How do I make strong, clear and beautiful high notes on a cheap violin?
I believe I have outgrown my $450 dollar violin my dad bought me from Germany. It is Hoifner and I believe it was made in 1999. I think it is good for an intermediate violinist that only needs 2nd, 3rd position and the occasional 4th, but as I’ve progressed and learned how to make my violin sing, I could not figure out how to get the high notes to work in 5th and 6th position especially on the E string. They sound very weak, quiet and not clear. I don’t even think they could be heard over a piano. The strings I use are very nice, I use Thomastik Vision Titanium Soloist synthetic strings and Pirastro Gold E which I love. The E makes a beautiful sound on my instrument when I am in the lower positions. I have asked my parents for a new violin, but they said no because money is somewhat tight right now. So how do I make my violin work and produce beautiful high notes? Is it because of my technique? If so, how can I improve? Please help me 
I feel your pain, money is always tight here, too. The good news is that most Hofners can withstand the demands you are trying to place on yours. Make sure that you can upgrade everything within your power…your string choices are good! Here are some lower cost options to help squeeze out the most from this instrument:
1. Work on your parents about upgrading your bow…that is a smaller step and can affect your tone production drastically. You don’t have to shoot the moon here, but you should be out of fiberglass by now. Try out different ones (within your price range) and determine what you like best.
2. Take the violin to a luthier and have him/her check the soundpost placement. A small adjustment can make a big difference. You may also want to consider having a new soundpost made out of a different type of wood. My technician is experimenting with different types of wooden soundposts and it really does have an impact.
3. Learn to recognize the “breaking point” of your instrument. How hard can you push it before the tone begins to break down? Try out different intensities of vibrato, different bow pressure and placement, and see how far you can extend the breaking point of your violin. Once you find the absolute limits, don’t pass them.
Obviously there will come a point when your abilities have far surpassed this Hofner you have. While you are working to hit that point, continue working on your parents, and start putting money aside yourself. Until then, you have a nice instrument and it will hold you a little longer.
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