An Aliexpress violin, why not? after all most of the worlds student violins are now made in China so why not order a violin direct through Aliexpress and save some $$$. Here are my thoughts as a violin repairer who sees these instruments in the shop from time to time.
First up Aliexpress is your direct link to manufactureres and resellers from all over China, where the vast majority of the worlds manufacturing takes place. In any industry there is the good the bad and the ugly available for you to by…and find out a month later which one you have got. Its a good markplace though with reviews and the security of Paypal and dispute resoultion is very good.
With the vast majority of student violins now coming from China they represent tremendous value ( see European sounding Violin, but without the price ), so why not cut out the middlemen of importer, distributor and retailer and buy a violin direct? Indeed I have several customers who have come to me having done such and with sometimes quite nice instruments…but they have needed attention and tweaks due to transport issues, the differing climates or customisation. At the end of the day they have borne significant risk of buying a violin unseen, and unplayed and it often ends happily…though not neccessarily so.
So here is my Aliexpress violin review and thoughts…
