All About Choosing and Buying Violins

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Wed, 23 Nov 2022 01:51:43 GMT

missk — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 01:51:43 GMT

On the other hand, I’m now left with my 1/4 violin that I need to sell. Bought at about $600. Its a very decent instrument that is ok for beginner to intermediate student coz we were very particular about the sound. Condition 9/10 coz it would need new strings for best performance, but current strings and bow are still good. WTS at about $300.

If anyone is interested pls WA me at 93266998

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Wed, 23 Nov 2022 01:45:32 GMT

missk — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 01:45:32 GMT

Thank you so much for your advice. Yes, have decided to look around and found a shop with a very good trade in policy and decided to go with them and up my budget a little if necessary.

I realise that it’s indeed not easy to find a good 1/2 size violin that will suit intermediate and above player! Teacher is particular about the tone and dynamics, at this stage of learning. So a pleasant sounding violin might cost above 1k and that’s just for a small violin!! Money flies

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:54:59 GMT

skii — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:54:59 GMT

missk\" post_id=\"2088054\" time=\"1667711904\" user_id=\"62020:

I'm looking for a 1/2 size violin for my son, who's playing about grade 5 level. Was recommended a range of violins , from 2.5k all the way to 4k by a violin shop... but I'm worried it'll be too expensive when we finally upsize to full size! I understand a good instrument really helps but I also need to consider that each time we trade in, the violin gets 2x as expensive to get the full trade in value!

There are physical well regarded shops in Usa that sell violins and ship worldwide. They have a range of Chinese violins that seem well made, such as Scott Cao and Ming Jiang Zhu, and are cheaper even after considering shipping and tax.
Anyone has ever done that? Would love to seek some advice

If I’m not wrong, there may be some shops offering trade in.

Ie : aim for your full size maybe $4k violin.

Get your 1/2 size $3k violin.

Then when it’s time to change, some shop do take in up to actual sale price of the 1/2 size.
(I.e trade in your 1/2 size and pay $1k for that full size)

U just need to find the shop and buy both the violin from the same shop.

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Sun, 06 Nov 2022 05:18:24 GMT

missk — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 05:18:24 GMT

I’m looking for a 1/2 size violin for my son, who’s playing about grade 5 level. Was recommended a range of violins , from 2.5k all the way to 4k by a violin shop… but I’m worried it’ll be too expensive when we finally upsize to full size! I understand a good instrument really helps but I also need to consider that each time we trade in, the violin gets 2x as expensive to get the full trade in value!

There are physical well regarded shops in Usa that sell violins and ship worldwide. They have a range of Chinese violins that seem well made, such as Scott Cao and Ming Jiang Zhu, and are cheaper even after considering shipping and tax.
Anyone has ever done that? Would love to seek some advice

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Wed, 07 Oct 2020 14:58:43 GMT

fiddlevibrato — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 14:58:43 GMT

Violin teacher: Joanne

-specialized in violin teaching and performing.

-Graduated in Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore. 2020
-Also a Music degree holder. Graduated in Northeast Normal University in China, ChangChun. 2001.

-with over 18+ years teaching experience in local private music school.

-familiar with ABRSM violin practical exam grade 1-Diploma, theory grade1-8.

-patiently teaching and interacting with the students (6yr old onwards)

-enjoying the fun between learning and teaching at each lesson

-persisting in real instrumental practical standard mark.

-through various and systematic training materials.

-extensive music genre (classical, romantic, modern, jazz.) learning to remain, even increase the passion, interest, and confidence in music pursuing.

-private individual lessons, flexible timing arranges.

-located in Tampines.

any further enquiry contacts 94575882

Joanne at fiddlevibrato@gmail.com or website: http://www.fiddlevibrato.blogspot.com

https://postimg.cc/nMZdfx6G

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Mon, 31 Aug 2020 00:58:39 GMT

MaryMax — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 00:58:39 GMT

phankao\" post_id=\"1992150\" time=\"1597981008\" user_id=\"3486:

Ah yes, yours training for Dip. So yes, the techniques would require better bow. Not so much the violin.

Thank you for your thoughts, am excited to go try some violins and bows!

As I have read further - A good player can still sound good on a poor setup but the effort required is so much more than a good setup instrument And a good instrument can help a mediocre player to grow and become a better player!

