The world of violins includes a vast variety of instruments that are usually classified as student violins, intermediate violins, and professional violins. Choosing which classification of violin depends on a lot of factors, including where you are in your musical studies, your budget, and your preferences.
Differences Between Categories of Violins
Though categorizing violins based on student violins, intermediate violins, and professional violins is not an industry standard, it is helpful when shopping for a new violin. Many violin stores will separate their stock accordingly in order to help their customers narrow down their choices.
Typically, student violins cost the least amount of money. They are usually made with lower quality woods and are less attractive overall. Student violins often have plastic parts. Some student violins are painted bright colors in order to appeal to young students. Some people say that student violins are more difficult to play than intermediate violins, but that depends on the model and the musician.
Intermediate violins are meant for students who have decided to pursue learning the violin beyond the beginner stages. They are made of better-quality materials and often have a more appealing look. Intermediate violins often have a richer, fuller sound than the student models. This alone makes continuing your musical education much more enjoyable. The prices of intermediate violins are generally a few hundred dollars up to a few thousand dollars, depending on the quality of the violin.
Professional violins are the top-of-the-line violins. Professional players and very advanced students require violins that are made with exacting craftsmanship in order to get the right sound and response from their instruments. Professional violins are separated from intermediate violins mostly by the higher quality components and attention to fine details during construction.
When to Upgrade
When you have been playing a student violin for a while, you might wonder if it is time to upgrade to an intermediate violin. This is purely a personal choice. If you know that you will be playing your violin for many years to come, it makes sense to invest in an instrument that you love.
What to Look for in an Intermediate Violin
When you are ready to start looking at intermediate violins, it is important that you test out a few different types. Play them and think about how they feel and how they sound. You should look for a rich, warm sound.
The look of intermediate violins also is important. Well-crafted instruments can be just as beautiful to look at as they are to listen to. Find one that feels great in your hands and has aesthetic appeal.
Shop at a Reputable Violin Shop
Make sure you shop with a reputable violin shop like Dolce Violins. They will be able to answer any questions you might have about upgrading to an intermediate violin. They carry a wide range of violins at a variety of prices so there is something for everyone. Dolce Violins is a full-service violin shop dedicated to excellent customer service. Contact us for more details.