How to Buy a Violin (Philadelphia's David Michie Violins)
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- Опубликовано: 24 фев 2017
- Hi everyone!
Here is my first ever interview! I hope you find it informative. This is my favorite violin/viola shop (they also have cellos, and maybe basses?) in Philadelphia, PA. I really recommend it to any of you out there looking for a reputable, trustworthy place to buy an instrument.
I also highly recommend you bring your teacher or a friend who also plays, along with you on your trip to test out instruments. I always go with all of my students.
If you feel that you need help, and you'd like to try out some instruments from David Michie's, give them a call and tell them you're a student or subscriber of mine (Amber) and they will make arrangements for me to help you either in person or via skype or some other method.
Here is the shop's contact info . . .
David Michie Violin Shop
1714 Locust Street #A
Philadelphia PA 19103
Phone: 1-215-545-5006
If any of you need help along your musical path, I'd LOVE to work with you! Please connect and reach out if you feel inspired.
1. Patreon is a resource I have created for you ($1) I post a lesson video each Monday and there is a lot of content there to help you play the violin and viola.
www.Patreon.com/ViolinViolaMasterclass
2. Website for info about lessons and my studio
www.ViolinViolaMasterclass.com
3. Instagram for a glimpse into the life of a music teacher and get to know me
ViolinViolaMasterclass
4. Amazon Store with ALL my fav Violin and Viola stuff and non music stuff (beauty stuff)
www.amazon.com/shop/violinviolamasterclass
Hope you'll reach out :)
Warm Regards,
Amber Reed 
Развлечения
Hey everyone! If you didn't make it to the end (this is a long video) I mentioned if you would like to test out some instruments from David's shop and you would like some help (either in person or on skype, etc) I would be happy to help you. Just give the shop a call (info in the description) and tell them you'd like Amber's assistance, and they will set it up. It would be so fun to meet you and try out instruments!!
Violin Viola Masterclass kiss you sweety!
Thank you both so so much for making such a wonderful and informative video
OK.......So, what is the price range for a David violin? For me, up to $10,000?
I noticed the $1500 violins had dominants, the "bad" $2000 violin had visions, and the "good" $2000 violins had evah pirazzis.
Would changing violin strings on my inexpensive violin give me a more mellow sound and what are the best strings would you recommend to accomplish this. Thanks.
18:41 greater words were never said. So many people get discouraged from learning the violin when they get told they should have started as a child. This guy earned my business next time I'm in PA. Your never too old to learn a musical instrument.
Great - very helpful! Thank you both. Want to emphasise one point you made, which is, to book an APPOINTMENT with the shop you are buying a violin (viola, 'cello, db) from. I did not, and half way through having half a dozen instruments brought out and demonstrated, I was bustled out of the demo room, to the tiny sales room, because of an existing booking! Yes - I did come away with a nice violin, but that was through luck or, more likely, the good judgement of the shop assistant, because the demonstration I needed was cut short and therefore somewhat inadequate! Final point: you can start learning the violin at "3 years, 13 years, 23 years " or, as in my case, 63 years of age!
I am a beginner at 65
Jo Ann Anthony that’s awesome! All the best!
easy virtuoso at 75
Bravo Jo Ann.
Hows it going along?
Jo Ann Anthony me too
This is a wonderful service/partnership. Growing up in the 50"s there was little information other than from my teachers. I spent many years learning how to make my own bridges and fixing a junk store violins. In my 70's now and still studing the violin and viola. It is wonderful that there is so much information and teaching out there. Material from Gelaman and Fischer and their students have been a great help. Thank you Ms. Reed for bringing this video and your teaching.
David, I accidently found this video only today. I bought my violin in your shop 30 years ago. Today, I am still playing and enjoying the violin. Thank you! I have moved to LA. Otherwise, I will buy another better one from your shop again. LM
Check violins made by Rena Weisshaar in Costa Mesa; she makes quality violins.
Wow how cool is that ! He helped your find "your" violin that was great for you for 30 years and you accidentally found him again.