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Fri, 21 Aug 2020 03:36:48 GMT

phankao — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 03:36:48 GMT

MaryMax\" post_id=\"1992143\" time=\"1597978220\" user_id=\"187034:

phankao\" post_id=\"1991854\" time=\"1597814515\" user_id=\"3486:
Newly made violins are usually easier to play vs an antique one.
About my easier to play question - can a more expensive/good quality violin makeup for poor technique or certain tones and technique can easily be achieved on good quality violin? She had difficulty doing spiccato with her $25 bow, too heavy. Tmx recommended a $300 bow......but we did not try, circuit breaker came and forgot all about the bow and spiccatos.

Shaojunviolin shop recommends the violins and bows based on grades, the grade 8/diploma bow costs $1000.

Ah yes, yours training for Dip. So yes, the techniques would require better bow. Not so much the violin.

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Fri, 21 Aug 2020 02:50:20 GMT

MaryMax — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 02:50:20 GMT

phankao\" post_id=\"1991854\" time=\"1597814515\" user_id=\"3486:

Newly made violins are usually easier to play vs an antique one.

About my easier to play question - can a more expensive/good quality violin makeup for poor technique or certain tones and technique can easily be achieved on good quality violin? She had difficulty doing spiccato with her $25 bow, too heavy. Tmx recommended a $300 bow......but we did not try, circuit breaker came and forgot all about the bow and spiccatos.

Shaojunviolin shop recommends the violins and bows based on grades, the grade 8/diploma bow costs $1000.

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Wed, 19 Aug 2020 05:21:55 GMT

phankao — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 05:21:55 GMT

MaryMax\" post_id=\"1991836\" time=\"1597811304\" user_id=\"187034:

andrealinviolin\" post_id=\"1938476\" time=\"1569754321\" user_id=\"174739:
I find this topic interesting and students ask me all the time.

What is 'good sound'?
I realised that many think that loud sound or have sound from violin, can already, or means it's a good violin.
eg. $50 vs $50 000 violin - big difference in the character of sound!

If considering loan, in the long term, it's more expensive than owning it.
If considering getting basic types of violin, bear in mind need to upgrade for technique. You will dislike the sound when you are capable. If already fit for 4/4 size, go for a much better violin!

Basic violins are cheap to encourage violin learners to pick up the violin, but won't last for your entire learning journey. It is a temporary-for-use-only violin. Don't risk bringing a 3-digits-dollar violin to Grade 8 Exams!

Cheers!
My kid used a 1/2 size $800 violin bought from school for her grade 7 exam. Many teachers commented that she is not producing loud enough sound with this violin. The teachers can still pull a loud sound from this violin of course.

She is due for upgrade to 3/4 and we have similar type of violin (hand down from sis), will it handicap her playing for diploma? Need to buy those higher priced range ones, and from where? The good violins also easier to play? Her bow was also bought off the rack $25 as the bow that came with the violin was too weak.

You have to understand the size of the exam studio and the acoustics of it. Those studios are usually no big deal, often dry, and the examiner will know you are a student, so not likely to have that expensive of a violin. It's how you play and your interpretation that is most important in diploma exam and not even about playing without any mistakes. Newly made violins are usually easier to play vs an antique one.

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Wed, 19 Aug 2020 05:18:23 GMT

phankao — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 05:18:23 GMT

MaryMax\" post_id=\"1991831\" time=\"1597810306\" user_id=\"187034:

phankao\" post_id=\"1936959\" time=\"1569340465\" user_id=\"3486:
We previously bought our S$5k 1/2-size from Tong Ming Xi, used for 1.5yrs and sold it away at the same price due to upsizing. It was very good.
[quote=aprilmom post_id=1934575 time=1568084406 user_id=177588]does anyone know where I can buy antique/or good violins. I need a 1/2 for my son .. i have couple months so I want to look around ti see where I can find a good violin. the best one i saw so far was at synwin at around 4~5k. Are there any violin shops that has more range of high end(?) violins.

@phankao may I know did you sell it back to tmx or another buyer? What is the usual trade in if the violin is still of good condition?[/quote]I was lucky to sell it to a buyer on our own. TMX - we didn't meet the minimum purchase value for next violin to qualify for trade-in at 70%. As courtesy, they were offering to take back at 50%, so we were very happy we managed to sell.

