Advice on good quality violin needed

[mike]

I plan to buy violin in the price range of $2,000

or below and am having difficulty because of large

number of violins in this price range. Without

try of each of different violins (which are of

course impossible task), I won't be able to know the

best buy for my investment. I would like to

ask from anyone who had some experience of trying

violins of this price range for good violins with

nice sound quality and finish, etc that are recommendable.

[Andrew]

If you are a beginner, that price range will buy you a very good quality. I will tell you my mistake when I bought my violin. I trusted my instructor (a professor, and a conductor, supposedly to be respectable), who picked up a poorer violin which he claimed to be selling for someone else, in preference for a better one. So, be sure that the one you buy from is someone you trust, which, unfortunate for me, the someone I trust to pick me one is "untrust worthy". I'll tell you, if you never dealt with a violin before, you cannot even decide between a genuine Strad and a beginner violin before your eyes. I will still advice you to go to a reputable dealer. You may be paying a bit higher, which is just reasonable, but at least, you are not fooled into buying some junk, and still thinking all the while that you got something good. Best of luck.

[Andrew]

By the way, I am not someone from any dealer.

[mike]

: I plan to buy violin in the price range of $2,000

: or below and am having difficulty because of large

: number of violins in this price range. Without

: try of each of different violins (which are of

: course impossible task), I won't be able to know the

: best buy for my investment. I would like to

: ask from anyone who had some experience of trying

: violins of this price range for good violins with

: nice sound quality and finish, etc that are recommendable.

mike,

if it were me, i would spend the money on a vintage instrument from a violin shop that has many to choose from. most good shops will have (at least the three near me) 10-15 to choose from in this range. they may range from pro quality german or american models from the 19th or early 20th century, to more recent intermediate or advanced instruments. in new instruments you will probably not be getting as nice of an instrument, but then again you might. if you really want a new instrument, i suggest the weaver doetsch models (available from johnson strings, zaret, potter's etc.). they are german made, and then hand-graduated , finished and set up by potter's. i have at this point looked at several cao violins in this price range, and they look nice, but to me not as nice as the doetsch. you could also look for a used instrument at an antique store (if you have the time, patience, and are willing to shell out some money to get it fixed) as an example, last year i bought a robert glier lupot copy for $45, a beautiful 19th century cello for $400, a gorgeous german violin from 1850 for $37, a juzek for $200...they are out there! the most i spent in restoration was $500, but this was for a violin that was in pieces. it now sounds great. the hunt is also a great feeling. whatever violin you choose, i would also suggest that you experiment with a couple of different strings on it. shooters always try a new gun out with 5-10 different brands of ammo to see what works best. violinists should do the same. might i suggest these diverse, good quality sets (trying two different ones would be my suggestion):

helicores

zyex

dominants (good sounding, but not reliable in my opinion)

pirastro gold, or golden spirals

mike

[dave]

: : I plan to buy violin in the price range of $2,000

: : or below and am having difficulty because of large

: : number of violins in this price range. Without

: : try of each of different violins (which are of

: : course impossible task), I won't be able to know the

: : best buy for my investment. I would like to

: : ask from anyone who had some experience of trying

: : violins of this price range for good violins with

: : nice sound quality and finish, etc that are recommendable.

: mike,

: if it were me, i would spend the money on a vintage instrument from a violin shop that has many to choose from. most good shops will have (at least the three near me) 10-15 to choose from in this range. they may range from pro quality german or american models from the 19th or early 20th century, to more recent intermediate or advanced instruments. in new instruments you will probably not be getting as nice of an instrument, but then again you might. if you really want a new instrument, i suggest the weaver doetsch models (available from johnson strings, zaret, potter's etc.). they are german made, and then hand-graduated , finished and set up by potter's. i have at this point looked at several cao violins in this price range, and they look nice, but to me not as nice as the doetsch. you could also look for a used instrument at an antique store (if you have the time, patience, and are willing to shell out some money to get it fixed) as an example, last year i bought a robert glier lupot copy for $45, a beautiful 19th century cello for $400, a gorgeous german violin from 1850 for $37, a juzek for $200...they are out there! the most i spent in restoration was $500, but this was for a violin that was in pieces. it now sounds great. the hunt is also a great feeling. whatever violin you choose, i would also suggest that you experiment with a couple of different strings on it. shooters always try a new gun out with 5-10 different brands of ammo to see what works best. violinists should do the same. might i suggest these diverse, good quality sets (trying two different ones would be my suggestion):

