11 Tips For Buying A Violin | Upgrading Your Violin

[@sarcocytsi25]

It has been 3 years and still I consider you my FIRST violin teacher 😊 Thank you and wish you all the success!

[@pdoll96]

I'm going out to look for a violin today and this was super helpful. Ty!

[@bensommer4529]

Very helpful!

[@Alex-mp4kl]

If I've never played before at all, how do you suggest a comparison to the portion of this video about "Playing as many violins as you can". Considering I can't play any lol.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

No, this video does not apply to you. I wold just buy a good quality student violin based on recommendation and reviews.

[@Alex-mp4kl]

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Sounds good to me. Really excited to go shopping this weekend and pick one up and get started on these videos!

[@dontcallmetravis]

I know this has nothing to do with anything, but it was so impressive, I can’t help myself. This woman’s eyes are so beautiful, it’s stunning. The whole time, I couldn’t help but stare at them. Forgive my useless comment ... oh, and the content was very helpful!

[@atleyschannel9989]

Your right varnish or looks don’t matter. The sound only matters.

[@NathanThompsonBlueEyes]

Coolness fail.

[@Fidi987]

Well, not to everybody. Some people might decide due to looks when they like the sound of two similar violins. Also, some people might actually dislike certain colors. If you have a yellowish violin and you find it ugly, it probably won't be as much fun to play (for hobby players).

[@ladyeclectic]

A very timely video for me, I'm in the market for a new violin, thanks again!!

[@walterkarczewski3222]

Alison, I am 70 years old and want to learn to play the violin. I got on line and viewed you violin lessons for beginners and then watched your recommendation for purchasing a violin. You recommended the Stentor 2 as a decent violin for a beginner. Is this still your recommendation?

[@mostafa.e782]

Hey Allison.. Remember me??? I'm the Egyptian guy who asked your advice about my violin and with this video you helped me in fixing that problem(which was that the bridge was too flat) cheers!

[@umbrieliya7867]

One problem: My family is kinda trifty so they always ask them to look for the cheapest of the cheapest one. So the store in our place only had that one violin. (except the other 3 which was too expensive) so yeah. I had no choice, but it plays kind of well i guess. About the peg, one recital my peg suddenly clicked and it got out of tune and the parents and other performers were laughing at me. I got really embarrased and they call me the player who always fail.

[@waazaaawoop997]

KeShi_Online thats really mean of them! Dont get discouraged. You are better than them :) Prove them wrong!

[@blueberrydud2423]

I support you 100% continue what you love and give zero flips about what other people say

[@terriescharf7656]

That's just horrible of people who are supposed to be "adults." Do what you love, be who you are. Trust me when you are my age you will look back on this and think how childish that is.

[@richardxu5168]

Dude, do reverse psychology on them when picking the violin next time🥴BTW I feel BAD like bad BAD

[@abramabesamis23]

hi, I've just bought my second violin.. it's a mid-pro level. (it's rubbish to tell the price because I'm living in the philippines. e.g. A $500 intermediate violin bought from US or UK might cost less when you buy it here, without sacrificing the quality). and yes, the store owner helped me, he asked me what I like in a violin, then I couldn't give him a straight answer, so he handed me the violins one by one until I've chosen one. regarding the strings, have you tried Pirastro Tonica?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Yes, I always recommend them for student violins as they are smooth and bright without being over the top or 'shouty'.

[@sgtcrab2569]

Good video. A friend and I were at a good shop in the Boston area, W were given full access to violins in the &800 to %3500 range (about 20 years ago) We both played lots of them and in the end preferred the cheapest one there. We asked the shop owner why it was priced where it was. Turns out it was Czech made. (1900 or so) He agreed it was a quality piece but snob appeal was geared to German, French and Italian instruments, So I agree totally where it was made is not so important. I bought it and my son has been playing it ever since. Nice tone, bright and really balanced over the strings.

[@banjiddle]

What a superb video! Alison, you are a wealth of information about buying the first violin. I appreciate your honesty with recommendations. I am learning so much from you! Thank you kindly!