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Wed, 19 Aug 2020 04:28:24 GMT

MaryMax — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 04:28:24 GMT

andrealinviolin\" post_id=\"1938476\" time=\"1569754321\" user_id=\"174739:

I find this topic interesting and students ask me all the time.

What is 'good sound'?
I realised that many think that loud sound or have sound from violin, can already, or means it's a good violin.
eg. $50 vs $50 000 violin - big difference in the character of sound!

If considering loan, in the long term, it's more expensive than owning it.
If considering getting basic types of violin, bear in mind need to upgrade for technique. You will dislike the sound when you are capable. If already fit for 4/4 size, go for a much better violin!

Basic violins are cheap to encourage violin learners to pick up the violin, but won't last for your entire learning journey. It is a temporary-for-use-only violin. Don't risk bringing a 3-digits-dollar violin to Grade 8 Exams!

Cheers!

My kid used a 1/2 size $800 violin bought from school for her grade 7 exam. Many teachers commented that she is not producing loud enough sound with this violin. The teachers can still pull a loud sound from this violin of course.

She is due for upgrade to 3/4 and we have similar type of violin (hand down from sis), will it handicap her playing for diploma? Need to buy those higher priced range ones, and from where? The good violins also easier to play? Her bow was also bought off the rack $25 as the bow that came with the violin was too weak.

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Wed, 19 Aug 2020 04:11:46 GMT

MaryMax — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 04:11:46 GMT

phankao\" post_id=\"1936959\" time=\"1569340465\" user_id=\"3486:

We previously bought our S$5k 1/2-size from Tong Ming Xi, used for 1.5yrs and sold it away at the same price due to upsizing. It was very good.
aprilmom\" post_id=\"1934575\" time=\"1568084406\" user_id=\"177588:
does anyone know where I can buy antique/or good violins. I need a 1/2 for my son .. i have couple months so I want to look around ti see where I can find a good violin. the best one i saw so far was at synwin at around 4~5k. Are there any violin shops that has more range of high end(?) violins.

@phankao may I know did you sell it back to tmx or another buyer? What is the usual trade in if the violin is still of good condition?

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Wed, 15 Jul 2020 03:08:34 GMT

Selrahc — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 03:08:34 GMT

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Tue, 09 Jun 2020 04:12:27 GMT

skii — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 04:12:27 GMT

zac's mum\" post_id=\"1972597\" time=\"1587775250\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1972597 time=1587775250 user_id=53606]
My child’s violin strings have turned rusty during this circuit breaker. Worried they will snap soon.

Since all violin shops are closed during circuit breaker, how to have the strings replaced?

Are there any shops that offer sale + servicing via online means during this time?[/quote]

my son's E string snapped during the start of CB.

msg synwin on their facebok page,
don't have stock for individual string

bought a set of Dorminant instead
arrived in 3-4 days.

heng !!!!

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Mon, 27 Apr 2020 12:38:38 GMT

6thisnthat9 — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 12:38:38 GMT

I find luthier at Synwin (marina sq) quite helpful.

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Sun, 26 Apr 2020 13:21:53 GMT

phankao — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 13:21:53 GMT

zac's mum\" post_id=\"1972597\" time=\"1587775250\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1972597 time=1587775250 user_id=53606]
My child’s violin strings have turned rusty during this circuit breaker. Worried they will snap soon.

Since all violin shops are closed during circuit breaker, how to have the strings replaced?

Are there any shops that offer sale + servicing via online means during this time?[/quote]

I know you can order strings online from http://www.synwin.com.sg/

and for Gramercy - this is what it says on their Facebook:
\"If you have any inquiries during this lockdown, please kindly email us at info@gramercy.com.sg and our team will get back to you as soon as we can!\"

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Sun, 26 Apr 2020 11:37:53 GMT

myteapot — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 11:37:53 GMT

zac's mum\" post_id=\"1972597\" time=\"1587775250\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1972597 time=1587775250 user_id=53606]
My child’s violin strings have turned rusty during this circuit breaker. Worried they will snap soon.

Since all violin shops are closed during circuit breaker, how to have the strings replaced?

Are there any shops that offer sale + servicing via online means during this time?[/quote]

My son’s violin D string snapped few days ago and I purchased a new set from Lazada. Hoping to receive next few days and he’ll have to change the strings himself. Unfortunately, the violin finger board also dropped, so he scotch-taped it back for now so he can continue playing.

