(Part 2) Best orchestral string instruments according to redditors

For anyone else wondering what LAOP is talking about, they provided a link to the amazon item page

In general, I think Great Wall means "Made in China." The model number, GWV-1500, makes me think it's a factory-made violin, made in China. The Strad label usually just means that it's a copy of an actual Strad.

Probably worth <$1,000 at best.

Edit: Unless you've bought it yourself at a music shop/luthier, I have a sneaking suspicion that GW is the maker for stentor violins, therefore: https://www.amazon.com/Stentor-1500-4-Student-Outfit-Polishing/dp/B075S91YWY/ref=pd_cp_267_2/132-5729587-5125165?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B075S91YWY&pd_rd_r=1e734802-8ce8-4082-b49f-162f1dbf82f7&pd_rd_w=4UFHl&pd_rd_wg=7SKGT&pf_rd_p=0e5324e1-c848-4872-bbd5-5be6baedf80e&pf_rd_r=A38JKKW383A8JDS56GXH&psc=1&refRID=A38JKKW383A8JDS56GXH

Music Maker Lap Harp, commonly called a zither.

https://www.amazon.com/Music-Maker-681234000013-Lap-Harp/dp/B00000J50W

There isn't really a specific price range I can think of where you are buying a VSO as compared to a student violin. but if I were to say any, maybe below 300- 350?


but really, it all depends on the maker, whether it was manufactured or made by a luthier, materials used, etc. A VSO in my opinion is just a cheaply made violin that is audibly shitty, and tend to use cheap woods and supplies (glue, strings, etc.). a good way to spot a VSO is if it comes in multiple colors, like pink or blue, or different wood textures (ahem, ahem, mendini). also, just picking one up, you can tell something is up. it may be too light, or the neck may have really cheap wood. stuff like that.

but yeah, as I said, the price line between a student and a VSO is very... fuzzy, I think the word I'm looking for is.

This is likely something very similar to:
http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Acoustic-Violin-Fiddle-Rosin/dp/B00KVLKLO8/ref=sr_1_7?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1449179580&sr=1-7&keywords=violin

The cheap cases don't even have a latch. It's just a zipper.
But no, beyond being unplayable, $65 is a lot for a used violin shaped object.
Probably trying to recoup the initial sales price.

All's well, so far. I ordered the blue version of [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Bobelock-1060-Oblong-Suspension-Violin/dp/B00GM5WGFY) beauty for my violin (about high time), which goes well with [this] (http://www.sharmusic.com/Accessories/Case-Accessories-Parts/Joey-Violin-Case-Carrier.axd#sthash.eQZPJj7q.dpbs) beauty that I ordered last week. Considering the fact that my violin case has been falling apart lately, I'm happy.

Working on lesson plans today, and then going to the last day of a local book sale tonight.

I have no experience with them but this looks nice. A little classier than most.

I actually used to work for CG, amazon is your best bet! If you're looking in that range :

https://www.amazon.com/Mendini-Antique-Violin-Shoulder-Strings/dp/B002026DR0/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1483299777&sr=1-3&keywords=violin
https://www.amazon.com/Mendini-Strings-Shoulder-Natural-Varnish/dp/B01MTV42C9/ref=sr_1_5?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1483299777&sr=1-5&keywords=violin


I would recommend the higher priced- but they're both student, bottom of the line violins. Better quality though!

you might compare it to this one too, only a little more

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018WSESHC/ref=psdc_11971541_t2_B018WO7TOA

i believe its "semi acoustic", not gonna be as loud as a normal violin, but not as quiet as the boxless ones.

https://www.amazon.com/Cecilio-CVN-500-Solidwood-DAddario-Prelude/dp/B00EOYK2FQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1494302996&sr=8-7&keywords=mendini+violin

Despite what the other people are saying, if you are interested in testing the waters with playing the violin, you can always purchase one similar to the one linked above. I own this exact violin and I can say that as long as you do not plan on playing in an orchestra with it, this violin is perfect for someone who wants to start on the violin, but does not want to spend $1,000 dollars immediately.

