Choosing a beginner’s violin necessitates taking into account the instrument’s size as well as your budget. A luthier, or violin maker, or a store that specializes in stringed instruments is the best place to go. Rentals are a good way to see how committed a new player is and may even lead to purchase agreements. When it comes time to upgrade to a better and more expensive violin, a good relationship with your violin dealer and some guidance from your instructor will ensure that you get the best violin for your needs.
Children’s violins are smaller than adult violins, and due to the risk of injury, they should not be forced to play a larger instrument. For them, renting is preferable to buying at first because they grow quickly. The child’s instructor can offer advice and may even accompany you to the store to select a beginner’s violin. Stringed instrument specialists and experienced music store associates can also help you. If you want to buy a violin, check to see if the dealer offers option-to-buy deals before signing a rental agreement.
For both children and adults, violin size is usually determined by measuring arm length and is expressed in fractions stating the instrument body and total lengths. Measure from the player’s neck to the center of her palm while she stands with her arm extended. Luthiers or dealers may want to do this themselves to ensure that the instrument they sell you is in good working order. To avoid injury from improper positioning or weight, the bow size is also determined by the arm measurement.
Accessories like a chin rest and shoulder rest are very personal to a player, so you may want to try a few different ones until you find one that you like. A bow and a case are usually included with a beginner’s violin. Better quality instruments and bows will be priced separately as the player progresses. The luthier or dealer should ensure that the violin is thoroughly tested to ensure that all parts are working properly and that the violin is tuned to the proper tension.
A good violin may not be the most attractive instrument you’ll ever see, but it will sound better and be louder than a poor quality one. A beginner’s violin can be brand new or gently used. The best people to help you find a violin with a pleasing tone are your instructor and the dealer or luthier. Choose a violin that has the best tone and power for the money in your price range.