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Sun, 26 Apr 2020 11:28:39 GMT

6thisnthat9 — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 11:28:39 GMT

zac's mum\" post_id=\"1972597\" time=\"1587775250\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1972597 time=1587775250 user_id=53606]
My child’s violin strings have turned rusty during this circuit breaker. Worried they will snap soon.

Since all violin shops are closed during circuit breaker, how to have the strings replaced?

Are there any shops that offer sale + servicing via online means during this time?[/quote]

Try to email Synwin or gramercy. U can purchase their strings online. If it's just changing strings, not difficult.

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Sat, 25 Apr 2020 00:40:50 GMT

zac's mum — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 00:40:50 GMT

My child’s violin strings have turned rusty during this circuit breaker. Worried they will snap soon.

Since all violin shops are closed during circuit breaker, how to have the strings replaced?

Are there any shops that offer sale + servicing via online means during this time?

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Thu, 02 Jan 2020 10:53:46 GMT

zac's mum — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 10:53:46 GMT

Does anybody here happen to have a 1/2 size Bonmusica shoulder rest to let go?

Kiddo needs to upsize his violin from 1/4 to 1/2 soon, such a waste, it lasted only one year due to his growth spurt.

Looking to get a 2nd-hand Bonmusica shoulder rest to save some money…

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Mon, 25 Nov 2019 03:47:04 GMT

kevinhwc — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 03:47:04 GMT

Getting a 2nd hand comes with a risk. But then it’s more value for money. You need to at least have basic knowledge of a violin if you want to get a 2nd hand one. The last thing you want is to buy a cracked violin. Rusty parts are a smaller problem and can easily be changed… cracked violin costs a bomb to fix and may not worth the price…

I usually get 2nd hand ones for my kids as it’s more value for money. I read up on violins (I’m not music inclined…) so that I can teach the kids at times…

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Fri, 08 Nov 2019 03:57:52 GMT

jedamum — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 03:57:52 GMT

Buy new if you can afford.

I bought a secondhand. It is not the cheapest model, so i had decided to get secondhand for a better model to encourage my beginner.
My oversight as i didn't know parts were rusty. I had to paste tape over.
The seller didnt declare he sold me a wrong size shoulder rest. I had to get anew one.
The tuning pins were also faulty.
Though my boy used it for 1.5yrs and did well (it's a miracle, his tonality was suddenly cery good during that day of exam during warm up) and stopped, tuning was a nightmare everytime.
(i bought a 40yr+ old piano and it is going strong after years of usage and i thought i could do the same if get a secondhand violin, but no.. :()
Buying second hand also depends on the seller's integrity.

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Fri, 08 Nov 2019 01:43:22 GMT

zac's mum — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 01:43:22 GMT

Dahl\" post_id=\"1945332\" time=\"1573174035\" user_id=\"176287:

simplycho\" post_id=\"1944937\" time=\"1572969976\" user_id=\"39507:

both are approximately the same price
i’m aware that 2nd hand items are subjected to how the previous owner maintains it
but as the seller is selling it for 1/4 of its original price, its quite tempting

any advice?
not musically trained here
so i cant go test the sound quality😂
Not an expert (perhaps other parents with experience could chip in with some advice), but for the reasons you stated, if it were me, I'd go with the new one.

I agree. At least if u buy brand new from a shop, if any problems arise, u can go back to them & ask them to rectify.

Hard to test sound quality unless u bring along your violin teacher.

What size are u looking for by the way? I have a used 1/8 Synwin that I can pass to you for free. U can take it and let the violin teacher check for you whether ok. If not satisfied with the quality then return to me.

Reply to All About Choosing and Buying Violins on Fri, 08 Nov 2019 00:47:15 GMT

Dahl — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 00:47:15 GMT

simplycho\" post_id=\"1944937\" time=\"1572969976\" user_id=\"39507:

both are approximately the same price
i’m aware that 2nd hand items are subjected to how the previous owner maintains it
but as the seller is selling it for 1/4 of its original price, its quite tempting

any advice?
not musically trained here
so i cant go test the sound quality😂

Not an expert (perhaps other parents with experience could chip in with some advice), but for the reasons you stated, if it were me, I'd go with the new one.