Beginner instruments - how to buy

[GinnyHendrix]

Hey!
I want to start some violin lessons, just to see where it goes, and i want to buy an inexpensive violin, but i dont want a terrible violin that sounds like a caterwaul. I was told that the Stentor II is a very good violin for begginers, it costs around £125, i'm still thinking if it's worth the investiment, because i was really looking for something even cheaper.
Meanwhile, i've been looking for violins on a portuguese classifieds website, and i am leaning towards this one: http://moscavide.olx.pt/violino-4-4-...-iid-448812039
It is already assembled with good strings and a pad, beside the bow, the case and the rosin. Here's a clip of it's sound, sent by the seller: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...d%20Sample.mp3

The sound doesn't seem too bad, at least it's not as squeaky as some violins i've heard... what do you think?

Any responses will be very appreciated

[Szykneij]

Hi Ginny -- I teach beginner violin students and have experience with a wide range of entry level instruments. My recommendation to my own students is the Hoffman line that Shar sells. I think they're the best quality for the price. I have students now in high school who bought them many years ago and they've held up very well.

  I notice you're in Portugal, so I'm not sure how shipping will factor into it, though.

Here is the link to the company:

http://www.sharmusic.com/shop.axd/Search?keywords=hoffman+violin

Here is some good info to consider whatever purchase decision you make:

http://www.sharmusic.com/schools1914.html?utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=View+Web+Version&utm_content=What%27s+in+a+Franz+Hoffmann%3F&utm_campaign=schools+email+1.9.14

[Szykneij]

There's not much information provided for the violin you're considering.
  The fittings (chinrest, tailpiece, pegs) appear to be either boxwood or rosewood. That's good because those are quality hardwoods. Some lower priced instruments use a softer wood painted black to resemble ebony.
  The bow appears to be fiberglass, which is also good for a lower priced instrument. I find the fiberglass bows to be far superior to the cheap wooden bows often provided with low-priced instruments which easily warp, don't tighten properly, and seldom last for long.
  The violin has a two-piece flamed back and the workmanship seems to be fine. I would think it would be a good option at 95 euros.