When my daughter wanted to start learning violin, I started to look for a local luthier. We found one and then my husband (also a musician; he plays trombone, sings), listened to the shop owner/head luthier play various instruments before we settled. He, unbeknownst to me at the time, did the same thing to find a viola for me so that I had an instrument to start teaching our daughter from (I’m a trumpet player and music teacher). He did a great job, despite having little to no experience with strings. He asked a lot of questions of our friends who are string players too.
I bought my violin after I had had only 3 lessons. I knew for sure this was what I wanted to do. I knew nothing about violins. I went to a violin shop which imported violins from the Czech republic which has luthiers like f.i. Hans Lorenz (but my violin isn't made by him). I could choose from a few beginners instruments. I played endlessly Twinkle, twinkle on the different violins (that was all I could play), to decide which sound suited me best and which violin was nice to play. The shop owner also played all the instruments so I could hear them from a distance. I didn't want a very good violin because I knew I could never get the beautiful sound out of it for years (I was 59 at the time), but I didn't buy the cheapest one either because it didn't suit my character. I like the warm cloudy sounds. I bought the violin for a reasonable price and I haven't regretted it so far. My instrument grows with me in sound. More and more I am able to get the sound out of it that I heard when the shop owner played it.
I bought a 1792 Johann Gottfried Liebich from a pawn shop in Vicksburg, MS. It was the finest violin I have ever touched. A make believe Luthier did damage to it. Luckily he only hurt the appearance. I sold it to send my sons to college. It is now being played in an orchestra in Melbourne, Australia.
Amazing find... I'm SO GLAD that someone who knows and appreciates quality instruments bought the violin... so it gets back into the playing world again.
Thank you for the great tips. I spent nearly a year looking for my viola in Southern California, I had many sources to explore to find an affordable instrument with a tone I like. Most violas in the mid-price range and all student models sound nasal to me. More recently I bought student model cellos. Both were made in China, but one was not set up as well as the other. One has a peculiar ridge on the finger board that caused a buzz and the bridge is likewise arched oddly. I recently gave that cello to a pianist who played cello when younger. I mentioned the finger board needed replaning but she didn't notice the difference. She thought the cello was great. I couldn't stand playing it, but I was perfectly happy playing the other cello except the tone could be better, but I have been spoiled playing my wonderful sounding viola. Set up does make a big difference!
I once bought an original german violin made by a very good maker for 300 Euros on eBay. It holds up very well to my certified Justin Derazey master violin. 😄
Yeah, I got a Piere Lomont Master violin and it is setup perfectly as delivered. I"ve been playing it for a couple of months now and it is starting to open up and breathe for me now. Perfect "step up" from a student grade violin I think. I also really like the Fleuriel Bow that came with my Piere Lomont violin.
i just had a random video Idea I thought I might share! What if you collabed with Twoset again, slightly longer format videos where you traded lessons? You could take a playing lesson with twoset and twoset could take a violin making workshop with you! I can't speak for the rest of the audience but I know I would be extremely interested in watching long format for both of these videos as I could learn some things about both playing and making/repairing violins. I know personally I could watch at least an hour long video of both of these :)
You are right Olaf. I purchased a violin online, beautiful violin, but it was with no return deal. I found out that the the A and the D strings cannot be tuned to the right tone, got stuck with it. I took it to a shop and after months it came back the way it was and as compensation I have received the violin of the music teacher with a silencer on it. That violin sounds as bad. What can be wrong with these strings it puzzles me, I tried to find an answer in the internet, but to no avail. If you read my comments by any chance, throw a few lines to tell me your opinion on the strings. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, most appreciated. Your videos are also comforting and fun to watch.
Thank you for sharing your story and for your kind message. It's difficult to say what the problem is without seeing your instrument. I can usually work it out when I see it... Hopefully you can keep playing for now and maybe sometime in the future find a good violin 🎻
@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker Thank you very much for replying, I really appreciated it. I am merely puzzled that the music shop didn't fix the issue but they had no answer to the problem either. I do understand you have to see the violin to come to a conclusion, no doubt, I was hoping to hear a specialist's opinion, just a general one. I have two violins, one faulty that I purchased online and another one that the music teacher gave me as a gift, a gift that sounds bad as well. I do have other violins that I love, actually all of them, as for playing...🤔😬 Best wishes.
