If you enjoyed watching my review videos of the Fiddlerman violins and you are interested in purchasing a violin, please use the affiliate link (Master violin: bit.ly/2PqRo7d). Affiliate links do not cost you more for the product, but using them will help support my channel, so that I can continue to make free videos and pass on my knowledge and information. It also allows me to do other violin comparisons and product reviews. Thanks
I've had this violin for about a year now; and it's still great. Really glad i went with it. I started out with a cheaper model but had to upgrade when i started feeling its limits. This one is still going strong, haven't felt the need to upgrade yet
I just ordered the Fiddlerman Master violin using your link. I hope it helps and I did it correctly. Thank you for all the videos and advice because it makes making a choice a lot easier.
Thank you for these reviews. I heard an absolute beginner play on what I think was the concert violin, and the tone blew me away despite of his not so great playing. ;) I play an inherited 18th century violin, but I might have to get me one of these now. :D
I just need your honest opinion. I hope you are not a salesperson for fiddlerman violins. I have a high school daughter who needs a new violin. What is a good violin to buy that is not so expensive but good quality? Thank you.
I’ve really enjoyed this review, however, when I asked my orchestra teacher if I should buy this violin she said that I probably shouldn’t, because I wouldn’t be able to play if before I bought it. So my question is do you think I should get this violin, or maybe go to a violin shop?
Firstly, I would get a new teacher! Secondly get whatever violin you want! There is nothing wrong in getting a violin that is 'better' than you as it will only help you grow as it will give you the freedom to learn, progress and enhance your style quicker than if you had a violin that is holding you back - which, is what the vast majority of people do as they stick to their cheap student violins and wonder why they are not progressing (apart from other factors) and wonder why they dont sound good. The Master is a good violin with a good range of tone that will let your sound sing and mature.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Not only that, Mr Fiddlerman, Pierre Holstein, runs a business that puts your needs on top. He is a businessman but would not be rising in popularity if he was just after a kill sale. You can return the instrument and get another one. His people are top notch in service. Plus he personally tests your instrument before shipping and accepts or rejects it. He has rejected before...
The more I dig into brands and prices and this and that new, old, antique or unbranded im lost. No offense but I really don't want anything made in China. Which of the fiddlerman violins are US made? Maybe it doesn't matter idk i just would like to play but not waste money buying multiple violins or upgrading etc. Ill not ever have a 10k dollar violin but if I buy one for 700- 1600 us dollars I want it to be good enough to hand down to my children. I love your content! I hope to start learning soon at 47 years young. I have my great grandfathers violin that he gave to my mother who just turned 70 and im having it restored for my family to hear again. My niece plays in a band so she'll be the one playing not me! Thank you for everything, you are a wonderful teacher! Best wishes!
I am moving from viola to violin just now because the Da Capo String Ensemble (Kempston) in which I play wants a few more violins to maintain a good balance of sound.
Amazing violin, clean sound, and amazing knowledge from the violinist, I wish I could be married with a violinist woman, would be the best of both worlds ❤
Generally I'd prefer to buy an instrument to last, which is why I went a little higher than my budget for my electric piano but I've been wanting to get into violin as I played it as a child and have been missing it, I'd prefer to buy a violin like this that will most likely be one that I won't need to ever upgrade but I am unsure as I do not know whether this violin is suitable for a beginner, what is your advice
Hello. I’ve just received a Fiddlerman Master violin, April 2021. Import costs totalled £190.02, this made up of Duty £15.59, VAT £162.43 & processing fee of £12.00. I had estimated it would be in the region of £200 so I wasn’t far off. Hope that helps !
I liked the unadorned look of the top model, but it's probably more instrument than I can justify as someone who started learning at age 45 and have devolved into fiddling because classical teachers are hard to find here in the woods. From my wife I got a sound basis in proper technique, but she's a lower strings specialist. And just as "the cobbler's children go barefoot," she had little energy left for my continuing education. I feel like I may be coming up against some of the limits of my current fiddle, but hands-on demos are very hard to come by.
Devolved into fiddle? Say it ain't so. I don't know a great fiddler or grand national champion fiddler who cannot play any classical piece very well. Fiddling is just a different type of playing the instrument. I began at at 72 or so. Don't be discouraged.
Thanks to you I am certain i am going to buy this one ((: I was just wondering about the bow. I have no doubt the quality will be nice, but is there enough room for the thumb? its looks narrow on camera.
