Comments | fiddle: Here's a question for y'all, if you can help me

schizokitten in fiddle

Here's a question for y'all, if you can help me

Nov 28, 2005 13:20

I am a cellist who would love to pick up fiddle, for the more complicated/higher register stuff that a cello can't handle (well, at least at my skill level), and I don't have that much money for an instrument. What is your view on buying a fiddle over the internet? I have looked around and found one that claims to be fully carved with case, bow, ( Read more... )

Comments 9

beeky November 28 2005, 18:27:20 UTC

I had wondered the same thing, as there are many websites that advertise for such a thing. My opinion would be to check what everything is made from, it should be the same materials as a cello and check to see who made it...that would be the start.

schizokitten November 28 2005, 18:31:29 UTC

thanks

fiddle_dragon November 28 2005, 18:35:33 UTC

fwiw - you're going to get what you pay for with regards to a violin.

That being said - I think cheap instruments are *great* for beginners - particularly if they're not sure they want to stick with the instrument - though may be only of limited value to an experienced string instrumentalist as you're already used to hearing differences in tone and pitched based on finger placement, etc.

Also - my first violin was a Knilling that cost about $400 - I took it to a reputable luthier who did *wonders* for it - it sounded like about an $800-1000 beginning violin.

rant79 November 28 2005, 19:07:43 UTC

a price that low is gonna get you what you pay for - crap.

my CASE cost more than $100

try checking local shops. This isn't to totally refute the idea of buying on the internet, it's just to say that any $100 violin, ebay or otherwise, is gonna suck.
I knew someone who fell for this trap, and she ended up with a piece of crap. A Yamaha from Target would probably sound better.

If you're really set on buying online, try stringworks.com
they're fairly dependable, (mid to very high) student quality instruments. They do go all the way up to $2k

ellie222 November 28 2005, 20:05:27 UTC

i agree that it sounds too good to be true. being a cellist, you probably have a good ear and would be disgusted by what you hear. worse, you might blame it on your playing skills.

i recommend $500 minimum for a beginner fiddle.

incidentally, are you planning to play fiddle (old-time, celtic) music or violin (classical) music? i don't know anything about the latter, but if it's fiddle i would suggest starting with lessons. often teachers will loan or cheaply rent an instrument, and they'll help you find one that works for you.

good luck.

beeky November 28 2005, 20:30:01 UTC

also on the rental, I did start out clasical you can rent-to buy at most shops that's how I (or my parents) bought my very first fiddle.

jillwise November 28 2005, 20:34:21 UTC

i'm fairly skeptical of buying anything online, so i'm perhaps not a very good person to ask, but i would say that before buying a fiddle (or any instrument, actually) you should be able to play it a bit first. sometimes a really beautiful looking instrument sounds terrible, while an old beat up one could be just what you're looking for (my violin teacher always made us close our eyes and play when buying a new instrument).

i know some music stores (for example bel-air, if you have one near you) have instruments available to rent or rent-to-own or things like this, which might be a good idea while you're a beginner. you probably could find something in your price range without getting screwed by buying over the net.

... just my two cents! good luck in the search :)