[@trrblv3]

I've been playing the violin for 7 years now, and I have a terrible violin, it's only worth like $200. Literally my harmonics don't line up next to each other. The E harmonic is a half step lower on the finger board than the rest of them. Also my strings are awkwardly spaced apart, they're farther apart than on most violins. I feel like it's time to up grade because I think I'm a decent player, I'm 5th chair in my high school orchestra, but I'm kind of afraid to. I don't know any well experienced violinists to bring with me, and I'm also worried that I'll show up to the store to buy a violin and I'll look stupid, and like I have no idea what's going on. Also I'm worried if I'm good enough to upgrade. Idk

[@LinhNguyen-di5bz]

No one gonna think you're stupid, especially you are about to buy their violin. Any chance u can ask one of the violin player at your orchestra to go with ? Your teacher ? Or even your parents are ok I reckon

[@charlesd8449]

"And Bob's your uncle." I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

[@ttestates1]

I enjoyed this video and I have to say, you madam, are Extremely Beautiful!

[@duckie7727]

I haven't noticed the difference between violins and bows until I forgot to bring mine to school one day. I was pretty worried my teacher was going to scold me about it so I secretly borrowed someone else's violin and bow that were in the lockers. The bow wouldn't play without rosin so I could only assume no one owned it. So as I rosined and began to play, the sound was richer, there weren't any squeaks, and I had total control of the bow! The next day I confessed to my teacher about it and we went through bows after bows with nothing working, however I never really considered it may have been the violin as well. After watching this video, I can safely say that I'll check in with him and see if anyone owns it. Thank you for your advice!

[@Krisstofers]

Absolutely! I am not even a classically trained violinist, and I can tell you that the wood of the violin does warm up, especially when you are placing the wood right against your body. The heat from your body, especially when you are at a performance, and your body heats up (either from the stage lights or your own body chemistry from the adrenaline pumping), that heat will transfer into the wood of the violin. Even in addition to the friction of drawing the bow across the strings will heat that wood right up!!!

[@assiavladimirovna8905]

And is it bad for the wood ?

[@Sarah-oj7bh]

I think that's not really what she meant. "Warming up" is more a metaphor to describe the violin getting a warmer, fuller sound.

[@gchen11]

can you make a video about bad violins ,and good ones ?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I would need violins for that, which i dont have but it was a good idea though.

[@juliezwyer4918]

This was very helpful being that I am still using the same violin from 5th grade, that my Mom and Dad bought for $200.

[@pdoll96]

I just subscribed. I've watched a few of your videos and I feel they've all taught me something valuable. I'm brand new with the violin. I rented for a couple of months to make sure it was something I really wanted to get into and I fell in love (or addiction lol) so I decided I wanted to purchase one. I was actually going to go ahead and get one online but so many teachers and seasoned players were speaking against that so I found a local luthiers shop that had many rave reviews and visited them. Long story short, I was biting my nails a bit about what instrument I was going to spend pretty much the price you quoted on, and I watched this video. I went back to the shop to hear the violin I was leaning toward getting (not only did it sound dark and lovely but the look of it was as well--dark, beautiful varnish). I asked them if they had shown me everything in my range and the woman there that day found one I had not seen and played it. Wow. It was warm, mellow, open and sounded just heavenly to me. With your words in mind, I turned my back and asked her to play both of them and Ended up choosing the new discovery. When I played it myself, it even felt more natural and easy for me to hold so I got it and I'm just in love with it. I actually almost feel guilty playing it and am motivated to get better so that i can do justice to the sound that comes from it 😊 Thank you again for sharing your wisdom and knowledge and giving great advice.

[@florencec7715]

Yes, it doesn’t matter where it’s made, when it’s made or what colour it is. The most important thing is that you like the sound of it. Get the staff to select the ones within your budget range and from there cover up the price and just try them out so you won’t be affected by the price on what you are hearing. Go to different shops or arrange an appointment to go to private makers if you know of any, once I even got to take two home from the maker for a day or two to hear them out properly, so see what they can do for you. Once you get the violin repeat the same thing for the bow, they don’t have to be from the same shop obviously. People generally like light bows but a heavier one will give you a bit more control, but obviously not too heavy either. Again as long as you are happy about the way it feels and sounds in your playing, that’s the one for you.

