SELECTION OF A VIOLIN
Experience:  For a beginner there are many good violin for less money than you might think.  Choose the instrument that is appropriate to your level and that you like, and for the kind of music you will be playing.  Consider whether the player will be a professional or a beginner, adult or child.

Specification:  If your child is participating in music as part of school orchestral program, a violin that meets EMNC requirements will be adequate.  Such an instrument can be obtained from many sources. Some teachers will say to get a more expensive instrument so that you do not have to upgrade later, but consider the cost if the expensive instrument is no longer used in six months or a year.

Size:  Sizes come in fractions.  A full-sized violin is 4/4.  Adults or older children will play a 4/4.  Smaller sizes exists such as 1/8, 1/4, and so on.  Your violin teacher can tell you what size is appropriate for your child.

Price: Many teachers or others will tell you to spend at least $500-600 on a violin.  The price is dependent on many factors including the shop where you buy it, and not just the quality. More money spent does not always mean a better instrument.

Bows: These darn things can cost more than many violins.  If you are trying to impress other people, spend you money on a carbon-graphite bow.  A Brazil wood bow is fine for a starter and can cost much less than $100.  A pertambuco bow is much more expensive and more than a beginning student needs. Fiber glass is OK as long as it has real horse hair, but some teachers won’t allow them in class because some children tend to use them to play swords. 

Bridge: The bridge is critical and is unique to each instrument.  It can best be fit properly by an expert.  The instrument will sound and play better if the bridge is set correctly.  The quality of the bridge will make a difference as well.  Even if you buy an inexpensive violin, we suggest that you take it to a violin shop and get a top quality bridge made.  It will be worth the approximately $50.

Strings:  The cost can vary greatly from about $10 to more than $100. Fiddle players often use less expensive steel strings ($10-30) that provide for a fiddle-type sound.  To provide for a warmer orchestral sound, violins need more expensive strings that do not have a metal core ($35 or more).  If you are casual player or just having fun, steel strings are OK but it is a matter of choice. 

Fiddle or Violin: These are the same instrument, for the most part. 

Brands: Many brands of instruments may come out of the same factory and are of the same quality.  They simply put different labels on the violins.  Sometimes people turn up their nose at an instrument simply because it is not a well-known brand.  Spending more money does not mean you will always get a better instrument. 

Teachers: Be careful of what teacher’s say.  Teachers are humans and have personal opinions like other people. Teachers sometimes say that you should purchase an instrument from a specific location or shop. If so, ask if they are receiving a percentage. You should have the right to spend your money as you see fit.  If the teacher tells you that your instrument is not good, ask them to tell you why and how – and ask them to be specific.   Don’t let them intimidate you with blanket statements.