I am an adult beginner... I looked for my own violin after a while... I fell inlove with one and bought it. My original teacher didn't like it and guilt tripped me all the time, said she could get me better for less...It would really not surprise me if she would take a bit of profit for herself tbh, it came across as such to me. She also wanted to know every detail of it. And then she just said negative things about it -> the guilt tripping... Found a more fitting teacher after a short break and he had no knowledge about the violin. First thing he said when we started lessons is that he REALLY likes the sound of it and that I have a gem and a keeper for a violin! He played it after I asked him and it was really beautiful to hear what it sounds like.. (my playing isn't that good yet). OG teacher didn't really want to play mine when I had it to try it out, prior to buying. She played on it after begging but very very shortly.
Just bought a violin for my daughter who has been playing for 2 years and has joined a junior orchestra. I'm pleased to say that I've done everything right according to your video other than the price point. Paid equivalent of 480USD... Is that 1000 - 3000 USD range for a beginners instrument still realistic? The quality of eastern import instruments is really impressive these days. Hidersine and Stentors are pretty decent once you get out of the bottom two violins in the ranges.
One of my friends has strings that are at such a height he struggles to play high at all without shredding his fingers so yeah big issue look into that
Olaf, what do you say about Stentor Conservatoire II violins?, are they any good?. The reviews I read mostly are positive and a very experienced violin teacher has informed me that they are of reasonable quality. Would I make a good choice for this as my first violin, or would I be making a mistake?
If you want a bow for a beginner I got one called a 3/4 Theodore Ebony bow for under £17 .and it plays beautifully. From the balance point to the tip you can play Sautille ,Spicatto ,Stacatto .It`s effortless and instinctive to control .Made of wood . Looks like pernambuco .I wish violins were so good from brand new .
„Good strings“ lol I haven’t changed mine since I bought it like 8 years ago (blasphemous I know) but like I’ve taken it to my teachers and made them play it to check and I did my grade 8 on it like 5 years ago and it was fine, idk what the hell magic strings the luthier put on them but goddam
Be careful when buying older instruments. It is not unusual for fancy looking shops to not put prices on the violins and start by asking how much you can spend, then try to fob you off with defective instruments if they can. I have experienced this in very "respectable" looking establishments. They particularly seem to try to fob off their auction duds on people who say they are a folk music player or a beginner.
Olaf, I really like your honesty about your violins made in China. How did you come up with the name "Piere Lomont"? Was he actually a French luthier, or made up name?
@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker Thanks. I was wondering how big an issue it was. I had sanded a little bit off the middle of a couple of the pegs so that the strings just barely clear now. A lovely new instrument, bargain priced, and it holds pitch great.
Hi Of course... It's best if you just contact us through the website. We have a few questions we will ask you so I can work out which instruments would best suit you, your playing style.and the kind of sound you find inspiring as well as your budget. 😊
I'm really sorry... We just changed systems. We're working on fixing the problem. You can always contact us on the website and we'll email it to you individually.
I restore violins. These cheap violins of horribly made. The thickness of their belly and back plates are many times twice to three times the thickness they should be. Also the chisel marks are often still there. I can make a violin but I don't want too. There are too many that need TLC.
@@Call.Me.Shayne definitely not... As I often say don't let budget stop you. But make sure the instrument is well set up so you don't need to struggle unnecessarily. All the best for your violin journey Shayne 🎻 💕
I also have cheap violin but after watching this kind of video it helped me to fix the cheap violin sound thanks to this RUclipsr he make it possible for me to experience good sound of violin
Unfortunately your industry has so may pitfalls and charlatans that being ripped off is almost guaranteed. Because of Severely overpriced instruments made by the great masters , every Luther on the planet believes that their violins therefore must be worth at least 30k by osmosis.😮 Im a electric Bassist and I have professional basses ( and intermediate) . When I was younger my schools music programs did not support orchestral instrument so I couldn't learn cello . As a older person now ive looked into learning cello ( for interest and fun) and it's costs are just too much to justify , 3-5k for a higher end beginning cello is crazy . Sorry , Im not trying dislike you or you channel but if you can only afford a $300 dollar violin there is no reason to start .