Ifshin in El Cerrito is the best shop in the bay area. They have many different price ranges and do rentals as well. I would recommend renting for at least a few months and getting a teacher. Then you can go to Ifshin and ask to see violins in your price range, try them all, and pick one you like.

If you really want to buy one I would get one that's at least priced at $500. Online you can go to Southwest Strings or if you buy from Amazon get something from Kennedy Violins. They will have cheaper violins but they will make it harder for you to learn.

https://www.amazon.com/Louis-Carpini-Violin-Outfit-Full/dp/B00DMOKUUQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=musical-instruments&srs=6796540011&ie=UTF8&qid=1501772920&sr=1-5

Are you looking for something like this? http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Acoustic-Violin-Merano-String/dp/B00A7Q76CC/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1464123199&sr=1-4&keywords=half+size+violin

So sorry, this the cremona’s one:
https://www.amazon.ca/Cremona-SV-500-Premier-Artist-Violin/dp/B00G234FK0

This the gewa:
https://gewastrings.com/product/23554/gewa-violin-aspirante-marseille.html

In another place, A person said me that the european origin of the wood was a “plus” over cremona violin, but He still doesn’t answer to me why, maybe because He hasn’t see my reply yet

It's actually the Cecilio, listed at 179.99

https://www.amazon.com/Cecilio-CVA-500-Solidwood-DAddario-Prelude/dp/B00EOYKETU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1499706531&sr=8-4&keywords=14+inch+viola

OK. Everyone here seems to be of the same opinion - that I will not be able to find one to suit her particular needs on my own, especially for under $700. Thank you all for answering my post. However, I am a bit confused now, because I have found seemingly highly-regarded instruments online. I would like to understand what would go wrong with me purchasing this violin (discounted from $500 to $300 on Amazon), which has hundreds of almost exclusively 5-star ratings:

http://www.amazon.com/Ricard-Bunnel-Violin-Outfit-full/dp/B00MMLEIB2/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1416098538&sr=8-15&keywords=violin

It seems like almost everyone who purchased this has raved about it. The company also seems to have excellent customer service. Will this really not be suitable for her needs - especially for someone who hasn't played in 30 years and will need to get back in the swing of things? Thanks in any case for explaining this to me.

Sure! Admittedly the equipment I'm using is all cheap quality, but I figure I can replace components over time as I get better at playing cello. Right now I'd just like to know the cause of the hissing or how I can easily filter it out.

I'm using this Chinese brand cello ("kinglos")

I can't find any information on the built-in pre-amp, but this is it

It leads into this Neewer noise gate

Into this Kustom KXB1 6 inch 10-Watt amp

Then my recording is done with this Nady SP-4C Dynamic Neodymium Microphone

Plugged into this IRig 2 interface

Which leads to my Google Pixel XL Android phone

All of it is connected with these cables

the setup looks kind of like this

And here's a quick audio sample (please excuse the horrible playing, I haven't been at this very long)

I used this kit from amazon and if you want I can carve another one and send it your way if you want to try.

I had a classic antique violin with a horse tail bow when i was very young..it sounded absolutely amazing when someone who knew what they were doing touched it. I am fascinated by the awesome modern looking ones like this one or this one - i have seen them played on youtube and its amazing..i love the sound.

I know it might be a little over your balance but John Juzek 100 violins are top of the ling for beginners

http://www.amazon.com/JOHN-JUZEK-100-Student-Violin/dp/B00A8P3A7M

I have one and they are perfect for someone just starting out. They are about $450 or so.

I have been playing for almost three years. I practice 1-2 hours a day. The cello I have is this:

https://www.amazon.com/Cecilio-CCO-500-Fitted-Flamed-Strings/dp/B007OOUZA0

This is a song from my band which features a zither. It was tuned to an open chord and struck with a tuning fork. There is also plucked melody as well.

This is the model we played on. It's pretty basic, not great tone, resonance, or projection, but it gets the job done.