Here's a question for y'all, if you can help me

Nov 28, 2005 13:20

I am a cellist who would love to pick up fiddle, for the more complicated/higher register stuff that a cello can't handle (well, at least at my skill level), and I don't have that much money for an instrument. What is your view on buying a fiddle over the internet? I have looked around and found one that claims to be fully carved with case, bow, ( Read more... )

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Comments 9

tidesong November 29 2005, 00:32:45 UTC
Yes, too good to be true. It'll be crap. Two rules to buying an instrument online: caveat emptor, and, you get what you pay for.

Now, if you do some research, and find reputable companies, sometimes you can find good instruments, and can sometimes have them for an in-home trial of 7 or 14 days. But not for $100.

I recommend StringWorks. I've heard Southwest Strings and Shar Music have some decent student instruments. But I have personal experience with StringWorks. Excellent customer service, and good instruments for the price.

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Cheap fiddle anonymous January 17 2006, 17:38:10 UTC
Almost all of the low-priced violins are made in China. The good news is that with all the volume, they are getting pretty good at it. Over the internet, though, there is a large element of unknown. Although the basic instrument might be OK, the setup will generally be bad... strings too high, mostly. It will need adjustment.

Certainly look for one listing an ebony fingerboard. If they don't say, it isn't.

I managed to get a nice one on eBay for $60, but it was a risky deal... poor photos, no established seller history (the seller disappeared shortly after I bought my fiddle).

eBay is a good place to check out what's selling... but watch the shipping costs. Sellers often make their profit on excessive shipping/handling charges.

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