I just got my beginner violin from Shar last week, and, have been trying to learn a few things on it (like tuning, plucking, etc.) while I look for a good teacher.
Well, my pegs were sticky, and one wouldn't move at all. Ugh! That's irritating! So, I took it to a nearby violin shop and asked the owner to check it out. He got the pegs working and the violin tuned, after putting new Dominant strings on it. Then he asked me how much I paid for it. I told him and he says, "I can tell". Oh great! (I knew it wouldn't be the best violin in the world - I can't afford a $1000+ violin right now.) lol :0
Anyway, he told me I really need a new bridge because the one on there was crap (my words not his), and, that the soundpost needs replacing. Ugh!
So, which should I do first? I can't spend a bunch of money now, but, I probably should get something done to it! It sounded alright when the store owner played it in front of me, but, I can tell it doesn't get very loud! The tone didn't sound bad, though, on those new strings.
Hmm...I guess I'll also need to get a new bow as well... come to think of it. $$$$$ I guess I will end up spending the money. lol
Well, since you just got this one tuned up, why don't you stick with it for now. After getting the bridge replaced, if absolutely necessary. A good student violin will probably cost upwards of $300, so you can start saving now and start practicing - make sure you really want to spend the money. Good luck!
Yeah, I'm going to stick with it. I guess I was just a bit disappointed to hear the violin shop guy say what he did... this violin is supposed to be the middle range of beginner violins and "fantastic value".
I guess I really don't need it to be all that loud right now anyway. (My husband, daughter and cats would probably appreciate that for a while. lol!)
Hello. Stumbled across your post and was wondering how it was going with the instrument. I have found that a new instrument, no matter what level, is quite awful compared to a violin (similarly new-bought as opposed to used) that has been played even for as little as 2 months. After 2 to 3 months of playing a new-bought instrument there are no zzzzzzz's on bowing, the wood seems to be "talking"/"singing" more, the whole instrument feels more comfortable with itself and me with the instrument ... what was your experience? I refuse to pay too much attention to dealers'views when they say "they can tell", or that theirs is better than the music stores' around the corner. It is such sales drama. What I have found is that when I have picked up an instrument, played it over and over again ... have the strings settle ... it comes alive ... and does wonderful things ... it certainly makes much better sounds than the sales chatter of the dealers!
hey pk_stephn ,
hapen to see this. if your gona spend money on any thing get a new soundpost. If the soundpost does need replacing that would acount for why your violin isn't that loud. If you don't replace it the violin will suffer later and your playing will also suffer as well. I have been playing for 7 years, and have been personaly involved in restoring in 2 of my own violins.
Hey there.
Since you're just starting out, I wouldn't spend any money on replacing the soundpost just yet, unless it's in danger of actual collapse. Why bother? When you become more proficient you'll likely buy a new instrument anyway, or refurbish the one you've got.
As far as the bridge goes, once again, don't bother with it. As long as the brige is straight and not warped, leave it alone.
Save your money. You'll need it for the lessons once you find a teacher. When you do, ask his or her opinion about those items. You'll probably get the same reply. And that music store guy? Well, music stores stay in business by taking peoples' money. Next he'll be telling you that you need to have the neck re-set. Don't you believe it.
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