I think (personally) the bow is fine. I was using it throughout the whole review series plus in numerous recordings of the violins and I had no issue. I didnt 'feel' like the bow was bulky under my fingers or it 'felt' there - if that makes sense? I would recommend the Master if this is your price point as it really is a wonderful violin for the money. Also, the Soloist is on a Black Friday deal, so if you were interested in that, you can save a little money on that - not sure how long the deal is on for thought. If you do decide to purchase, then if you could please use my affiliate link, I would be grateful. Every cent (or penny as Im British haha) helps to keep my channel running and free. Thanks :)
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor yes thank you i will use your link! I will be happy to support you. As for the bow, I hope it wont matter for me as well. I had a bow with a bigger gap for my thumb once, i still miss that bow haha. I saw the deal and ive spent a lot of time thinking about it. Im in love with the colour of the soloist but sadly its just a little to much money for me at the moment. But maybe one day in the future! Thank you anyways (:
Any thoughts on the 7/8 size instruments? I'm only 5'0, and was wondering if a 7/8 instrument would suit me better, seeing as I'm never going to grow bigger than the average 12 year old.
Possibly, but I would need to sse you holding it to know whether or not it is going to be better than a 4/4. You need to hold them both and decide from there.
Hi Alison. This is really a very beautiful and very nice sounding violin. How do you think about gut strings on such a violin? Maybe Pirazzi Oliv? When I saw this video and the comparsion between the different Fiddlerman violins I began thinking of maybe to change from my Stentor Student 2 to such a violin. If, so I would like to buy a good wooden bow for it too and about gut strings Im thinking already a longer time. But not to put on my Stentor...
how would you compair any fiddlerman v a Yuan Qin Ps. im on lession 8 of your amazing 30 lession program, after a 15 year ~break~ ABRSM GRADE 4 back when music was , well.. alcholol and party
I know its over $400, but, I do believe the Fiddlerman is doing a Black Friday on the 'Artist' violin which is reduced from $589 to $499! Personally, if I were you and I could, I would stretch to the Artist as it really is a wonderful violin and its on offer! The review video is here: ua-cam.com/video/8_s3FTHd1FA/v-deo.html and you can purchase here: bit.ly/2ERaK1c If you would be kind enough to use my affiliate links as I do get a few dollars of commission from each sale and it helps keep my channel and amy videos coming and free - thank you :)
Hi there, thank you so much for your video! I'm looking for a violin and can you tell me what to expect from a ~$900 violin? Will i have problems playing concertos (or sonatas) with such violin?
I don’t know as I have no idea what the violin is. Just because it’s $900 it could still play like trash and sound like trash and be overpriced. The only violins I can personally recommend are the ones I have reviewed on my channel like these Fiddlerman violins. You should check those out.
Again, it totally depends on what violin it is - who made it, where its from, how its set up, whats the wood etc etc. I would have no idea if a $900 violin can or cant handle playing higher end music as I would need to play it personally. $900 doesn't tell me anything about the violin.
No. As mentioned in the video, they sent them to me to do with what I wanted. I really liked them, so I decided to make review videos about them as well as performance and comparison videos.
The Online Piano & Violin Tutor The reason I ask is because a large Fiddlershop logo appears on every video review you’ve done of their violins, I trust your integrity and I feel like that huge logo does you a disservice by making you appear impartial like you’re working for them.
That thought didnt even occur to me! To me, the reason I put it there was because many people dont read things lol and I wanted to make sure people knew who and where the violins were from so I didnt get a million comments asking what they were - it was purley there for my ease! That said, I really and genuinely do like them. They are well made and well thought out. They are checked over before being sent out and they are set up well from the get go. They are not mass produced and I just like the personal touch you get with all of them - even their lower end ones! I would never spout nonsense on my channel as it doesnt sit well with me and my reputation is everthing to me.
I'm really glad I found your video review. You went into a lot more detail than the video from fiddlershop.com, and I really appreciate you giving your opinion at the end on who this violin is for. You've helped me make up my mind on what to buy! =) Were you happy with the strings that came on it, or would you recommend something else?
I think the strings were fine, but, you could experiment with some Pirastro Obligatos or Evah Pirazzis. There is no 'need' for this, but they would improve/change the tone.
'The Lonely Shepherd' from the film Kill Bill was one of my favorites but the youtube version isnt working. is it possible to upload it again please thank you.
Nobody speaks of the straightness of the neck in these reviews. Many cheaper violins have slightly warped or very badly warped finger boards. This is extremely important to know before buying. Playability is everything!
There was/is no warping on any of the Fiddlerman/Fiddlershop violins, which is why I didnt mention it as it wasnt on my radar to do so. Had there been some warping, Id have mentioned that pretty much at the start.
