Crappy beginning fiddles?

[crysania4]

I'm primarily a clarinet (classical) and whistle (Irish music) player, but I'm thinking of getting some really crappy beginning fiddle off of eBay (I can't afford a great instrument right now and I'd like to start playing it)...I'm intending to just learn Irish music on it (for classical, I'll stick with clarinet). So the question is...would it be

Comments

[morganeve]

Hmmm. Well, I'd say YES! immediately, but on the downside, getting a cheap fiddle will make it really hard for you to get a good sound out of it. And if you're anthing like me, you'll get totally discouraged cause it sounds like a barn cat and give it up. BUT on the other hand, if you go into it knowing that, and don't let the sound get to you, it could be a very beneficial endeavor. That way you learn how to play the instrument and by the time you feel comfortable with it, you'll be ready to look for a nice one! Another alternative is renting one. If you have a friend who already plays, have him/her go with you to pick out a rental. That way, you'll get a good-sounding instrument and you'll be able to actually hear when it's you who's making it sound good. Know what I mean? ;)
Good Luck!

[fiddle_dragon]

As a second to the rental suggestion - my current violin mentioned below is currently being bought on a "rental" plan - $36 per month - no risk if I decide not to buy, but if I do want to buy that which I've paid in rental fees goes towards the price of the instrument.

On another note...

[crysania4]

What do you think of this list of criteria that some eBay seller posted...is it accurate or just a way to get people to buy his stuff and not something else?

1. Does the Violin Have the tag inside with the Name and Serial # proving it is not a cheap knock off?

2. Does the violin have ebony fingerbard, ebony pegs, ebony chinrest and a ebony tailpiece with 4 fine tuners? (the one I'm looking at just has ebony coloured tuning pegs...don't know about the rest)

3. Is the violin made of hand carved and select spruce tops/maple back with the finish hand rubbed by a master Luthier?

4. Is The bow a quality one made of Brazilwood with ebony frog and unbleached white horsehair? (the one I'm looking at just says "wood")

5. Is the case a plush, lightweight *HARD* case or the cheap featherweight case?

6. Does the violin have an inlaid purfling or is it hand painted on then lacquer sealed? (I don't even KNOW that this means!)

7. Does the violin have a cheap plastic or metal tailpiece (that kills the sound)?

Re: On another note...

[fiddle_dragon]

*nod* I saw your other post - I just haven't had time to respond to it...

I think that it is probably somewhat accurate - but seems more of a marketing gimmick. I'd probably look twice at a cheap violin that comes with a Brazilwood bow as opposed to a fiberglass one, but *shrug* - and the case about having a plastic or metal tailpiece makes sense.

But it sounds like perhaps a cheap knock off is exactly what would help you right now - since you already know that what you can afford now is something that you won't be comfortable performing with - or even using for more serious study.

[fiddle_dragon]

heh - and a bichon lover too :) I like you already

[crysania4]

I've never seen a plastic violin! Eek...though I've recently seen ones that are blue and pink (dyed maplewood I think) on eBay...thought about getting the blue one just for kicks. ;-)

Thanks for the suggestions! And man, I'd love to hear an Irish clarinetiest...any recordings of this person floating around? Or clips even?

[fiddle_dragon]

*nod* I have a CD with him on it - I'll try and get at least a clip out to you within the next few days (computer time at home is limited)

[crysania4]

And on a side note...my dog actually isn't a bichon though she gets confused for one all the time...she's a Whoodle...a mixed wheaton terrier/poodle but somehow she came out looking like a large not as curly bichon...lol...still trying to figure THAT one out!

Bichons ARE adorable though...and the one in your icon is just too cute!!

[hobbitblue]

Mine's a cheap one, made by the Stentor company, actually its a rainbow violin, so bright blue like an electric guitar ::grin:: It cost just over a hundred pounds, so nice and cheap. I think the beginner packages put out by these firms are fine, leastways mine sounds ok and my music teacher had no complaints about it; I'd avoid the "found this in the attic, such a bargain" type instruments as its a bit hit and miss. You'll probably want to get a new bow, the ones included are usually pretty crap, and change the strings for some quality ones and away you go! I'm teaching myself and doing pretty well, though it helped having someone to give me pointers on holding the bow and basic bowing etc. Good luck! :)

[crysania4]

Yeah I'm thinking about seeing if I can hook myself up with some very basic lessons...just on how to hold the bow and do basic playing...I can work on scales and getting my fingers in the right place (luckily, I have fairly good ears). I saw some bright blue ones on ebay...along with pink (eek)...I thought the blue one would be kind of amusing to have but I might just stick with something that looks kinda normal. Thanks for responding!

[hobbitblue]

Its pretty easy to get the hang of, though getting past the squeaking stage takes a bit..

I saw the bright pink one you put a link to in your lj ::shudder:: my blue one is nowhere near as icky and garish, honest, there's a pic of me playing it here if you want to see :)

[crysania4]

Yeah the pink was is hideous to put it mildly...blue is cool and your fiddle looks neat! Definitely not something you'd see everyday...they have a couple blue ones on eBay: Here's one.

If only I were still with my ex...he got me to get a sound out of a viola without one squeak the FIRST time. I've heard some of his students that he started and they were good...really amazing for kids who had been playing for less than a year. Ah well...might have to look around for someone else with his skill!