: helicores

: zyex

: dominants (good sounding, but not reliable in my opinion)

: pirastro gold, or golden spirals

: mike

I agree with mike on everything except the Doetsch violins. Though they may

sound nice, these are just factory(machine) made instruments that have been

not always regraduated and very quickly varnished( actually schellaced). They

run about 1500.00 but when you go to trade in or sell-good luck, remember they

are just factory made instruments which if were finnished at the factory would

sell for about half the above price. Go with the early 20th century German or

American instruments-they are your best value. dave

[Guest]

: : : I plan to buy violin in the price range of $2,000

: : : or below and am having difficulty because of large

: : : number of violins in this price range. Without

: : : try of each of different violins (which are of

: : : course impossible task), I won't be able to know the

: : : best buy for my investment. I would like to

: : : ask from anyone who had some experience of trying

: : : violins of this price range for good violins with

: : : nice sound quality and finish, etc that are recommendable.

: : mike,

: : if it were me, i would spend the money on a vintage instrument from a violin shop that has many to choose from. most good shops will have (at least the three near me) 10-15 to choose from in this range. they may range from pro quality german or american models from the 19th or early 20th century, to more recent intermediate or advanced instruments. in new instruments you will probably not be getting as nice of an instrument, but then again you might. if you really want a new instrument, i suggest the weaver doetsch models (available from johnson strings, zaret, potter's etc.). they are german made, and then hand-graduated , finished and set up by potter's. i have at this point looked at several cao violins in this price range, and they look nice, but to me not as nice as the doetsch. you could also look for a used instrument at an antique store (if you have the time, patience, and are willing to shell out some money to get it fixed) as an example, last year i bought a robert glier lupot copy for $45, a beautiful 19th century cello for $400, a gorgeous german violin from 1850 for $37, a juzek for $200...they are out there! the most i spent in restoration was $500, but this was for a violin that was in pieces. it now sounds great. the hunt is also a great feeling. whatever violin you choose, i would also suggest that you experiment with a couple of different strings on it. shooters always try a new gun out with 5-10 different brands of ammo to see what works best. violinists should do the same. might i suggest these diverse, good quality sets (trying two different ones would be my suggestion):

: : helicores

: : zyex

: : dominants (good sounding, but not reliable in my opinion)

: : pirastro gold, or golden spirals

: : mike

: I agree with mike on everything except the Doetsch violins. Though they may

: sound nice, these are just factory(machine) made instruments that have been

: not always regraduated and very quickly varnished( actually schellaced). They

: run about 1500.00 but when you go to trade in or sell-good luck, remember they

: are just factory made instruments which if were finnished at the factory would

: sell for about half the above price. Go with the early 20th century German or

: American instruments-they are your best value. dave

Dave is right! These Doetsch instruments are factory fiddles like the rest of them. Let's not kid ourselves - if a handmade instrument from one maker runs anywhere from $4000 - $20000, how could one get an instrument supposedly "regraduated" in America (since graduation takes the longest of the entire making process) for 1/4 of that price. We all know they are factory, and very few in that price range are regraduated for obvious cost reasons. I would also go with mike's suggestion, take some time and look around for the good deals. Perhaps go to an auction too - they have similar deals, maybe not quite as much of a steal as mike's quotes, but there's a large selection, and you don't have to look all around the place.

[mike]

:

: : : : I plan to buy violin in the price range of $2,000

: : : : or below and am having difficulty because of large

: : : : number of violins in this price range. Without

: : : : try of each of different violins (which are of

: : : : course impossible task), I won't be able to know the

: : : : best buy for my investment. I would like to

: : : : ask from anyone who had some experience of trying

: : : : violins of this price range for good violins with

: : : : nice sound quality and finish, etc that are recommendable.

: : : mike,

: : : if it were me, i would spend the money on a vintage instrument from a violin shop that has many to choose from. most good shops will have (at least the three near me) 10-15 to choose from in this range. they may range from pro quality german or american models from the 19th or early 20th century, to more recent intermediate or advanced instruments. in new instruments you will probably not be getting as nice of an instrument, but then again you might. if you really want a new instrument, i suggest the weaver doetsch models (available from johnson strings, zaret, potter's etc.). they are german made, and then hand-graduated , finished and set up by potter's. i have at this point looked at several cao violins in this price range, and they look nice, but to me not as nice as the doetsch. you could also look for a used instrument at an antique store (if you have the time, patience, and are willing to shell out some money to get it fixed) as an example, last year i bought a robert glier lupot copy for $45, a beautiful 19th century cello for $400, a gorgeous german violin from 1850 for $37, a juzek for $200...they are out there! the most i spent in restoration was $500, but this was for a violin that was in pieces. it now sounds great. the hunt is also a great feeling. whatever violin you choose, i would also suggest that you experiment with a couple of different strings on it. shooters always try a new gun out with 5-10 different brands of ammo to see what works best. violinists should do the same. might i suggest these diverse, good quality sets (trying two different ones would be my suggestion):