What a fun field trip! I enjoyed that. I just recently bought my first violin after being done with my rental. Once I KNEW I was going to play violin for as long as I could for the foreseeable future I went to a local place here in Austin, Tx called Austin Strings. I had my eye on an old German Hopf violin she had on her website. I went to try it and she highly encouraged me to try as many as I could in my price range. I went through this process in the shop and I took some home. I did ultimately end up buying the Hopf, it is almost 100 years old and the wood has taken on such a beautiful deep and rich tone, and it is very loud, it projects like crazy. I love it! It was in my price range at 1200$ due to it had a top repair. The luthiers said the same thing that Mr. Michie is saying, when you buy the instrument, you buy the Luthier as well. The owners are a mother and daughter who are both excellent Luthiers, Lori and Brieanne respectively. My bridge was a bit too shallow and I kept hitting my D String. She custom adjusted it for me twice until it was just right. She would not stop until i was happy with the instrument. I just love them, and they stand by their instruments for as long as you are their customer. My husband ended up buying his cello there, a gorgeous Peter Prier instrument from the mid 80s or early 90s made here in the USA. They have his instrument for about a week to fix some minor issues, bass bar, sound post and some varnish touch ups. A reputable Luthier sees their instruments and the care they take of them for you as a direct reflection of their own reputation. It's not about getting the most expensive instrument you can afford, it's about getting the absolute right one for YOU and getting it from a place that will truly treat you like a good friend. I am happy to give people like that my business, and refer others to them. My teacher went to them the other day to try out some Violas, and I was thrilled to hear how wonderful her experience was there. Customer for life. People like Mr. Michie and my local shop here in Austin are hard to find, so when you do make that connection it's priceless.
Thats awesome! thank you for sharing!!! Maybe that will help some people in Austin, TX!!
This video and demonstration was very helpful. I live in Canada and trying to find a GOOD sounding violin 3/4 size for my 9 year old granddaughter who is in her second year of study. I want my granddaughter to have a good sounding violin because I remember string technique classes in University on a violin that yelled in my ear. The professor finally loaned me his and what a difference! I could practice with some joy in my heart. Thank you for doing the demonstration/video which I have stumbled upon.
Buying a violin as a novice is a daunting thing. I wish everyone luck. As an old guy with a little knowledge of what to look for, I bought an absolutely stunning 1906 Saxony violin and an 1850 French violin currently getting the bass side edge repaired by a violin maker on Ebay. Both for under $1,000 including repairs and set up in the case of the French fiddle.
Thank you for this video. This will help many people. Good choice.
Excellent interview and really insightful. Thanks for sharing
Excellent video thank you for taking the time to point us all in right violin 🎻 playing direction. 💗
Great video, thank you for the direction.Nice to know I have a great local shop to go to when I'm ready to advance to a better instrument.
Great video. Wish I were close to Philadelphia. I’d love to visit David’s shop. What a great guy!
I happened to watch this again. I love this video. David's is so delightful. Such a beautiful studio. Thank you for sharing.
Stephanie Hughes thank you❤️ he is the best!!
wow, this is so cool! Thanks!
Wow I am so impressed only 2 grands violin 🎻 has character and resonance very good, definitely will visit your shop when I have a chance going to Philadelphia 😘
Thank you...amazing video
Thank you very much! Excellent... I'm in the market for a violin, at 79 I probably won't out match Paganini but at 10 I was a very excellent violinist (albeit with ADD). I'm going to a local violin shop here in Silver Spring MD... to restart my journey.
Thanks for your advice
thank you both of you! it is very informative!
Bader from Saudi Arabia :-)
I will subscirbe!
beatifull video thanks
Great informative vid for we violin shoppers!
Thank both this video is fantastic
drooling!
Hi! Greetings from Sweden!
Thank you very much for sharing this video!! I've been playing the violin for nine months now ( with a violin that I rent) and I'm looking for my own violin...
Your video will help me a lot! Thanks thanks thanks!!!
So beautiful
Wow, I just bought a Pietro Lombardi a week ago! I love it, but I paid $2200, not $1500. I guess David must give a great discount! :)
Thanks for the great videos!
So thankful I stumbled across this video!!! I am very interested in trying out couple of violins. Live in Alabama
Before I started learning violin, I thought some people are crazy when they pay tons of money for it. Now I'm in the same situation. I'm playing a carlo lamberti sonata from Shar which is considered to be an entry-intermediate level violin and I'm saving hard to upgrade. its like you have a perfect pair of shoes but you grow bigger and you NEED to get a new pair that fits you!!!
Wow..i have only been playing the violin for about a month (teaching myself right now) and I can tell the difference..Wow..I am learning more then I thought I was..I picked the bright one. I knew it was bright. wow.
