It is not the violin. It is the player/artist/musician who makes the violin sing. Laura Staples is a fabulous fiddler! No matter what violin she plays.
Yeah, the idea is to get a violin that is GOOD ENOUGH so that it is gratifying to play, and so that you CAN get a good sound from it, even as a beginner. If the violin is incapable of producing a good sound unless you are a professional....then you will grow frustrated and think it is all your fault. Generally, the bare minimum for a descent student violin is $400....unless you get something used that is high quality.
I play a mock strad and only play / practice with mute a on. With it off, it sounds like the violin X which I always thought was too harsh and too loud. I think i need to take my mute off to practice now and then. Loved this video TY
Wendy, after I play with a mute for awhile, my ears get "sleepy" and when I take off the mute, EVERYTHING sounds offensive. Practicing with a mute on all the time will alter your sense of tone, so make sure you balance the time you play with one ON with the time you play with one OFF. Thanks for watching!
I loved the sound of violin Z, then saw it was your violin. My second favorite was violin Y, really sweet E string. Did not like the G string on violin X at all, or the harshness of its E string. Thought violin W was a bit muddled on the G string.
Excellent observations! You have really sensitive ears. Yes, Y was super sweet. X is a powerhouse....like an untamed Mustang horse....and who knows how it will be when tamed?
So sorry I'm answering too late to help you. However, I did not write down the maker of each violin......that was really short sighted of me....so the ONLY way I could find out what violin X was is if I called Robertson and asked them.....because my student chose X, and it has turned into an INCREDIBLE violin. So if you really want to know, write back, and I'll call them.
I immediately did not like W, when the first scales were played, so it remained 4th. X came in 3rd...didn't care for the harshness of sound. I appreciated Y right away, and listened closely between Y and Z to choose a 1st. It was a toss up until the final round. Ding ding ding! Z wins 1st place, but I would like to own either Y or Z. Thanks for taking the time to review these.
i actually like the mellowness of W compared to X&Y. W would sound good as an old time fiddle in a small group. Z is also pleasantly mellow with more punch and volume than W. I didn't like X or Y as a fiddle, but i can see their place as a soloist in a concert setting requiring volume. Z has the ability to do it all.
I love hearing other people's take on these instruments! It's amazing how MOST PEOPLE are describing similar outcomes, with little variances based on personal preferences.
W was by far the least impressive of all the instruments. I agree that X had a big voice and that Y was close to X, but seemed smoother. The question on all of these would be this: How much would set up, meaning bridge and or sound post adjustments improve the weak performance of W, or enhance the other instruments? It seems to me that $6,000 should buy a better quality instrument then we hear in W. Thank you for the check list when evaluating a violin. Very useful information!
Of course, set up and adjustments and the strings can make a really big difference. That's the risk when violins get shipped to you for evaluation...but these were shipped carefully. All new strings. So, I think we successfully removed those variables. (except for trying DIFFERENT brand of strings on the violins....or different bows.....but you can drive yourself crazy if you stir it up too much. I like to choose my favorite violin, and THEN I see how much better I can get it with the other variables)
I know very little about her. Her name is Alexandra Pedota. She is in Cremona, Italy. Her husband is also a violin maker. That's all I know. I need to research it further....and find out about her other instruments.
Hi. So for total beginners, I would highly recommend that you find a private teacher if possible. (Suzuki is a great way to start) But if that's not possible, I have had LOTS of adult beginners have great success starting lessons with my online Suzuki Book 1 course. You can find it here: www.RedDesertViolin.com or if you need help you can email me at lora@reddesertviolin.com UA-cam is a GREAT resource, but it's hard to get the info you need in the ORDER that you need it.
First comparison on the G string X hits you between the eyes (ears?) after what seems in retrospect a rather insipid W. So, first impression was W=4, X=1 and Y and Z closer to X than W, a lot closer. After the full comparison W was still very firmly in 4th and I was torn between X and Y for first. X won on the G but Y won on the A. Very close decision. Z was maybe quarter of a step behind X and Y. Looking at the prices I'd have sprung for Y.
Ref. your question on the cost of my Fiddlerman Concert violin: $627. for the kit which includes the fiddle, a nice case, a Fiddlerman carbon fiber bow (fairly nice bow), an adjustable wooden shoulder rest, rosin and a soft polishing cloth. Oh, this includes (side purchase) a set of Zyex strings and a Rosewood Berber chin rest.
Prince Michael, I'm so sorry I didn't see this comment, and 3 months have passed. Did you buy it? It sounds like a good value to me, but Fiddlershop does seem to mark their product up a little more than others. But he sells quality stuff.
Debbie, I'm not offended EITHER WAY whatever violin you choose. I just threw mine into the mix because my students hear me play on it all the time, and it gave them a reference.
