How much should I spend for a violin for my 4 yr. old daughter who wants to learn?
817196
http://www.sharmusic.com/violins_beg_body.asp?catID=2\nBeginning violinists require a violin that possesses a pleasing tone, balanced response, contrasts in dynamic range (volume) and forgiveness of general response to help instill confidence in an inexperienced player.\n\nBeginning violins are typically manufactured in a production setting, where a good deal of the carving is done by a machine to keep costs to a minimum, and for consistency and predictability of tone.  The violin set-up is the single most important stage of production, where a skilled worker's careful attention to detail brings out the best possible tone and playability.  \n Hoffmann Amadeus Violin Outfit\nBoasting a clear and smooth sound, excellent setup, and affordability, the Amadeus violin is a wonderful beginning instrument.  Made in China and available in 4/4-1/16 sizes. Item #HV100 Outfits from $ 149.00 \n\nThe instrument you begin with will have an effect on her continuing to like to play the violin. My son had a cheap violin someone got from a garage sale, not a very good sound and he got the impression that violins are squeaky. then he switched to cello.\n there is something very helpful at her age that will help her start out learning something very important . straight bowing. They sell it at this site.\n\nBow-Right: 1/2 & 1/4 Size \n$14.99    Item # BS1 12 -In Stock  \n   \n          Bow-Right: 1/8-1/16 Size \n$14.99    Item # BS1 18 -In Stock  \n   \n        Bow-Right: 4/4 & 3/4 Size \n$14.99    Item # BS1 44 -In Stock  \nhttp://www.sharmusic.com/search.asp?SKW=ACCMISC&sectionID=5\n   \n   I didn't start playing that young. but I saw at a performance a 4 year old play and she had the Bow right  guard on the violin, it promotes straight bowing and lets her concentrate on other aspects of playing.
925484
That will largely depend on the child, and of course, your financial situation.\nMy parents used to spend about $300 a piece on us when we were in high school.\n\nAlthough, I have to tell you that the most meaningful gift I ever got only cost $12. It was the missing book from a collection I had.... If you're thoughtful and can find something that they really want and will cherish, there isn't any need to go that high.
334164
Have her buy you one from a ski swap or one of the end of the season sales (should be some going on right about now).\nThat way she won't have to spend that much money. \nTell her that you will chip in a little. \nAnd just generally kiss her butt for awhile :) she'll cave
838056
An MP3 player, an electronic diary, etc., etc. it's a new age, kids like things that deal with electronics and technology. DON"T buy clothing, maybe a cute pair of Converse or Vans would be nice, if you can find out her shoe size. But besides that, books or clothing is a NO-NO if you don't know her well enough to determine what books or clothes she likes.
1178747
BABUMO??? is right!!! splurge! a little toy will make her feel special! what kind of mother would you be of you burdened your child with the legalities of insurance/accounts/banking, etc>>??? if it wasn't for you, this child would not be here....think of that check as a THANK YOU from your daughter!!! party on!!
119780
try getting practice pads for them.  you can get a whole set for around $120.  electric drums will cost a whole lot more, but will also do the trick
736641
something not too expensive, but some thing she will enjoy. Something she doesn't already have. I'm thirteen so maybe cds, clothes, shoes, or types of electronics. Maybe an i-dog, VideoNow or a  cd player that is her favorite color. Hope my answer is usefull!!!!
443320
I think this is WONDERFUL!!! You are homeschooling what age are they? I have Crystal 8 yr 2gr, Jeffy 6yr 1 gr, and Robin 5yr kgr.  I have taught my self and know how to read music and that's what I did is went to a few different stores started with my fav. home school store and they told me of their fav. music stores and found a few begg. song books 1 I got was How to teach Keyboard.  But if cost is the problem check out your library (really good if you live in a city!)  You can make copies and recheck out many times!  Or Check ebay they have lots of good cheap stuff!  and you don't have to use a credit card ( I thought this was the only way but learned many people will take money orders!)  Good luck and keep up the good work!  if you need another home school support mom to bounce around ideas always can email me tishniaeq069696@yahoo.com! Have fun!
731004
Wow! That was a nice present. You can take it to a music store and they will put a new string on for you. While your there you should get rosin( if your violin didn't come with it) and a tuner. You could ask for a beginner book that has pictures and instructions, if you read everything carefully you can gain some knowlege of the violin even before you get lessons. Some books give more information than others, so see what is available.Also you could ask them to tune the violin while you are there.
523976
Charlie,\n\nActually, I recommend neither! Selmer won't get your daughter PAST being a beginner, and both brands don't hold up as well as some others. Your best bet is to go with a yamaha. The 200 series offers a beginner instrument that can last your daughter for quite a while.
942607
Depends on what she is into.  Check out what she likes.  Does she collect anything?  Does she have a hobby?  Maybe you really like her but at 4 months I think buying jewelery is too personal too early.  It could say more than you are ready to say right now.\nBut buying movies, cds, or adding a trinket to her collection of something she likes is a cool no added statement route to take.  Maybe she has an alarm clock that is not working or a phone that keeps hanging up on her- you could buy her a new one and keep it light hearted.  :)
1068666
It would be very difficult to buy something she will like, so money is the best gift.  She can put it to good use now, or save it for use at college.  In fact, a better gift might be a CD maturing in 6 to 18 months, in case she is like many teens who might tend to spend too fast.
773629
You can find a decent beginner cello for under $300\nhttp://guitarsearcher.stores.yahoo.net/cremsccel.html\n\nI would also suggest a good beginner book, with a dvd to help you play along\n\nhttp://guitarsearcher.stores.yahoo.net/esel20forstr1.html\n\n\nYou will be surprised how fast you will pick it back up, since you played years ago. Go for it
486728
I planned on keeping it simple....but I overspent.\n\nYou could take any part of the gifts I got my girls as one gift.\n\nI got everyone a rhinestone heart key chain with their first initial on it $5.99 a piece including engraving.\n\nI got everyone rhinestone hairpins at clair's boutique for 8.50 a piece.\n\nThen I got them something more personal. My matron of honor got a VERY nice collection of L'occtane lotion and soap.$75\nAnother got a magnolia spa candle from L'occtane.$25\nAnother got a box of godiva chocolate $20\nAnother got a bunch of collectors stuff from napoleon Dynomyte $20\nAnother got a new lotion collection and lip gloss from bath and body works $20\n\nLike I said, any one of those things will work. Just make sure that about the same is spent on all the girls to be equal (The maid of honor is a little different).\n\nYou could also do matching necklaces, make up bags, tee shirts, mugs, flasks, bracelets, or even manicures.....depends on how well you know your girls. Good luck and happy gift hunting.
48037
give her a gift card or just listen to her and see if there is something she has been saying she would like that would fit your budget
724667
It depends on the quality of the copy.  What I would do: take it to a really good music store, don't tell them anything about it, just ask them to give you their opinion on it.  \n\nIn general, $200 is a good deal on a violin, even if it's not top quality.
941676
Get her a CD. But make sure its a CD from one of her favorite artist's. You can almost never go wrong with a CD