What is a good violin to start with?

Question:

What is a good violin to start with?

I have musical background in piano, and clairinet played both for about 8 years - I would to like to learn Violin, and was wondering if anyone could tell me what is a good violin to start with? I am 21 years old, looking to learn for recreational purpose not professionally. Any advice would be greatly appreciated Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: The best starter violin I've come across is the Stentor. They are usually well-set up and if you put a set of perlon strings on them, they sound great. It the most sold violin in the world, but there are not so many in the United States. You can find them on eBay. Prices vary from $119 to $299. Here is a link to their website which will give you more information on where you can obtain one: www.stentor-music.com/stentor violins.html
You can buy a cheap violin on eBay for $45, but I don't recommend it. The bridges usually are wrong and the pegs are not right. They also don't sound good. I prefer used violins myself and you can get great deals on eBay, at swap meets or on www.shopgoodwill.com but you need to know what to look for and ask questions. Instruments made in Germany, Italy, or Czechoslovakia are usually pretty good. Older Suzuki violins are also nice. You want to make sure there are no cracks, and that there is an intact soundpost. If the strings are old or missing, that is okay, it is easy to get new ones the same goes for the bow - you can get a decent wood bow on eBay for less than $20 or a better carbon fiber bow for about $65.
If you would like any more help, feel free to email me.