a great discovery on Saturday and I, too, will stay tuned for your follow-up 
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@bocaholly hanks for showing me another option. I will def take a look if I don't like the violin on Saturday.
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As a beginner I’m not very helpful with this kind of questions, I just don’t have the experience/ knowledge in buying used violins. Wish you good luck and fun for Saturday, it’s great that you can play on it. And who knows, you fall in love.....?
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about dancing in the rain!!
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@mookje thank you!
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And.......how was your visit ?? Just curious ?
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about dancing in the rain!!
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I tried the violin and brought my own to compare the sound. To my surprise I preferred the sound and finger action of my violin more. This was the first time I’ve tried a different violin and it made me realize I will need to upgrade to a high end instrument for it to feel like an updgrade. I forgot I own an intermediate level violin. On the plus side I did enjoyed using those tuning pegs.
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Thx for “reporting back” @ryonass
In an unexpected way, sounds like a nice surprise about the violin you already have
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@bocaholly it was a good learning opportunity. I’ve decided I’ll take the next couple of months to try as many violins as possible at my local shops.
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That must be a real surprise indeed, but a nice one ? Good luck and fun with you’re quest for another violin!
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about dancing in the rain!!
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