Thanks for input Liz.

Hi Liz and/or anybody out there,

I am just beginning to learn violin about a month ago on borrowed instrument. I would like to buy one of my own but not sure if I should get a Genial 1 or a Gems 2. My gut feeling is to get the better one since I don`t want to have to `upgrade` to a better in years to come. I would like the violin I bought to grow `old` with me and witness for myself how the violin`s sound matures over the time. And is there any real difference between a Gems 2 and a Genial 1 violin apart from the aesthetic look (gems has more flamed wood) and the strings it comes with?

I have a like-new Romanian Violin. I bought it 6 months ago, and now it`s still in very good condition. It`s a Leon Aubert Violin, Model 808, everything is good, bow, rosin, good quality case, shoulder rest, and come along with some good books of Yamaha and Bedwig . I`m a senior high school going to college, so i try to make some money, i hope to sell this violin asap. I only ask for $420.00+ Shipping n Handling, we might discuss more. Thank you very much for looking. Contact me this email or 909-789-4122 at anytime, and my name is Phi, it pronounces like "fee" . Have a nice day and God bless!

Gems is noticeably better than genial, yes.

Phi, you`re going to have to reduce your price a lot if you want to sell that violin. If you want a quick sale, put it on ebay, but you`d be lucky to get $200. The sad fact is that any instrument drops its value by half the list price the instant you walk out the shop with it. We used to deal in used student violns so iknow how it works.

Liz

Hi, Phi,

Thanks but $420 is still a bit steep for me. I`m looking at $150 - $300 range. God bless you too : )

Thanks, Liz for your input. Quite determined to get a Gems 2 now....

I was looking into buying a gama violin on ebay but my violin teacher discouraged me from doing it. She said you should always try out the instrument first. I know they have a 7 day money back guarantee so I am still considering it. Has anyone ever had problems with these instruments? They say professional moday. How does this compare with an advanced student model that I might purchase at Marshall Music for $700? Any advice would be helpful!

Alicia,

We have sold goodness knows how many of these, many to students whose teachers were horrified by the thought of them buying from the internet. A number of those teachers have since sent pupils to us because they were so impressed with the Gamas (and Gems), and we have only ever had one back, that from someone who was willing to pay four times as much. For the price, quite simply, you won`t equal them.

I can`t help you with marshall music, not without a url.

liz

Liz,
Thanks for your input. I will probably purchase the gama outfit on ebay. I was just a little nervous. What exactly do they mean by professional? Is it truly professional by most standards? Can you explain antique and non antique finish? Sorry to bombard you with questions but you seem to be fairly experienced. Thanks a lot!
Alicia

Hi Alicia,

It depends on your definition of professional. No-one who plays for a living is going to be satisfied with anything much below $10,000. We have sold these to teachers and to one professional player as a back up instrument. I play one myself and I used to teach for a living. One luthier describes them as "good semi-professional instruments, when properly set up". To get the best out of the violin (as with any violin from any source), get a good professional set up done.

Antiqued and non-antiqued is just a matter of appearance: the antiqued violin looks older than it is.

Liz

Liz,
One more question please. Would this violin be considered a "step up" violin or more along the lines of an advanced student instead. Also are there usually problems with these violins such as poor bridges, strings, etc.?
Do you know anything about Primo violins? They are Chinese made-and cost a bit less. I was thinking the gama might be a better quality for the comparative violin.
Alicia

Hi Alicia,

Step-up rather than advanced student, definitely. you don`t seem to use the grade exams system over there so i`m not going to be able to easily explain what sort of level i consider it to be appropriate for, but certainly it should not limit any amateur player.

i can`t comment about Primo because I`ve never seen one, sorry.

Liz

Liz,
Thanks so much for all your help. I really appreciate it!
Alicia

Help Liz! Are you still out there? Is anyone else?
My grandpa has an antique violin that belonged to his grandfather. I am hoping he will pass it to me! I was curious though. It says Jacobus Stainer 1791. Don`t worry, I know I don`t have an original on my hands!!!
I was wondering about getting it restored. It is really banged up and probably needs a complete overhaul. Is it worth the money to get it restored? IF so, how do I go about finding a qualified person to do the work? How much could I expect to spend? Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Yes i`m still here. it`s hard to tell. Even using a very cheap repairer we only ever made a loss on old violins needing a lot of work, and we didn`t pay much for them to start with! My advice is to take it to a specialist violin shop and ask for their advice. over here the cost of setting up such a violin, assuming no actual repairs were needed, would be at least £80 and possibly £250, depending entirely on the hourly charge made by the repairer.

Liz

Liz