Thank You
Hiya , Thanks for the video . this is the first time to meet Mr, David , I didn't see instruments in his website ! I am from Uk it's far to come pay a visit to the shop
Beautiful store 🎻
Thank you for saying in the video starting age doesn't matter I've been wanting to play the viola since 5th grade but my family couldn't afford it so now I will be investing in my own instrument as an adult beginner which for some might sound weird and for me feels awkward at times but I don't want to not follow through trying and then just keeping it a dream wishing I had
Wow I’m from Arizona too!
Lovely video
Thanks!
Interesting. Nice...
Hi. I am 69 and started learning to play violin a few months. Even though I'm slow at learning it, I hope to get good enough to purchase a more expensive violin.
I really really like both of your personalities .. Wonderful people I can just tell. Wish I lived a little closer than Alberta Canada just love your building too. Thanks this was very helpful. I started guitar in 1974 took lessons and rented the guitar by the month and loved it the looks and sound but high action. My teacher could not convince me to try another one instead . I ended up quiting and 3 years ago started again with out lessons and just love it and then bought a violin and love it also. So YES do not start with a NOT good instrument you are setting your child or yourself up for failure and NO you are never to old to learn ;-)
So very helpful for me! Thank you.
Very interesting and well.oresented . Thank you. I would love a video which would help identify the physical attributes of various instruments for a buyer. What would indicate a higher quality instrument when it is not in a playable condition.
that violin at 38:44 is a beauty, looks so antique'd. I'd love to buy it, shame I'm halfway across the world..
i have been considering getting in to violin playing for several weeks now. i have been watching every video and reading every article/guide for a beginner i can get my hands on...
i wish i could find shops like these here in Pakistan. There are good music shops but i am not sure how good violins do they have.
I must say great videos there! :)
Mughees Ahmed Dude how's it going now?
Nice video...
This video is so interesting and enlightening. Thank you.
OMG A violin shop in Philadelphia? IM SHOOK!!
Hi great video! I looking into a Knilling Bucharest P 4KF Violin and curious if you knew anything about them? Are they a good quality violin for a beginner?
Does anyone know what is the beginning background music?
I'm intrigued by the David Burgess Violin, are these hard to come by?
Hello David and Amber. Thank you so much for a wonderful introduction into violins. My wife has a violin that she's had since childhood. It was acquired in an antique shop that her mother and grandmother had many years ago, (let's say 50 to be nice). We've recently moved into our new, (and last) home in North Carolina. I am now retired, but really miss the fulfillment I felt when I was growing up. I took a couple of years of piano, and have also played the guitar. I am VERY motivated to find that old violin. I'd like to know what owners should do to take care of their violins. What polish should be used? How often should it be serviced? What are good quality but reasonably priced strings? I know that cost is not always a reflection of quality, although I'll admit the the more expensive violins sounded better to my ear. You did wonderfully on your presentation! Forgive this observation, but Amber is so lovely it's a little hard to concentrate on the rest of the content. But don't change! In any case, thank you so much for your presentation. Best regards and Happy New Year from Bethany Farm, 5 miles west of Kenly, NC.
Hi there! Aww thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful comment! Well-it’s good to take your violin to the “doctor” every year for a check up, making sure the bridge is straight, seems are closed and sound post is happy. New strings and bow rehair at least once a year. I like Eva Pirazzi Gold because they are super responsive and clear, warm, and stay in tune. Don’t need to use any polish on the violin, just wipe it gently after each use with a gentle cloth. Use a dampit in the winter or if you live in a dry climate. 🎻🥰📚
Can you please give a list of the violins you played? I love the second from the last but the only one identified in the entire video was the first one.
Very Nice!
❤ The Warmer Sounding Violins... 🎻
Is It Just Me? When I Hear A Violin Or Viola Being Played,
It Sounds So Very Similar Too An Alto Saxophone Being Played. They Seem Too Produce Very Similar Sounding Resonant Tones...
A String Instrument And The Other A Wind Instrument...
I know,... I'm A Little Weird...
However My Favorite Instrument Is The Harp...
Something,... So Very Enchanted And So Very Mysterious Sounding, With The Harp!
