Anyone know anything about Violins?

I don't think the quality of a violin decreases from use by others. Or why do people pay so much to buy those super old violins? I wouldn't buy the new one just because it is new. It all depends on which one your son personally likes better, the touch, the quality of sound, etc. The chip can be re-painted if that bothers him a lot. Hope that helps!

If the old one is nice - like nicer tone then deffo get that one.
But just because a violin is old doesn't mean its better.

You should test them all out and see which one you like best.
If at all possible you should take them home and test them for a week or so.

At my house at the moment I have 4 violins - 3 that were bought new, 2 of them are awful but they're okay for beginners. The other new one is lovely. The old one cost a lot more but is amazing - it looks awful but sounds beautiful.

I also have 2 cello's here - 1 brand new one which is the best cello I have ever had - it stays in tune for weeks and weeks.
I have another old one thats terrible.

Well, he can't play yet so how do I know which sounds better?

Are you buying it in a music shop?
some member of staff should be able to get a decent sound out of them.
Just listen to the tone of it - it shouldn't be scratchy or squeaky - more pure and clear.

Since your son doesn't know how to play - they will all probably sound scratchy if he tries.

Its not the end of the world if you end up with a not so great one since he is a beginner - in a few years when he is committed to it and can play fairly well you can invest in a better one

If he is young he more than likely won't be getting a full size anyway - so no point in paying loads for one he will grow out of.

My son is nearly 18. He's 6' ...the sales person we spoke w/ at the store we were at Sunday...said he'd need a 4/4 :mellow:

Hermet Schartel D903 Violin Outfit Assorted Sizes | Sam Ash Music 1-800-4-SAMASH

what do ya'll think about this one?

Hmm. Have you thought of rent to own? lot of music stores do a rent to own because they knew kids will grow so they offer a transfer as they grow program. Just a thought? My daughter plays the violin and every state we've lived in has had a music store with the program...

I sure hope he doesn't grow. He's nearly 18 and already 6 foot!

Daughter plays bagpipes. Her Great Highland pipes are way over 100 yo. Her small pipes are about 75 yo. They both sound much better than anything new. IMO older is more mellow

That's great that your son is learning Violin.
My father has about 8, but I have no talent what so ever.
But I did learn Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!

triste said:

My son is nearly 18. He's 6' ...the sales person we spoke w/ at the store we were at Sunday...said he'd need a 4/4 :mellow:

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kaylabayla said:

Hmm. Have you thought of rent to own? lot of music stores do a rent to own because they knew kids will grow so they offer a transfer as they grow program. Just a thought? My daughter plays the violin and every state we've lived in has had a music store with the program...

Click to expand...

triste said:

I sure hope he doesn't grow. He's nearly 18 and already 6 foot!

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4/4 is full size so he won't ever need to get another size

triste said:

Hermet Schartel D903 Violin Outfit Assorted Sizes | Sam Ash Music 1-800-4-SAMASH

what do ya'll think about this one?

Click to expand...

It looks okay - you really would need to hear the violin though.
It looks like a mass made one though - not all of them can be the same.

I think he needs to hear it before committing. Is he taking lessons? Perhaps his teacher can make a recommendation before buying. My DH plays violin his whole life and age of the violin doesnt make it undesirable but its more about the tone. Each violin sounds different. Wishing your son best of luck, I think violin is one of the most beautiful instruments!