We currently have available a range of Chinese violins in fractional sizes (from one-tenth to three-quarters) which are ideally suited to beginning players. Like most of the modern cheaper instruments they are largely machine made and finished with a synthetic sprayed lacquer. However they do come with reasonable fittings - the fingerboard, nut, saddle, endpin and chinrest are made of ebony, the pegs are stained rosewood and the tailpiece has in-built adjusters.
Unfortunately the mass-produced violins from China are always badly set up; in particular the critical components of bridge and soundpost are very poorly fitted. The instruments as supplied direct from the factory are virtually unplayable and can prove very frustrating to both student and teacher.
In order to prepare them for sale, we carry out the following extra work:
1. File fit and lubricate pegs.
2. Check and replane fingerboard where necessary.
3. Reshape nut and recut string grooves to correct height and spacing.
4. Fit new bridge with correct spacing and string heights.
5. Fit new soundpost.
6. Check tailpiece and trim tailgut.
7. Replace the poor quality strings supplied with Pirastro Piranitos.
We realise that parents who have children moving up through the instrument sizes may find the costs involved somewhat daunting. We have therefore devised a trade-in scheme to make it as affordable as possible. When you are ready to move up to the next size, you can trade in your old instrument and get back 60% of the purchase price towards your next violin. Please note however that this figure is conditional on the instrument, bow and case being returned in good condition. This of course also means that the instrument you purchase could be either new or used. We do not differentiate in price between them as we always make sure that any instrument you receive is maintained to the best possible condition and performance level.
Current price of student violins (all sizes): $325
Amount payable when moving up a size: $130 ( = $325 - $195 trade-in )
NB: We also have a few violins that are available on a rental basis, for a cost of $50 per term. These would be suitable for children who are just beginning to learn the violin and are still deciding whether it is the right instrument for them.
Please enquire for more details.