: : : helicores

: : : zyex

: : : dominants (good sounding, but not reliable in my opinion)

: : : pirastro gold, or golden spirals

: : : mike

: : I agree with mike on everything except the Doetsch violins. Though they may

: : sound nice, these are just factory(machine) made instruments that have been

: : not always regraduated and very quickly varnished( actually schellaced). They

: : run about 1500.00 but when you go to trade in or sell-good luck, remember they

: : are just factory made instruments which if were finnished at the factory would

: : sell for about half the above price. Go with the early 20th century German or

: : American instruments-they are your best value. dave

: Dave is right! These Doetsch instruments are factory fiddles like the rest of them. Let's not kid ourselves - if a handmade instrument from one maker runs anywhere from $4000 - $20000, how could one get an instrument supposedly "regraduated" in America (since graduation takes the longest of the entire making process) for 1/4 of that price. We all know they are factory, and very few in that price range are regraduated for obvious cost reasons. I would also go with mike's suggestion, take some time and look around for the good deals. Perhaps go to an auction too - they have similar deals, maybe not quite as much of a steal as mike's quotes, but there's a large selection, and you don't have to look all around the place.

in regards to doetsch instruments, i visit weaver's 1-2 times a week. the only reason i deal with them is that potter and weaver truly know their stuff, and they are very honest. as someone that spent many years in sales, i am especially sensitive to dealers that i think are full of it ,or don't know what they are talking about. if i don't know what i am talking about, that is one thing; a dealer not knowing is another.

i have seen the operations at weavers/potters for some time now. they do regraduate the plates on these instruments, and the finishes that you have mentioned have changed quite a bit over the years. in fact i can pretty well tell an older one from a newer one. the finish on the current crop looks not goo to me, but fantastic. they often will fool you into thinking that they are old. but at the same time they are tasteful. i have nothing to gain with my comments on these instruments; if anything, i would rather unload some of the instruments that i have stockpiled. these people know me as a demanding customer, and someone that expects good quality. and as far as the initial product(the white instrument), these are not cheap pieces of junk, they are very good quality, with excellent wood used throughout. each of you will have to believe what you want to believe, and i know i differ with some of you on certain matters of opinion, but this is a great product for a great price.

lastly, potter's will, according to their literature give you full trade-in on a doetsch when you buy another instrument at same or greater value.

mike

[Ruth]

I concur with Mike. My son and I visit Weaver's/Potters often and

the work on the Doetsch violins is as he said. But more than that,

both Bill Weaver and Dalton Potter have been wonderful to deal with over

the past 8 years when we bought my son's first "Suzuki" violin from them.

Although we are not currently using a Doetsch, we did at one time have

one and it was a very nice instrument. We have many violin friends

who have purchased Doetsch instruments from Potter's/Weaver's and have

never heard anything but good about these instruments.

Ruth

[mike]

I got catalogues from mail order shops like

southwest strings and Shar. They claim that

their violins have nice qualities. How do

you think of their violins, if you tried one

of theirs?

[Mimi]

:So where are Weaver/Potter anyway???

[william weaver]

