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

[AntonPiano]

In that case I think a new one might be in order. A Stentor Conservatoire II might be a good idea....see if you can get a second hand one on ebay. One of my students has one and it sounds quite alright.

Thanks Sunrise..
Purchased a Stentor Conservatoire today! So very excited to get my teeth into this Grade 8 syllabus (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Thanks for all your help guys!

[Claudia's Mum]

Not only that but under EU distance selling rules they are also liable for postage costs both ways. As an instrument maker I was caught out with this just recently. It ended up costing me ?80 with shipping/insurance costs. Now I ask for a ?1 deposit as proof of a direct commission, a way of getting around the rules that were probably not intended for craft workers.
Given the nature of the problems with that Violin I'd be returning it, it's irrelevant if it was before Christmas. It's not fit for purpose.

There are a few inaccuracies in your post. Not wanting to go off topic but if you are selling on online you might want to familiarise yourself with those regulations. Without going into detail:

1. the regulations do not apply to custom made items and you don't need to take a deposit to prove it
2. you can, if your Terms and conditions specify, require the buyer to pay return postage (although this is going to change in a few years time) so it is worth incorporating this into your T&C
3. the cancellation rights only apply within 7 working days of receipt and cancellation must be in writing
4. make sure your T&C state that English law applies (if you are in England)

If an item is damaged, the buyer has additional rights under the Sale of Goods Act as you quite rightly say.

[ViolinClarinetQueen]

Sorry to intrude, but this thread relates to something that I'm thinking about at the moment.

I have been pondering taking up violin again. The last time I played purposefully was in 2007 when I did my grade 6 exam. Not coming from a background where I could provide a 'decent' instrument for myself, I played the exam on a Sparkly Green Stentor Student 2 and much to my surprise came out with a distinction.

Seems I have a chance of passing grade 5 on an Antonio with some decent strings, afterall (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
... Is this bow worth looking at? The ebay seller does seem to have quite a lot of decent reviews... Ebay Violin Bow