Violin?

[Rayne]

My daughter is 8 years old. Her school has a string orchestra ... she is interested. I was wondering if anyone knew of anywhere to purchase a decent priced violin. Or anyone who has one laying around they are willing to part with. I know size is an issue, and as of right now, I don't know which size she needs. Nor do I know how to figure that out, either.

I'm more or less fishing for prices at this moment. I have no idea what these things cost.

They recommended a company out of Cinncinati to rent one ... which the renting is a pretty good deal, but why rent if buying would be better in the long run?

I have no idea what I'm doing here. Can anyone help me out?

[Msterbeau]

I'm just here to say I'm so happy that Emily is around and the interest in music is cool. :-)

[Rayne]

I'm just here to say I'm so happy that Emily is around and the interest in music is cool. :-)

Thanks Marc! LOL, and I think so too. I know NOTHING about the violin, but it's what Emily wants to play .... it's music, so it's all good to me.

[mauraway]

Among other places you look, you might want to check into Shar Music. They sell/ rent orchestral string insturments, and are located on Industrial in Ann Arbor [between Stadium and Eisenhower].

http://www.sharmusic.com/

I can't help much other than that, as my main area of knowledge is flutes.

[Fierce Critter]

Missy, would you like me to put an ad on my Yahoo buy/sell/trade groups for you? Wouldn't be a problem, and I can forward responses directly to you.

[Rayne]

Missy, would you like me to put an ad on my Yahoo buy/sell/trade groups for you? Wouldn't be a problem, and I can forward responses directly to you.

That would be helpful Camille!! Thanks.

[sass_in_the_pants]

I have a violin.

It's yours.

Free.

I'll PM you.

[Fierce Critter]

I have a violin.

It's yours.

Free.

I'll PM you.

Considering this, Missy, I'll hold off.

Sass, you are sooo cool.

[bean]

Shar is a great store! They have decent prices for quality products.

I have a violin, but it's a full size. Violins come in 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full size (4/4). The size needed is determined by arm length, which would be measured by the music teacher or whomever you will be buying the violin from (if buying from a music store or dealer). Age is starting point in figuring out what size the child needs. Your daughter will most likely need a 1/2 sized violin.

Until she gets into a full sized violin, you want to hold off on buying one because you'll have to buy another one when she moves up in size. Plus, she may not want to stick with the instrument and you'll be stuck with it.

My student violin was about $500 and that was 16 years ago. Non student violins cost more and sound so much better, but are impractical when first learning to play.

Also, don't let anyone talk you into having your daughter take lessons to learn the Suzuki Method. It's total crap and unnecessary.

[Rayne]

I have a violin.

It's yours.

Free.

I'll PM you.

Thanks Sass!!!

[Rayne]

Shar is a great store! They have decent prices for quality products.

I have a violin, but it's a full size. Violins come in 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full size (4/4). The size needed is determined by arm length, which would be measured by the music teacher or whomever you will be buying the violin from (if buying from a music store or dealer). Age is starting point in figuring out what size the child needs. Your daughter will most likely need a 1/2 sized violin.

Until she gets into a full sized violin, you want to hold off on buying one because you'll have to buy another one when she moves up in size. Plus, she may not want to stick with the instrument and you'll be stuck with it.

My student violin was about $500 and that was 16 years ago. Non student violins cost more and sound so much better, but are impractical when first learning to play.

Also, don't let anyone talk you into having your daughter take lessons to learn the Suzuki Method. It's total crap and unnecessary.

Thanks for the info Bean!

She's pretty tall for her age. Tall and skinny.

I think I'm going to take Sass up on her offer and rent one if the sizing turns out to be a little big, until she grows into it. She's got 5 more years left if she starts now like she wants to.

[Fierce Critter]

Lots of impressive knowledge about violins

I'm always very impressed by anyone who plays a classical instrument like this.

[Steven]

check out musiciansfriend.com as well.

they often have very good online deals and Ive bought equipment form them int he past witho good quality and no issues...cheap too!

[Homicidalheathen]

Wow thats a hard instrument......

I know someone who makes them, but they are cosly...

Most schools have a local buisness they refer people to at a discount.......or the phone book will list band instruments to rent....I suggest renting for the first year to see if she sticks with it.

[Rayne]

I'm always very impressed by anyone who plays a classical instrument like this.

My daughter has REALLY bad ADHD, among other psychological issues.

This is a WONDERFUL idea for her. She needs something to focus her energy on.

[Onyx]

Thanks for the info Bean!

She's pretty tall for her age. Tall and skinny.

I think I'm going to take Sass up on her offer and rent one if the sizing turns out to be a little big, until she grows into it. She's got 5 more years left if she starts now like she wants to.

Renting will be good to be sure she has exactly the right size.

My 10 year old is going to be in the orchestra this year and is playing violin also. She's still got some growing to do, so that's why we are renting one. Meyer Music here rents through the school for only $15 a month and will do a trade and upgrade at any time, so I can't pass that up.