I can't begin to tell you how helpful this video is! There is really almost nothing online with useful info on selecting violins. My ear isn't educated enough to hear all the nuances you point out, but I will keep listening!. Also, may I give a shout out to Robertson's Violins? I live in southern New Mexico, and the ONLY reason I go to Albuquerque anymore is to go to Robertson's. It's a busy shop, which I found overwhelming as a newbie, but I have always had knowledgeable help there. And I can tell you, I have stood in that waiting area and burst into tears maybe 3 times because of some "insolvable" problem I was having with my violin, (not a pretty sight, btw) and the staff and technicians were always kind and helpful. They "get it" that people are very emotional about their instruments, lol. They do all my bowhairs and keep track better than I do when I last had it done. I would be kind of afraid to ship a violin, but they have shipped my bow to me several times.
That is a great review of Robertson and Sons, 1linnell. Thanks. I have had great service there too. I wish I lived closer to them. QUESTION FOR YOU: Did you download the "violin assessment form" I provided in the video description box? Be sure you do that.....it will help guide you as you educate your ears on violin comparisons.
@@RedDesertViolin since I live within a couple miles from Robertsons, I naturally trade with them. Very professional people. They bend over backwards to be honest and fair and are never pushy. They do the work for me on my instruments and really do a great job. They have fantastic craftsmen, a huge inventory of instruments and are always so welcoming. There are other places that sell great products, but this one is super.
I love Robertsons. Quite a nice bunch of folks. Very talented. They go out of their way to help. Glad you checked them out. I have used them for years. What an inventory! Barbara Barber works there (. The author of the series "Solos for Young Violinists".) Great article!
It is not the violin. It is the player/artist/musician who makes the violin sing. Laura Staples is a fabulous fiddler! No matter what violin she plays.
I really appreciated that sweet comment! (sometimes, you just need a little affirmation!)
Glad to know i'm not completely tone deaf. I did notice alot of what you mentioned for each violin. My favorites were Y and Z
So interesting! I loved X, but everyone is choosing Y over X. Y was so smooth. It is a lovely violin!
I have a cheap one...but then I am still an absolute beginner.
but the difference is obvious
Yeah, the idea is to get a violin that is GOOD ENOUGH so that it is gratifying to play, and so that you CAN get a good sound from it, even as a beginner. If the violin is incapable of producing a good sound unless you are a professional....then you will grow frustrated and think it is all your fault. Generally, the bare minimum for a descent student violin is $400....unless you get something used that is high quality.
I play a mock strad and only play / practice with mute a on. With it off, it sounds like the violin X which I always thought was too harsh and too loud. I think i need to take my mute off to practice now and then. Loved this video TY
Wendy, after I play with a mute for awhile, my ears get "sleepy" and when I take off the mute, EVERYTHING sounds offensive. Practicing with a mute on all the time will alter your sense of tone, so make sure you balance the time you play with one ON with the time you play with one OFF. Thanks for watching!
This is good advice! I am always worried about my neighbours as I don‘t see myself to be a good player, but I guess I should take it off 😳
I loved the sound of violin Z, then saw it was your violin.
My second favorite was violin Y, really sweet E string.
Did not like the G string on violin X at all, or the harshness of its E string. Thought violin W was a bit muddled on the G string.
Excellent observations! You have really sensitive ears. Yes, Y was super sweet. X is a powerhouse....like an untamed Mustang horse....and who knows how it will be when tamed?
I fell for Violin Z as well, immediately! 🙂
What kind of violin is for X? My son is picking up one from Robertsons, just curious!
So sorry I'm answering too late to help you. However, I did not write down the maker of each violin......that was really short sighted of me....so the ONLY way I could find out what violin X was is if I called Robertson and asked them.....because my student chose X, and it has turned into an INCREDIBLE violin. So if you really want to know, write back, and I'll call them.
I immediately did not like W, when the first scales were played, so it remained 4th. X came in 3rd...didn't care for the harshness of sound. I appreciated Y right away, and listened closely between Y and Z to choose a 1st. It was a toss up until the final round. Ding ding ding! Z wins 1st place, but I would like to own either Y or Z. Thanks for taking the time to review these.
I really appreciate this feedback! My students will appreciate it too!
My vote is on Y... W as last choice.
Very interesting. W was my last choice too.
i actually like the mellowness of W compared to X&Y. W would sound good as an old time fiddle in a small group. Z is also pleasantly mellow with more punch and volume than W. I didn't like X or Y as a fiddle, but i can see their place as a soloist in a concert setting requiring volume. Z has the ability to do it all.
I love hearing other people's take on these instruments! It's amazing how MOST PEOPLE are describing similar outcomes, with little variances based on personal preferences.
W was by far the least impressive of all the instruments. I agree that X had a big voice and that Y was close to X, but seemed smoother. The question on all of these would be this: How much would set up, meaning bridge and or sound post adjustments improve the weak performance of W, or enhance the other instruments? It seems to me that $6,000 should buy a better quality instrument then we hear in W.
