Been considering learning to play for ages, and just trying to figure out what sort of price/model would be good for a beginner
Can play instruments generally but never tried anything fretless. Happy to spend what’s needed for something decent enough to be worthwhile, but obviously trying to be sensible too
Ta! 
Been at this itch for years myself.
Just saw some excellent string action accompanying JXF and it got me thinking again
(Plus lack of any progress in other areas of my life yknow, why not focus on this)
I think the cost of the instrument isn’t the main issue. You can get an ok violin for £500.
It’s an extremely difficult instrument to learn (especially as an adult), and even someone who already plays other instruments would need an instructor.
I had to give it up because of a rotator cuff injury (which might give some indication of the dexterity required to play it well…)
also I should warn you you are way more likely to get an injury like this if you don’t have a teacher to guide your technique
I had a teacher trained in the Alexander technique etc. and still developed a debilitating injury
If your injury allows it have you considered taking up mandolin or tenor guitar as they are also tuned in fourths so a bit transferable
I sometimes bow my mandolin, would not recommend
Yeah I play a bit of mandolin (think it’s 5ths)
Oh yeah it’s guitars that are fourths got mixed up
may the fourths be with you
Could try one of these for a taste of fretless
I know a guy who refurbs violins and will do you a model that would be fine up to grade 4/5 or so for £150:
You could probably play to a basic level teaching yourself assuming you know another instrument, but you would need a tutor to actually get any good…
don’t want to continue to be too negative in the thread but I don’t agree with this
it’s possible to pick up some really bad habits that are then difficult to shift
I wanted to play the fiddle for years, I play other instruments but it has been calling me more and more, but I thought I was too old and it felt too daunting. Then a couple of years ago I was jamming with a fiddle player who was really good and I was telling him this, and he told me he was older than me when he started. So I finally went for it and got a beginner violin last November. It cost about £150 from the violin shop in Edinburgh, though should have cost a bit more - they gave me the next model up from the one I came for because they told me on the phone they’d have the cheaper one and when I came across from Glasgow it turned out they didn’t. My friend sent me there, recommending them over the place in Finnieston, and I would recommend too - they were nice people and helpful.
I think @puisin is right that some form of tuition is important, especially in regards to safety and personal injury, but in terms of bad habits I think that’s partly down to style. I was very specific what kind of style I wanted to learn (old time fiddle), and the way it’s played from a technical perspective doesn’t compute at all to some classical players. But then I know some old time fiddle players who go back and get lessons from classical players to refine their technique and go back to basics, so it’s definitely good to have a grounding for sure. I have occasional lessons from someone I know who plays the style I want to learn, like every couple of months, but there’s so much resources you can learn a lot online. This way I’m trying to do it on my own but checking in with my teacher to pick up on any bad habits that are developing. I also went on a week long music camp a couple of weeks ago which was aaaamaaazing.
Here’s some videos of my progress from day 1 to today. I by no means practise regularly, sometimes I play obsessively for a few days, sometimes I forget it’s there for weeks at a time. It is hard to learn, no doubt, but I would passionately recommend you give it a try if you’re keen, I’ve found it incredibly rewarding and fun to learn and feel like it helps my musicianship in general in unquantifiable but definitely real ways.
Day 1
Week 3
Week 8
Week 40ish
Also, I look nicer now don’t you think?
this is so impressive!!!
and yes you are only getting more attractive the more you play !!
if you can get the flexibility for the bow hand I think it’s the thing that improves violin performance the most
if you’re teaching yourself at home, don’t underestimate how important the bow hold is
there are exercises you can do with a pen etc.
aw thanks! 
and thanks! 
I love Smee’s dedication to playing and enjoying music, it’s very inspiring.
