Wednesday 26 June 2013

A Simple Student Violin Buyers Guide

By Myrtle Cash


Part of the high school experience is the great opportunity children have for learning how to play musical instruments. Long ago people were limited to the violin or the piano. In many families a student violin or piano were handed down as family heirlooms to be cherished for years. Luckily in this era there are several different kinds of musical instruments to choose from.

There are the wind instruments like the flute, clarinet and saxophone. The percussion instruments like the drum, cymbal and xylophone. The brass instruments like the trumpet, trombone and tuba. And the stringed instruments like the harp, piano, and violin.

While they do not enjoy the popularity they use to, violins are wonderful instruments for learning to play music. There are however, some things to look at before getting a student their beginner's instrument. You want them to have a very rewarding experience. As essential as it is to be cost savvy, the bottom dollar should not be your first thought. There are frequently many fine instruments around if you spend a little time to look for them.

Understand what exactly you are searching for. For most beginning students, one of the more important things is the overall size. Violins come in full size, 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4. A good starting point is taking the student to a music store to try out the different sizes. They should comfortably hold it with one hand on the finger board, and their other bent at a 90 degrees while holding a bow.

Know what your budget is so you have an idea of what you can realistically spend. As much as it would be great to spend 15 thousand dollars on the best possible piece, this is very unrealistic for some one who is just learning it. Another option some people consider is renting, or renting to own. Sometimes you can get a great instrument using this option.

Take your time reading out about the various violins that are around to buy. In the past fifty years various different kinds of violins have been mass-produced by manufacturers. Generally those which are mass-produced now are considerably better than those which were constructed as little as ten years ago. Generally instruments that are mass-produced will typically not have the key features that makes them sound top notch. An older more expensive hand made violin may look rough but will generally possess a sweeter sound.

Do not buy something without holding it inside your hands. Listen to it, look at it and feel it. Look for cracks on the wood. Ensure the purfling is completely intact. Verify the finger board is still straight and true, with no chips or cracks. Listen to the sounds it makes while it is played.

It is not that difficult to find a superior student violin. Take the time to look at all your options. Plan to take your child along to the store and listen to what they have to say, as they will play it. And do not forget the greatest gift of all is music.




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