[@bjwmorgan]

thanks for the info Alison, its greatly appreciated :) and yes Bob is my Uncle lol true story!! Cheers :)

[@anthonyciotti3295]

Hi Miss Alison. What do you think of a eadstar violin. Would like to hear from you we think you a the greatest teacher ever . Sincerely Anthony CIotti

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I have never heard of them - sorry.

[@jeeze28]

I have about 5 of them now. Expensive to cheap. Nearly deaf. I feel the vibration more than hear the sound. My go to is my first. It was cheap, I'm just as happy with my couple hundred dollar violin as a several thousand violin. I'm happy that I can play..

[@gracekautz979]

So I'm looking to get my first violin. I need to get one under 200$. I saw your Amazon recommendations (no local place to get one so I will resort to Amazon) and I was wondering how much quality difference there was between the celio CVN 300 and 500? I would like to know if you think that the quality difference is worth the cost difference? Thank you so much for all of the helpful videos you post 😊

[@gracekautz979]

Cecilio*

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Yes. I would say the CVN500 is the best of the lot for the price point. Its better than the lower end ones and means you wont need to upgrade for a fair good while. i would say that you should replace the factory strings with say Dominants and you are good to go.

[@parahjapheth7920]

Let me make the comments 300. I need this tips now, and that are helpful. Deeply appreciated. I thought by watching this, I will not have to go with someone, but as it is, I have to😁.

[@12nerdynerd12]

I got a Cecilio clarinet and it sucked ass. So buying a violin from them makes me iffy

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+NellyBell I have reviewed the entire Cecilio and Mendini range if you click under any violin video. You can watch those videos and make your own decision from there.

[@mikehernandez264]

Thanks for sharing this information The Hernandez Family Colorado ❤🎉.

[@alinutzalin6346]

Good thing I got a wireless speaker on top of my monitor so I can listen this in mono channel ;) (>'"."")>

[@chriscreasy547]

I’m an adult beginner, price is not a primary consideration. I’m 55 and need a long term hobby. I’m currently taking private violin classes and want to upgrade. Do you have any suggestions in the 5 to 10 K price range?

[@CharlesJenkinson]

Wow, you’re a lucky fella Chris. I’ve been playing for 30 to 35 years on a £450 violin - and only now seriously contemplating an investment in a better instrument. I’ll never sell or trade in the one my dad bought for me, but it just feels like it’s time, and I have maybe 2 to £3k that I can release for a while.

[@youngcashregister767]

11 tips for buying a piano pls

[@charlottehibbert3099]

What I did is I went to a local store and tried out the violins THEN I ordered it....really helped!

[@cearuilinjayne745]

I haveca so called student model and it sound and plays beautifully. Years ago I had an intermediate violin flamed wood etc…. every violin teacher i came across offered me $$$ for it on the spot and unfortunately I did sell it….Now nothing sounds the same but my current one is nice too

[@liamderosa2157]

I use dominants, but I am thinking about trying an Evah Pirazzi e string

[@EmmaDivaOfficial]

Good video. I'm going to make a little luthier trip later this week :)

[@lisataylor2545]

Your look exactly,,first is good sound,,looking good and no cracks

[@TheTrangBin]

I was going to upgrade both the violin and the bow at the same time until I see your advice to not. Thanks heaps!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

No, as you cant properly focus or assess.

[@stevetarver1429]

You are still beautiful and amazing

[@butafligq1606]

ok so I want to get a professional violin but is there a point in time where you upgrade? how do I know if im actually "ready" for a professional violin?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

if you want one, get one! The time is right when you feel it is!

[@mohammednasser7167]

Thanks for your awesome videos and tips but I have another question,, many people prefer handmade violin over factory made violin my question is you can find cheap handmade violins but with low quality stuffs like rosin, bow... ETC my question is can you remove the strings, rosin, bow... Etc to upgrade it? For example from a local strings to pirastro strings? From a low quality bow to good quality bow?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+Mohammed Nasser yes of course you can! I have a video about this that I did a few years ago.

[@joekelly9369]

have you tried the master ? iv been given a chance to buy a stentor master , there arent any reviews

[@NathanThompsonBlueEyes]

You have the prettiest eyes in the world. The whole world.