This wasn't aimed at you. I've just noticed that most violinists fail to mention this all important matter when reviewing and endorsing any violin. If the neck is warped you will never be able to set up the violin string height correctly and it's also much harder to learn on the upper positions as you advance, as you well know.@@TheOnlineViolinTutor
Ah, I see - well yes, that would be an issue and no, no one mentions it, but it isn't something Ive really come across to be honest - even with cheaper violins...maybe on the super cheap ones, but then one shouldn't really be buying those to play on as they have far greater issines than a warped neck lol
I agree the cheaper violins have issues far worse than warped necks. However, I've seen some with necks and crooked as a politician. This issue is even worse with guitars. I guess you've been fortunate in that regard.@@TheOnlineViolinTutor
Yes, it allows me to change the tone and dynamics at certain times. I dont always want a flat bow as I want a more controlled, and softer tone and one that I can very.
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately in this instance, you are mistaken. If you would like to follow this link to the Fiddlerman website, you will see that the wood is aged 10 years: bit.ly/2PqRo7d
If you enjoyed watching my review videos of the Fiddlerman violins and you are interested in purchasing a violin, please use the affiliate link (Master violin: bit.ly/2PqRo7d). Affiliate links do not cost you more for the product, but using them will help support my channel, so that I can continue to make free videos and pass on my knowledge and information. It also allows me to do other violin comparisons and product reviews. Thanks
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Would you recommend this for new players. Looking for something that will last me a few years and I love the look
@@Numberfive037 The Master would probably last you more than a few years! It would undoubtedly take you as far as you need to really.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor are you going to do a review on the D Z strad violin's?
@@HeathsHobbyLobby If the company send some to me, I will.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor ok thank you. What violin do you think is best for under $550?
I've had this violin for about a year now; and it's still great. Really glad i went with it. I started out with a cheaper model but had to upgrade when i started feeling its limits. This one is still going strong, haven't felt the need to upgrade yet
And you probably wont need too unless you feel you want something different in a violin - brighter, deeper, velvety etc etc.
I just ordered the Fiddlerman Master violin using your link. I hope it helps and I did it correctly.
Thank you for all the videos and advice because it makes making a choice a lot easier.
Thank you for these reviews. I heard an absolute beginner play on what I think was the concert violin, and the tone blew me away despite of his not so great playing. ;) I play an inherited 18th century violin, but I might have to get me one of these now. :D
awesome review and your mike looks cool too!
Me gustó.. Yo quiero uno😊👍🎶🎶
I just need your honest opinion. I hope you are not a salesperson for fiddlerman violins. I have a high school daughter who needs a new violin. What is a good violin to buy that is not so expensive but good quality? Thank you.
I’ve really enjoyed this review, however, when I asked my orchestra teacher if I should buy this violin she said that I probably shouldn’t, because I wouldn’t be able to play if before I bought it. So my question is do you think I should get this violin, or maybe go to a violin shop?
Firstly, I would get a new teacher!
Secondly get whatever violin you want! There is nothing wrong in getting a violin that is 'better' than you as it will only help you grow as it will give you the freedom to learn, progress and enhance your style quicker than if you had a violin that is holding you back - which, is what the vast majority of people do as they stick to their cheap student violins and wonder why they are not progressing (apart from other factors) and wonder why they dont sound good.
The Master is a good violin with a good range of tone that will let your sound sing and mature.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Not only that, Mr Fiddlerman, Pierre Holstein, runs a business that puts your needs on top. He is a businessman but would not be rising in popularity if he was just after a kill sale. You can return the instrument and get another one. His people are top notch in service. Plus he personally tests your instrument before shipping and accepts or rejects it. He has rejected before...
Do you use a tonrite on any of your violins? Sounds great.
The more I dig into brands and prices and this and that new, old, antique or unbranded im lost. No offense but I really don't want anything made in China. Which of the fiddlerman violins are US made? Maybe it doesn't matter idk i just would like to play but not waste money buying multiple violins or upgrading etc.
Ill not ever have a 10k dollar violin but if I buy one for 700- 1600 us dollars I want it to be good enough to hand down to my children.
I love your content! I hope to start learning soon at 47 years young.
I have my great grandfathers violin that he gave to my mother who just turned 70 and im having it restored for my family to hear again. My niece plays in a band so she'll be the one playing not me!
Thank you for everything, you are a wonderful teacher!
Best wishes!
I'm definitely not all that knowledgeable but that sounded pretty darn good for a violin under a $1000 .
Yes
This (very interesting) video was made five years ago, so I imagine anyone wanting to ask a question might do best to write directly to the reviewer.
I am moving from viola to violin just now because the
Da Capo String Ensemble (Kempston)
in which I play wants a few more violins to maintain a good balance of sound.
