Not for me, but researching to buy a Christmas gift for a relative. Someone who has never played and may or may not stick with it, so I'm thinking as cheap as possible with the best quality (as if those go hand in hand.) I have been looking at the different "violin outfits" that are priced in the $100 range that come with case, bow, rosin, etc.

Any particular advice on which one of these to go for? Any particular brand, etc.? Any and all info on the subject will be gratefully accepted, as I know NOTHING when it comes to these types of instruments.

Summoning the Prince Of Darkness to the thread!

Regardless of whether it's an adult or a child, lessons are key. Orchestral strings are THE MOST DIFFICULT INSTRUMENTS TO LEARN IN THE UNIVERSE. That's why almost every kid i went to conservatory with started in the 6 mos. old - 2 yrs. old window. I'm not even kidding. That said, there were players who were every bit as good who started as late as 7th grade. I had a 72 year old student who got pretty good in the couple of years before she died, sounded like she'd been playing for a decade. So find a great teacher who is able to teach age appropriately. Don't buy a violin. For $100 you're gonna get a chinese made, pine top piece of crap that even jascha heifetz couldn't make sound decent. For pretty close to that $100, you can rent a nice student violin for three months at a place that will probably apply some of the rental towards purchase.

Here's the thing, if you can't make a good sound on the violin, you will make the most evil, demonic, unearthly and unsavory sounds known to man. Having a better instrument completely and totally helps since the individual's tone relies on two things. The individual and the instrument. It's easy to improve the instrument, so give em a leg up. Or find the teacher, and have the teacher help find a rental.

also, depending on the age of the student, you don't want to buy, as they will outgrow their instrument.

Cool, thanks for the advice. I knew you would come through on this one, should have just sent you a pm.

Oh, and just to clear it up (if you were curious) it's for a woman in her late 50s. I doubt it's something she will take seriously, especially considering the learning curve/dedication required and her schedule.

If she can give a good dedicated half hour a day, she'll slay inside of six months. Older students learn so quickly.

$100 will buy something that might not frustrate her so much though. I'm assuming she's still working, not retired?

Maybe get her tickets to the symphony or something.

I like the way you roll, my man.