Violin people, I need some help.

[SSSnail]

I have a nephew that's been playing violin for a few years now, my little sister's kid. He's not exactly a prodigy, but the kid is very good for his age. He's been playing on this crap violin, which I don't even know who makes it.

I was talking to my sister and offer to get him a violin for Xmas, and she wanted to get him a good one because she thinks the kid has potential, I do too. I don't know ANYTHING about violins, accept for the fact that I really enjoy the sounds, and most of the classical CDs I have are string. I think it's the only instrument that can actually sing.

I don't want to spend more than $1K, and I also want to get something of quality, for a 10 yrs old. If you guys can recommend something that's of quality, I'd appreciate this a lot.

 

[Tiamat]

don't make it a surprise. You need to take the kid and get him "fitted" for the violins. Every violin sounds different, and the kid will have preferences (but wont be able to put words to those preferences).

 

[Canai]

Yeah, let the player choose the instrument. It's the way it's meant to be.

 

[mordantmonkey]

he's 10. aside from proper sizing (which you don't really need him for; they only come in a few sizes) it doesn't really matter. He won't be old enough to declare a preference for "sound". Just get him something decent in your price range.

 

[BoberFett]

Not to mention he's going to grow out of it anyway. At 10 he probably plays a 1/2 size. I had long fingers so I started on a 3/4. If he stays with it for long he's probably going to switch instruments at least a couple of times.

 

[Dacalo]

Just go to a local music shop and look around. Remember, he is only 10, so he will grow out of current size. Don't get him something super nice, it will be useless. Unless he is using full-sized violin already.

 

[esun]

I agree on not getting anything too nice. Just stick to the student violins. Once he gets to full size (unless he's already at full size, in which case you can be a little spendy), I would find a local luthier and see what s/he has. Assuming s/he's good, s/he can provide good advice on some violins to try. You can then have your nephew try them out and see which he likes most.

 

[SSSnail]

Thanks guys!

Does anybody have any particular preference or experience with these Ivan Dunov?

 

[FreshPrince]

Text

 

[tfinch2]

My mom bought me a used William Lewis & Sons violin when I was around that same age for around $700. You can get so much more for your money when you buy a good used instrument.

 

[mordantmonkey]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
My mom bought me a used William Lewis & Sons violin when I was around that same age for around $700. You can get so much more for your money when you buy a good used instrument.

so true. check the classifieds for violins for sale in rich neighborhoods. my first bach strad (trumpet) was from some rich kid who had obviously never played it in the 6 mo.s he had it. got it for less than half of retail!

 

[Alistar7]

Talk to his instructor, he/she should be able to give you some good advice suited specifically to your nephew.

 

[BoberFett]

Forgot to mention the other thing to think about: the bow. At the price range you're looking, you can easily spend as much on a quality bow as you do the violin itself. Don't buy an expensive violin just to have him drag a $50 bow across the strings. If you're going to do this, get a set that complements each other.

 

[SKC]

agreed on not spending too much on a stepping stone violin, but at the same time I would advise against looking strictly at "student" classified violins. If you were in norcal I could recommend some decent shops (PM me if you'll be in the area); I would definitely say that you should bring your nephew with you to try them out. Violins (probably other instruments too, but this is my area of experience) can speak to their owners; what might be highly regarded by some might be completely disliked by others. Good luck with your search, and cheers to you for helping foster a child's creative talents.

 

[dougp]

Originally posted by: mordantmonkey
he's 10. aside from proper sizing (which you don't really need him for; they only come in a few sizes) it doesn't really matter. He won't be old enough to declare a preference for "sound". Just get him something decent in your price range.

Not true ... if he's been playing for awhile and has a good musical understanding, then tone and depth will mean a LOT to him.

I'm in the boat of, I played for 11 years and then stopped (due to college.) I'm looking to get a violin to mess around on until I feel comfortable spending $$ on a good violin - personally I'm looking at a $250 violin or so, a student one. Many people knock them, but for the $ they're worth it - especially if he's in a 1/2 or 3/4 size.

 

[zylander]

I played the violin for about 11 years, then switched to the viola for another 5 before stopping all together to focus on college. The violins I used were all rented from a local shop, my parents didnt actually buy me my own violin until I was maybe 15 and using a full size. When I switched to the viola I started renting again and then ended up buying one of the rentals I was using because it was so nice. Down in socal you should be able to find a local rental shop that rents out quality violins, that way you can wait and buy him a full size.

 

[SSSnail]

Originally posted by: zylander
I played the violin for about 11 years, then switched to the viola for another 5 before stopping all together to focus on college. The violins I used were all rented from a local shop, my parents didnt actually buy me my own violin until I was maybe 15 and using a full size. When I switched to the viola I started renting again and then ended up buying one of the rentals I was using because it was so nice. Down in socal you should be able to find a local rental shop that rents out quality violins, that way you can wait and buy him a full size.

He's actually using 3/4 right now, so my sister said that I should look at full size, projected growth . Me no likey renting so I'll buy him one, thanks for all the advise.