Blessings James
🕊☘🎼🎵☀️🌈
Hi Amber ,now I’m playing a beginner violin but now I’m a intermediate student ,I would like to upgrade my violin but it seems that it’s very hard to learn to tune my current violin using pegs (I usually tune my violin using 4 fine tuners before practicing)because when I try the violin on in shop it only have 1 fine tuner how ? It’s a bit harder to tune my violin using pegs
Not to sound like a know it all but Mozart was known to own a Klotz model violin. There is a video on U tube showing his actual instrument being played. Lots of good information in this video, thanks for posting!
victor sanchez mozarts violin
victor sanchez Mozart's violin
My mom was diagnosed with cancer last week. We still don’t know a lot of details (she’s not staged yet, but we know it’s late stage, 3rd or 4th). I want to DO something even when I can’t be with her. I’ve played several instruments, piano and harp included, but she’s always loved the idea of me with a violin. I’m going on a trip tomorrow to Nashville (four hours away!) because they have the most luthiers in the state. My brother is flying back to his apartment so he can move home to be with us, and I’m going along so while we’re there I can scout the stores and see my options. I’m going to focus my energy on learning, and she’ll love that. No matter how things go with her, it’ll be wonderful to eventually be able to express myself through my music with this instrument.
I was planning on sort of pooling my gifts for my birthday in May to get one, so money is a bit tight, but... I need those extra months to play now. So I’m just going to do the best I can. Tomorrow is being looked at as a fact-finding mission, but it blows my mind that after wanting to do this for 23 years (I’m 28) I might possibly actually have a violin tomorrow.
Thank you so much for this video. I dislike not knowing a lot about the topic, but I don’t know anyone who plays this specific instrument so I’m kind of flying blind. Thank you for making the process somewhat less stressful!
God bless you and your mom. I wish her the best with her recovery and send you all lots of LOVE
Violin Viola Masterclass Thank you so much for that. Truly. I know a lot of people sort of don’t reply to comments or love comments on videos more than a few months old, so I really appreciate it! When we took my brother to the airport I went to some of the shops and I got a viola. I want to play cello once I learn more about strings, and I love that deeper sound, so I wanted to... compromise a bit and get the viola so it may be easier to switch later, add in learning the cello more easily. So despite being a bit nervous about viola’s... eccentricities, we’re all very happy with this!
I was able to go to my mom’s bedside tonight and show her the instrument, and she had the biggest smile and was so happy. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I firmly believe that both music and hope are healing, and I’m planning on helping to provide both to my family. Thank you for making this process easier. We all, Mom included, appreciate it! Lots of love back to you! Continue being a light in the world!
Amara Jordan thank you Amara for sharing this❤️ I’m so excited that you were able to get a viola! You know, there are a lot of easy songs you could probably figure out on a website called www.ViolinSheetMusic.org I’d try and learn Amazing Grace just make sure to click on the viola arrangement🎻 I bet you could learn it in no time, even if you just pluck it like a guitar❤️
Hi,i subscribeb to your channel and congratulations,excellent teacher and luthier presentation.Paganinni,decided for a Guarneriousv iolin for the excellent proyection when there was not a microphone,and had to reached the whole auditoriu.,From Puert Rico,my regards to you,great.
Does he sell online?
Thank you so much, Amber and David! This is really helpful. I wish I were in your area... My daughter (11 and tall) is ready to move on to a full size cello... As I really liked that German violin, would you mind disclosing the German manufacturer? We live in Germany ... Any other suggestions for affordable cellos?
Hey there! I'm not aware of the maker/manufacturer, BUT I suggest you find a reputable shop in your area : ) Germany is one of the best places you can get an instrument, call around, maybe call one of the music schools to see where they suggest. Or ask her teacher! Next time I see David I will ask him :) Thanks for watching!
Hi Amber, I would like to ask you my bow horse hair keeps breaking. Could it be the way I am using it or a fault of some kind? Thank you
Sounds like the quality of the hair to me. If you are not applying a lot of pressure and playing mainly with the same area of the bow, these two could encourage hair breakage
Not just italian, in my native (czech) language soundpost is called soul too (duše), and even in all slavonic languages.
Martin, the same in Hungarian: lélek (duše, soul). Germans also often say instead of "der Stimmstock / die Stimme" the term "die Seele".
Also on Hebrew, we call the soundpost "Neshama" which stands for soul
Same in French: l'âme.
Same in Spanish, "alma" which means soul.
All violins were once a living tree and because of that they are beautiful.. notice I said all violins not vso aka violin shaped objects
Can you recommend a violin shop in the Fort Worth Texas area that offers this kind of personalized service?
Hi there✨🎻 I’m not familiar with shops in Texas but I’d be happy to pop in to David’s and try some fiddles out for you? Email me if you’d like amber@violinviolamasterclass.com
👍🤓 🎻 🤛
very charming girl and nice informative interview
thank you!
