Hoping to start playing the violin?

Seanf999 · 02-12-2014 02:09PM #1

I'm 17 and I have wanted to play the violin for a good while now. I was suppose to buy my first violin today but I was advised against it, not the idea of learning the violin but the idea of going in buying one from a music shop.

Instead I was told to get a teacher organised first, go to a lesson or a few, ask them to help me pick out a violin and then pay a high price..
I was told not to buy anything for under €500 (even 500s low, or so he said) he suggested that if I do want to pick up the violin I should pay for a high quality instrument possibly even a handmade violin and find a luthier who will set it up and continue the maintenance over time.

I can't really argue with the man considering I know very little about the violin and he has played for well over 40 years..

What do you make of it? should I do as he suggested?

Oink · 02-12-2014 02:27PM

Seanf999 wrote: »

... Instead I was told to get a teacher organised first, go to a lesson or a few, ask them to help me pick out a violin and then pay a high price..
I was told not to buy anything for under €500...

It all sounds great in principle. If you are happy after a few lessons that you are in it for the very long haul, and you can afford it.

In practice I bought mine for 300-400, and while I only played for a year I enjoyed it a lot. I'm not a pro or anything, but I'm just saying that being a bit short on cash won't stop you from learning (for a while), and it should definitely not stop you from starting.

Seanf999 · 02-12-2014 08:51PM

I'm sorry to say I abandoned the plan already. I went into powells in galway just to look and i seen the sign that they stock high (price) range violins and I asked if I could see one or two just to get an idea of what I decent violin is. He brought down these two scott caos and a hofners expecting I had years of experience under my belt, I then had to explain my plan and he kindly ran me through everything I needed to know.
he actually advised against any of the expensive models and suggested a higher model beginner violin instead, he gave me contacts for lesson, and told me all i'd need to know about bridges, bows and rosin etc!

Oink · 04-12-2014 08:47AM

Ah here. Tell me you gave up on the expensive violin, not playing the violin altogether?? If you really think you'd like it, please go for it, even with a cheaper violin. As I said I went to a good shop, they recommended a decent beginner model, and that was it. There will be time to get a fancy one later.

There is no need for all the head-wrecking :-) !

Seanf999 · 07-12-2014 07:02PM

Wouldn't dream of dropping the idea altogether but I did drop the idea of going for the bells and whistles to start with, I got one thats still a good violin by most standards but didn't break the bank

goldenshark · 16-01-2015 03:04AM

I learn a few days when I was a child, but drop it because I thought it was boring.But violin has become more and more charming as I grow up, and now I really would like to pick it up...hope it's not too late

dibkins · 19-01-2015 03:05PM

goldenshark wrote: »

I learn a few days when I was a child, but drop it because I thought it was boring.But violin has become more and more charming as I grow up, and now I really would like to pick it up...hope it's not too late

Never too late. I met a lady in Limerick one day who must have been over 70 and was up to Grade 8 in harp after only a few years playing!

marialouise · 19-01-2015 06:05PM

Definitely never too late, I have a "mature" lady student who just passed her grade1!
You'll fly up the early grades if you're diligent, and motivated, which it sounds like you are!
A good teacher will be worth the investment more than the violin, you can learn the basics on any old violin, and after a few years think about an upgrade if it's going well. Enjoy the journey!

Hoping to start playing the violin?

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