I agree. Even Stradivarius made garbage violins. Some fine violins have been butchered by people who had no idea what they were doing. Labels mean little. I will not touch a violin with the label of a well known maker. I do this for fun and not for money.
I totally agree with you. Some time costs of a violin looks like investing, in the country that I live even a second hand violin in bad conditions costs start from 1200 Euro to 20000euro. Then the only option is eBay. Recently I bought a Chinese violin from eBay which costs one third of the same conditions violin from Germany. I am happy with the violin I received. I think everyone has the right to get a good sounding instrument that costs reasonable.
When my daughter wanted to start learning violin, I started to look for a local luthier. We found one and then my husband (also a musician; he plays trombone, sings), listened to the shop owner/head luthier play various instruments before we settled. He, unbeknownst to me at the time, did the same thing to find a viola for me so that I had an instrument to start teaching our daughter from (I’m a trumpet player and music teacher). He did a great job, despite having little to no experience with strings. He asked a lot of questions of our friends who are string players too.
I bought my violin after I had had only 3 lessons. I knew for sure this was what I wanted to do.
I knew nothing about violins. I went to a violin shop which imported violins from the Czech republic which has luthiers like f.i. Hans Lorenz (but my violin isn't made by him).
I could choose from a few beginners instruments.
I played endlessly Twinkle, twinkle on the different violins (that was all I could play), to decide which sound suited me best and which violin was nice to play. The shop owner also played all the instruments so I could hear them from a distance.
I didn't want a very good violin because I knew I could never get the beautiful sound out of it for years (I was 59 at the time), but I didn't buy the cheapest one either because it didn't suit my character. I like the warm cloudy sounds.
I bought the violin for a reasonable price and I haven't regretted it so far. My instrument grows with me in sound. More and more I am able to get the sound out of it that I heard when the shop owner played it.
lovely story. and the more you play it the better it will sound, not just because of your skill, but because of the woods getting exercised.
I bought a 1792 Johann Gottfried Liebich from a pawn shop in Vicksburg, MS. It was the finest violin I have ever touched. A make believe Luthier did damage to it. Luckily he only hurt the appearance. I sold it to send my sons to college. It is now being played in an orchestra in Melbourne, Australia.
Amazing find... I'm SO GLAD that someone who knows and appreciates quality instruments bought the violin... so it gets back into the playing world again.
I got a good laugh at the fiddle being put on the shopping belt with the groceries.😂
Thank you for the great tips. I spent nearly a year looking for my viola in Southern California, I had many sources to explore to find an affordable instrument with a tone I like. Most violas in the mid-price range and all student models sound nasal to me. More recently I bought student model cellos. Both were made in China, but one was not set up as well as the other. One has a peculiar ridge on the finger board that caused a buzz and the bridge is likewise arched oddly. I recently gave that cello to a pianist who played cello when younger. I mentioned the finger board needed replaning but she didn't notice the difference. She thought the cello was great. I couldn't stand playing it, but I was perfectly happy playing the other cello except the tone could be better, but I have been spoiled playing my wonderful sounding viola. Set up does make a big difference!
I once bought an original german violin made by a very good maker for 300 Euros on eBay. It holds up very well to my certified Justin Derazey master violin. 😄
Yeah, I got a Piere Lomont Master violin and it is setup perfectly as delivered.
I"ve been playing it for a couple of months now and it is starting to open up and breathe for me now.
Perfect "step up" from a student grade violin I think.
I also really like the Fleuriel Bow that came with my Piere Lomont violin.
i just had a random video Idea I thought I might share! What if you collabed with Twoset again, slightly longer format videos where you traded lessons? You could take a playing lesson with twoset and twoset could take a violin making workshop with you!
