Has anyone ever bought from alexistrings? His rating seems to be 100%. What are your opinions about the instruments he has? is he to be trusted? No more questions on my list for now

why did i get a lot of views for this message but no reply? wa haaaa waaa waaa!!! (it's supposted to be the sound of my crying lol)

I'm afraid I can't help you as I never bought from that seller - perhaps the reason why no replies?

Hi Organgrinder, thanks just the same for the reply!! i thought i had bored everyone and so not getting replies

I guess nobody here ever bought from that seller. Well neither me i think, cause the violin i was watching increased in price so it isn't worth it with all the shipping and customs fees i'd have to pay! But i hope i'll find somethin suitable for me.... someday.....

Don't think it's anything you need take personally, just that nobody who's looked has any experience of that particular vendor. I know I haven't.

I've never bought a violin (I think that's your instrument?) off e-Bay, but I have bought some second hand clarinets. In general I'd advise against buying a second hand instrument of and type off e-Bay, especially the beginners models. They tend to be either complete wrecks, or in need of a complete (and I mean complete) overhaul. This wasn't a problem for me, as I had a good idea what to expect, and only wanted them for mucking about with to try out repairing them, and didn't pay a lot for them. But even some that were described as playable really weren't. I got one 'playable' clarinet that would only play in the low register if you clamped the key shut with a rubber band; and another, describe as in good condition, where the pads were peeling like onions! And they are always rather dirty. You would be better off buying second hand from a local shop, if you have one, where you will get some after sales backup.

As regards new instruments off e-Bay: I've never bought one. I know there are a lot of ropey plastic clarinets from China on there. Although I'm given to understand that some halfway OK beginners violins are made in China. Maybe a violinist could confirm that?

In general, I'd advise against buying an instrument off e-Bay.

If you post on the strings forum you might get more responses.

You're welcome. Of course you hadn't bored anyone.

It's a shame that the violin increased in price, but at the same time perhaps as the other poster suggests - buy from someone local if possible??? At least you will have somewhere to bring it back to should anything go wrong or better stil - be able to try it out before you make your exciting new purchase.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do in the future in relation to your new purchase!!!

Thanks for your replies. My problem is that i'm actually fancying a Gliga, which is not sold here in Malta. Also, here prices for violins are doubled if not tripled so i'm not going to buy from a local shop. A week ago i was going to buy the Gliga but i stopped everything cause i was still unsure but now, i will try to get at least a lesson to try how i feel then decide.

Yes cheap violins are made in china (there are good china violins too), and i'm a bit tempted to try one of them first but on the other hand, i'd like to have something more durable and maybe nice in sound. I heard the Gliga play on internet and with headphones on the sound was terrific!!

As i said before, i can't try them out cause they're not sold locally and even if i tried them out, nothing would be compared to the sound it's supposed to produced cause i don't know how to play the violin so it would be hopeless!

Will let everyone know how i did and felt if i go to my first lesson, hopefully this week! i still have to contact the teacher.

Good night for now