Can't get along with Dolflein method. Could anyone suggest an alternative either for help with position work or etudes in general. Could you suggest any etude books? .. which is preferable Wohlfahrt, Kreutzer? has anyone heard of Nico Dezaire, suggested on another forum and apparenty has a cd.

The Yost System for Violin Exercises for Change of Position Gaylord Yost, (free on imslp)

Also Sitt has some, again on imslp

I suppose it depends upon what level you are at and which sort of thing you prefer. People seem to have individual likes and dislikes. Also, cost may be a deciding factor as well. Sorry i do not you, so difficult to say. I like Sevcik. Perhaps you could look through some books at a local book/music shop?

level is probably working towards grade 5 in terms of playing music. Looking for something fairly tuneful and enjoyable for positionwork and general intonation. Why do you like Sevcik, Delicato. I am just browsing what is out there at the moment and getting opinions of people who have used various studies.

I find them quite difficult but fun to do and tuneful. There are plenty of them!
Sitt ones are nice as well.

Wohlfhart (Op.45) 60 studies is the one I'm working on. It's available free as a download - I'm hoping it's because the copyright is no longer applicable. Anyway, I bought the Schirmer? copy because it's not exactly expensive.

http://imslp.org/wiki/60_Studies_for_the_V...fahrt,_Franz%29

It must be well thought of. If you go to U-tube there are a few teachers who use it: namely ProfessorV , allysonviolin and Bernard Chevalier has recorded all 60 studies (and the Kreutzer). If you can make them sound anything like he does you'll be close to genius level!
There is also a study guide to them here:

http://www.wps.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/wohlfahrt_op45.htm

The level obviously varies. Early studies I guess are grade 1 or 2 but you might find study 18 and 25 challenging, especially played at marked speed. Study 60 is up or near grade 7/8 ish.

I also have a copy of the Kreutzer. It's pretty much beyond my capabilities (Grade 3) although I dabble with Etude 4, which seems to be an important study for up-bow staccato. One that Heifetz always recommended. Kreutzer is usually employed after Wohlfhart (I think) and it certainly seems to be a level above.

Many people seem to like Neil Mackay's 'Position Changing for Violin'. I haven't seen it but then again I'm stuck in first position. I do have a copy of his 12 studies and think they are excellent. Unfortunately I think it is out of print.

I've just done Grade 5 and have recently moved from the Kinsey study books to the Mazas special etudes and Kreutzer. I've found them to be very helpful (and extremely challenging) and I picked them up for about 50p each in a charity shop.

I can't find the link but online someone has done a very thorough review of the various violin studies/etudes and I found that very useful.

I find the Wohlfhart studies more musical than some of the studies. ANd I've definitely found an improvement in my playing after starting with them.

I'm afraid I'm not keen on Sevcik. Have you tried Tecnhique Takes Off by Mary Cohen? - I use it quite a lot for students who are approaching Grade 5. There's also a second volume, Technique Flies High, useful for a bit later on. They are tuneful and fun.

Haven't come across Sitt before....