: I agree with mike on everything except the Doetsch violins. Though they may

: sound nice, these are just factory(machine) made instruments that have been

: not always regraduated and very quickly varnished( actually schellaced). They

: run about 1500.00 but when you go to trade in or sell-good luck, remember they

: are just factory made instruments which if were finnished at the factory would

: sell for about half the above price. Go with the early 20th century German or

: American instruments-they are your best value. dave

Hello I?m Mr. Bill Weaver and for the last twenty five years I have been happy to make the Rudoulf Doetsch violins form beautiful unfinished German bodies that I import from the best makers in Erlangen , Buebenrueth and Esterdorf. Each instrument is rebarred by myself or Liby Tung a gentleman that has worked with me for many years. After the top is affixed and the neck angle and size is checked I varnish them by hand with a varnish that I personally make from Kusmi seedlac by carefully cooking and straining it . This varnish dries to a perfect hardness that does not interfere with the natural vibration of the wood allowing you to hear a beautiful, full and unincumbered sound. The varnish recipe is exactly what Italian violin makers have been using for more than one hundred years. I have personally finished and sold nearly twenty thousand of these instruments. Each day I work very hard to improve each one and feel that at the present time they are the best violin for the price that you can buy anywhere in the world. I now have violin shops in Europe and Asia that have accounts with me. Also there are thirty five violin shops in this country like Potters, Don Robertsons in Albuquerque, Robert Cauer in L.A. , Kenneth Stein in Chicago, Johnsons Strings of Boston ,Kammimoto in San Francisco etc. that carry them and because the violins look like old Italian instruments and sound better than any other similar priced instruments they sell quickly. I put in twelve hours a day on these instruments and after twenty five years I only have a one day supply in stock at anytime. That should tell you something.

This letter is in response to a fellow named Dave that decided to besmirch these fine instruments. Please to all of you that read these letters understand that these instruments are the absolute finest of the under $2000.00 type that you can possibly find. I speak from experience and enjoy a good reputation for being truthful. Some people that also sell violins will respond to an innocent request for info on Doetsch instruments with a harsh criticism . You can bet that they are getting clobbered in their area by a Dealer close by that sells Doetsch instruments. Its especially bitter on their behalf to respond negatively and then write another response as a second party agreeing with their initial affront.

Let me leave you with this thought. My grandfather and father ,Herman and Jack had taught me well to appreciate the beauty of great instruments. I still sell the finest Italian violins and repair them at my shop and try my best to make the Doetsch violins look and play as close as is humanly possible to them . Its my passion, and its hard to sit still and watch some untalented wretch try and unravel my life work.....instead he should make a better instrument and get to his place in the sun honestly.

For more information call me Tues thru Sat. at 800 -713 - 2879 and I can tell you where you can purchase these fine instruments from qualified full service Dealers

[JohnT]

:

: : I agree with mike on everything except the Doetsch violins. Though they may

: : sound nice, these are just factory(machine) made instruments that have been

: : not always regraduated and very quickly varnished( actually schellaced). They

: : run about 1500.00 but when you go to trade in or sell-good luck, remember they

: : are just factory made instruments which if were finnished at the factory would

: : sell for about half the above price. Go with the early 20th century German or

: : American instruments-they are your best value. dave

: Hello I?m Mr. Bill Weaver and for the last twenty five years I have been happy to make the Rudoulf Doetsch violins form beautiful unfinished German bodies that I import from the best makers in Erlangen , Buebenrueth and Esterdorf. Each instrument is rebarred by myself or Liby Tung a gentleman that has worked with me for many years. After the top is affixed and the neck angle and size is checked I varnish them by hand with a varnish that I personally make from Kusmi seedlac by carefully cooking and straining it . This varnish dries to a perfect hardness that does not interfere with the natural vibration of the wood allowing you to hear a beautiful, full and unincumbered sound. The varnish recipe is exactly what Italian violin makers have been using for more than one hundred years. I have personally finished and sold nearly twenty thousand of these instruments. Each day I work very hard to improve each one and feel that at the present time they are the best violin for the price that you can buy anywhere in the world. I now have violin shops in Europe and Asia that have accounts with me. Also there are thirty five violin shops in this country like Potters, Don Robertsons in Albuquerque, Robert Cauer in L.A. , Kenneth Stein in Chicago, Johnsons Strings of Boston ,Kammimoto in San Francisco etc. that carry them and because the violins look like old Italian instruments and sound better than any other similar priced instruments they sell quickly. I put in twelve hours a day on these instruments and after twenty five years I only have a one day supply in stock at anytime. That should tell you something.

: This letter is in response to a fellow named Dave that decided to besmirch these fine instruments. Please to all of you that read these letters understand that these instruments are the absolute finest of the under $2000.00 type that you can possibly find. I speak from experience and enjoy a good reputation for being truthful. Some people that also sell violins will respond to an innocent request for info on Doetsch instruments with a harsh criticism . You can bet that they are getting clobbered in their area by a Dealer close by that sells Doetsch instruments. Its especially bitter on their behalf to respond negatively and then write another response as a second party agreeing with their initial affront.

: Let me leave you with this thought. My grandfather and father ,Herman and Jack had taught me well to appreciate the beauty of great instruments. I still sell the finest Italian violins and repair them at my shop and try my best to make the Doetsch violins look and play as close as is humanly possible to them . Its my passion, and its hard to sit still and watch some untalented wretch try and unravel my life work.....instead he should make a better instrument and get to his place in the sun honestly.