I can't speak for the rest of the audience but I know I would be extremely interested in watching long format for both of these videos as I could learn some things about both playing and making/repairing violins. I know personally I could watch at least an hour long video of both of these :)
You are right Olaf. I purchased a violin online, beautiful violin, but it was with no return deal. I found out that the the A and the D strings cannot be tuned to the right tone, got stuck with it. I took it to a shop and after months it came back the way it was and as compensation I have received the violin of the music teacher with a silencer on it. That violin sounds as bad. What can be wrong with these strings it puzzles me, I tried to find an answer in the internet, but to no avail. If you read my comments by any chance, throw a few lines to tell me your opinion on the strings. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, most appreciated. Your videos are also comforting and fun to watch.
Thank you for sharing your story and for your kind message.
It's difficult to say what the problem is without seeing your instrument.
I can usually work it out when I see it... Hopefully you can keep playing for now and maybe sometime in the future find a good violin 🎻
@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker Thank you very much for replying, I really appreciated it. I am merely puzzled that the music shop didn't fix the issue but they had no answer to the problem either. I do understand you have to see the violin to come to a conclusion, no doubt, I was hoping to hear a specialist's opinion, just a general one. I have two violins, one faulty that I purchased online and another one that the music teacher gave me as a gift, a gift that sounds bad as well. I do have other violins that I love, actually all of them, as for playing...🤔😬 Best wishes.
Good advice Olaf. Informative and interesting. Thank you. 👍
I am an adult beginner... I looked for my own violin after a while... I fell inlove with one and bought it. My original teacher didn't like it and guilt tripped me all the time, said she could get me better for less...It would really not surprise me if she would take a bit of profit for herself tbh, it came across as such to me. She also wanted to know every detail of it. And then she just said negative things about it -> the guilt tripping...
Found a more fitting teacher after a short break and he had no knowledge about the violin. First thing he said when we started lessons is that he REALLY likes the sound of it and that I have a gem and a keeper for a violin! He played it after I asked him and it was really beautiful to hear what it sounds like.. (my playing isn't that good yet). OG teacher didn't really want to play mine when I had it to try it out, prior to buying. She played on it after begging but very very shortly.
Great to hear the that you stuck though it...
I know of a lot of students that bowed to the pressure and ended up with second rate instruments
Just bought a violin for my daughter who has been playing for 2 years and has joined a junior orchestra. I'm pleased to say that I've done everything right according to your video other than the price point. Paid equivalent of 480USD... Is that 1000 - 3000 USD range for a beginners instrument still realistic? The quality of eastern import instruments is really impressive these days. Hidersine and Stentors are pretty decent once you get out of the bottom two violins in the ranges.
One of my friends has strings that are at such a height he struggles to play high at all without shredding his fingers so yeah big issue look into that
I bought a Yamaha sv-200 electric violin. I like it, but I never played any other violins!
Olaf, what do you say about Stentor Conservatoire II violins?, are they any good?. The reviews I read mostly are positive and a very experienced violin teacher has informed me that they are of reasonable quality. Would I make a good choice for this as my first violin, or would I be making a mistake?
If you want a bow for a beginner I got one called a 3/4 Theodore Ebony bow for under £17 .and it plays beautifully. From the balance point to the tip you can play Sautille ,Spicatto ,Stacatto .It`s effortless and instinctive to control .Made of wood . Looks like pernambuco .I wish violins were so good from brand new .
Tanks Olaf !
„Good strings“ lol I haven’t changed mine since I bought it like 8 years ago (blasphemous I know) but like I’ve taken it to my teachers and made them play it to check and I did my grade 8 on it like 5 years ago and it was fine, idk what the hell magic strings the luthier put on them but goddam
You are sure you play enough? 😊
Be careful when buying older instruments. It is not unusual for fancy looking shops to not put prices on the violins and start by asking how much you can spend, then try to fob you off with defective instruments if they can. I have experienced this in very "respectable" looking establishments. They particularly seem to try to fob off their auction duds on people who say they are a folk music player or a beginner.
Add gear for music to the banned website list, someone said their oboes are so bad you can bend the keys off like a spoon
Olaf, I really like your honesty about your violins made in China. How did you come up with the name "Piere Lomont"? Was he actually a French luthier, or made up name?
