How do I Choose a String Instrument?

Your teacher is very interested in making sure that you are happy with your chosen instrument. For younger students, it is best to keep in mind that the violin will need to be switched out for a larger size in about a year's time. Sizing for a violin can be determined by either taking simple measurements between the neck and the palm of the outstretched arm of the student and choosing the corresponding instrument, or choose one that fits perched on the shoulder near the neck of the student with the scroll sitting squarely in the palm of the hand and fingers being able to curl up around the scroll. This can be done at home for purchasing an instrument from a store that is a distance away, or it can be done at a local music store that sells or rents violins.  I generally discourage buying instruments unseen on the internet, such as on Ebay or Amazon, but there are very reputable shops represented on the web that can send you instruments to try out. Consult with your instructor. Some shops will send you several violins to try out if you are too far away from a good outlet. I have generally discouraged renting a starter instrument, as the cost to rent can easily creep up to be more than the cost of an instrument itself within a year or so, but due to the fact that there are now programs in most shops that have an option of renting to buy that includes trade ups, I am now encouraging this option. It makes sense not to invest in an instrument until it can be demonstrated that the student will want to stay on board with a stringed instrument.  (Renting at a music store averages around $20/month.) If you are buying an instrument, and if your teacher is unable to go with you to evaluate the instrument you are interested in, ask if you can get a return on your purchase if it is not what you want. Typically you can expect to invest around $250.00-$300.00 for a decent starter instrument, that is, one that will not cause you problems within a short time due to cheap parts and construction. If you are not convinced that this is oftener the case than not, please be informed and forewarned, and read more HERE.  In addition to the violin itself, you will need to check to make sure that it has a good sturdy case, the bow is not rickety, has good hair, is not warped, that it matches the size of the violin, there are no cracks, etc. Also you will possibly need to pay extra for a cake of rosin, a good shoulder rest (needs to be custom fitted and selected by your teacher), a music stand, a metronome, a soft cleaning cloth, and an extra set of strings (optional in the beginning).  Don't forget your music training books, an assignment book, a book bag, and a fingernail clipper or file.

You can check out your local music store and/or Shar Music online. There is also Ifshin Violins in the Bay Area and Watermelon Music in Davis. All three offer stringed instruments for purchase and for rental.

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