Friday, June 28, 2013

A Simple Student Violin Buyers Guide

By Myrtle Cash


One of the cool things about high school is the opportunity to learn to play an instrument. In the past most people only had a piano or a violin to choose from. This happened so frequently that often the piano and student violin became cherished family heirlooms. In modern times there several different choices when it comes to instruments to learn.

There are different wind instruments like a saxophone, flute and clarinet. The various percussion instruments like a xylophone, drum, and cymbal. The different brass instruments like a tuba, trumpet and trombone. And the classic stringed instruments like a violin, harp, and piano.

While it has fell in to a little disfavor in the recent years, violins are versatile instruments to learn to play, though there are some things to consider before getting your student their first instrument. You want the student to have a rewarding experience. As important as it is to be frugal, saving money should never be your first concern. There are often many very good instruments available if you are willing to spend some time and look for them.

Understand what it is exactly you are looking for. If it is for a beginning student, one of the most important things is the size. Violins come in 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and full size. A good idea is to take the student to a good music store and try out the various sizes. They should be able to comfortably hold it with their hand on the fingerboard, and the other comfortably bent at 90 degrees holding a bow.

Know your budget before you start looking. This way what you know what a realistic price range is. As great as it is to spend a few thousand dollars on a best quality piece, this is unrealistic for most beginning students. Another equally good option many people try is to rent, or rent to own them. Sometimes you get lucky with a quality instrument at a lower price.

Spend time finding discovering which violins are available and for sale. In the last 50 years several different models of violins were mass produced by several different manufacturers. Most of those mass produced now are surprisingly better than those made as few as 10 years ago. Many mass produced instruments often will not possess many of the quality features that will give them the best sound. Older and more costly handmade violins will often look a little rough but will also have a better sound.

Do not buy something without holding it inside your hands. Listen to it, look at it and feel it. Look for cracks on the wood. Ensure the purfling is completely intact. Verify the finger board is still straight and true, with no chips or cracks. Listen to the sounds it makes while it is played.

A quality student violin is not that difficult to buy. Simply go slowly and do not take at the first one you find. Try to take your child with you for their input, as they are going to be playing it. And keep in mind the gift of music is one of the greatest gifts of all.




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