I am new here and did not see too many posts like this. My daughter is 13 and has been taking lessons for several years. She needs a full sized violin at this time. I do not want to spend more than $350 or so but I want something better than the basic rental she has right now. I have done a lot of internet research but thought people here might have more info and a better perspective. Here are the options I have right now
Klaus Mueller Etude (swstrings.com)
Franz Hoffman Etude (sharmusic.com)
Gliga Gems 2 (violinslover.com)
Cremona Maestro Soloist SV-1400(used)
R. Paesold (used-unsure of model)

Any thoughts on which of these would be best? I am aware that you certainly get what you pay for and a more expensive violin would sound better than all of these I am sure. But, I really want to keep with this budget. My main concerns are that it sounds as good as possible and that it is easy for her to play. I personally have no experience with violins so I am of little help. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts you all might have,
Thanks, LarryG

I basically have no opinion...but uh.....if you really wanna stick to a budget of $350 to get a decent violin,it is possible. Getting a more expensive violin doesn't always mean it has a better sound you know. If you really want to find a good violin within budget of $350,i suggest you to spend more time finding violins. And make sure to bring your daughter along when you purchase a violin,let her test them out,see which she likes the best,it's her playing after all.

The best advice I can give you is to not buy a violin without playing it first. Let your daughter play it, and ask her teacher to give you her opinion (she might also recommend a violin or two, but keep in mind that she might be getting kickbacks from stores or companies for recommending them). If you don't have that option of playing before buying, don't buy it! That's a bad sign.

I haven't played any of those myself, but I have a violin from this company http://www.stringworks.com that both myself and my teacher thought was a great deal and a fine instrument for the price. They will give you a two-week trial period, free of cost.

ditto on the not buying with out playing first, unless you can buy one at a place with a great return policy. in fact, trying it out in your home may be the best thing to do.

http://wwbw.com/Yamaha-Model-5-Violin-Outfit-i162327.music
Good store, good violin.
But it is a student (maybe thats what you meant by "basic")
The store is easy to work with.
I was given this violin for Chirstmas.
It also comes with an excelent case.