I have purchased accessories from Fiddlershop through Amazon. Talked to Pierre and Michael by phone about bows and YEV104 a while back. Long time forum and YouTube watcher first time poster.  Long story short, My daughter is ready for a 4/4 violin. Shopped a little at local luthiers shop, haven't "trialed" anything yet. Trial testing violins is our next step. Knowing this day was coming,  I active listened to most fiddlershop youtube videos and kind of like the whole Fiddlerman method.

The violins I feel most attracted to are, all the Holstein Benchmades, partial to Panette, David, and the Zhu G909. Truthfully, even with headphones on YouTube, I cant tell much difference between the DG benchmades and Zhu G925 and G909. My ear is just not that good. What I like most about these violins is the dark tone, the balance sluring from low to high, the clicky clarity in 3rd position on E, and TONE TONE TONE. I wish I could say something more descriptive than tone but that is the best way I can describe it... I cant describe the taste of wine very well either.

To further complicate things, I like the NEW Leduc, Guadagdnini and others in the Benchmade lineup. I have been waiting for some detailed descritions of the new models but nothing has posted online.  Can anyone help me to understand better the differences with the new models. and how much sound and construction difference is there between the Zhu 909 and Holstein Benchmades? Thanks in advance for your opinions and help. I will be calling Michael next.

Jason