So...I want to learn violin. Where can I find a cheap, but good quality instrument?

Question

I have always wanted to learn to play violin. I recently found out that in my family is an heirloom violin, but I am not allowed to learn on that one. My grandfather said that if I really wanted to learn he would purchase one to learn on. I need one that is of good quality, but is still relatively cheap. Also, I know they make violins that are 7/8 the size of an original, a style that makes it easier for people with small hands. Would that change the tone of the violin, or is sound unaffected?

And my final question is whether or not it is possible to self teach the violin. I have learned clarinet at school, but since I have graduated I have nobody to teach me. I am not fond of recieving lessons, but I know that it is necessary to receive lessons on some instruments.

Answer 1

If you want a good quality instrument then go to the local violin shop. Only there will you find a violin worth playing on. Online, pawned, and 'brand name' instruments are not worth the hassle. The people at the violin shop will help you find a violin that is your size and it's usually based on the length of your arm i think, not the hands themselves. And it's quite hard to teach yourself to play any instrument. You'll need a teacher for that, like it or not. Violin is hard work, but well worth the practice.

Answer 2

Hey there..... you can find a cheap and good quality violin in a pawn shop.   You just have to go to a few of them with the name brand that is respected... you will have to do some research... make that an Answers question.    You should be able to find a nice quality violin for about $250.00 but if you were looking for cheaper... they are out there....  but are of poor quality.     Violin is one of the instruments that you need lessons to learn to play.

Answer 3

Perhaps in a pawn shop, or on Amazon... you can get some good deals.  I got my classical guitar at a flea market.  As far as a teacher, maybe you could ask your former band teacher to recommend someone to teach violin.  Check with your local university and ask if there are some grad students who teach violin.

Answer 4

Yes, you absolutely need a private teacher if you want to learn the violin.  

The most reasonably priced 7/8 violin I know of is the following:

http://beststudentviolins.com/violins.ht...

Answer 5

Go to your local music store and rent a violin.  It will be of good enough quality for you to learn to play the violin.

When you get good enough to appreciate a new one, then buy one.

Answer 6

PLEASE, DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT BUYING AN INSTRUMENT IN A PAWN SHOP, UNLESS YOU REALLY KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING.

You will probably pay more for a used one at the pawn shop than for a brand new at  youre local music store. Generally, guys that works at a pawn shop don't have any knowledge on musical instrument. You'll probably need a new set of strings, have it adjusted by a professional, You can get a decent brand new violin to start with for less than 200$.

I always see poeple coming in my store, saying "Hey, i just bought that in a pawn shop, i just paid 50$ for that, can you have a look at it ?". And most of the time, the answer is "Well, this instrument needs a complete overhaul, I'll charge you 250$ to make it playable again".

You really need to get started on the good way by  a teacher. If you take bad habits at the beginning, you gonna have  bad time to get rid of them and get better. So, what you can do is look for a University or even a college student, who can give lesson for cheap. I don't know where you are located, but here, in Quebec, a good rate for an undergraduate student would be something around 20$/hour.