I went to the violin shop to up size to a 3/4 size violin for Brooklyn. I was expecting to pay about $100 after I traded in her 1/2 size. I get what I paid for the first one minus a $39 trade in fee. She was playing her most recient song and scales on a couple of different ones. They all sound different even though they are the exact same line. The sales man then says that he strongly suggest to "step up" to another level of student violins. Okay, how much??

This is the violin I was expecting priced at $425.

This is the first "Step Up" for $795.

Second "Step up" for $1495.

Or this one for $1995. I know, they all look the same to me too.
He went on to say in front of Brooklyn, of course, that if she has a better violin she'll improve and feel better about herself. (Thanks, grrrr) He also told her to play the first "step up" which she loved and I admit that it did sound more smooth and deep.
Ok, if I trade in my old violin and step up then I only have to pay $458. Oh yeah, I definitely have that kind of cash lying around...better yet, it's pocket change. :( If I had known a year ago, I could have saved for it.
I know that eventually we will want to "step up" to a better violin but she is only
nine. I decided to stay with the first violin choice. He was so disappointed. He said "Her teacher won't be happy." (Thanks again, grrr) I would love to get the best but I can't do more than I have. He said that people don't pay a lot to show it off but to get the best sound. I know that and I would love to. I am tempted to "step up" with my tax return but only the first step. Then in about 1-2 years, well "step up" again for her full size.
Anyways, I am so glad that I didn't know what I was getting into when we started this violin journey. I probably wouldn't have done it. But she loves it and that does makes it all worth it even though it pains my check book.

Which one would you have bought? Would you spend beyond you means or would you buy the one you can actually afford?