[@nathanmetz3767]

keep it violin related pls

[@qaya_truestepper]

This content is genuinely perfection.

[@emjeez8242]

My violin looks cheap like $150 violin but my violin is actually sounds superb and its worth $655 +

[@bensommer4529]

Alison, if I were to buy a violin in the price range of around $4000-$9000, how much would you recommend spending on a bow for it?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+Ben Sommer hard to say but half ish.

[@bensommer4529]

+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Okay thank you. Would you recommend a pernambuco bow, or a carbon fiber bow?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+Ben Sommer I cant tell you tha as you have to try out a bunch for yourself. Bow are totally (in my opinion) unique to the individual. What i think is aweome, you might think is too heavy, or light etc etc. Its like Goldi Locks and the Three Bears - you musst try yourself until you find one you like. I have a pernambuco and dislike CFs, but that just me - you might totally love them@

[@neverknowit11]

I borrowed a violin and returned it. Sad enough, if your an adult, usually no music store will not rent you an instrument. You will have to purchase one. This is where a video on what to purchase if you can’t afford a $1,000 instrument. I had to learn on my own without a teacher. Due to not having a teacher the techniques of bowing was embarrassing wrong when looking at online videos.

[@thetoneknob4493]

its funny guitar company's are charging extra to make guitars look old and played! i wonder what a 59 les paul will cost in 300yrs? if you think about it the electric guitar is still in its first generation really and alot of what makes a nice violin also makes a nice guitar! choice tone woods hide glue varnish and much more.

[@ahah1785]

Buying? Meh, no thanks....my grandpa gave me one when he found out i was going to take my first lessons - had no idea he used to play as well!....i think its from the 20's...In the f-hole it says "Adolf Benson, Attleboro 1926...not sure if 1926 is the year or model number though...It has flamed maple back though! Not sure what the teacher will think maybe its not suitable after laying in the attic for that long oh well it was free!

[@kevlearnsviolin]

One of the most helpful videos ever! Thank you!

[@kellymcgrath5541]

where does the phrase "bobs your uncle" come from?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

lol, I dont know - its always been an English saying.

[@leslieann8643]

What cap would you recommend setting for a violin outfit purchased online? I found a reputable-looking shop online that has a variety of violin outfits for an intermediate student. Two of them caught my eye, and they were $330 and $440 each. The store is fiddlershop.com and the owner appears to be the KZbinr called Fiddlerman (if he's not it's owner, then at least the public face of it).

[@1memo1717]

Hi Thank you for your informative video but how can one tries the violin if he or she is not living in a country where the only may be possible way to get a good violin is via online from an overseas countries!?! Cheers🌹

[@channelterminatedbyuser]

The attribute "soft" is a little confusing to me. Violins are on the very soft side of the instrumental scale anyhow and that's what I like. But should I buy the softest violin I could find? I'm afraid, that would be a kitsch-violin, so I would probably always try to get the opposite of that: A violin with character, which also has the potential to be aggressive and a bit nasty. I think, that impressed me when I tried Anna Maria-she can be nice, but she's also good in being nasty and cruel. Violins shouldn't be nice all the time, that would be unworldly and unrealistic. Not just life, but also music per se has more facets than that. So, I would definitely NOT look for a soft violin.

[@isacomr2274]

What is she talking about dominants are used by many professional violin soloists and produce a rich exceptional tone. They are very well worth their price if you cant afford high price strings

[@andiejackson5954]

Hi, I was just wondering. Why would you recommend the Cecilio or Mendini violins? Those are just horrible. I try to keep my students away from those instruments always

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I recomend them as they are good basic violin. You have to bear in mind that the vast majority of my subscribers are playing casually and teaching themselves at home.

[@andiejackson5954]

The Online Piano and Violin Tutor I understand that but I've been teaching for some time and honestly those instruments don't stay in tune and are not made of the best materials in my opinion. I feel as a student, amateur or otherwise, you should have an instrument coming from a reputable ASTA approved brand or other. It's worth it for even the beginner level. Franz Hoffman student models would be a great choice.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

We shall have to agree to disagree about the Cecilio violins.

