9 Things to Consider Before You Purchase a Violin for the First Time

Many cognitive benefits can result from playing a musical instrument.

It’s common to take music lessons through grade school and up to high school graduation, but making music is worthwhile for all ages. If you love listening to the sweet expression of violin music, consider giving the violin a try.

Your first step is to find a good violin. Click here to learn about the important factors to consider before you purchase a violin!

Better Quality Means A Better Experience

Although inexpensive, student violins can be extremely frustrating to use. This is because they are mass-produced, with plastic parts and cheap wood.

Student-grade violins are intended for students who want to try violin lessons. Once they’ve learned the basics, most wind up switching to a better quality instrument.

Intermediate-grade violins are made for serious students who need better sound quality. They’re likely to perform in recitals and competitions where it really matters.

Professionals play antique violins or modern violins from master makers, as their livelihoods depend on their performances. These violins usually come with a moderate to high price tag, but at this stage, the price is a necessary investment.

With all this in mind, it’s okay to begin lessons with a less expensive student model. However, plan to switch to something better if you like playing the violin and want to continue lessons for a while. This is the general rule if you’re an adult or in high school or college.

For younger students, less expensive violins are a safer option. They won’t drain your wallet as much if they need to be replaced and can be upgraded naturally as your child grows.

Should You Rent or Buy

Renting a violin can be an attractive option for new students, and can make sense if your are getting a violin for your child. A child will go through several size violins before being ready for a full size violin. A quality violin shop will often have a rent-to-own program that can be an attractive option.

If you already know you love playing and plan to take lessons while you play in an orchestra, then it’s probably better to buy a quality intermediate or a professional violin in a lower price range.

Some violin shops provide quality violin rentals, and coupled with a rent-to-own option can make it easier to purchase a good violin.

Why You Need a Good Violin Shop

Over time as you learn to play your violin, you’ll need to have it serviced. You’ll need to replace strings and have it tuned up once in a while.

A good luthier, or violin maker, will be able to answer all your questions about what to purchase or rent, and keep your instrument in tip-top shape.

To find a good violin shop, do an online search and see what the music community in your area recommends. Better yet, ask your violin teacher or another student for recommendations.

Purchase A Violin – Adult

When you’re ready to purchase, you could shop online to get an idea of the going prices for different models and brands.

Then visit a local luthier and ask about violins for sale. Don’t worry about whether it’s new or used. The most important things to consider are that it feels right for you, and the sound quality is as good as you can afford.

It’s also a good idea to take a more advanced student or even your teacher along when you visit a violin shop. That way you will have an experienced musician to guide you and help you choose a good violin.

Purchase a Violin – Child

When making a purchase for a child, pay more attention to getting the size right, than anything else.

Sound quality is still important, but if the fit is wrong, playing will be uncomfortable. The child will be more likely to have a bad experience, quit lessons, or maybe even think that they are just not musically talented enough.

Child-sized violins come in 1/32, 1/16, 1/10 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 and 3/4 sizes. If you’re buying or renting from a good violin shop, the staff will be able to help you figure out the appropriate instrument.

Be sure to take the child to the shop, and let them try out different violins before making a final decision.

What to Know About Specialty Violins

Specialty violins include acoustic, electric, and silent models.

Acoustic- these are the traditional wood violin and are often hand-carved. They are used by traditional string bands and professional orchestras

Electric- these are plastic, metal, or wood and have a cable that attaches to speakers. Their sound is often enhanced. They are popular in country and pop bands.

“Silent”- these are electric violins that are not attached to a speaker. You can hear yourself playing through headphones, and attach them to speakers when you perform. They are popular with students and people who have housemates and need to keep a low noise profile while they practice.

Accessories You Must Have

There are some violin accessories you can’t do without. Besides the bow, they include a shoulder rest and bow rosin.

Shoulder rest- The shoulder rest is an attachment that holds the violin at the right height for it to fit properly between the shoulder and the chin. Some musicians don’t want or need to use a shoulder rest, but for most beginners it’s indispensable.

Bow rosin- If you play violin, you will need to apply rosin to your bow. Period. It helps the bow produce sound by increasing the friction on the strings. If you skip this simple but important step, good luck trying to get sound out of your violin.

Commit to Practicing

Get on a good routine for practicing your violin. If you don’t have a regular schedule, it will make learning much more difficult.

Having a routine will also help you stick with it when you’re trying to learn a complicated piece or master something that is a little bit tricky.

Options for Learning

The best way to learn is to have a professional teacher giving you instruction in person.

If that’s not possible, there are group classes, online instruction, and online video courses, but the best option is always an experienced violinist.

Find The Perfect Violin for You

If you’re ready to purchase a violin or want to know more about renting, we can help. We understand the importance of selecting the best violin for your skill level and goals.

We also do repairs and restoration.

Feel free to visit our website and see our current selection of violins for sale, and contact us with any questions.