subject: Buying Your First Student Violin Outfit [print this page] Buying your first student violin outfit can be quite an exciting undertaking. They come in eight different sizes, and numerous price ranges. There are some that people try out that only cost them around $100 to $200, and are quickly found to be a waste of time. You can sink more into repairing a violin than you originally paid, and still not have a violin that's worth more than that original price. Repairs for your student violin can be very costly.
You should expect to spend somewhere around $600, give or take, for a decent violin outfit. And should you reach the point where you want to 'upgrade', then you can get into the $1,000 and on up ranges. Many people opt for renting when first starting out. It gives the student time to see if this is really for them before investing hard earned money into a personal instrument. One thing about finding a good violin, is that the more they're played, the better they get. But that doesn't mean you should buy a used one. You should grow with your violin.
There are various avenues to take when purchasing your student violin outfit. You can do it online, or at auctions, or even pawn shops. You can also go through a dealer or a private individual. The local dealer seems to be the best choice for many. They're loaded with knowledge and expertise, and are putting their own reputations on the line by having the dealership. They're far more likely to be up-front and honest with you than in other types of transactions.
When buying your first student violin outfit you may find that there is much to learn about the violin. And should you go the way of buying a used one, then you need to know what to look for so you don't get a 'lemon'. Weather and handling as well as environment has an affect on your violin. Wood can swell and it can shrink, depending on what you violin is exposed to. Check for cracks and make sure that all the edges match up when looking at a use one. Cracks in the back can de-value your violin as much as 75%.
Most people dont think about maintenance when they set out on their search for a student violin outfit. They're just concerned with what shape it's in at the time of purchase. Broken strings are just par for the course when you play a stringed instrument. But if the same string breaks time and again, you may need to make an adjustment to you violin. A lot of players upgrade their strings to the perlon core strings, and they get a much better tone from them. And depending on how much you play your student violin, the bow will need to be re-haired every year to two years.
You should keep the rosin from the bow that collects on the fingerboard wiped off with a soft cloth. It can harden and cause you to have to get it removed professionally. When taking your violin somewhere, don't pack it in the trunk of the car. The heat can warp the wood and cause problems. The wood will crack and then costly repairs will be needed. All these things need to be considered when buying your first student violin outfit. Check out a dealer who will help assist you in making the right purchase, and save you some money as well.
