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Looking at a first violin. I don't need a expensive antique, but I would like something a little nicer than basic. I've noticed some standard price points. I'm debating between the $400 dollars point, and the next step up $800 range.
I was all set on a beautiful Gliga Gama model, but starting reading some negative stuff, about better options at those price points, but those options are never listed! I guess these negative comments are going to be common for all the low range models.
What other option in this range? I need a shop that will includes a good setup and reject bad examples. Some shop have views of the actual instrument you will receive. Thats is a huge plus to me.
So far I like fiddlerman stuff ( though no pics of what you actually get?), and I see Gliga from a 2 shop both with pics for actual stock. What other options to peruse?


The fiddlerman stock has pictures. He's also got video reviews for each violin he sells and they are each tested and adjusted as necessary before shipping. A lot of forum members have purchased instruments from fiddlerman and I plan on purchasing my next one from him as well.
The fiddlershop youtube channel has the sample sound clips for each instrument they ship: https://www.youtube.com/channe.....KMnTHh-hTQ
While the fiddlerman channel has product reviews and lessons:

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moonlitday said
The fiddlerman stock has pictures. He's also got video reviews for each violin he sells and they are each tested and adjusted as necessary before shipping. A lot of forum members have purchased instruments from fiddlerman and I plan on purchasing my next one from him as well.
The fiddlershop youtube channel has the sample sound clips for each instrument they ship: https://www.youtube.com/channe.....KMnTHh-hTQ
While the fiddlerman channel has product reviews and lessons:
I did not see pics of the actual available violins. Perhaps I missed that. That would be great as they are high on my list currently. Not having a lot of luck finding other recommended choices in the $400 to $800 range? Other than Gliga. Where are these better than gligas options people post about in other forums? We have Fiddlerman to start....

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Welcome to the forum. I know what you mean about the individual pictures like they have on the primary Gliga site. Fiddlerman does have stock pictures rather than pictures for each individual instrument. However, he does a lot more than individual photos. If you ask, FM may create a video for you, showing you the actual violin he intends to ship AND he'll play it for you so that you can see how it sounds. In addition, when it arrives, if you don't like it you can send it back for a full refund. Except for a possible return shipping charge, it's a pretty no risk way to go about getting an instrument. I also encourage you to watch the videos associated with each violin to get a good idea how that particular model will look and sound.
It's not that I have anything against Gliga. I think they are OK violins, but picking a violin based just on a photo is a pretty inaccurate way to go about getting a good fiddle. There a millions of violins out there that are very beautiful to look at, but are quite unplayable and conversely there are many fiddles out there that look like they've been buried in a coal mine for a few decades that sound amazing. While you naturally want an instrument that looks good, tone and playability are more important.
It's also important to note that many violins (and I think this includes Gligas) are shipped to the U. S. "in the white." Which means that they are unfinished and have not been set up. The importer then finishes the instrument (sometimes including fairly major changes to the internal structure, fingerboard, etc.) and puts the varnish on the instrument. Sometimes they are properly set up, sometimes not, depending on the importer. If not, this means that the end customer has to either learn how to do violin set up on their own or take it to a luthier, which leads to additional cost after the sale. This is one of several reasons why, regardless of where you buy your instrument, that you get it from a reputable company that does the final set up (properly) and that has a no questions asked, 100% return policy.
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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Honorary tenured advisor
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Congratulations! I'm sure you're going to be very pleased. If you have any questions, there are lots of knowledgeable people here to answer and the rest of us will probably answer too.
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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Wmacky .. congrats on the instrument! I'm going mention something that Fiddlerman has repeatedly stated in his videos: He does not review bad instruments. Gliga is quite a popular brand, but yet Fiddlershop does not carry their violins. I'll leave it there.
Looking forward to pictures and maybe a video or two?

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Thanks!
Yeah I'll post some pics. As a matter of fact, if anybody has any pics they would like to post of their newer GCV Master, I'd love to see them, as there aren't that many good pics that I can find. Looks like a have a little bit of a wait before mine will arrive. This gives me time consider a Kreisler Replica. I fell in love with the pics that were just posted of one. I'm afraid it's more instrument that I need, but it sure looks great. I wonder if the GCV master looks anything like it?

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Interesting follow up!
I got cold feet while waiting for the Master shipments to come in, and cancelled my order yesterday. Wasn't sure I wanted to start a new instrument when I'm still not that great at the current one. Mike promptly refunded me, But mentioned the shipment had come and mine had already been selected, and adjusted, and it was fantastic! Curious, I asked for some pics. Well, that's all it took. I immediately repayed for MY violin. I thank Mike for his patience during my indecision. It shipped today, and as I'm only a few hours away, I should have it tomorrow!
Here's what changed my mind.......

Honorary tenured advisor
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Welcome aboard! Hope your new violin suits you. It looks gorgeous, by the way.
Skype: augustoad Email: augustoaguieiras@hotmail.com Phone number/whatsapp: +55 42 9861-4084. I'd be happy to talk anything fiddle-related to anyone! :)

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