Finding a good violin teacher is extremely difficult and what is even more daunting is the task of buying a good instrument. Starting one’s musical journey with a decent-quality instrument is imperative. However, most of the music aspirants don’t have sufficient skills or knowledge about the instrument and they end up spending their hard-earned money on VSO (Violin Shaped Objects). This article is an effort to provide some basic guidelines and tips to keep in mind when purchasing their first instrument.
Some important things to keep in mind before buying a violin
Consider finding a teacher before buying a violin:
Finding a good violin teacher is the first step in anyone’s musical journey. Once you have identified the violin teacher, have a detailed chat about the different quality of instruments available in the market. Your teacher should be able to recommend what quality and size fits you.
Instrument setup and servicing:
It’s recommended to buy from someone who can do essential servicing of the instruments and have excellent knowledge about the violin measurements
Is your Instrument ready to play:
Most commercially available violins are bought directly from the factory to the shops. Hence, these violins would not be set up and they would not be in a playable condition.
Different categories of violin and their Price Range:
Once you understand some of the fundamental aspects of violin construction, it’s time to begin honing in on an instrument that’s right for your needs and budget. There are broadly 3 different violin grades found in the market.
Student Violin:
This is a beginner category and the price range would be between 10K to 15K. (Anything less than this price would probably be VSO – Violin Shaped Objects). Generally, a student-grade violin will be made in factories with lower quality wood (mostly plywood) and it involves much less hand work and machine assembly. These instruments are suited for someone who is interested in learning music and want to try their hands first and then decide to buy a good quality.
Intermediate Violin:
Most of the stores don’t recommend this category for students. But I definitely recommend intermediate violins for someone who is serious and who wants to advance their skills. The price range of these category violins range from 20K to 30K
Advance Violin:
Professional violins are typically constructed using well-seasoned wood and they are mostly hand-built and assembled by a master violin maker. The price range of these category violins ranges from 40K and above and anyone ready for concerts can think of investing in this category.
What is the right size? Typical Violin Sizes:
The below chart shows different violin sizes for different age ranges. This is just a guideline and one must also consider the height of the student.
| VIOLIN SIZE | OVERALL LENGTH | AGE RANGE |
| 20 7/16 inches (519 mm) | 15 inches (381 mm) | 2 to 4 years |
| Eighth Size 1/8 | 16 9/16h inches (421 mm) | 3 to 5 years |
| Quarter Size 1/4 | 20 7/16 inches (519 mm) | 4 to 6 years |
| Half Size 1/2 | 20 7/16 inches (519 mm) | 6 to 9 years |
| Three-Quarter Size 3/4 | 21 11/16 inches (551 mm) | 8 to 12 years |
| Full Size 4/4 | 23 1/4 inches (591 mm) | Adults and teenagers |
What to look for in an instrument
Physical inspection of an instrument:
a) Cracks: This does not apply for brand new instruments, however, if you are checking out used instruments, then check for any cracks on the instrument or scratches on the varnish.
b) Open seams: check out the rib area and make sure there are no openings. If you tap the instrument very lightly and hear any other sound other than the violin vibrating, then potentially it has some openings around a seam.
c) Scroll Damage: Peg box and Seem areas should not have any openings and most importantly the tuning pigs should be perfectly fit and very convenient for tuning. If you are finding it to tighten or loosen, then that instrument might need a quick setup.
d) Cracks on the fingerboard and tailpiece
e) Bridge: A right bridge setup is so important to bring out the best in the instrument. Make sure the feet of the bridge are flush with the top plate and the bridge is standing straight with equal spacing of the strings.
Sound / Tone:
Although there are many qualities of a good tone, power, and quick responsiveness is the most important one to keep in mind. Again this can be very subjective and depends on one’s personal taste.
Feel of the instrument:
Playing and testing an instrument is a good idea. Most instruments will sound different than they appear. A student should feel comfortable with the instrument and he/she should 100% like the instrument they are planning to buy