I am considering taking up the violin. From all I have read and heard, they are a challenging instrument but I have always wanted to learn. Can anyone give me some advice on what might be a good make or model to start with. I don't want to spend a crazy amount of money but want it to have enough qualit that it does not make the learning experience more difficult than it might be already. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Tom

You might start by Googling Violin Sales. I see Musician's Friend has a starter violin for 99 dollars. If you can find someone that plays you may want to talk to them for some on hands advice. If you have a Music Store locally you may get some information by visiting them.

There are two kinds of music stores. One, the "Guitar Center" type that sells the popular instruments, and the other type of store is geared toward educational music. The educational store sells band and orchestra instruments mostly for school music programs. They also provide sheet music for the schools. Most have in house private lessons or can recommend a private teacher. I would talk to someone there first. Most of these stores rent instruments, so maybe you can rent a nice violin before you make an investment just to be sure that you don't lose interest.

Check out the pawn shops. I've seen them sell for a couple hundred bucks, but you really don't know what you're getting.

Hi Tom:

Ray and Ben have given you two good approaches to the problem. I don't play but my daughter took Viola lessons. It is difficult to learn to play stringed instruments of this type. Knowing what to select and what price to consider depends a great deal on your real objective. Find a good, highly recommended violin teacher in your area and have this discussion with him/her.

Be prepared for a "long siege" unless you are a natural. My best friend and long-time co-writer took piano lessons and later tried his hand at the violin. He did not stay with the violin long in my humble opinion.

Best of luck to you. Would love to hear your experiences and the route you finally decide to take.

Regards,

Dave

Well,
If you want to listen to some "Violin" performances you can Google Bob Wills or for a Premier Performance of the Brahms Violin Concerto by David Oistrakh just Google it.

I Google'd Bob Wills and listened to the Steel Guitar Rag from 1936 and the story of the Steel Guitar Rag. It's amazing how good those old recordings sound! That was before Tape or CD's.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and suggestions. When I took up guitar as a kid I took private lessons. I had all the time in the world to practice and soaked it up pretty quickly. Since then I have taken up piano, bass and mandolin but without the benifit of an instructor. Although I would not call myself highly skilled with any of my secondary instruments, I have learned enough to at least feel somewhat at ease with them. I am getting the impression the violin might not be something I want to embark on without some formal instruction. I may take Ben's advise on the rental option; at least until I figure out how much of an undertaking I am getting into! Thanks again! You have all givin me much to think about!

Tom,

I know a very talented violin teacher and I can ask her if you want me to. Let me know if you still need information.

Colin

A Viola is just a larger violin. They are usually tuned the same, but in some orchestral music they may be tuned differently, depending on the piece.

No difference really. One works like the other. Just like a sax. If you can play a tenor, you can play an alto.

Colin, thank you! I actually found someone local who has played for many years and has offered to help me in my instrument selection and also recommended a good instructor. I realize it will require some serious commitment to become even modestly proficient but I'm going to give it a go!

Ben, thanks again for your advice and info. It's appreciated!

Ray,

Just wanted you to know I did check out musicians friend. I have used this sight previously and they are if nothing else a good starting point to gauging what is out there. Thanks again!

Hi Tom,

Check out Ebay. I purchased a cello from there. I always wanted one and glad I've got it.

Have fun!

Hey Latteta, long time no see! Welcome back!

Brian

The violin, like the clarinet, is wonderful instrument, if you can get past the first 6 months of
squealing, squeeking, and squawking on it before you get a nice sound/tone, etc.

that's why I love the piano and guitar, you don't have do go through that stage. I played flute, sax, and clarinet in my formative years in school, and tortured my parents for a few months