Anyone Know Anything About Berkeley Violins for a Beginner Violin Student?

Dear M.,
My daughter bought her first violin for $60 with case and bow brand new from The Violin Company. That was 2 years ago but they always have good sales. Personally, I would not go much more than that for her first violin since you don't know whether she will stick with it or not.
If she sticks with it, she will outgrow the violin, in her ability. Then you can think about a more expensive one. My daughter outgrew hers because she advanced so quickly since she had piano for 10 years. L. J

Have you checked with the music department at her school? I know it was a long time ago, but when I started playing in the 5th grade, the school had instruments that we rented for like $25 a year.

Rent from Baroque Violins. We pay 17.04 a month (now that started 3 years ago) and the rent will go toward a purchase when/if he decides to buy his own. Also, if your child breaks the instrument or a string they will replace or restring, respectively for free!!!!

M.-
NO EBAY! Especially if you do not know if she will stay with it!

THE LOFT- specializes in violins you can rent them and as your daughter grows, you can exchange them for a bigger one.... all of your rent goes towards the purchase of a violin when she is done growing. My daughter is on her second violin has been playing for 3 years and we have ONE MORE MONTH and we will own a violin of her choice when she is done growing! AMAZING....
The loft specializes in strings and the people there are wonderful go there I think it is technically Worthington twhere they are located but worth the drive!

Hello! If you are in Columbus, I HIGHLY suggest checking with the Violin Loft. If you are anywhere near Newark you should go to Martin Music. We began 3 years ago renting for $17.50 per month for a violin. At that time she was only able to hold a 1/2 size. When you rent, you can exchange the instrument for no additional charge. Once the child is old enough to hold a full size, then you can purchase the full size. We have always dealt with Martin's and they have been nothing but WONDERFUL. At the end of the 3 years, we traded it in on a new, full size instrument for around $65. Now she owns her violin and loves it!!!! Check with your school orchestra director, they can help as well. Good luck!

I dont know where you live but in Columbus Ohio on High Street is a great little store called the violin Loft. I took my grandmother there to get her violin refurbished. They rent, give lessons etc. You may want to call and at least get some more information from a professional.

Hello M.,
I used to be a violin and cello player in school and started our youg daughter out on violin. Of coarse this was several years ago, so I am not fimilar with the Berkeley brand, but I would say that quality is somewhat important to the sound of the violin. Of coarse she will only be beggining so she will not be concerened about the sound herself. But if she does decide to stay with it, this may effect her decision. I know not many students stick with their instruments so you may consider renting. We started our daughter on a rent to own, which over time, we eventually paid off. The only problem was that our school system does not offer orchestra, and her private teacher moved away, so that was kinda that for her. You are so previledged to still have strings at school. I really hope she enjoys playing and sticks with it. I wish I still had our daughter's, but we passed it among family memebers.
Best of luck,
B.

I strongly suggest that you visit a reputable violin shop. Most stores have a rental program which might be a better idea for you. Since your daughter is likely to outgrow a 3/4-size violin in a year or so, I would urge you to consider renting. If you are in Indianapolis, I recommend visiting Frank's Violins in Broad Ripple. The owner is a great guy, and he will steer you in the right direction.

Currently, most beginner violins are being made in China. Some are really decent and some are really pretty crummy. No beginner violin will be as good as a step-up student model, or a more professional instrument, but they are as good place to start. I don't know about Berkeley violins, but Mark (and David) at Frank's can help you. (disclaimer: David is my son and has worked for Mark for a very long time. He is a wonderful young man, and Mark has been a strong positive influence in his life)

Good luck!

M. C -

How wonderful that your daughter has an interest in playing the violin! My 12 year old daughter has been playing since she was about 4 or 5 and now also plays at school. You may want to consider just renting a violin from a local music store to begin with before you make an investment. The music store might also have some preowned violins for sale. In Evansville we use H & H Music.

Good luck and encourage her to give it time, as it is well worth it!!!

L. L.

Both of my children play string instruments (violin and cello) All of their teachers recommend renting vs buying as beginners. If you live in the Columbus area go to the Violin Loft. You can rent a 3/4 violin for around $20 a month. (in 2 1/2 years you are finished) You have free repairs and upgrades when your daughter moves to a full size violin. Also, you get full trade in value on your instrument as long as you have it. Our violin teacher doesn't want anyone to buy instuments unless she sees them - they don't always play well. If you don't live in Columbus I am sure there are similiar businesses in your area. Most schools do this for band and orchestra.

Check out a few locally owned music stores, usually you can rent a violin by the year. That's what I did, but I started out at 4 and that would have meant 5 different violins for me by the time I was done playing.

My oldest daughter plays several instuments and when she wanted to add the cello I really didn't want to spend very much money. I found one on ebay, not the cheapest one but looked like a reasonable choice. I have had to spend more than the price of the cello in repairs not due to her. The tuning pegs where not round so they would not stay tuned. There were other problems as well. She has had it for 2 1/2 years now and we will be buying her another more expensive cello this spring if she is accepted into the college she is applying to orchestra. I wish we would have spent a little wiser. I would go with a local music store rent to own, they will usually upsize as she grows, do repairs and replace strings. Strings can get expensive. Also if she changes instruments, they may also allow that. Our daughter went from violin to bass to cello all in 4 years. She has now played the cello for 4 years. She also plays the piano and harp and vibes. Be thankful for music in school, at one point we thought we were going to move but not finding a music program in the area my husband decided to commute so our kids could have their music programs. It is so important.
Hope this helps
T.

Let me know if you don't get any response. I have a client who's a violin teacher and former violinist w/ the Indianapolis Symphony for about 30 years. I'm SURE she can help you if you don't get any other help.