The Player or the Instrument?, A better violin is better for the player? Options

[ViolinQueen]

I'm just interested to know what everyone thinks about this whole topic of 'a better violin can be better for a player'. My Violin is a simple Antoni Debut, purchased from DJMusic - Having little experience of violins, I decided to purchase it because from the reviews, I thought that it was probably okay for its price (?50 + postage) - that was when I decided to give it a try... But I wish I hadn't rushed into a decision now. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Its a bit cheap sounding and although it looks good, I'm not sure about the sound - especially after I saw a demonstration of it on youtube. My music teacher, (NOT specialised in violin area) says that with some decent (maybe dominates?) strings I could MAYBE go to grade 3/4 at a stretch - but I was kinda hoping that it'd take me to around grade 4/5 before I upgraded to a better violin so that I could really know where my violin preference lies. Also, with a new clarinet (and mouthpiece!) to purchase quite recently, I really can't buy two instrument at the same time! (It'll feel really cheeky to ask parents for them! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) )

However, on violinist.com (I think) it said that the tone from the violin comes from this points, in order of importance:
Player (Of course! Even a 'Orange box' will sound good in the hands of GIDOM KREMER!)
Set-up
Bow
(Last 10%, violin)

So what does everyone think? Surely a good violin aids the player, but is it crucial for a good player to have a good instrument to reach grade 8? I think not, but what is your opinion?

[miffy]

Yup! Sounds like a new one is the only way! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
The cheapest person I know would repair the crack for ?100 but then there's new pegs, bow, strings..not really viable! Be careful you ask lots of questions from the vendor before you buy on e-bay. A pupil of mine recently was assured by the seller that the violin was all set up and ready to just 'pick up and play'. She trusted them because it was an actual shop, but when the violin came the bridge didn't fit and it didn't even have a soundpost in it. The vendor is denying everything.

[elidatrading]

A pupil of mine recently was assured by the seller that the violin was all set up and ready to just 'pick up and play'. She trusted them because it was an actual shop, but when the violin came the bridge didn't fit and it didn't even have a soundpost in it. The vendor is denying everything.

Distance selling regulations. This is a shop and they are bound by those regulations. The buyer has the right in law to return the violin for any reason at all within 7 working days (assuming it was a fixed price sale and not an auction). Unsuitability for the purpose does not have to be proven. In fatc, contrary to popular belief, you are actually safer in law buying at a distance, assuming you are buying from a business and not a private individual.

Liz