: For more information call me Tues thru Sat. at 800 -713 - 2879 and I can tell you where you can purchase these fine instruments from qualified full service Dealers

:

From the outset, I would like to say that my support for Bill Weaver is neither anticipated, solicited nor compensated in any way. I have known Bill for almost 20 years and always found him to be a man of honesty and integrity. I no longer live in the Washington, DC area but still send my violins to Bill for setup and repair work because some of the most reputable luthiers in the NYC area where I now live recommend him highly as one of the country's best luthiers. I have the highest respect for Bill's professional expertise and his honesty in the many dealings I have had with him over the years and am saddened to see his reputation and the reputation of his 100 year-old family institution

besmirched on this website.

John

[joe]

: : : I plan to buy violin in the price range of $2,000

: : : or below and am having difficulty because of large

: : : number of violins in this price range. Without

: : : try of each of different violins (which are of

: : : course impossible task), I won't be able to know the

: : : best buy for my investment. I would like to

: : : ask from anyone who had some experience of trying

: : : violins of this price range for good violins with

: : : nice sound quality and finish, etc that are recommendable.

: : mike,

: : if it were me, i would spend the money on a vintage instrument from a violin shop that has many to choose from. most good shops will have (at least the three near me) 10-15 to choose from in this range. they may range from pro quality german or american models from the 19th or early 20th century, to more recent intermediate or advanced instruments. in new instruments you will probably not be getting as nice of an instrument, but then again you might. if you really want a new instrument, i suggest the weaver doetsch models (available from johnson strings, zaret, potter's etc.). they are german made, and then hand-graduated , finished and set up by potter's. i have at this point looked at several cao violins in this price range, and they look nice, but to me not as nice as the doetsch. you could also look for a used instrument at an antique store (if you have the time, patience, and are willing to shell out some money to get it fixed) as an example, last year i bought a robert glier lupot copy for $45, a beautiful 19th century cello for $400, a gorgeous german violin from 1850 for $37, a juzek for $200...they are out there! the most i spent in restoration was $500, but this was for a violin that was in pieces. it now sounds great. the hunt is also a great feeling. whatever violin you choose, i would also suggest that you experiment with a couple of different strings on it. shooters always try a new gun out with 5-10 different brands of ammo to see what works best. violinists should do the same. might i suggest these diverse, good quality sets (trying two different ones would be my suggestion):

: : helicores

: : zyex

: : dominants (good sounding, but not reliable in my opinion)

: : pirastro gold, or golden spirals

: : mike

: I agree with mike on everything except the Doetsch violins. Though they may

: sound nice, these are just factory(machine) made instruments that have been

: not always regraduated and very quickly varnished( actually schellaced). They

: run about 1500.00 but when you go to trade in or sell-good luck, remember they

: are just factory made instruments which if were finnished at the factory would

: sell for about half the above price. Go with the early 20th century German or

: American instruments-they are your best value. dave

dave,

Are you the same dave of Lashof Violins, a neighboring competitor of Weaver/Potters who advertises his services on this website? Joe

[James]

Well, so far everyone who actually has one of these instruments seems happy. My advice to the original post is (if you have a reasonable amount of experience) use your ears to choose the loveliest sounding violin you can find. That's what I did and i found i many more expensive instruments didn't sound as nice.

If you don't have enough experience to judget a nice sounding violin, than get help from another violin player, perhaps your teacher

.

What a silly thread of posts this was. But anyway I do have a Doetsch which I bought here in Montréal, Québec 3 years ago and I'm very pleased.

[mike]

: I concur with Mike. My son and I visit Weaver's/Potters often and

: the work on the Doetsch violins is as he said. But more than that,

: both Bill Weaver and Dalton Potter have been wonderful to deal with over

: the past 8 years when we bought my son's first "Suzuki" violin from them.

: Although we are not currently using a Doetsch, we did at one time have

: one and it was a very nice instrument. We have many violin friends

: who have purchased Doetsch instruments from Potter's/Weaver's and have

: never heard anything but good about these instruments.

