How to Buy a Student Violin

Buying a student violin involves legwork, budgeting and comparison shopping.

Many questions arise when shopping for a student violin. Should you buy an inexpensive violin with the intention to upgrade later, or spend more at the outset for an instrument that will last? Is it okay to buy violins from eBay? Who can offer good advice on which kind of violin to buy? The answers are the same for student versions of violins, violas and cellos.

Things You'll Need

• Budget for spending
• Internet access or phone
• Names of violin shops/music stores
• Teachers or friends who can offer recommendations

Instructions

Preparing to Buy a Student Violin

1. Plan your spending range. Many students (or their parents) try buying inexpensive beginner violins (less than $200 new) with the hopes of upgrading to a better instrument later if progress is good and the student continues to play. For both beginners and serious students buying full-size violins (as opposed to the half or 3/4 size models used for small children), it may be a better idea to invest in a higher-quality instrument. Cheaper violins may cost $150 or more in improvements to render them playable; even after these upgrades, the instrument may be worth less than the cost of the repairs.

   High-quality European student models retail in the range of $650-850 new, but can often be found for 50 percent of this cost through various online outlets.

2. Consider whether to buy new or used. Good-quality violins typically do not depreciate significantly in value, so buying a used instrument might not result in significant savings. Many seasoned players note that used violins enjoy better sound than new models. While high-quality violins do improve as they're played, and "mellowed out" fiddles usually do sound better than their new counterparts, beginners are not likely to notice much difference. The best advice for students is to leave good-quality used fiddles to experienced practitioners who can appreciate their attributes. Should you decide to go the used route, consider seeking out a reputable dealer.

   Used violins may require some refurbishments to bring them up to speed; be sure to factor these repairs into your budget when calculating purchase price.

3. Educate yourself. You can develop a strong sense of the qualities to look for when shopping for a student violin. New violins shipped from high-quality manufacturers are normally already "set up" or assembled and fitted properly, and often sold in kits that include a bow and a case. Be sure pegs are made of ebony or rosewood, and that the bridge is properly centered. Take along a knowledgeable friend when shopping to point out any problems, especially with used instruments.

4. Ask for recommendations. If you haven't already chosen a music teacher, start looking around and ask the instructors which instruments they prefer, or for recommendations of good dealers. Go online or phone around and talk to violin makers as well. Their feedback can be invaluable in terms of which attributes are musts and the names of good brands.

5. Shop around. Look at different shops to find the best violins at the best prices. eBay is a popular option for many beginners since it offers potentially lower prices. However, eBay purchases usually can't be examined or tried out beforehand. The buy is risky since you won't be able to try the violin in person. The recommended course is to buy from mail-order services of eBay only if the dealer/seller is local, so you can see and try the fiddle before buying.

Tips & Warnings

• Rent. Look for violin rental programs that will allow you to credit some (if not all) the rental proceeds over time toward the eventual purchase of the instrument. Rental programs may also have the added advantage of allowing you to exchange sizes, which is especially valuable for parents wishing to avoid the expense of buying separate sizes for a growing child.

References

• Children's Music Workshop: How to Buy a Violin
• The Violin Case: How to Buy a Violin