Amazing violin, clean sound, and amazing knowledge from the violinist, I wish I could be married with a violinist woman, would be the best of both worlds ❤
Generally I'd prefer to buy an instrument to last, which is why I went a little higher than my budget for my electric piano but I've been wanting to get into violin as I played it as a child and have been missing it, I'd prefer to buy a violin like this that will most likely be one that I won't need to ever upgrade but I am unsure as I do not know whether this violin is suitable for a beginner, what is your advice
Hello Alison may I ask what the Import taxes were in U.K from USA
So I get an idea if the whole cost
Thanks
Hello. I’ve just received a Fiddlerman Master violin, April 2021. Import costs totalled £190.02, this made up of Duty £15.59, VAT £162.43 & processing fee of £12.00. I had estimated it would be in the region of £200 so I wasn’t far off. Hope that helps !
I liked the unadorned look of the top model, but it's probably more instrument than I can justify as someone who started learning at age 45 and have devolved into fiddling because classical teachers are hard to find here in the woods. From my wife I got a sound basis in proper technique, but she's a lower strings specialist. And just as "the cobbler's children go barefoot," she had little energy left for my continuing education. I feel like I may be coming up against some of the limits of my current fiddle, but hands-on demos are very hard to come by.
Devolved into fiddle? Say it ain't so. I don't know a great fiddler or grand national champion fiddler who cannot play any classical piece very well. Fiddling is just a different type of playing the instrument. I began at at 72 or so. Don't be discouraged.
How does this compare to the Cecilio CVN-600? Is it worth the extra price?
Thanks to you I am certain i am going to buy this one ((: I was just wondering about the bow. I have no doubt the quality will be nice, but is there enough room for the thumb? its looks narrow on camera.
I think (personally) the bow is fine. I was using it throughout the whole review series plus in numerous recordings of the violins and I had no issue. I didnt 'feel' like the bow was bulky under my fingers or it 'felt' there - if that makes sense?
I would recommend the Master if this is your price point as it really is a wonderful violin for the money.
Also, the Soloist is on a Black Friday deal, so if you were interested in that, you can save a little money on that - not sure how long the deal is on for thought.
If you do decide to purchase, then if you could please use my affiliate link, I would be grateful. Every cent (or penny as Im British haha) helps to keep my channel running and free. Thanks :)
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor yes thank you i will use your link! I will be happy to support you.
As for the bow, I hope it wont matter for me as well. I had a bow with a bigger gap for my thumb once, i still miss that bow haha.
I saw the deal and ive spent a lot of time thinking about it. Im in love with the colour of the soloist but sadly its just a little to much money for me at the moment. But maybe one day in the future! Thank you anyways (:
You shouldnt and dont want too much gap anyway as there is nothing to stable and cushion the thumb!
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor oh that's true o: good to know, thank you (:
Any thoughts on the 7/8 size instruments? I'm only 5'0, and was wondering if a 7/8 instrument would suit me better, seeing as I'm never going to grow bigger than the average 12 year old.
Possibly, but I would need to sse you holding it to know whether or not it is going to be better than a 4/4. You need to hold them both and decide from there.
Which one would you recommend? The artist or the master one? Is there a big difference in sound or quality? thanxxx
Legal, gostei do som bem aveludado....como faço para a adquirir?
Links are all under the video.
Prática muita prática XD
Hi Alison. This is really a very beautiful and very nice sounding violin. How do you think about gut strings on such a violin? Maybe Pirazzi Oliv? When I saw this video and the comparsion between the different Fiddlerman violins I began thinking of maybe to change from my Stentor Student 2 to such a violin. If, so I would like to buy a good wooden bow for it too and about gut strings Im thinking already a longer time. But not to put on my Stentor...
You would have to try them. Impossible to say how they would feel or sound without trying them. Its all personal preference too...
how would you compair any fiddlerman v a Yuan Qin Ps. im on lession 8 of your amazing 30 lession program, after a 15 year ~break~ ABRSM GRADE 4 back when music was , well.. alcholol and party
I have not played the Yuan Qin - sorry.
Does this come with a case? I want to surprise my mother with one of these.
I would check their website. The link is under the video.
What's the name of the song in the background at 07:26? :)
I don’t know as it’s royalty free music.
my beautiful teacher Alison is princess in white like frozen ,, play filderman violin so nicely definitely its so nice
What strings are on that one?
I just got one but mine came with Kaplan amo strings
What do you think will be the best violin for a begginer with a max price as $400.
And where do you think I should buy it?
I know its over $400, but, I do believe the Fiddlerman is doing a Black Friday on the 'Artist' violin which is reduced from $589 to $499!