I find I no longer have the ear I had when I was younger. So, I have to rely on look and feel.
Sounds sufficient to me. You can always ask others how it sounds. At least if they are able to do that.
If the pegbox is a little screwy so that the strings lean on other string's pegs in passing, is that a major flaw?
It seems like it would put undue strain on the peg.
It's not ideal... It can break strings prematurely, but I've seen violins that have been totally fine.
@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker Thanks. I was wondering how big an issue it was. I had sanded a little bit off the middle of a couple of the pegs so that the strings just barely clear now. A lovely new instrument, bargain priced, and it holds pitch great.
Yo Olaf, i was in your website and i don't know which violin choose , can u help me ?
His website should have a contact method, he helped me a couple years ago when I got my piere lomont
hey, he made several videos on the different instruments on his website, you can search for pierre lamont (master) videos
Hi
Of course...
It's best if you just contact us through the website.
We have a few questions we will ask you so I can work out which instruments would best suit you, your playing style.and the kind of sound you find inspiring as well as your budget.
😊
@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker ok i see so how can i sign up to your website? I only see a log in option
Hi Olaf, I tried getting you "7 essentials" report from your website, but I didn't get an email. Looked in my spam as well. Maybe it's broken?
I'm really sorry...
We just changed systems.
We're working on fixing the problem.
You can always contact us on the website and we'll email it to you individually.
@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker I'll do that, thanks!
OK... My webmaster assures me that it's all working again.
woa epic new intro
Hah, no on the character point! I am certainly the opposite in character of my instruments and I wouldn't want it otherwise.
That is the same: your character is to want an instrument with a different character as you have.
Olaf, if a violin maker has had proper training,
will they have credentials, on display, so you
can know they have been trained, like a Dr.? 😁✌🖖
I taught myself to repair and make a violin.
@@michaelwhisman : Good for you. That gas nothing to do with my question.
I restore violins. These cheap violins of horribly made. The thickness of their belly and back plates are many times twice to three times the thickness they should be. Also the chisel marks are often still there. I can make a violin but I don't want too. There are too many that need TLC.
😄 scratch "'it's not making a sound"'
So... in other words, since I can only afford a "cheap Ebay non-instrument" I am too poor to be a violin player 😢
@@Call.Me.Shayne definitely not...
As I often say don't let budget stop you. But make sure the instrument is well set up so you don't need to struggle unnecessarily.
All the best for your violin journey Shayne
🎻 💕
I also have cheap violin but after watching this kind of video it helped me to fix the cheap violin sound thanks to this RUclipsr he make it possible for me to experience good sound of violin
Unfortunately your industry has so may pitfalls and charlatans that being ripped off is almost guaranteed.
Because of Severely overpriced instruments made by the great masters , every Luther on the planet believes that their violins therefore must be worth at least 30k by osmosis.😮
Im a electric Bassist and I have professional basses ( and intermediate) . When I was younger my schools music programs did not support orchestral instrument so I couldn't learn cello . As a older person now ive looked into learning cello ( for interest and fun) and it's costs are just too much to justify , 3-5k for a higher end beginning cello is crazy .
Sorry , Im not trying dislike you or you channel but if you can only afford a $300 dollar violin there is no reason to start .
I agree. Even Stradivarius made garbage violins. Some fine violins have been butchered by people who had no idea what they were doing. Labels mean little. I will not touch a violin with the label of a well known maker. I do this for fun and not for money.
I got a really nice student violin, used, for less than $300. Look around, carefully.
I totally agree with you. Some time costs of a violin looks like investing, in the country that I live even a second hand violin in bad conditions costs start from 1200 Euro to 20000euro. Then the only option is eBay. Recently I bought a Chinese violin from eBay which costs one third of the same conditions violin from Germany. I am happy with the violin I received. I think everyone has the right to get a good sounding instrument that costs reasonable.
Why would anyone use that damned lacquer on a violin? Yuck. Might as well paint it.
Mistake #7: They buy a viola.
😮
Hahaha. I was going to say that, but changed mind...
You sound like Reddit hivemind