: Ruth

to contributers, admin, viewers:

there are numerous posts that reccommend a particular brand, product, service, book, etc. that is fine;along with getting advice, or simply "connecting with people with similar interests", it is of value to have some specific makes that have worked well for others. dealers also, to a degree should be allowed to contribute as long as it does not become free advertising for the sake of advertising. twice however, in very recent history the same violin (or cello)has been slammed by someone offering dishonest information. there are as i have said, lots of brands out there being discussed, but only one has been the subject of directly targeted misinformation. have these instruments become a threat to dealers that do not sell them? especially in such a hot competitive price range? i am starting to think that this is truly the answer.

what is the best way to handle such problems?...well we could urge the administration to exclude posts that deal with specific products, but what would purpose would that serve? it would just make it harder for people to get unique information from people with experience. i believe that the answer will come only from self-policing, courtesy, and using common sense. oh, and now that i think about it dr. zaret was the center of fun-making last year (interesting how he also makes instruments that are highly acclaimed in the same general price range) his message however was removed from the board because the admin viewed it as a commercial message. dr. zaret is another honest, hard-working man that happened to not have much familiarity with computers, or even with this board. he did the best he could responding...and it was not a commercial message...am i a little ticked?...yeah a some, but the important thing is that the board stays a good resource for all of us, and that we can all learn from it, well enough said six sentences ago!

mike

[Yana Wells]

My opinion is to not order string instruments from

the internet/catalogue. True musicians never order

instruments, it is better to "try and buy"

But then again, if you are not looking for any

special sounding violin, then I suppose ordering is

ok if you do not care what it sounds like.

Hope this helps.

Yana Wells.

[dave]

:

: : : : I plan to buy violin in the price range of $2,000

: : : : or below and am having difficulty because of large

: : : : number of violins in this price range. Without

: : : : try of each of different violins (which are of

: : : : course impossible task), I won't be able to know the

: : : : best buy for my investment. I would like to

: : : : ask from anyone who had some experience of trying

: : : : violins of this price range for good violins with

: : : : nice sound quality and finish, etc that are recommendable.

: : : mike,

: : : if it were me, i would spend the money on a vintage instrument from a violin shop that has many to choose from. most good shops will have (at least the three near me) 10-15 to choose from in this range. they may range from pro quality german or american models from the 19th or early 20th century, to more recent intermediate or advanced instruments. in new instruments you will probably not be getting as nice of an instrument, but then again you might. if you really want a new instrument, i suggest the weaver doetsch models (available from johnson strings, zaret, potter's etc.). they are german made, and then hand-graduated , finished and set up by potter's. i have at this point looked at several cao violins in this price range, and they look nice, but to me not as nice as the doetsch. you could also look for a used instrument at an antique store (if you have the time, patience, and are willing to shell out some money to get it fixed) as an example, last year i bought a robert glier lupot copy for $45, a beautiful 19th century cello for $400, a gorgeous german violin from 1850 for $37, a juzek for $200...they are out there! the most i spent in restoration was $500, but this was for a violin that was in pieces. it now sounds great. the hunt is also a great feeling. whatever violin you choose, i would also suggest that you experiment with a couple of different strings on it. shooters always try a new gun out with 5-10 different brands of ammo to see what works best. violinists should do the same. might i suggest these diverse, good quality sets (trying two different ones would be my suggestion):

: : : helicores

: : : zyex

: : : dominants (good sounding, but not reliable in my opinion)

: : : pirastro gold, or golden spirals

: : : mike

: : I agree with mike on everything except the Doetsch violins. Though they may

: : sound nice, these are just factory(machine) made instruments that have been

: : not always regraduated and very quickly varnished( actually schellaced). They

: : run about 1500.00 but when you go to trade in or sell-good luck, remember they

: : are just factory made instruments which if were finnished at the factory would

: : sell for about half the above price. Go with the early 20th century German or

: : American instruments-they are your best value. dave

: dave,

: Are you the same dave of Lashof Violins, a neighboring competitor of Weaver/Potters who advertises his services on this website? Joe

joe

As a matter of fact I am.Let me start off with saying that I in no way either disrespect

Bill Weaver or his sucess with his Doetch instrumnets. Let me also say that their is nothing

that I said that I don't know for a fact as a previous employee of

Weaver's. I have personally sent more than a dozen customers to Bill to purchase his instrumnets

as well as trust him when my knoledge is lacking. When I give advise it is just that-advise and I

trully believe that the post asking for advise in the purchase of a 2000.00 instrument was best

served by a early 20th century instrumnet. I am always in owe of Bill and his stamina and determination

to serve his public and would never say anything to undermine the freindship that we have.

I have never advertised my services on this board, I give advise, unlike many people I leave my Email address, that

says nothing of my buisness, and I have never used my buisness name in a post. I just believe in telling the

truth, and the whole truth. I will be the first to publicly appoligize to Bill Weaver for anything he

believes I might have said that was untrue. I personnaly think he has a magic touch with the adjustment of instruments.

