How to Buy a Violin for a Beginner

Choosing a violin for a beginner is fairly simple.

Choosing and purchasing a violin for your beginning student or for yourself as a beginner can seem a daunting task. There are many variables to consider and many different levels of price and quality. If you can find a teacher or a trained sales rep to help you, the process will be greatly simplified. Even if you are on your own, there are some very simple things you can to do ensure that you purchase the violin that best fits your needs.

Instructions

1. Visit a violin shop if possible and talk with a trained salesperson. If you have a teacher, ask for advice before shopping for an instrument. Do not buy a violin online except from a reputable, recommended dealer.

2. Measure your student for the correct size. There are several methods of doing this. One way is to place the violin on the student's left shoulder. Have him stretch his left arm out toward the scroll of the violin. On a correctly sized violin, the scroll should rest comfortably in the student's palm, with the elbow slightly bent. Another method is by arm length. Measure the student's left arm from the neck to the base of the hand. A measurement of 14 inches calls for a 1/16 size. For 15 inches, buy a 1/10; for 16.5, a 1/8; 18.5, a 1/4; 20, a 1/2; 22, a 3/4, and 23 or greater, a full size (1/4).

3. Ask for a practice room and two or three violins and bows of the correct size. Play all of them if possible, or have a teacher or salesperson play them for you. Listen to the differences in sound. Even factory-produced instruments from the same lot will have variations in tone. Everybody has different tastes; choose a violin that has a pleasing tone for you.

4. Purchase a violin within your price range. For a student serious about continuing, the first violin will probably not last very long. After a year or two, a higher-quality instrument will be needed to match the student's growing ability. Many stores take student instruments as trade-ins when purchasing a new instrument.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you have all accessories when purchasing a violin. An instrument will do you no good without a bow, rosin and case. Most student instruments are available as complete outfits.

• Do not buy a violin from a private seller without first having it checked and play-tested by a professional. There may be defects in quality and tone that are not apparent to a beginner.

References

• Fein Violins: Sizing Chart
• Strings Magazine: That First Violin
• Violin Online: Choosing a Violin

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Shar Music