Information about Cello or Violin

[protectivedad]

So my son can start Cello or Violin lessons next year, the only down side is buying or renting a Cello or Violin. Anyone go through this already? Any information for me about either instrument, etc. I'm in the dark about this and can use any advice or pointers.

Thanks.

[GAM]

Rent for a few years. At least till he is at full size instrument.

The school instruments are good if you get there early.

If he sticks with it buy and upgrade as required.

Sandy

[Jayme]

While I don't play violin or Cello, I have a degree in music and during that time I was exposured to both instruments. Cello is a very tough instrument mostly due to the reach and power necessary to play it. A good cello player can crush a sugar cube with any finger in their left hand while keeping all the other fingers on the table - try it! Super difficult. Anyhow, my advice would be to start with violin as it's going to be much easier to start with for a child, and to have them succeed. As he grows older and gets bigger hands, he can always move to cello. The other thing I will mention, is a quality violin costs less than a quality cello. Still does not hurt to rent though as most young children start on 3/4 size instruments meaning eventually he would have to upgrade to full size. If it looks like he's sticking with it, that's the time to buy.

[GAM]

If I remember the cello is introduced year 3 after 2 of violin.

My son kept it up (violin) and is ending grade 10.

It is the best and least expencive music education you will ever see. I am assuming you are talking about Halifax Strings.

Sandy

[protectivedad]

I'm talking about the Halifax program for students. I have three children all 2 years apart so I was thinking I might get away with buy an inexpensive instrument as a starter and handing it down. If any on them want to keep it up or really enjoy it I figured I'd buy them a nicer one. I wasn't sure how the rental program works and I don't know how hard it's going to be to get an instrument later if lots of parents are searching at the same time.

I think I'll start them with the violin because of Jayme's comment and I'll look at the rental program in September when they have the meeting.

Is it worth getting a cheap starter violin for around 100?

[GAM]

Rental was $100/year.

The quality of a $100-$200 new fiddle is questionable.

We went with around $200 and tryed a lot of fiddles to get a deasent one.

Just picked up a mid level bow for $115.

Sandy

[derek]

I'm talking about the Halifax program for students. I have three children all 2 years apart so I was thinking I might get away with buy an inexpensive instrument as a starter and handing it down. If any on them want to keep it up or really enjoy it I figured I'd buy them a nicer one. I wasn't sure how the rental program works and I don't know how hard it's going to be to get an instrument later if lots of parents are searching at the same time.

I think I'll start them with the violin because of Jayme's comment and I'll look at the rental program in September when they have the meeting.

Is it worth getting a cheap starter violin for around 100?

If you actually know someone who can play a violin, check out pawnshops. I got a sweet flute for a friend's daughter at an outrageous price (way less than rental).

[GAM]

Lots on Kijiji.

Sandy

[protectivedad]

I was definitely looking at buying second hand. I searched kijiji and looking at pawnshops is a good idea. The problem is that I have no clue what makes a good violin and I know very few people in NS. I moved here just for the heck of it and have no ties or family from here. I don't want to throw away money on a violin but I don't want to purchase a violin that will make playing frustrating for my children or sabotage their learning experience.

[BBrianBoogie]

There's nothing wrong with an entry level instrument per se. It's just a good idea to stick to the upper end of entry level if that makes sense. A small increase in spending can make a big difference in the quality of instrument you get. The main problems with poorly made instruments are tuners that need constant adjustment and poor intonation due to improperly cut fretboards (not so much of an issue with violin family instruments as they don't have frets). An instrument that is perpetually out of tune will really frustrate a beginner, especially a kid. Don't worry as much about tone for a very first instrument, as a good percentage of tone comes from the individual and by the time they notice limitations of the instrument itself, you'll know whether they're serious about it or not. I don't play violin, but I do play mandolin and one of the other things you'd look for in an entry level mandolin is a solid top (not plywood like some lower end ones are). I'm thinking there's a pretty good chance that may apply to violin selection as well. I think you're on the right mindset for selecting what you're looking for.