Rue

My 2 cents: If you have to - buy a student violin from a company with a good reputation, such as Eastman. Or, if you're willing to gamble a bit more, then order from Yita. I have 2 of theirs and am happy with both. Either would make a great 'beginner to intermediate' instrument. One came with Dominants, which were fine. The other came with no-name, unplayable strings which had to be replaced immediately. Factor in that cost. The other place to look is at Suzuki school newsletters etc, where a student is selling their own beginner violins when upgrading. Those violins should be in decent shape...

Hmm. I don't know. Sometimes it's your first impression that just sticks and won't go away. Other times a good first impression sours with on-going exposure or from negative feedback from the 'in crowd'. There's a series of novels that I love, and have reread countless times over the years. They are engaging, well-written...etc. I was 'shocked' to find out that they were considered 'trashy' by the establishment. I was mature enough at that point not to let it bother me. I continue to enjoy the novels, but, I must say, I'm shallow enough that it did spread a little cloud of negativity over them... There's also 'reverse prejudice' in play. If everyone agrees and says something is great, you could feel obligated to disagree, even if said item actually is great.

Jeepers! Now see what's happening? We've gone from a relatively genteel bout of fisticuffs to a dog fight...

...and I'll throw in a towel...

...and the time-honoured MN version of fisticuffs continues unabated...

Personally, I quite like the ebony log...with, or without a geranium on top.

FWIW, my fingernail looks like a zombie, and I'm going to have to do some interesting 'trimming' of bits as it continues to heal but on Monday I played bassoon without issue, and yesterday I practiced violin 'normally'. Took 2 and 1/2 weeks of healing, but now I'm good to go...

Yes, I know...but ... I looked at photos of both his wives, to see what you meant. The first looked fine. So I'm not sure what your beauty standards reflect... The second was 44 years younger, and a pupil of his. He married a nursemaid... Says a bit about his character too, no?

I can't remember the last time I rosined...lol...

Awesome photos! I think it's great that you documented the project so well!

He was using that? OMG. All those loose hairs would drive me insane...

1. Mob mentality. Mass hysteria. Belongingness. 2. Would it have made a difference if said woman was beautiful? Not to mention, Ysaye wasn't some male model of perfection himself. Does his skill at playing a musical instrument compensate for his own lack of looks and entitle him to a "beautiful' woman? And of course, we all know that beauty is totally objective.

I'm not sure what kind of a school program would utilize 1/4 or 1/2 sized instruments. Generally kids that little are taking private lessons, not school lessons (at least as far as I'm aware of). Most school programs would begin in junior high (around Grade 7) by which time most kids are playing full-sized instruments. However, a good quality 3/4 (or 7/8) sized instrument might be welcome for smaller kids. However, there is certainly a need for good quality 1/4 or 1/2 instruments. But I wouldn't donate, I'd either sell them outright, or, of you're so inclined, 'lend' them to kids whose parents can't afford to pay for quality instruments. As the kids outgrow them, they return them to you. You can then fix them up and lend them to the next kid in need. You might also be able to do this through a Suzuki program or in conjunction with private teachers you network with. ***the other problem with donating, or 'giving away' items is that they might not be used as intended. "Free" items are often treated as either disposable or are sold for profit.

I feel like one of us is from another planet...lol. I prefer the sound of my new strings after they've settled in...~2 weeks... But I certainly appreciate your in-depth reply!