If you are looking for a new, or forever instrument, have you thought about a vintage or antique violin? These instruments have the advantage of being made from traditional European timbers from cottage makers or violin workshops of makers of old.
Many think the European timbers are superior as they are slower grown for finer grain lines, as well as having being aged for ~100 years and thus tend to have a richer tones and resonance.
These are instruments I have brought back to life through overhaul, setup or careful restoration. They often bear the marks of a life well played, which many think adds further beauty to the instrument. These instruments are not for beginners, they will need care taken with them to nurture them through to the next generation.
Competitively priced with new student instruments, these will perform far above them in tonal quality, as well as being a piece of history and unique instrument for yourself or child. Rather than the same factory instrument that everyone else has, these are as as unique as the player that play them.
These antique violins usually have more complex tonal characteristics than the typical student factory violin and are quite individual in character. While these older instruments lack the power and projection of equivalent quality modern instruments, but are lovely under the ear. If you are soloist with an accompanying full orchestra they may not be for you, though ideal for enjoyment of playing experience and chamber groups etc….
Supplied with a student bow, good strings that suit the instrument and a case, they vary in price from around $600+
Also I have a few Antique cases as well from time to time, they have been upgraded to modern protective standards