New Violin

Jonathan has out grown his 3/4 size violin and this weekend there is a string specialist over from the mainland so we went for a look. 2 hours (yes it took 2 hours) later J came out with a new violin. As this will be his last violin we wanted to get something that was decent and his teacher recommended a certain type. There were about 7 violins in our price range so J played them and then played them again. He narrowed it down to 2 then he kept playing them. A very talented young assistant played them. An older chap 'sweetened' the top notes on one (whatever that means) and J tried again. By this point my legs had gone wobbly so Sophie and I went for a coffee. J then settled on a violin. We weren't necessarily planning on buying one today but we realised that getting one like this wasn't the same as ordering one of the internet as we have done up until now!
Next came choosing a bow!! It was a bit like Harry Potter choosing a wand. the bow seems to choose the player! J settled on carbon fibre - the man then brought out 5 more carbon fibre bows to try...
Next it was choosing a case - was this ever going to end? At least we were more in our comfort zone because as parents we know nothing about string instruments but can look over a case with some sense!
Finally, once the shoulder rest had been selected we were there! One very happy boy and relieved parents that this is the only time we will have to do this.
Here is J playing in his pjs. He has played this many times since he got home and would have played it more except that he was at the school summer fair with Mark and Sophie this afternoon. He has played it on Skype to Grandma and Grandad and had prepared the piece he is going to play to Granny and Grandad tomorrow on their skype call.
I hope he gets as much enjoyment out of it for years to come.