Thank you for the check list when evaluating a violin. Very useful information!
Of course, set up and adjustments and the strings can make a really big difference. That's the risk when violins get shipped to you for evaluation...but these were shipped carefully. All new strings. So, I think we successfully removed those variables. (except for trying DIFFERENT brand of strings on the violins....or different bows.....but you can drive yourself crazy if you stir it up too much. I like to choose my favorite violin, and THEN I see how much better I can get it with the other variables)
Z and Y sound the best to my UA-cam with no headphones on ears. IMO my Fiddlerman Concert violin sounds as good as the first two. Thanks!
How much for the "Concert" violin?
Can tell us about the maker of your violin
I know very little about her. Her name is Alexandra Pedota. She is in Cremona, Italy. Her husband is also a violin maker. That's all I know. I need to research it further....and find out about her other instruments.
Which one did the student get? They are all pretty nice.
They have not yet chosen one. They are watching this video and trying to decide.
Hi! Im new to violin. This is my first instrument. I dont know what a metronome is. Can you please help me?
Hi. So for total beginners, I would highly recommend that you find a private teacher if possible. (Suzuki is a great way to start) But if that's not possible, I have had LOTS of adult beginners have great success starting lessons with my online Suzuki Book 1 course. You can find it here: www.RedDesertViolin.com or if you need help you can email me at lora@reddesertviolin.com
UA-cam is a GREAT resource, but it's hard to get the info you need in the ORDER that you need it.
First comparison on the G string X hits you between the eyes (ears?) after what seems in retrospect a rather insipid W. So, first impression was W=4, X=1 and Y and Z closer to X than W, a lot closer. After the full comparison W was still very firmly in 4th and I was torn between X and Y for first. X won on the G but Y won on the A. Very close decision. Z was maybe quarter of a step behind X and Y. Looking at the prices I'd have sprung for Y.
Love this feedback! Thanks!
Ref. your question on the cost of my Fiddlerman Concert violin: $627. for the kit which includes the fiddle, a nice case, a Fiddlerman carbon fiber bow (fairly nice bow), an adjustable wooden shoulder rest, rosin and a soft polishing cloth. Oh, this includes (side purchase) a set of Zyex strings and a Rosewood Berber chin rest.
Prince Michael, I'm so sorry I didn't see this comment, and 3 months have passed. Did you buy it? It sounds like a good value to me, but Fiddlershop does seem to mark their product up a little more than others. But he sells quality stuff.
Red Desert Violin I bought it. A great deal and great customer support!
I like y & z.
I didn't know z was yours. I like z best.
Y second best.
Debbie, I'm not offended EITHER WAY whatever violin you choose. I just threw mine into the mix because my students hear me play on it all the time, and it gave them a reference.
violin w would work wonders on Quartets and for recording
Because of its mellow sound? Blend-ability?
@@RedDesertViolin yep it's sweet tone.
I can't begin to tell you how helpful this video is! There is really almost nothing online with useful info on selecting violins. My ear isn't educated enough to hear all the nuances you point out, but I will keep listening!.
Also, may I give a shout out to Robertson's Violins? I live in southern New Mexico, and the ONLY reason I go to Albuquerque anymore is to go to Robertson's. It's a busy shop, which I found overwhelming as a newbie, but I have always had knowledgeable help there. And I can tell you, I have stood in that waiting area and burst into tears maybe 3 times because of some "insolvable" problem I was having with my violin, (not a pretty sight, btw) and the staff and technicians were always kind and helpful. They "get it" that people are very emotional about their instruments, lol. They do all my bowhairs and keep track better than I do when I last had it done. I would be kind of afraid to ship a violin, but they have shipped my bow to me several times.
That is a great review of Robertson and Sons, 1linnell. Thanks. I have had great service there too. I wish I lived closer to them.
QUESTION FOR YOU: Did you download the "violin assessment form" I provided in the video description box?
Be sure you do that.....it will help guide you as you educate your ears on violin comparisons.
@@RedDesertViolin Sure have! Sheesh, as nuanced as wine tasting ( I expect, lol)
@@RedDesertViolin since I live within a couple miles from Robertsons, I naturally trade with them. Very professional people. They bend over backwards to be honest and fair and are never pushy. They do the work for me on my instruments and really do a great job. They have fantastic craftsmen, a huge inventory of instruments and are always so welcoming. There are other places that sell great products, but this one is super.
A Life saver, as always ❤️
So happy to help!
I love Robertsons. Quite a nice bunch of folks. Very talented. They go out of their way to help. Glad you checked them out. I have used them for years. What an inventory!
Barbara Barber works there (. The author of the series "Solos for Young Violinists".) Great article!
Yep. The more I work with Robertson and Sons, the more I like them. Even their student violins are wonderful. (fractional sizes)