New Violin for my daughter

coddlesangers

My daughter has been playing the violin for about 8 years and is ready to get her first full size violin. I play piano and guitar but know next to nothing about buying a violin - so I am very worried I will spend either too much or too little on this - can anyone give me any pointers as to things I should look out for? She's not a professional (yet), but she is serious about her instrument and this may be a purchase that lasts her a while obviously. I've read a load of stuff on the internet about where to start, but that may have been a mistake as i am now more confused than when i started. Budget I think will be between €400 and €1000 or so. Best to head to someone who knows their violins....anyone want to start me with some pointers? Obviously the daughter will be the ultimate decision maker here, and all I want is not to be particularly fleeced.....

TheGMan

You could try Crehans or James Beatley if you are Dublin based. There are some bargains on eBay, although it is a risk. I purchased a lovely 19th century German violin a few years ago on eBay for about €500 and spent another €500 on repairs. It is a fantastic instrument though. Yita Music (eBay seller) make nice violins - the T20 or Master series are well made instruments and would be within your budget.

martinedwards

sheehans regularly send a truck load of nice kit over to various venues in the North. they MIGHT do the same south of the border.

we got our son a really nice cello from them last year.

back up is off the scale excellent too.....