Violin Tips and Advice: Buying Your First Violin (PART 1) - Taylor Davis

Hey everyone! I had a lot to say about this topic so I broke it up into 2 different parts :)

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[MrSpock-wtpy]

I've been using rental violins for almost 8 years... Im gonna get my own this year :D

[Jester-ztfw]

cool this will help me so much
I want play violin so much
it's almost as if it's calling to my soul

[icantthinkofaname]

In shop or online?
Coronavirus: exists
Me: definitely online

[monicabushey]

I paid $80 on Amazon for a Cecilio rosewood student violin set (case, rosin, two bows, 4/4 violin with a chin rest, and shoulder rest) and my teacher was surprised at the quality. The strings are pretty good (they aren't that plastic kind that some beginner violins have) and it sounds well enough. I've had it for three years and it's doing strong so far. I would recommend it for people who can't afford anything over $100 (I had to pay for the violin myself). But I am saving up for a better violin around $400 to get a better sound and all that good stuff.

[AstronomyGuru]

I have a $130 Cecilio violin. Made in China. Had it for a year now. Still playing and learning on it. It's not a strad of course, but for the price it has a nice tone. I think any violin can sound good when it's in the right hands. Next year I'll be investing in an antique violin.

[mary-sivp]

thanks so much. i’m excited to start learning to violin, and expand my skills this quarantine :)

[christophertsiliacos]

Hi Taylor - I paid 39.95 (US) for a new violin made in China from Amazon over a year and a half ago. It came with the bow, the case, a small cake of rosin, an extra set of steel strings, and a digital electronic chromatic tuner. Admittedly it took nearly 60 minutes to get it in tune, but once I got it in tune it plays exceptional well for a $39 violin (with extras). Every few weeks it may need a tuning adjustment (but then what violin doesn’t?). The violin has a maple back and maple sides, and a solid spruce top. The pegs are aligned, and are nice and taut. The tailpiece appears to be made of plastic, however. It has all of its original parts, and I play it on average of twice a week for a couple of hours a day (when I’m not playing my other violin). When I’m not playing it, it serves as a decorative wall hanger – for which it was originally purchased. In the event that it someday gives up the ghost, it'll always serve as a decorative wall hanger. 😊 ♫ 🎻

[bobwin]

In the future video you should consider turn off the background music when you talk. It’s distracting to hear what you are saying.

[TheYouTuberClub]

I have always wanted to learn how to play the violin the violin has always been my favorite instrument in the world this video will probably help me one day when i get my own violin one day.

[yayatim]

My teacher went to Germany and learn how to build violin, he spend time to grind for one violin a year and sell them for $3500 each. The woods are all imported from Germany

[magicsnail]

I played the violin from grade 3 to 6, I'm 13 now and I really REALLY want to play it again!

[Lia-fwzg]

Thank you Taylor. It's really usefull for me.

[Jamie-rjgn]

Is there a difference between the normal colored violins and the ones with weird colors and designs? I had a music teacher tell me once that buying instruments like "a pink flute" or something was always a mistake so I'm curious whether or not the case is the same with violins.

[violinsheetmusicblog]

Really really curious, how much does your violin cost??

[cliffsandifer]

I borrowed first time violin from a neighbor. 1979?BEFORE Youtube)..my mother saw my initiative and had her aunt bring her violin she had as a teen. and she gave it to me, not knowing ANYTHING about it( ALMOST sold it to a pawn dealer for 20$), since then I found passion for it. i took a violin BUILDING class and what a learn that was, i don't look at violins the same way now. and i have idea of what to look for in well made fiddles. this is age of internet now violin kits out there and a pile of fiddle tutorials on youtube and a boat load of OPINIONS. Violin is one of the greatest inventions of human kind. right after remote control and" Dominos pizza app" we didn't always have that either..Chinese made violins are not always firewood ..watch those crafters make those on youtube..they are diligent and competitive what ive seen. Use good strings, good bridge they can sound good not to be sneezed at. Taylor is right 250 500 is good base to starting figure.

[Kalistor]

Thanks Taylor!! This will help me so much! I want to play violin :D

[johannkuhn]

Regarding the choice of violin, when it comes to electric I like the full size Cecilio. I did have an issue with the pre-amp blowing just before the first year ended (I don't know if it's a common problem), but apart from that it's actually a very nice instrument. It's solid wood, so doesn't feel like it's going to fall apart, the pegs stay in tune for months (I do make very fine adjustments on the tailpiece, but that's maybe once a week), and it's also virtually silent so it's perfect for practicing. One thing to keep in mind though is that the solid maple body is considerably heavier than an accoustic violin.

[mohamedkhomsi]

Dear Taylor, thank you for such a video. I didn't need your recommendation since my 10 years son entered academy last year and his teacher is great, the reason why he likes violin lessons so much and performs very well while his dad is sharing with him, between many other things, very niece pieces of music out of japan animes and video games history and of course Ms Davis' videos. By the way, my 5 years old daughter finds you incredibly beautiful and, now, in addition to her will to learn violin wants to have her hair falling on the face on the left side like you. She made me laugh with this last wish. She really likes you a lot.
You were right by mentioning that's it's hard to give a price. Nevertheless, between my son's teacher and what I found out googling, this 250-400$ range seems totally justified even here in Europe where prices in music shops can be quite different from your place. You can buy it cheaper but then again, exactly as you said, it's a hit or miss bet. You're not only talented. You care a lot when advising. Thank you again. I'm very sincerely wishing you all the best in your life.
One last thing: we missed your 2016 tour. I hope you'll come back to Belgium.

[Mirecsooor]

you are my favorite modern artist ! looking forward to see u in Glasgow ! good luck ! wish u all the best on the tour !

[PirateDreadLord]

I have to much sentimental value and can't trade in. I traded in when I was growing up but I regret trading in my first 4/4 violin. It my was my first, "grown up violin". My oldest violin now is about 18 years old. I'm just now looking into buying a new one