Violin buying guidance needed

[aslanov]

Hi guys,
I wanna start playing violin and i wanted to know if there are any critieria that need to be used when buying one, other than the sound, and size, obv, i know i need a 4/4.

Thanks

[keypeg]

Aslanov, I would recommend that you get your teacher's guidance in that, including for him to actually play prospective instruments - it is done.  Which means first you need a teacher.    Don't forget the other half of the instrument - the bow.  It makes a great difference, and is an "instrument" in its own right.

A good forum is www.maestronet.com - check out the Fingerboard (players, teachers, students) and Pegboard (violin makers).

KP

[aslanov]

Well i dont have a teacher, nor do i intend to get one until i am certain I want to stick with violin or just continue on piano alone.
I understand its stupid to do somethign like that. but i prefer to start on my own, as i did with piano.

[keypeg]

Aslanov, the violin is nothing like a piano.  Take it from someone who's been there.  I suggest that you discuss your question on the site I provided, as well as www.violinmasterclass.com  The latter also has a great number of tutorials.

In the very least, if you go that route, find yourself a trained violinist to check out violins for you - somebody who knows what they are doing and what a beginner needs for playability, balance, and the rest.  Don't forget the bow.

On violin, you are the instrument.  The way you stand and balance affects its resonance.  The thing is hanging from your chin, balanced on your hand (depending on which method you use), stuck out in mid air at a weird angle while you try to balance a bow in the other hand.  If you get this wrong, everything becomes very hard.  You can also injure yourself, especially in the neck area. 

Best of luck,

KP

[aslanov]

thanks key,
and yes i do intend on learning on my own, not by just grabbing a violin and having a go, but actually studying myself
thanks for the sites 2

[keypeg]

Best of luck, Aslanov.  But please do get someone to show you how to hold the instrument and check you frequently.  It is hard to imagine if you have not experienced it.  Like, in piano playing you might have a bit of a problem if you're sitting awkwardly, but the piano is a complete structure all by itself.  A cat walking across a keyboard can make notes sound.  With the violin, you are literally part of the instrument structurally.  It's not even just a matter of finding where the notes are.  There is so much more.  The physical part cannot be gotten adequately on one's own.

KP

[lostinidlewonder]

I tried to learn violin too, then realized.... Damn i can't play this solo, i always need someone to accompany me. Playing piano with my feet was too hard.

[keypeg]

Playing piano with my feet was too hard.

Hehe, I thought I was the only one wo tried that. 

[kelly_kelly]

I think a string instrument is MUCH harder to learn than piano without guidance. At least get a violinist or violist friend to help you. Personally, I find sound production on a string instrument much more complicated and less intuitive than on a piano. There are so many more factors you have to take into account...

[toppy]

Just curious as to how you've gone going solo.  I tried solo and after a week I had booked my first lesson.