[@andiejackson5954]

The Online Piano and Violin Tutor cool.

[@DeadPool-wm8sw]

I am getting a violin tomorrow. These are very good tips.

[@KrishnaLaxmicook424]

You are a great teacher, I like your violin it is really nice.

[@smellynecklace]

Hey allison, A few months ago i decided to start to play the violin. I did a kind of stupid purchase and bought the:Fazley VI-900 4/4 (a 60pound violin, didnt really do any research.) After a while i started regretting this purchase, looking at reviews it seems for the same price i could of bought a better one. Now my question is i was thinking to buy a more advanced violin instead of one in the same price range. ( really liking the Stentor Conservatoire after your review) I'm just really paranoid the violin i own atm is holding back my progress (i did already upgrade the strings and bow). What is your opinion on this? you think its worth buying another student type violin or the Stentor Conservatoire. Thanks for reading

[@suzygiacobone]

Buying a violin sound a lot like buying wine.

[@NutsAboutHarry]

Just curious....how many violins do you have, both electric and acoustic?

[@lewisglennpenrose6862]

Hi. Yes, your right about blind purchasing, but there is a difference in sound depending on wood. When a seller list the details such as Ebony fingerboard, solid spruce and maple ect... its displaying the quality of the violin. Better wood means better sound quality (normally). Personally, i would suggest if you buy an old violin, research about the region its from, and who made it. New violin, thats a bit difficult. No violin is the same as the next one, as you said its depending on the player.

[@darindk7109]

Guys does stagg violin have a label inside ?

[@mrreinark3388]

1800 for a violin in your links... kill me please

[@channelterminatedbyuser]

Very tough exam, when I tested Anna Maria my new OPERA 3/4 in October: Anna, my first 3/4 violin and 79€ STAGG-well practiced for half a year-with Dominant synthetic strings beat all the violins. The luthier constantly begged me to be fair. Finally Anna Maria OPERA won with her character sound and full, deep G-string (very important to me). I was able to trust and imagine, that she would grow and improve, but I couldn't trust all the other violins. Maybe I'm too critical, but after all I got Anna Maria, I can trust. Last week I took out Anna STAGG and couldn't stand her sound, so everything hunky-dory. I think Anna Maria OPERA is the violin of my life.

[@georgeschaut2178]

Very informative video. As a trombone player, many of these guidelines can be applied to purchasing brass instruments as well.

[@murraykriner9425]

Thankful to get your professional opinion about a more studied approach to getting a better violin following a player's initial entry into going to the next level. I'm certain that my student choice is just a hair beneath your Mendini suggestion from an earlier video selection. The one I'm restoring for my next tier of use is hardly going to win a beauty contest, and has a worn finish, but the tone wood, back, and face are very nicely figured and sharply defined. The neck, fret board, and scroll are straight and undamaged, though the peg holes will require reamed before pegs are installed. I believe once the remaining issues are repaired, and the varnish applied, it will suffice for a while. The woods are nearly 100 years old, and that alone should make the tone more full. I'm excited to hear it following its long slumber in silence.

[@2davidmgmg74]

I wish my teacher come along with me

[@mish_elle1450]

With never having played a violin before i ended up getting the gliga 1 because it looked nice in store and somehow it turned out good lol

[@markchen5710]

nice setup! Oliv g, obligato A and D with a gold label E. Nicee

[@ontaca]

what's the name of the violin you are holding. ? i didn't hear the name clearly > Thank You..

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

My violin? Its an antique violin.

[@fabiopaixao983]

não sei olho para o violino ou para a beleza dessa mulher

[@rachelcreamy261]

Tip 7 is the one I have to keep mind.

