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These violins are what I'm looking at.
https://chicago.craigslist.org.....74489.html
https://chicago.craigslist.org.....73903.html
it seems the store he bought them for was much more and I did go into the shop and they said it was their older models. Do you think these could be worth it for their price? and other than cracks and obvious signs of damage. what else should I look out for when I meet him to check them out. I'm just starting the violin after a long time of not playing so I don't know exactly what I should be looking for. but If I can get what would usually be sold as a $2000+ violin with a nice $400 bow and $200 case for $1500 I would like to do that.
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For that money you can probably get a better Fiddlerman violin from Fiddlershop and delivered free to Chicago. Check out their site and ask them questions. Terrific customer service.
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I think Quinlan & Fabish is a school instrument rental business. So, they are not the maker of the violins, as far as I can tell. I looked on their site. I also Googled S. B. Elbel and did not come up with a violin. You should at least Google the information the seller provided and see if you can find anything different than I found.
Personally, not knowing who exactly made the violin, I would not buy one online. Yes, I have purchased a violin from Craigs List but it was only $20 list price and I went to see it and play it. It was owned by the seller’s uncle who bequeathed it to the nephew, is a musical family. The Seller did not play violin so he knew nothing about it. His Uncle played it for decades professionally with fiddlers in the area.
I played it, loved the sound and gave him more than asked for because I did not want to take advantage of the seller who was thinking that because it looked used (character), it was no good.
For the money you are willing to pay, I would not buy an instrument from Craigs List I know nothing about, especially the luthier/company who made it. Does the seller, him or herself, even know anything about violins?
Now, I could be wrong. Maybe my search was erroneous, but I would do some searching. Keep in mind, I am also still a student.
Like I said in the above post, for the money you are will to spend, check out Fiddlershop. They make quality affordable string instruments. Purchases shipped in the USA over $25 are shipped free. You can ask them questions via on their site via the little green chat bubble you find when looking at items, email them, ask questions via then”ask a question” on the item’s site page, and/or call them. They are extremely customer oriented and make quality instruments. I purchased their Concert Deluxe Violin last year. It is fantastic and the set up was top notch. It was delivered expertly packed with tracking.
That is what I would do. You could also check other stores online (I highly recommend Fiddlershop because of their quality and customer service) or try violins locally. Personally, I would not purchase the two violins listed, but again, I am a student.
In the end, it is up to you. I am not telling you to buy either one, or not to buy either one. I am just saying what I would do and offering alternatives. I am also suggesting you do a search and see if you come up with something different.
I am not sure if this was of any help, but that is what I have to offer. 🙂
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Sorry, just noticed you are buying for a beginner. I would definitely go to Fiddlershop. The set up is very important. If it is a child, (s)he may not be big enough for a full size violin. Fiddlershop will work with you on the proper setup and size. That is very important with a violin. You are not going to get any customer support from a Craigs List seller. If you do not know anything about violins yourself, you will definitely need to shop for one at a violin shop in person or an excellent online business that has impeccable customer service, that is Fiddlershop.
I do not work there and am not affiliated with them and do not get paid for recommending. I am just a very enthusiastic and happy customer. I do not recommend brick and mortar or online stores unless I am happy with their product and service. The help they provided with my Concert Deluxe was fantastic and I think it was less than $600, if I remember correctly. The violin is lovely and sounds fantastic! It has a terrific case, bow, shoulder rest, etc. Check out Fiddlershop.com yourself before going to Craigs List. They have a long line of violins in different prices ranges.
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cid said
Sorry, just noticed you are buying for a beginner. I would definitely go to Fiddlershop. The set up is very important. If it is a child, (s)he may not be big enough for a full size violin. Fiddlershop will work with you on the proper setup and size. That is very important with a violin. You are not going to get any customer support from a Craigs List seller. If you do not know anything about violins yourself, you will definitely need to shop for one at a violin shop in person or an excellent online business that has impeccable customer service, that is Fiddlershop.I do not work there and am not affiliated with them and do not get paid for recommending. I am just a very enthusiastic and happy customer. I do not recommend brick and mortar or online stores unless I am happy with their product and service. The help they provided with my Concert Deluxe was fantastic and I think it was less than $600, if I remember correctly. The violin is lovely and sounds fantastic! It has a terrific case, bow, shoulder rest, etc. Check out Fiddlershop.com yourself before going to Craigs List. They have a long line of violins in different prices ranges.
I am the beginner, I haven't played since 5th grade and am trying to get back into it. I looking at the $1300-1500 range so it lasts me a bit of time. I did check out a few shops near me and I preferred the soloist III from stringworks, which is to the warmer end (not as warm as their Maestro) and could project well. the Fiddlershop seems to have good options, but I'm not really sure how they sound and play, and they don't a brick and mortar store making it harder if I need help. but if you're familiar with stringworks, are there any options that would be similar to the soloist III I could look at?
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Sorry, never heard of Stringworks.
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That budget gives you some options on a new violin instead of going the craigs list way for what will be a 2nd hand violin thats, if I'm understanding the post, Is pretty much what you could buy new. Most of the violin stores in my area have some sort of import violin branded for them in one fashion or another and most of the new imports range from 500 to 2500 or so. of cousre you could go higher but I'm thinking from what Ive seen your budget can get you a NEW outfit with a case and bow with some sort of warranty. since we are on the fiddlerman forum and Ive bought from fiddlershop I'd say look at the soloist (not to be confused with the soloist III from stringworks) model from fiddlershop. It is a little worrisome ordering an instrument online but they do a great job with the packaging and support. The soloist is on sale right now for 1250 by the way. But, if you have tried the stringworks new violin and like it I say go for that one since you have the store right there and they can help you locally and such. other than that checkout the soloist at fiddlershop. as far as Craigslist I personally would be cautious unless you have someone who knows what they are looking at with you that could try it out and look it over. my 2 cents.
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Gregw beat me to it. i was nust going to mention the “Soloist” being on sale at at Fiddlershop.
I am a bit confused by the original post. Are you thinking of buying it from Craigslist or in a store? Like Gregw said, the Craigslist price is not that much of a deal.
You can hear samples of the violins Fiddlershop plays when on the site. My Concert Deluxe sound matched up to the real deal when I got it. Not pushing it, I just forgot to mention it. I have purchased in person at a store and through Fiddlershop. Same result, great service and two beautiful violins.
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