I think it's time I upgraded my violin, but am dreading it really, there is nothing on my doorstep so am casting a sweep from Wallingford to Midhurst to Newbury to Egham to Winchester and within that circle roughly, there are shops at all four of these locations, who have varying amounts of stock and not sure how the price ranges will suit.

I think my budget will be in region of ?2000 and want something that will suit me for folk group and orchestra and solo. I have read many other comments so guess it is a case of looking to see what I can afford and trying as many as possible but would appreciate any guidance those of you who have bought instruments for grade 8 and above.

My current violin has been with me 10 years and has always been a toughie to play in some respects, think she is quite "buxom"
She lacks clarity in the higher registers and does not have the roundness of tone I am looking for, depite trying different strings, she remains a little edgy.
What I want is something a little finer, smaller? (though full size)good round, warm tone and decent upper tones and capable of singing in the right hands, hopefully mine eventually.

Any views on what, where to look in this vicinity, anyone ahd a good experience at violin shops, makers they can pass on, or bad ones?
What about new violins, it seems that there is a mixture of opinion and any advice on new or old gratefully received. My teacher will happily help me evaluate once I get to the point of trying any out at home
thanks

We use Philip Brown of Newbury for repairs and accessories. We have never bought an instrument from him, but acquaintances have done so and all report well of him and the instruments that they bought. He has a web site.

Further to my original question, has anyone got experience of The Soundpost in Guildford? Or Geoff Denyer in Winchester, both came recommended but would be useful to know if any other forumites have experience. thanks KenM for the Philip Brown info too, I can see might need quite a few free days to travel about

Andrew Riley in Egham is excellent - can't compare with others as don't have experience of them

Daughter's viola came from him - it is a Chinese instrument, very good value. Daughter's teacher recommends his Chinese violins to a lot of her pupils. They were about ?1300 - 1500 last time I looked at prices, certainly good enough for Grade 8+. It's worth calling him to discuss what you're looking for.

You mention Midhurst, so I presume you are referring to Martin Restall who is based in the grounds of Cowdray Castle? He has done a few repairs for me and I have bought a full size violin bow and a couple of small cello bows from him. I've never bought an instrument from him, though I did once buy second hand a small cello he had sold someone else new a year or so previously. He seems to have plenty of choice of decent instruments - new and old. Most, sadly, outside my price range.

I find him very helpful, and have been happy with his repairs and the bows I have bought but, as others have said, I don't really have anyone else to to compare him with.

Thanks to those who made suggestions, I shall plan a day for each and hopefully find something nice to take home and try , eek I hope my bow won't need upgrading too
I notice these all have new violins available, but with revised set up by the particular luthier, I wonder how these violins settle in, it's hard to get any positive information as musicians seem to prefer the old ones on the basis they are settled wood.