[@Tacitusreborn]

I have a question about new vs. antique(ish) violins. I am new to the violin and am preparing to buy my first violin. I've been seriously considering the Cecilio cvn600, based in large part off the reviews done by you and Fiddlerman. My parents recommended that I buy an older (turn of the century) used violin and I have some concerns about it (I should also point out that neither of them are knowledgeable about violins themselves). It seems to me that while older violins may be more broken in and such, their also much more variable in terms of quality and condition (how am I to know how well it was kept or in what environment. A lot of them I've seen look like they've been through a lot of abuse and ill handling). Since I'm in no position to actually sit down and try them out, I think the best thing would be to buy a violin which has been reviewed and I know what they sound like, as well as coming with all the necessary bits of extra stuff (bows, cases, etc.). Many of the older used violins I've seen have either no case or bow, or at least damaged and poor conditioned ones. Since I'm not buying an overly expensive violin and am just a beginner, I think having a decent violin of which I know the history of and sound, playing quality, etc. is better than buying a nondescript old violin. Undoubtedly in several years when I'm actually a quality player, I would go and buy a more antique and well-found violin, but as a new entrant into violins, I am reticent to spend my money on a violin I know nothing about. Do you have any recommendations? Am I thinking about this wrong?

[@GamingTechReview]

What's better? A warmer sounding violin or brighter? I can also adjust my violin to sound classical with a deep warm sound. My violin in particular has a small bass bar so the tone on the G and D strings is super rich and warm.

[@GamingTechReview]

When I crafted the bass bar, I accidentally made it too short but that's not a problem since the top did not crack due to string pressure and now I have a very rich warm sounding violin! 😊

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

No sound is better or worse than the other. Its 100% YOUR opinion on the violin, not anyone else's. What I like, you will probably hate and vice versa, but Im the one playing mine and you, yours.

[@patriciafalade137]

Pls Alison, what's the brand of this your violin? Reply please

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Its a German antique violin from around 1850's.

[@skharp5818]

I considered buying used violin. At least 2 option; Cremona 30 year old Czech no bridge and need strings about 200€ and German Strad copy with new Pirastro Tonica strings 80 year old with repaired crack about 180€. What do you think about these? Thank you for your very helpful videos!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+SKharp Unless I played them personally I have no idea. Sorry

[@Lara-ef1rz]

Heii :) I'm so sorry for my English, I'm not a native speaker I was at the music school and learn the violin for 2 1/2 years (and I just claim to be good at that point because I'm practicing almost every day :) ) but well, the music school gave me a beginner violin and I play with it since 2 1/2 years and I don't know, the sound of the beginner violin just started to annoy me within the time. Very soon I'll buy a new violin from someone who builds them completely by his own and luckily he offers student violins too which are not too expensive(maybe around 400 - 1000€). I'd like to ask you if there is a big difference between the sound of a beginner violin and a more expensive violin by someone who builds them himself? I never tried out another violin and can't imagine the sound quality of a good expensive violin compared to my beginner violin. And by the way, I love your videos! They help me a lot, especially since my teacher is ill very often and I don't have so many lessons because of that :( thank you very much!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

There should be, but without playing his violins, I couldnt say. Just because he makes his own violins and charges more, doesnt mean to say they are any good - they may been nasally, clunky, odd, muted etc etc. You have to be an extremely skilled violin maker these days to produce even half decent violins (the ones made by luthiers Im referring too - not factory churned student violins).

[@AiMaTay]

Hard disagree about the look of the violin. If you don't like how it looks, you won't want to play it.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Well that’s a great shame then.

[@matildesanchez8428]

What are good brands to buy from up $1000 I’m in high school right now and want to buy one

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Fiddlerman violins are the only violins i currently recommend.

[@dante8999]

warming up is basically getting used to the sound and increased exposure with something will always make you like it more over time, thats science. the most that could change for a violin is the strings could dig into your bridge, and make a more solid tone. but this can be achieved by just cutting very small grooves into the bridge. also things like "color" and "warmth", they basically mean nothing. every violinist refers to different aspects of a sound. and these words are so general that you cant possible push across any meaning that someone else will understand, especially since everybody just kind of sees their instrument "or really expensive ones" with these positive aspects. give literally any musician a strat and a 1000$ Yamaha violin and blindfold them. see which one they see as superior, because they have... and it turned out bad for the strats!

