With the vast assortment violins to choose from, buying a new instrument can be quite a challenging endeavor. However, this task can be much easier if you do some research ahead of time. The following are some points to remember when buying a new or used violin.

If you are purchasing the violin for your child, it may be more economical to rent instead of buying it outright. This is especially true for smaller children who will outgrow their initial instrument. Violins are available in quarter sizes, from 1/4 to the full adult size of 4/4. The major differences between professional and student violins are the amount of labor that goes into them and the quality of the wood used in construction. Professional violins are hand-carved from the highest-quality woods, hand-varnished, and meticulously set up. Student, or beginner, violins are machine manufactured with average wood, finished with a machine-sprayed lacquer, and set up with far less options, if they are even set up at all.

The wood used in construction determines the sound of the violin. The majority of violins on the market have a spruce top and maple back, neck, and sides. The price difference is usually based on the variation in quality of the wood. This difference can be vast-for good reason. The best wood for a particular violin will be flamed or quilted for beauty, aged over 200 years, and stored for another 20 years or so.

There are also a variety of woods used for the fittings of the violin. Look at the materials used for the tuning pegs, endpins, and chin rest. Ebony is usually the best option for fittings, but boxwood is also used, and some violins may have alloy tailpieces with built-in tuners. You may find different fitting materials on beginner violins, with parts like chin rests commonly being made of plastic.

Be sure to test out your violin before purchasing to determine if it has the right sound for you. Always inspect the setup of the instrument, checking for gaps between the pegs and nut, the set up of the fittings, and the angle of the neck. The violin needs an adjustment if you are unable to press each string down on the fingerboard near the bridge. You should always be able to move freely about the strings when playing your violin.

Once you have selected a violin and invested your hard-earned money in it, make sure you take good care of it. Always store your violin in a when not in use. Keep your violin out of extreme weather conditions such as very hot or cold temperatures or excessive humidity. In dry areas, you may need an instrument humidifier to prevent cracking. When storing your instrument and accessories in the case, make sure to put everything in the correct place to avoid damage when shutting the case. It is recommended that you change the strings every 6 to 12 months and rehair your bow every 6 to 18 months. Of course, these guidelines depend on how frequently you play your violin, so adjust accordingly.

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Originally posted 2008-12-03 05:07:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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