It can be intimidating to browse online or walk into a music store looking for your first violin. How can you choose an inexpensive violin that won’t break down after a few months, though? Let’s walk through the process of finding an instrument that’ll be your faithful companion on your musical journey, without emptying your bank account.
Do Your Research
Think of buying a cheap violin like buying your first car – you wouldn’t purchase the first one you see without doing some homework. Start by writing down names such as Yamaha, Mendini, and Franz Hoffmann, which are well-known for producing dependable student violins.
Visit YouTube to hear the sounds of these violins played by both novice and expert players. Check out what other students have to say about these instruments. Pay close attention to comments about how resilient the violins are after months of practicing.
Check Materials and Setup
A decent violin requires high-quality materials, much like a building needs a strong foundation. Feel the violin’s surface with your fingers; it should be smooth and free of bubbles in the varnish or rough areas. Gently tap the body; it should sound hollow rather than plasticky or boring.
Look for violins made of solid spruce tops and maple backs, even in the budget range. The bridge should stand straight, not leaning forward or backward. The strings should sit evenly in their notches, and the pegs should turn smoothly without slipping.
Buy from Reputable Sellers
It would be dangerous to acquire a smartphone from a dubious merchant or website, wouldn’t it? It’s the same when you purchase your violin.
I always recommend beginners to limit their purchases to respectable music retailers or well-known online sellers such as Southwest Strings or Johnson String Instrument. These sellers often set up their violins before shipping and offer returns if something’s not right.
Many even let you try different violins at home for a few days. That’s like test-driving several cars before making your choice.
Focus on Longevity
Picture yourself six months from now, still excited to practice on your violin. Our goal is to create an instrument that develops with you.
Choose violins that are sturdy enough to withstand regular practice sessions. Verify that the fingerboard is correctly aligned, the seams are tight and gap-free, and the pegs fit snugly in their holes.
Similar to selecting an automobile with a powerful suspension system, these small elements may not seem important right now, but they will be important later on.
Conclusion
Remember that buying a cheap violin does not mean picking the one that costs the least. Think about it as finding the perfect balance between price and quality.
A well-chosen student violin, which costs between $300 and $500, is sometimes more expensive than the lowest $100 option, which might need to be replaced in a few months.
Take your time, research your options, and pick an instrument that will help you progress from your first scratchy notes to your first well-received performance. Your future self will appreciate that you made a wise purchase of a long-lasting violin.
