Dear Sirs,

 I have recently decided to re take up the violin, however after 30 years away from it I am aware that I am going to be a little rusty!!!

 With this in mind, I don't want to spend alot of money, however at the same time I don't want to compromise on quality.

 Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 Joan Martin

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Hi Joan,

Thanks for your email.

Good to hear that you have been brave enough to pick the violin up again, I'm sure it will all come flooding back once the instrument is back in your hands!

The market leader for the level of instrument I think would best suit your requirements is the Stentor II.

http://www.normans.co.uk/p-482-stentor-ii-1500a-student-violin-full-size.aspx

However I would also consider the Forenza Prima 2 which offers exceptional value for money.

http://www.normans.co.uk/p-3057-forenza-prima-2-violin-outfit-full-size.aspx

As you can see the Forenza includes everything that a Stentor II has, however at a much lower price. I have detailed the specifications below for you to compare:

Forenza Prima 2 Stentor II

Solid, carved, spruce table.

Solid, carved, spruce table.

Solid, carved, maple back and ribs.

Solid, carved, maple back and ribs.

Solid, carved, maple neck.

Solid, carved, maple neck.

Individual hand shaping and finishing.

Individual hand shaping and finishing.

Traditional inlaid purfling.

Ebony Fingerboard.

Ebony fingerboard.

Traditional inlaid purfling.

Good quality bridge.

Solid ebony fingerboard.

Ebony top nut.

Ebony pegs.

Alloy tailpiece with integral adjusters.

Good quality bridge.

Adjustable nylon tailgut.

Alloy tailpiece with 4 integral adjusters.

Ebony pegs.

Adjustable nylon tail gut.

Teka pattern hardwood chin rest.

Teka pattern hardwood chin rest

Rope core strings.

 Rope core strings.

Taking into account all of the above, the major difference between the two is the price. The Stentor II is currently priced at £116.03 Including VAT however the Forenza is at £59.40 including VAT.

Both instruments will be fully set up with the bridge up and the sound post fitted.

I do hope this has helped, however if you need anything further then please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Kind Regards,

Hayley Walker

Normans Sales

08000 281415