Ok so I played the Violin at primary school but was obviously on a smaller model, gave up when I went to secondary school and took up the Oboe instead. Was talking to someone the other day about whether you would remember the fingering on the Violin if you suddenly went back to a adult model as obviously your fingers are bigger, but is it possible that your brain might remember where the notes are 17 years later?
Getting frustrated about Oboe players taking over orchestras and not getting a look in so thinking maybe taking back up the Violin might be an option? also can you buy a reasonable model for a relatively low price?

Yes, you're right. I was a professional clarinettist many years ago and want to play music now as a hobby. Part of the reason I chose the violin was the high chance of being able to join local orchestras because the clarinet desks are usual cast in stone and you need a player to push daisies before there's a new space (in community orchestras certainly); there are no spaces for newcomers. (I have to admit I never did want to play the clarinet again so I'm quite happy with joining the back desk violin ranks).

Many people here will recommend this company for excellent quality violins http://www.elidatrading.co.uk/gliga.htm They are very good value for money and the violins sound excellent. Liz is extrememly helpful and will be able to give you lots of advice.

As for remembering the notes... I think you might surprise yourself because childhood skills are often retained subconsciously (think of riding a bike!).

Good luck - hope you find a teacher and get back into it - there are quite a few adult starters and re-starters on this forum and I am certainly enjoying the experience.

I played the violin at primary and secondary school and still have my violin. I hadn't played for over 15 years but when I got a new job at a university and discovered there was a university orchestra looking for violins I thought I would give it a go. My first discovery was that almost all the hairs had fallen out of my bow so I had to have it re-haired but apart from that I was pleasantly surprised to find how much of it came back to me (not that I was ever much good). The only thing I did find was that my left arm muscles did not appreciate having to be held up in the air for so long (they were three hour rehearsals). In the end, I only went to a couple of rehearsals and then for reasons that had nothing whatsoever to do with music or the violin I had to give up going.

I'm an adult learner and played the violin for about 2 years when I was younger. It's been over 12 years since I last played it, I remember when I first bought my violin, I thought I had completely forgotten how to play it. I got out my old violin books, I struggled for about 30 minutes and then it slowly came back to me - I remembered how to play the violin and I got addicted to playing it!

It's fun. I highly recommend it

Thanks for the reponses its really helpful. Could someone explain the sizing to me? I'm not sure if I would have lessons yet as i'm paying for Oboe lessons as well, it would be more a try it out first and see if I can still do it and would enjoy it. Yeah what does 1/4, 3/4 etc mean , is that the length of the instrument?

Adults normally play full sized instruments. However, full sized instruments vary in size. The length of my violin is 352mm and the shopkeeper told me it was a full size. However, someone told me that was closer to a 7/8th than a full size. Chinese violins tend to be smaller than European ones. I think if you're anywhere taller than 1.52m, you should be able to cope with a full size.

However, just go into the shop. Place the violin on your neck and wrap your fingers around the scroll. Your arm bend should not be any more than 45degrees. If it's more than that, the violin's too big for you. But generally, if you can wrap your fingers comfortable around the scroll, the violin's the correct size for you. Happy hunting!

It can be done! I have recently taken up the violin again after 20 yr break. I was back then doing Grade 8 so god nows why I gave it up but I started having lessons again about 2 months ago and Im playing the music I was playing at Grade 8, ok Im not as good technically but its all there. Im amazed and loving it. I took a chance and bought a violin off Ebay, it was an old Amati copy and ready to play. I had it re set up and have been told its a good violin, its full size 4/4, Ive bought a new bow and just need a local orchestra to join.
I say go for it