Need a cheap fiddle for travelling..

Subject: Need a cheap fiddle for travelling..
From: GUEST,Jane of 'ull
Date: 03 Jul 13 - 10:49 AM

I would like to buy a cheap fiddle for travelling, camping etc. so it won't be the end of the world if it gets damaged / stolen and to save me taking along my precious best instrument and paying expensive insurance.. I've looked in the local paper etc but it's usually just very basic fiddles that kids have been learning on, and often they're not full size. When I was learning I rented a Stentor II which was quite good, wouldn't mind a used one of those but would prefer something better. Am looking to pay up to about £100 at the mo.. Haven't tried ebay as I'd like to try it out before buying really. Anyone got any recommendations?

Subject: RE: Need a cheap fiddle for travelling..
From: beardedbruce
Date: 03 Jul 13 - 11:11 AM

I have dozens, but the shipping would be prohibitive. If you plan to come to the Getaway , let me know and I can bring a dozen or so in the $100 to $300 range.

Subject: RE: Need a cheap fiddle for travelling..
From: Leadfingers
Date: 03 Jul 13 - 11:27 AM

You could try PJ Music - He seems to know what he is at ! I've met him at several Festivals . PJ

Subject: RE: Need a cheap fiddle for travelling..
From: Ron Davies
Date: 04 Jul 13 - 06:54 AM

Maybe you can rent one (at some venues).    At Sidmouth, I think you can do that--I've rented a viola from Glen Titmus (think that's the spelling) in the past.   You're certainly right not to want to take the good one on trips.

Subject: RE: Need a cheap fiddle for travelling..
From: Nick
Date: 04 Jul 13 - 07:50 AM

Perhaps try gumtree? A bit of travel might get you one and change to pay to see it -

Fiddle

Subject: RE: Need a cheap fiddle for travelling..
From: Will Fly
Date: 04 Jul 13 - 08:16 AM

Here's a rental shop:

http://www.violincompany.co.uk/newviolins-full-size.php

Subject: RE: Need a cheap fiddle for travelling..
From: Martin Harwood
Date: 04 Jul 13 - 10:31 AM

I would think you'll struggle to find much better than a Stentor II for £100 unless you strike lucky in a junk shop or on Ebay etc. If you can make it to Sheffield then try Allan King. He's always got some bargains and may have a niceish 1900s German fiddle with cosmetic damage for around that.
I go the other way myself and take my good fiddle everywhere but have a range of cases for different occasions (including sea kayaking!)

Subject: RE: Need a cheap fiddle for travelling..
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 05 Jul 13 - 04:29 AM

Went to the Ashmolean in Oxford yesterady to lok at the Old Master Drawings exhibition. They also have a Stradivarius exhibition on. In the gift shope was a violin handpainted with an modern art scene for £1,000! Not a Strad either!

RtS

Subject: RE: Need a cheap fiddle for travelling..
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Jul 13 - 06:12 AM

I took a blind chance for my daughter on ebay and got a cheap Chinese school fiddle in plastic case with bow for £25. People who can play the fiddle say it is not too bad and the bow alone should have fetched £100.

My girlfiend, via another fiend, got the pick of a whole load of student fiddles - I forget if it was freecycle of freegle - or ebay - and agve £25 for fiddle case and bow and people who purport to know say her load is as good as new £200 ones.

So I say - take a chance on ebay! If you spend £25 and don't like it you can put it on ebay again and probably get most of your money back.