Buying a Violin

Buying a violin can be a daunting task, even for experienced players. If you have any questions, please let me know. My goal is to help you understand everything you need to know and make an informed decision--even if it means you buy a violin from someone else. I sell violins, but I want you to have the RIGHT violin.

Things to Consider

Understand Your Budget

Be up-front with the seller about your budget. This can help everyone narrow down the options and not waste your time.

In my experience, you're looking at at least $350 for an instrument that won't be a total let-down. From there, the sky's the limit. It's all up to you in how much you want to spend, but I wouldn't go below $350.

Be Extremely Wary of Online Shops--especially that Amazing Online Retailer

That $80 violin looks like a good deal, doesn't it? It's from a big website with two-day shipping, and it comes with everything you need! What could go wrong?

The answer is, LOTS.

Many of those inexpensive instruments are barely useable. They don't stay in tune, they sound terrible, they're difficult and frustrating to play, and they're made of cheap materials that won't last even a couple years.

Don't Rush

There are lots of violins. The right one is out there. Be patient, and learn everything you can before buying an instrument.

It's A Lot More than Just the Violin

Playing a violin means owning a lot more than just a violin. There's the bow, case, rosin, shoulder rest, tuner, music stand, and cleaning cloth. And that's just the basics. You'll eventually want a good metronome, a humidifier to keep the instrument in top condition, and, of course, lessons to learn how to play the instrument.

Try Before You Buy

A competent violin dealer will let you try the instrument before you buy it. Some will even let you take it home with you for a couple weeks. You should LOVE the instrument you buy.

Ask Lots of Questions

Come in with a list of questions you've written down as you thought of them. A good dealer will patiently explain everything. There are no dumb questions.

Bows

There are four main factors in a bow. Weight, Balance, Shape, and Camber

Weight

Bows can weight from 49 to 72 grams. This largely personal preference whether people prefer a heavier or lighter bow. Try some out and see what you like.

Shape

The stick can be either octagonal shaped, or round. In our experience, octagonal bows are stiffer and therefore livelier. Round bows are not as stiff, and therefore less prone to bouncing.

Balance

Bows can have a heavier tip, moving the balance point closer to the center of the bow, while others have a very light tip, making the balance shift to the frog (bottom of the bow, near the hand).

Camber

More traditional bows have a curve that is deepest at the middle of the bow, while modern bows have a curve that is more pronounced toward the tip. Modern bows are more lively, while traditional bows are less "bouncy."