How to Pick a Good Cheap Violin

"Inexpensive" and "cheap" are often--but not always--synonymous when choosing and purchasing a musical instrument. Prices for new acoustic violins range from $50 to more than $3,000; even if your budget is low end, the same needn't hold true for your instrument. Assessing your needs and doing some advance research will let you pick the best violin in your price range.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. A "fun" violin for children doesn't have to be a cheap one. Geige spielen image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com

   Determine the type of violin that best suits the musician's needs. A young child experimenting with Suzuki violin certainly doesn't need a high-end instrument, but she may quit lessons sooner if her music always sounds "off." An adult beginner may choose a violin based on his seriousness about learning to play. Conversely, an accomplished violinist taking up the bow after a 20-year absence may want to purchase the highest-grade violin in his or her budget.

2. Violin strings are sometimes called "cat gut," but they've been made with metal for more than a century. Violin Up Close image by Phil2048 from Fotolia.com

   Know what makes a good violin, regardless of price. A beautiful-looking instrument can, but may not, indicate good tone or durability--it's the craftsmanship that matters. Almost all violins are made from the same materials: spruce wood for the instrument's top (the "belly") and its internal sound post, a neck made of ebony, and maple wood for everything else. Strings are usually metal, and the bow is make of horsehair.

   It's the care and positioning of these materials that can help you create a quality sound or lack thereof. Positioning and "arch" of the string and neck are especially important for child-sized violins, as it's crucial for young students to learn proper placement of their bodies in relation to the instrument. Another indication of quality is the relative seamlessness of the connection between the violin's belly and back; less air inside the violin means for a "truer" sound.

3. Research violin brands and models. Once you've determined your needs and know what qualities to look for, investigate which violin will match them. Strings teachers, professional musicians, and music store owners are usually enthusiastic about discussing their preferences. If you or your child already have a teacher, ask her or him what brands of violin the other students play. Online reviews are also helpful.

4. Play the instrument before you buy. No research compares to the experience of tucking the physical violin under your chin and running the bow across the strings. If you purchase online, before you click the "buy" button, make sure you can get a full refund. Once your violin arrives, take it to a teacher and music store for an expert opinion, as well as a trial run.

5. Consider renting instead of buying a violin. If you decide that your or your child's commitment to violin is just too tenuous to invest in a quality instrument, some local music stores rent as well as sell instruments. Also investigate the possibility of purchasing a refurbished instrument, which can offer the benefits of a higher-end violin without the price.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that a violin is bought as part of a package: instrument, case, bow, and, usually, rosin. Sometimes the advertised price is for the full package, and sometimes it's just for the violin. Know what you're paying for. Your budget should also include maintenance, repair, and, if you deem necessary, insurance.

• If you ask a strings teacher about his or her preferred violin brand or vendor, be aware that some teachers get discounts from violin stores or manufacturers for sending a certain number or percentage of their students to them.

References

• Strings Magazine: What to Look for When Buying Your First Violin
• The Violin Site: Materials Used in Making Violins

Resources

• Peter Zaret & Sons: How to Choose a Violin
• Peter Zaret & Sons: Qualities that Determine Violin Pricing
• ReviewCenter: Violin Reviews