So after a few lessons with Tcha Limberger I have pulled out the violin again. I'm mostly a guitar player but have done some basic bluegrass fiddle stuff. I have an Asian import finished by a local fiddle guy (Joe Dobbs) which cost about $900. I think if I keep up practice I'll outgrow it. For those of you who know much about gypsy violin what would you recommend? Older violin? New luthier violin? Any good places to look? Also curious what a typical cost would be for a "good" instrument. I know that in the right hands (like Tcha) even a cheap violin will sound good but... Thanks!
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Anyone else interested in violin-through-bass builds and restorations...
Grand Rapids, Michigan area but has clients throughout the US and internationally.
http://www.guarnerihousellc.com/
https://www.aaronsinstruments.com/
Murray
IN the lower mid range which until I speak to Robert tonight I'm guessing is between 1-3 I think it's a matter of trying as many as you can until you find a good un regardless of where it's made.
If you know some dealers it helps.
Go to the shops and meet the dealers play some fiddles.
If your lucky and you take your time something will fall in your lap.
You may not know exactly what a fiddle sounds like unless you listen to someone else play it. Theres usually some one at the shop that is there for just that purpose .
In the beginning you won't know what your hearing one way or another and your tone won't be much.
Plan on buying several instruments over several years.
Enjoy the journey.
Bang for the buck ?
Chinese.
I like older instruments.
100-200 years old , they start to sound good.
They hold their value.
Nice to have around.
The modern instruments sound great but in my experience have a different response.
I prefer an instrument that has been broken in and that takes years in the case of a fiddle.
Best shot at blue is knowing a good violinist who is moving up.
My wife is a very fine player, I do not play.
I came by way of violin through brokering pernambuco for violin bows.
I have purchased extraordinary violins and bows for as little as $100...
vintage name brand French and German bows and Czech, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese and American violins.
It was quite an education. I paid dearly for my ignorance and when I gained some knowledge and confidence, I gave it up.
I won't go through the list but I have purchased violins worth thousands for hundreds and instruments worth hundreds for dollars. Same applies to bows.
I haven't looked lately but with the internet and E-bay I see mediocre instruments going for far more than they are worth and owners holding on
to what they believe are gems but are factory made production units finished in tinted lacquer. I have seen better instruments from China.. And instruments labeled for eastern Europe have the appearance of the better quality Chinese instruments.. yet re-labeled. The Chinese instruments are worth considering
KNOW THY DEALER.