Comments on: Violin, Cheap but nice?

By: arizwldcat

arizwldcat — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:55:59 +0000

I am a violin teacher, and often I recommend renting an instrument to beginners. So many people find that violin is not for them, and if you rent, you are not out any money. In my area, you can rent a violin for VERY cheap ($10??) for the first couple of months, then you have an option of renting to own, which is fairly reasonable. Plus, they offer insurance for loss or theft, which is great if you’re taking the instrument to school and there’s a risk involved.

A new student instrument isn’t really all that expensive, as far as instruments go. You can get a complete student outfit (good quality at a VIOLIN SHOP, not a general music store) for about $200-500. You’ll need the violin, a bow, a shoulder rest and a nice case. I recommend an extra set of strings, a tuner (about $20) and a metronome (about $10) (you can find tuner/metronome combination units that work well). You will also need a music stand. I have a sturdy stand that I paid $40 for, but all of my students use it. You can get a nice stand for about $15 or so. DO NOT prop your music on your case on the bed and sit on the bed when you practice. This will form bad habits that are difficult to break.
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By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:09:59 +0000

Renting sucks, believe me. I’d suggest buying a violin, then selling it if it doesn’t pan out. Better yet, why not check with your school to see if it has a violin it can loan you from its music department?

As for what you need, you pretty much have it down. I can get you a decent outfit for $200, but you could probably find something perfectly fine to start out with for less. Ideally, you should be able to play with the violin, but if you go the eBay route, make sure you check the feedback from people who have purchased the same violins from that particular seller.
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By: brian777999

brian777999 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:28:59 +0000

Renting is a good idea to see if you like the violin.

You will not have wasted your money renting because after 12 months of playing you will know more about what to look for in a violin when you go to buy your own instrument.

One other thing you should buy is an electronic tuner. They only cost about $30 but make life a lot easier for beginners.
http://www.andysmusiconline.com/products/yamaha_yt240.html

Oh, and a spare set of strings. Beginners tend to overtighten the strings when they tune them, causing them to break.The electronic tuner will help prevent that but have a spare set handy.

PS Never buy a violin from ebay or a general music store. Only buy a violin from a proper violin shop.
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By: aimeeme_g

aimeeme_g — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:18:59 +0000

I like amazon.com their prices are really good for a good product, but I have a problem with those because I live in Utah and by buying a violin from a wet climate to a dry, they sometimes warp and crack, but if you don't have that problem it should be good. Good luck!
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By: techfiddle

techfiddle — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:01:59 +0000

http://beststudentviolins.com/violins.html#outfits
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By: Jenny B

Jenny B — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:47:59 +0000

I play violin, and my advice to you is not to rent a violin. If your parents don’t believe that you will stick to it, buy one and then if you’re not going to stick to it, sell it for more than you bought it. If you are going to stick to it, you don’t want to have rented one for money and then have to buy one.

In my opinion Animato is the shop that you want, the people who work there always have good experience with selling violins.
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