Daughter Starting School Violin Lessons, the dreaded hire instruments Options

[grubbygoo]

Hi,
my teacher would recommend a brand called Stentor if you will be buying one. I have a 3/4 violin from that brand and it has lasted me 1 1/2 years already. i highly recommend that brand

[TRACY]

Having two daughters who play violin, and who have both gone through the same system at school, I would definitely go on ebay (not as dodgy as many think - just ask the usual questions, ie. any cracks, how old the instrument is, how long have strings been on and what kind. If strings have been on for more than 1 year, you will have to change the set) Having looked briefly for myself having read your post, there are at least a couple of stentor violins which have been set up, in one case, with improved bow and dominant strings which a professional musicians child has used, and you should be looking to pick one up for approx £40-£45 to include postage costs - NO MORE! Unless it is a Conservatoire or Andreas Zeller model, which are I think are worth paying the extra for. All pegs can slip at times, and can be easily and cheaply rectified if you take it to your nearest luthier. When they grow out of the instrument, simply sell on and you shouldn't be too much out of pocket. Buying a new 1/2 size stentor is not particularly advantageous as you will lose too much money and the instrument would still not be set up to a high standard unless you paid approx £30 on top. If you don't feel confident buying through ebay contact your nearest violin shop which sells stentors, as they may well have a used model which has been traded in.

When they change to a 3/4 violin I would invest quite a bit more, (Gliga, Jay Haide etc, would all see you through to grade 7 if set up well) as it should last approx 2 years before they move up to a full size instrument, but would not recommend spending too much for a 1/2 size.

My younger daughter actually had a German Trade 1/2 size violin, which was probably the ugliest violin I have ever seen, but was in sound condition despite its cosmetic appearance with a far superior sound. She was about grade 3 standard by then and did benefit from a better instrument as she progressed quickly and now just turned 14 is grade 8 standard. We paid approx £200 (violin only) for this but did get a 100% trade in against her next instrument, although if you go through many outlets, you will not get this trade in value, more likely 2/3. Worth considering, but only if you feel she would stick to violin playing, as if she didn't you would make quite a loss on the instrument selling it independently without trading against another. Just thought I would mention this option as you say she is musically talented.

Good Luck!

[Violin Hero]

Hi,
my teacher would recommend a brand called Stentor if you will be buying one. I have a 3/4 violin from that brand and it has lasted me 1 1/2 years already. i highly recommend that brand

Good for starters but go for the conservatoire which is £200 for the set at 4/4 size.

Stentor is associated with cheap mass produced instruments, but great for newbies. I still have my conservatoire from a few years back, however i snapped the bow that came in the set so had to replace it.

[notmusimum]

If you're prepared to pay a bit more - say 200 ish, contact Elida trading and ask them about their outfits - much superior to the stenor and excellent value for money.

You'll also get superb service as a by product.

Allan

Elida also do a student instrument for less than that. My daughter had one and it was very nice.