Bill if you read this, all I can say is i'm sorry, but my opinion is just that. I will also say that in no way did I

write the previous post to get buisness from Bill. I have all the work I can handle, and I keep getting referals from

teachers and students alike. As I have said in other posts, I believe that the beginning student is the most important

musician there is and I believe that their interests are best served by the truth and finest instrument that they can get, and

that includes Doetch instruments. Bill good luck.

dave

[Guest]

mike,

just so you give the administration a fair shake:

i am possibly one of the reasons the zaret post was removed. what i found objectionable about it was a link to his commercial site. i found the action taken by the administration very acceptable. they removed the original post and it's link, but left the text intact on al's reply.

i agree with some of what you had to say. i think one of the unfortunate things about an open forum where one does not need to be responsible or accountable for statements made is that motives are not clear. also, focus can become distorted. there are many excellent products and instruments produced which will find it difficult to find far representation within a forum which is biased and jealous.

all for now. see you on the board.

[mike]

: My opinion is to not order string instruments from

: the internet/catalogue. True musicians never order

: instruments, it is better to "try and buy"

: But then again, if you are not looking for any

: special sounding violin, then I suppose ordering is

: ok if you do not care what it sounds like.

: Hope this helps.

: Yana Wells.

i think it is okay, but be mentally prepared to return it, and not be depressed about it if you don't like the sound. also be prepared to incur some expense with shipping.

mike

[mike]

: mike,

: just so you give the administration a fair shake:

: i am possibly one of the reasons the zaret post was removed. what i found objectionable about it was a link to his commercial site. i found the action taken by the administration very acceptable. they removed the original post and it's link, but left the text intact on al's reply.

: i agree with some of what you had to say. i think one of the unfortunate things about an open forum where one does not need to be responsible or accountable for statements made is that motives are not clear. also, focus can become distorted. there are many excellent products and instruments produced which will find it difficult to find far representation within a forum which is biased and jealous.

: all for now. see you on the board.

[JohnT]

In general, I would agree with Yana IF you have access to a reputable dealer who will give you a reasonable trial period, make the adjustments you request, and guarantee a reasonable return or trade-in value.

However, if you know something about the relative quality and value of used violins, the internet can be a source of some good bargains.

Last year, I purchased two old German violins from a music store on the internet for about $200 each. I cleaned them up, put on new strings and traded them in for over $400 each to Elderly Instruments towards the purchase of a used $1,000 hand-made violin which a reputable luthier told me was worth $1,500. Elderly Instruments is one of the oldest and largest sources of used instruments on the internet and their prices are lower than most dealers. However, they only have a 48 hour trial period and you have to pay the shipping costs. Also, although they do put on a good set of strings and perform a basic setup, you will probably have to take the violin to a luthier to have a proper setup unless you can make the adjustments yourself. You also have to know something about such essentials as proper neck angle, fingerboard height etc. Such repairs can be rather expensive.

My advice would be to first make sure you have a friendly luthier who will check out the violin for you during your limited trial period. Before you purchase, you can seek information on this website about the relative value of the violin you see listed. You might also do an internet search to see what that partiular violin is selling for at other dealers on the internet. Finally, in all cases, when you are buying sight unseen, caveat emptor.

John

: : My opinion is to not order string instruments from

: : the internet/catalogue. True musicians never order

: : instruments, it is better to "try and buy"

: : But then again, if you are not looking for any

: : special sounding violin, then I suppose ordering is

: : ok if you do not care what it sounds like.

: : Hope this helps.

: : Yana Wells.

: i think it is okay, but be mentally prepared to return it, and not be depressed about it if you don't like the sound. also be prepared to incur some expense with shipping.

: mike

[Andrew Victor]

I had a violin regraduated for a total cost equivalent to 10 hours of labor, including removal and replacement of the top.

The original top was prety well graduated, as it was, so no more time was needed, but that is only about 8% of total fabrication time.

I have also heard of instances where a professional luthier will charge $3,000 to regraduate the top.

Beware that the process is like surgery and the results can be predicted but not guaranteed.

Andy

[Paul]

I read everyone talking about doetsch violins. What is the word on their cellos. Are they worth $2000?

