Buyer's guide for mid-range violins?

Dennis Nicholls · 09-18-2003, 10:17 PM

I'm thinking of getting another string instrument. I played 'cello back when I was in college but never got that good at it, in part because of a broken ring finger on my left hand that set a bit crooked, in part because I have very small hands. And of course in part due to laziness.....

But I miss the feeling of pulling tone out of a string. I'm thinking of getting a violin, as that instrument is probably a better fit for my hands.

Does anyone have a book or website reference that they believe gives good advice on selecting a middling-price (about $1,000) quality student instrument? I'm lucky in that Scott Cao's main workshop is only about 3 miles from my home, and I have read that he makes one of the better middling-price violin (see www.scottcaoviolins.com ).

Zen Butler · 09-19-2003, 05:38 PM

Stringworks

If it makes you feel better, Cao's violins are very available here in California as well.

Certain Suzuki models are a good "entry level" violins also.

A gentleman that we hired for a track used a Stringworks and some weird electric Fender violin, sounded beautiful.

Dennis Nicholls · 09-19-2003, 06:01 PM

But Zen I'd like an independent set of reviews. Obviously the stores will tell you they sell the best stuff! :p)

Zen Butler · 09-19-2003, 06:36 PM

Yes, I'm aware of that. This was I all could offer here at work. I will sure ask our buddy what he thinks of his Stringworks and his opinion on Cao. Don't count out the Suzuki(Nagoya). It has nothing to do with who I work for either.

Dennis Nicholls · 09-19-2003, 06:51 PM

I was going to ask if you could get them for an employee's discount....

It looks like www.fqms.com/violins.htm has the Cao line as cheap as anyplace.

**HTF Ads**

Zen Butler · 09-19-2003, 07:06 PM

Next week: Helmholtz's theory applied to intake manifolds. Oh Boy!!

Josh Simpson · 09-20-2003, 02:44 PM

I find Knilling to have good student instruments, usually from the $500-$1100 range. They will definately get you by unless you wanted to do a lot of professional gigs.

Dennis Nicholls · 09-20-2003, 09:08 PM

So far what looks to be a good deal is the Stringworks "Virtuoso" violin with pernambuco bow and case for $855 www.stringworks.com/mall/violinvirtuoso.asp . This is pretty cheap for a fiddle. Cao won't quote direct prices and sends you off to various local shops.

Dennis Nicholls · 09-20-2003, 10:39 PM

Here's a matrix but no comments:

http://www.stringsmagazine.com/issue...olinchart.html

Dennis Nicholls · 09-21-2003, 10:12 PM

Zen,

Here's a couple I'm looking at on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ory=38108&rd=1

This is a good deal on a Scott Cao model 750 outfit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ory=38108&rd=1

Here's a no-reserve Stringworks "Artist" set for a cheap price.

Any comments?