[@LinhNguyen-di5bz]

Can you give me a link to that Strad vs $1000 Yamaha test ? I find it very hard to believe

[@katewhitely6865]

I have to play left-handed, for physical reasons. There is really no way to test out several of them at a store, since they don't carry them. The place I am looking at has a 7 day return policy. Given that I can't try out violins at the shop, would it be ok to buy one off the internet and check it out this way?I currently have a cecilio left-handed one I got from Amazon, so I'm not in any hurry to get a new one.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Well i dont know what the shops policies are in buying then returning and it will take time. This video is for when you are buying a nice reasonable expeisive violn - when you want to upgrade from your first student violin. I guess you just have to do your best.

[@montecarlo5345]

lovely white teeth!

[@dodedada8194]

Alison what is the best 4/4 brand to buy for a beginner ?? Please advice

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I think Fiddlerman Violins are an excellent choice for beginners. I have been reviewing them on my channel over the last few weeks if you want to check them out.

[@richardlindsey83]

Why do you have 2 stickers on you finger board?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Because this is a teaching channel where I teach how to play the violin and tutorials so I often have dots on my fingerboard as I was most likely making several videos either side of this video and it is a pain putting them on, taking them off, putting them on, taking them off etc.

[@zoe_kanonsiiosta6952]

Which kind of violin do you recommend for a total beginner I really want to start playing but I don't know what to start with or to pick the violin ??

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Either the Cecilio CVN300 or Stentor II.

[@edytazimny3144]

This video helped me, but would it be possible if you could make a video on tips on buying an electric violin.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+Edyta Zimny Thats much harder as it depends mainly on budget and the manufacturer. Its like choosing what radio to buy or TV - whereas an acoustic violin has many more little factors. I will think about it though and see if i can come up with a decent amount of tips.....

[@TheYamlive]

The scroll on your violin doesn't look like it's original to the body itself. Do you know anything about it Alison?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+ekkolocation No its not original. You have a very keen eye! Its a Mittenwald around 1850. It was originally a baroque violin, but like with most baroque violins, they modified them to classical violins and hence ripped out the original necks and replaced them! Thats all we know other than that.....

[@hummingbird1762]

About buying the bow and strings separate; the nearest luthier where I live is at least a two hour drive away, if I make two trips would you recommend getting the bow or violin first? Or is it possible to purchase both at the same time?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Violin first. If you buy a bow first, what will you test it on? You would be buying a bow based on hour current violin, then when you purchased a violin, that bow would most likely be sub-par. You can buy both, but if you are investing, whats a 2hr drive? When you dont know the violin, it makes choosing a bow harder as you will be trying to listen to the new sounds of the violin rather than concentrating on what you want to bow to do.

[@southerngrace2191]

Is 400$ a good price to buy a violin?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Its fairly decent.

[@PHOENIX-jt7lj]

Thank you for this good video

[@bivoca]

Very helpful video! I am finally upgrading my violin after 15 years of playing with my chinese little friend. I will be visiting some luthiers in my city. Do you advise me to tell them my price range right of the bat, or just test everything and then figure out if i can afford it or not?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+Bruno Camargo Yes - of course, tell them budget then go from there. Personally i dont like to know jack about them (apart from that they are in and around my budget) They will always push a little above your budget as paces always do with whatever they are selling, but thats not a bad thing - unless of course you end up liking it and buying the bloody thing LOL. Other than that I dont care what else it is or got etc etc - only about the sound/tone etc.

[@mlundi]

Very helpful! Thank you! =)

[@lutux4251]

very good video

[@lynnlittle6278]

At what price is a violin considered expensive? ?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+Lynn Little $1,000/$1,500 plus.

[@crystalfelix5781]

I have a friend who is selling a violin but does not know how to find the brand of it since she bought it awhile ago... Is there any way to find that information out?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Look inside the F hole to see if there is a brand name. If not, then you will have to take it to a professional violin luthier if you really want to know.

[@californiagirlrachel7220]

is a frdnz hoffman maestro a good sounding violin?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I have not played one, so i personally dont know.

[@Zxouf873]

Great as usual 💕🎻🎻

[@user-kh9ki3kq8m]

Is there any difference between a 2 piece and one piece back and if so, which is better?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+Jackson Catlett Yes, i guess its more for the resale value etc etc than tone. You will find that older violins are one pieces.

[@maymaycubelo9180]

what brand of violin would you recommend?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Cecilio or Stentor are both good.