So, what should you look for when you set out to purchase your first violin?
This article is written to be your guide and will offer some important advice so that you can avoid the pitfalls so many beginners make when going out and acquiring that first instrument. You want to stay enthusiastic and full of determination. This article will help you do just that.
You Want a Quality Instrument for a Good Price.
You should try to obtain the best violin that you possibly can. How much money you spend for a violindepends on you, but normally you should not pay more than $300 for a good beginner’s violin. A violin can be purchased from numerous places including:
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- Music stores
- Pawn shops
- Thrift stores
- eBay
- Online sources like Musician’s Friend. Com
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Here is some added advice. Search the classified ads in your newspaper for deals. Many people are eager to get rid of items like musical instruments and they usually are not aware of their value. Often a top-of-the line violin can be found at garage or estate sales right in your neighborhood. Even if you decide to quit taking lessons, you have made a good investment.
Consider the Kind of Wood Used to Create Violins.
When you are looking for the right violin, take into consideration the materials used to create the instrument. Don’t take it for granted that a violin that looks good will perform well. The wood used to manufacture a violin is important should be one of the following:
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- Spruce
- Maple
- Ebony
- Boxwood
- Willow
- Poplar
- Rosewood
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These woods are important in producing a violin that has a crisp, solid sound. When you – the beginning student – learn to detect quality sound in your instrument, you will have a burning desire to continue learning.
Select the Right Size, Most Comfortable Violin for You.
Choosing the right size violin is another important factor to consider. A full-size instrument, also called a 4/4 ( 23.5 inches in length) is recommended by most music teachers for the adult beginner.
“The wrong size instrument will cause serious technique problems for the student and may even bring on chronic neck, back, and arm injuries,” a renowned teacher out of Dallas has said. “You want to feel comfortable when playing your violin.”
It is always good to take your teacher or an experienced violinist with you to find that first violin that fits you just right. The moment you find it, your whole life changes as you look ahead at the incalculable benefits of music.
Perlon or Synthetic Core Strings Are Recommended for Best Sound.
For the beginner, experts say perlon or synthetic strings should be used. Your option is steel core strings. While being wonderful for some genres of music, steel core strings usually are not associated with the rich, warm pitch of the violin.
“Spending a little more for quality strings is worth it,” concert violinist Celeste Vee says. “The strings manufactured by Thomastik-Infeld are great beginner strings,” Vee contends. “They are the simply the best and quite affordable.””
Vee also believes that the synthetic core string stays in tune longer. “Students can practice without having to stop to make frequent tonal adjustments,” she says.
Carbon Composite and Carbon Fiber Bows Are the Best.
Most professionals violinists will usually have numerous instruments violins that they use. However, most will have just one bow, or a personal favorite bow that they use most often.
“Playing the violin is 90 per cent bow, or right hand, and only 10 per cent violin, or left hand,” Celeste Vee has been quoted as saying. “Many elements of playing such as articulation, dynamics, articulation, timbre, and tempo are controlled by the bow hand and by the bow itself!”
As a beginner, you should not be bothered too much about the quality of your bow. First, learn how to use the bow. The best bow will be one that helps you get to the next level of playing.
Choosing the right bow that will bring out the best sound in your violin is something else to be considered. Carbon composite and carbon fiber bows are the best for beginners because of their strength. and agility.
Then, there is the rosin to consider. Rosin produces the sound that is emitted from your instrument. When rosin is not applied to the hair of the bow, friction between the bow and strings is missing, resulting in a sound that is barely audible.
It is the rosin that creates friction, permitting the bow to grip the strings firmly and cause them to vibrate distinctly.
Violinists and violists will tell you that they like to use a lighter rosin for their instruments. Cellos and double basses require darker rosin.
Most string players apply rosin every time they pick up their instrument, but that isn’t necessary or preferred. A touch or two of rosin, it is true, can last for at a few hours of playing time.
A Quality Case Is Needed to Protect Your Prize.
Finally, you will need a case to protect and carry your new prize. Though many beginner violin packages often include a standard case, you may want to choose a case that is made of better quality materials.
Some violin cases can be expensive while others not so expensive. The bottom line is that owning a protective violin cases is necessary. A violin case is a crucial significant investment. You want to always feel confident that your violin is safe and secure.
Violins are numerous to choose from, so it is a good to take your time in finding the one you like. Lean on your teacher for advice.
Here’s hoping you learn to play the violin well and fulfill your dream.