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I've been considering picking up the violin for quite some time, but I've never had the opportunity. I'm looking to purchase a violin outfit in the 400-600 dollar range. Although, I'm just starting out I'm not sure that a "beginner" instrument is right for me. I'm currently a university classical guitar performance major, and prior to studying classical guitar I played orchestral bass. Given my background I have a good feeling I would outpace a cheaper instrument quickly (There isn't a particularly good chance of me "quitting" the instrument either). I would particularly like a violin with a darker more mellow sound but one with good projection (primarily because I'd immagine that my style of violin playing would line up with my guitar playing, and that's what I look for in all my guitars). I really like the kohr K565, but I'm open to whatever recommendations you can throw at me.
As a side note, I've noticed that even the 300 dollar violins sound better than half of the freshman violin majors who are obviously playing considerably more expensive instruments when Fiddlerman plays them. So clearly im not sure how to judge what I would sound like based on the video reviews.
Any help is much appreciated.
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ace1112
I can only say this having been at this and taking lessons for about 5 months now the violin is hands down the one of the most complicated instruments to learn its good your asking before you buy unlike myself your going to hear this from other members of this forum and this advice has been proven to me put thought into calling Fiddlershop they are very helpful and have outfits that certainly should fall into your budget range.
You don't have to take my word for it but you won't be sorry going with them you can rent from local shops or buy from them but shops or music stores typically don't cater to orchestra type instruments such as violin viola etc.
Set up bows and strings are all important as well nothing is ever ready to play right out of the box and knowing Fiddlerman knows his stuff all of what I've seen in the store for outfits seem as if their good and they also try to fit good stings to what ever instrument they get into their store I just can't see as to where you could go wrong with people who know the instruments they sell.
Just remember dedication to the playing aspect is going to be up to you,so even though a video review of a violin sounds good in the hands of a person who has played for years if you do get a violin keep in mind your going to sound bad no matter what instrument you purchase or at least until you've practiced for a while.
Good luck and happy fiddling
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I am considering upgrading my instrument>> This is where I will be going.
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Of course I'm looking at the fiddler shop! why else would I be on the forums?
The selection is fantastic almost to a fault,and, as far as I can tell, they really care about the instruments they sell. Plus the shop is located right in my area (about 45 minutes) away which means I probably won't have to worry about shipping messing with the set up that they do. I will almost certainly be buying there.
The problem is they have at least 5 violins that strike my fancy in my price range (and a few easily within stretching distance). I'm sure they have other options that I haven't even considered yet as well. I was looking for advice on which specific model would best suit my needs.
(Watchtower: I know from experience that I won't sound anything like I should until I practice a bunch (that's how I got into the music school of my dreams). I guess what I meant to ask was if there were any beginners like me that could attest to the sound quality of these instruments outside of the hands of a professional player)
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maybe you should get along and see about meeting them face to face?
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Price: $399.99 >>
Fiddlerman Concert Violin
Right in your price range > Don't assume this is gonna be a piece of cake just cause you play the guitar > this is a different kind of gig. > I would go with this. Unless you are looking for electric. > A friend once told me >> if ya can't play acoustic > you can't play.
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What about the Cecillio 600's/700's?
Rattus: I'd love to be able to try them out. Does anyone know if they have a showroom in ft lauderdale or if it's just a factory type set up? I'm not sure how much I'd benefit since I've only played the instrument a few times. Given the proximity and the fact that I'm already pretty sure I'll be buying from fiddler shop, that might be the best option.
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I don't know myself, but it's worth finding out.
even without the playing experience yourself, if you could get someone to play a few different ones the same, so you can hear the difference, and get their opinion on how different they feel to play
@ace1112; You have a couple viable option's. You can contact, Pierre / Fiddlerman by phone or go direct to his store / outlet.
Contacting him by phone, you can connect with him on "Skype" and he will be happy to demonstrate any vioilin you may be interested in and also get is input on which one would be best for your need's.
Or, you can go there and meet him in person, as a couple member's here have already done that and taken their instrument with them when they leave his store.
Last year I was interested in purchasing the August F. Kohr / K550. Talking with Pierre / Fiddlerman in the Shout Box, he suggested that I may want to consider the "Concert Violin", which at that time was called the "Concert Master Violin". He told me to call him on the phone. Arrangement's were made for a "Skype" demonstration, he played three that he had in stock and let me choose which one I liked best, each had a different sound. In fact one of them sounded bad enough that he himself said he wasn't happy with it and was going to send it back to the factory.
Pierre will give you his professional opinion as he is a true professional, not only in his music, but the way he operate's and manage's the Fiddlershop.
Good luck with your adventure.
Ken.
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It might be worth mentioning that I plan to play almost strictly classical music. I wonder if that makes a difference in any of the recommendations I've been getting?
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I would say acoustic.
Several players here own Kohrs and LOVE them! I have not actually played or touched the new FM line, but I TRUST Pierre. If he says the FM Violins are better when I am ready for an upgrade I'll look there first.
I 2nd what Stonedog's friend says >> if ya can't play acoustic > you can't play.
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