I would go, but as a true lefty violinist, I doubt he has any lefty handed violins. I usually have to go to Canada, or Europe for my violins.
I ave large finger do all finger board same
Can I be a beginner at 37 years?
TwoSet brought me here.
We can hear the difference, the second violin had a little more of overtones and richness mainly thab the first one
If possible, take a violinist with you to buy .
Какую комиссию получает эта милая дама с каждого инструмента, проданного Дэвидом по ее рекомендации?
Great video. This is why you don’t buy violins online. You can’t play them or feel how they play.
I can buy online this quality violins
can you send me a 4/4 acoustic violin to Kuwait
I enjoyed your discussion. I started playing at 65. I am an ear player and have passion for music. I never used a teacher. Learnt many tasks by reading and watching the RUclips. I have removed back plates, set sound posts & bridges , fixed cracks. One of the reason I did not want to learn skills From another person is, that if you have the skills you can develop that skill. If you are a person who needs to be taught everything you do not have the talents. The person with talents need the minimum guidance.
This day and age European violins May be be originating in China and coming back to Europe. So if you start pricing instruments over $ xxxxxx is Europe and anything below is Chinese does not sound logical.
The violin seller deals with the supplier. The seller does not deal with the manufacturer. The manufacturer can be anywhere in the world. So the incident buyer have to trust what is been told.
I visited Cremona with the intention of buying a violin. The lowest price I came across was $10,000. They also had Chinese violins for $1000- $1500. This changed my mind. The violins made in Cremona does not promise it would sound to your taste. It is a topic with full of variables from the timber to strings to bow to bridge to varnish to every part of the instrument. In my view on of the best way to find a violin sound good is to get someone to play it or record you playing. Unfortunately very few people get this option in life. Hope you’ll know going back to 200- 300 hundred years , sellers & suppliers have been rebelling Strads. Violins and selling to the public.
Please do not get offended for my comments as I am indicating the reality. Good luck with playing.
To bad your in Philly , I have no good shops near me.
get on with it
Could you have any better attack or be any prettier?
I think you missed identifying a couple of fiddles.
what to do if you find a violin (at your first attempt to buy one, in the first shop you go) with the father of your grandfathers name in it (or his father =same name) and find out it is one of them. finding out that they actually where violin builders. 😱 but than can't afford it 😂? you buy a cheap one for 250 euros with no identity and hope that one day the violin finds you again.
With all due respect.....there are GREAT violins available at much lower prices than 1500$.
For example Yamaha sells student violins at around 300$ and they are of amazing quality.
You don't need to spend an insane amount of cash to learn violin.
With a price of 1500$ for a starter violin....You are paying for his life style not for the instrument.....
The instrument costs this much because of the business model....NOT because of the actual quality.
Unicycle Welder hi thanks for your comment and you’ve got some great points😃...you definitely don’t need to spend anymore than $300 for a starter violin. That’s not really the point of this video🙏At some point, players will want a nicer instrument and this video is to encourage them to 1. go try out a bunch to hear and compare the sound 2.Give them an idea of a high quality starting set price 3. To buy from a reputable store (like David Michie’s who is, in my opinion, the best shop in Philadelphia that serves students high quality instruments) that will stand behind their instruments and help you upgrade as you continue along your musical path if you’d like. 😃🎻🙏
The absolute best investment when it comes to learning and playing music are the super good quality lessons +
hours and hours and hours and hours ....... of practicing time :D
Unicycle Welder you got it!!🙌🎻🥰
Mega love all Your videos btw !!
You`re doing an excellent job !!
:D :D :D
Unicycle Welder thank you!! I try☺️I hope you can make it to one of my live-streams!! I usually do them on Friday...it’s a cup of tea and music lesson😄🎻 Take care✨
When you get a chance the front door needs paint...Well let's get to the violins, some resonate better than others depending on who made them, just because it may be an expensive violin doesn't mean that it will sound better and also it's a matter of preference.
i will say that i’m cutting a 2x4 with a soup spoon.
my violin no es bueno! ir maybe its’s the bow or, maybe it is me!!!
Thank you very much! Excellent... I'm in the market for a violin, at 79 I probably won't out match Paganini but at 10 I was a very excellent violinist (albeit with ADD). I'm going to a local violin shop here in Silver Spring MD... to restart my journey.