Personally, if I were you and I could, I would stretch to the Artist as it really is a wonderful violin and its on offer!
The review video is here: ua-cam.com/video/8_s3FTHd1FA/v-deo.html and you can purchase here: bit.ly/2ERaK1c
If you would be kind enough to use my affiliate links as I do get a few dollars of commission from each sale and it helps keep my channel and amy videos coming and free - thank you :)
what is the brand of the microphone you use?
It is an Audio Technica ATM350
Lush sound, I'm sure both player and violin have a hand in that. Man I do love that sound.
Hi there, thank you so much for your video! I'm looking for a violin and can you tell me what to expect from a ~$900 violin? Will i have problems playing concertos (or sonatas) with such violin?
I don’t know as I have no idea what the violin is.
Just because it’s $900 it could still play like trash and sound like trash and be overpriced.
The only violins I can personally recommend are the ones I have reviewed on my channel like these Fiddlerman violins.
You should check those out.
Again, it totally depends on what violin it is - who made it, where its from, how its set up, whats the wood etc etc.
I would have no idea if a $900 violin can or cant handle playing higher end music as I would need to play it personally.
$900 doesn't tell me anything about the violin.
Thanks i’ll do more research
You never show it's back. Why?
No reason - nothing sinister, I just forgot - apologies.
Are you being compensated by fiddlershop?
No. As mentioned in the video, they sent them to me to do with what I wanted. I really liked them, so I decided to make review videos about them as well as performance and comparison videos.
The Online Piano & Violin Tutor
The reason I ask is because a large Fiddlershop logo appears on every video review you’ve done of their violins, I trust your integrity and I feel like that huge logo does you a disservice by making you appear impartial like you’re working for them.
That thought didnt even occur to me! To me, the reason I put it there was because many people dont read things lol and I wanted to make sure people knew who and where the violins were from so I didnt get a million comments asking what they were - it was purley there for my ease!
That said, I really and genuinely do like them. They are well made and well thought out. They are checked over before being sent out and they are set up well from the get go.
They are not mass produced and I just like the personal touch you get with all of them - even their lower end ones!
I would never spout nonsense on my channel as it doesnt sit well with me and my reputation is everthing to me.
I'm really glad I found your video review. You went into a lot more detail than the video from fiddlershop.com, and I really appreciate you giving your opinion at the end on who this violin is for. You've helped me make up my mind on what to buy! =)
Were you happy with the strings that came on it, or would you recommend something else?
I think the strings were fine, but, you could experiment with some Pirastro Obligatos or Evah Pirazzis. There is no 'need' for this, but they would improve/change the tone.
'The Lonely Shepherd' from the film Kill Bill was one of my favorites but the youtube version isnt working. is it possible to upload it again please thank you.
It was set to private by mistake. Its working now.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thank you..
Nobody speaks of the straightness of the neck in these reviews. Many cheaper violins have slightly warped or very badly warped finger boards. This is extremely important to know before buying. Playability is everything!
There was/is no warping on any of the Fiddlerman/Fiddlershop violins, which is why I didnt mention it as it wasnt on my radar to do so. Had there been some warping, Id have mentioned that pretty much at the start.
This wasn't aimed at you. I've just noticed that most violinists fail to mention this all important matter when reviewing and endorsing any violin. If the neck is warped you will never be able to set up the violin string height correctly and it's also much harder to learn on the upper positions as you advance, as you well know.@@TheOnlineViolinTutor
Ah, I see - well yes, that would be an issue and no, no one mentions it, but it isn't something Ive really come across to be honest - even with cheaper violins...maybe on the super cheap ones, but then one shouldn't really be buying those to play on as they have far greater issines than a warped neck lol
I agree the cheaper violins have issues far worse than warped necks. However, I've seen some with necks and crooked as a politician. This issue is even worse with guitars. I guess you've been fortunate in that regard.@@TheOnlineViolinTutor
I notice that when you bow, the bow is kind of tilted to the side, I’m wondering if that affects your sound in anyway.
Yes, it allows me to change the tone and dynamics at certain times. I dont always want a flat bow as I want a more controlled, and softer tone and one that I can very.
This has jumped in price a bit.
Greattttttt💕
Oh soloist sounds best to my ears the highest notes are boring but the price is great for what I hear
The wood is dried for a minimum of 10 DAYS not 10 Years. That was a silly mistake.
Thank you for your comment.
Unfortunately in this instance, you are mistaken.
If you would like to follow this link to the Fiddlerman website, you will see that the wood is aged 10 years: bit.ly/2PqRo7d
I guess you're the silly one for not educating yourself before criticizing others. Embarrassing.