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Yes, I am still lurking around out here. Struggling with my Viola 16.5. Not sure if it's just too big (not by my arm measurement) or if I'm just getting older. My practice time is short as I can't quite seem to get a comfortable and stable fit so I end up spending more energy keeping the instrument on my shoulder. I have tried a number of shoulder and chin rests and have not yet found a good match. SO, I am thinking of coming back to the violin. My Bro-in-law is the music director of our local high school and is looking for a donated student violin. Perfect, I can donate my wife's and buy myself something new. But what? I love my FM Master's viola and am leaning toward the FM Masters Violin. But, I am always watching the budget. Although I've been playing (sort of) for more than 12 years (with many breaks inbetween) I only consider myself an advanced beginner. Would the FM Comcert or FM Artist fit my needs or does it make more sense to buy as much as I can?
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It could be the viola is too big. My measurements said a 16". I had the same issues and went to a 15.5". Much better. The length might be there, but so is the age of my bones and joints.
Plus, I think the charts are a guide. Not everyone with measurements for a certain size have the body that will allow it, joints, flexibility, fingers, etc.
About a violin, I am a firm believer in what is best for you, in a budget you feel is right for you. That is a decision best made by you. That said, I would get what you can afford, keeping in mind, is it okay with me if it turns out I am not fond of it. Am I really ok to take the hit? I donate mine when I upgrade, so I don't recoup anything, but the donation is well worth it. I have upgraded to my limit.
My last upgrade gave me a violin that is so much easier to play, and I thought my upgrade to the Concert Deluxe was great, it is being donated on a few weeks. I upgraded to a Holstein Workshop Lord Wilton. The sound is fantastic and it is much easier for me to tell when I am on tune.
But, your ears may hear a little better. I needed that extra clarity the HW Lord Wilton gives me. I think my hearing downgraded a little since I bought the Concert Deluxe because when I upgraded to that Concert Deluxe, from the one I had before it, it was the same feeling as when I just upgraded from the Concert Deluxe to the Lord Wilton, clarity and ease of playing was obvious. If I can hear more clearly, it is easier for me. Not sure if that is the way for everyone. So, that is my experience, not sure if it coincides with your needs.
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Many professional violists downsize to a smaller viola as they get older, because it gets harder to keep up an intense practice and performing schedule with a large viola.
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Thanks. I decided to do some updates to my wife's Eastman violin and work on that a while to be sure I'd be happy with the transition. Still want to donate an instrument but will have to decide a little down the road what I eventually want to choose. Maybe wait for the next big FM sale
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In my opinion you are better off getting something more than the Master. The Concert Deluxe and the Artist are both student violins. The Artist is better quality, but it is still a student violin. So are the Master and Solo despite the marketing.
Will they play? Yes. Will they play as easily as a benchmade violin? No. Will they sound like a benchmade violin? Again, no.
If you're someone who already knows how to play, you need an instrument which will help you play well rather than struggle with the limitations of a student violin. Setup and upgrades will not offset those limitations because they're inherent in the instrument.
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