[John Monaghan]

: :

: : : : : I plan to buy violin in the price range of $2,000

: : : : : or below and am having difficulty because of large

: : : : : number of violins in this price range. Without

: : : : : try of each of different violins (which are of

: : : : : course impossible task), I won't be able to know the

: : : : : best buy for my investment. I would like to

: : : : : ask from anyone who had some experience of trying

: : : : : violins of this price range for good violins with

: : : : : nice sound quality and finish, etc that are recommendable.

: : : : mike,

: : : : if it were me, i would spend the money on a vintage instrument from a violin shop that has many to choose from. most good shops will have (at least the three near me) 10-15 to choose from in this range. they may range from pro quality german or american models from the 19th or early 20th century, to more recent intermediate or advanced instruments. in new instruments you will probably not be getting as nice of an instrument, but then again you might. if you really want a new instrument, i suggest the weaver doetsch models (available from johnson strings, zaret, potter's etc.). they are german made, and then hand-graduated , finished and set up by potter's. i have at this point looked at several cao violins in this price range, and they look nice, but to me not as nice as the doetsch. you could also look for a used instrument at an antique store (if you have the time, patience, and are willing to shell out some money to get it fixed) as an example, last year i bought a robert glier lupot copy for $45, a beautiful 19th century cello for $400, a gorgeous german violin from 1850 for $37, a juzek for $200...they are out there! the most i spent in restoration was $500, but this was for a violin that was in pieces. it now sounds great. the hunt is also a great feeling. whatever violin you choose, i would also suggest that you experiment with a couple of different strings on it. shooters always try a new gun out with 5-10 different brands of ammo to see what works best. violinists should do the same. might i suggest these diverse, good quality sets (trying two different ones would be my suggestion):

: : : : helicores

: : : : zyex

: : : : dominants (good sounding, but not reliable in my opinion)

: : : : pirastro gold, or golden spirals

: : : : mike

: : : I agree with mike on everything except the Doetsch violins. Though they may

: : : sound nice, these are just factory(machine) made instruments that have been

: : : not always regraduated and very quickly varnished( actually schellaced). They

: : : run about 1500.00 but when you go to trade in or sell-good luck, remember they

: : : are just factory made instruments which if were finnished at the factory would

: : : sell for about half the above price. Go with the early 20th century German or

: : : American instruments-they are your best value. dave

: : dave,

: : Are you the same dave of Lashof Violins, a neighboring competitor of Weaver/Potters who advertises his services on this website? Joe

: joe

: As a matter of fact I am.Let me start off with saying that I in no way either disrespect

: Bill Weaver or his sucess with his Doetch instrumnets. Let me also say that their is nothing

: that I said that I don't know for a fact as a previous employee of

: Weaver's. I have personally sent more than a dozen customers to Bill to purchase his instrumnets

: as well as trust him when my knoledge is lacking. When I give advise it is just that-advise and I

: trully believe that the post asking for advise in the purchase of a 2000.00 instrument was best

: served by a early 20th century instrumnet. I am always in owe of Bill and his stamina and determination

: to serve his public and would never say anything to undermine the freindship that we have.

: I have never advertised my services on this board, I give advise, unlike many people I leave my Email address, that

: says nothing of my buisness, and I have never used my buisness name in a post. I just believe in telling the

: truth, and the whole truth. I will be the first to publicly appoligize to Bill Weaver for anything he

: believes I might have said that was untrue. I personnaly think he has a magic touch with the adjustment of instruments.

: Bill if you read this, all I can say is i'm sorry, but my opinion is just that. I will also say that in no way did I

: write the previous post to get buisness from Bill. I have all the work I can handle, and I keep getting referals from

: teachers and students alike. As I have said in other posts, I believe that the beginning student is the most important

: musician there is and I believe that their interests are best served by the truth and finest instrument that they can get, and

: that includes Doetch instruments. Bill good luck.

: dave

Sorry to but in on this confessional,but could any of you,apparently, honest folk advise me?

I have an old instrument Lupot label which I enjoy playing, its in bad condition and Ispent a lot of money on it many years ago. Now I have to spend about 1000 dollars to repair it. My question is would I be able to buy a less auspicious instrument for this money with a

better sound and flog(i.e. sell) my old instrument and still enjoy playing?

[Dalton]

: :So where are Weaver/Potter anyway???

Potter's violins is in Bethesda, Maryland; Just outside Washington D.C. Some of our instruments may be viewed on our website: pottersviolins.com We are happy to ship instruments out for your approval. Feel free to call us - it won't cost you a penny -800-317-9452

we can send you a catalogue or answer your questions over the phone.

Dalton Potter