For violin lovers, buying a violin is almost like an art. There are so many fine details involved in a fine violin, it’s easy get bogged down in the technical aspects. Most students want an affordable alternative to beginning lessons. This article is dedicated to that purpose.
The Wood
When you are considering purchasing a used violin, make sure there aren’t any cracks in it. While cracks can usually be repaired, they can lead to violin problems and decrease in value. The back of the violin should be checked for cracks. Small imperfections near to the top of the violin for sale are often less problematic to repair.
Your attention should also go to the ribs. In poor quality instruments, the ribs can bulge in the front and back. This happens because the wood is not properly prepared and shrinks.
Alignment
It is important to ensure that your violin is in the correct alignment before buying it. Check the instrument by looking down to ensure that everything is in order. The neck/bridge needs be centered on the “F Holes” on the violin (named for the “F-like” shape).
Setup
You will need to adjust the tone and ensure the strings are properly set up. Most brand name instruments are fully set up. A few used instruments might require extra care, especially if it hasn’t been played in a while. This can be fixed in your local shop.
Violin Bow
Professional violinists may spend thousands on high quality violin bows. Brazilwood or fiberglass will be much cheaper than professional Pernambuco Wood bows. Beginners won’t experience any problems with these bows.
Violin Sizes
Children’s violins come in many sizes. To help you decide which size violin to buy for your child, have them hold several sizes and try them on until they find the best fit. Age can be used to guide you.
1/16 – Ages 3- and Below
1/10 – 4-5
1/8 – 5-6
1/4 – 6-7
1/2 – 8-9
3/4 – 10-11
4/4 (Fullsize) – 12 and over
Violin Strings
You should ensure that the strings you purchase are the right size to fit your violin. You can find violins in many sizes. Most student violins include steel core strings. These strings produce a bright, slightly tinny sound. While this isn’t an issue for beginners, it can cause problems for advanced players who want to upgrade to Perlon nylon strings (a type that produces a brighter tone).
Conclusion
Don’t think that buying a new instrument is worth the effort if you only get one look. A violin needs to be broken in before it can sound great. There are many violins available for sale. A great place to start is online. Amazon.com, as always, is a great source. The many reviews can give you a better idea of the instrument’s quality and price before you actually buy it. Before you buy a violin, it’s a good idea for you to talk to a teacher
