Opinions about these 3 violins?

[nickia]

The last one comes with a bow

Which one do you think is the best?

Thanks!

[maestramusica]

I'd like to see the middle one better- closer up, more detail, but that's the only one that would interest me at all.

[Steve R.]

I agree with Maestramusica, the 2nd one looks like it might be interesting. Though it's bridge does appear to be on backwards.

[maestramusica]

how observant of you Steve- yup, I do believe it IS backwards!

[ROYCE]

The middle one is the least favorable to me. It has a crummy button and has been sprayed black along the edges of the back. It looks like a lower end German factory violin. The kind with no blocks and may have an integral bass bar. The first one actually is a nice violin from what I can tell from the photos. Notice the large well shaped button. Nicest wood of the three. It is probably a Markneukirchen violin. The third one looks like a 1950's model German Student fiddle. Mediocre wood and plain varnish. The third one is probably well made but it doesn't appear as nice as the first one.

[maestramusica]

The front of the middle fiddle is what I found most interesting. I did notice the back seemed less than a good match (I DID say I would want to see more and better pics, so as to better see things like the button, etc)

Is it possible this instrument is made of cobbled together pieces from several instruments? The front and back seem so ill-matched to me. But front looks nice.

[ROYCE]

It could be a "composite" violin. but probably the front has been revarnished and the back was sprayed black along the edges to give it more of an antiqued look. No doubt it's probably an old violin, but to me, I'm fairly certain its a low end one. The pegs on the middle violin are not all ebony either so you'd want to change those. They tend to get stuck and prevent good tuning. I'd ask the seller about corner blocks and linings. I'd be willing to bet the first one has all 4 blocks and is lined well. The middle one probably doesn't have blocks or may have some fake ones on the lower bout.

[bean_fidhleir]

They all look like student fiddles, to me, with that sort of 'pro-forma' airbrushed contouring/'antiquing' they have.