What should you look out for?

Many adults who want to start playing the violin and parents whose children are interested in the violin are faced with the challenge of finding the right instrument. The wide range on offer and the enormous price differences can quickly become overwhelming. Here are the most important points to look out for:

1. material and workmanship

The violin should be made of solid wood:

-Top: spruce
-Back, sides, neck: maple
-Fingerboard and pegs: ebony

Good workmanship ensures a longer life, better sound quality and easier handling.

2. technical set-up

-The string spacing and the bridge base must be correctly adjusted so that playing is comfortable and precise.
-The pegs should fit well so that they do not constantly loosen.
-A fine tuning tailpiece makes it easier to tune the violin.
-Upper saddle: must not be too high to allow the strings to be gripped comfortably.
-Notch spacing and fingerboard rounding must be correct so that the instrument is easy to play.
-A correctly placed soundpost and high-quality strings contribute to a good sound.

3. luthiers are the experts for stringed instruments

-Laymen cannot check many of these details themselves.
-A visit to a local luthier is strongly recommended.
-A more experienced luthier can recommend a violin that plays well and make individual adjustments.
-Rental instruments from internet providers are not personalised.

4. sound and playing pleasure

-A violin should sound pleasant – a poor sound can quickly reduce motivation.
-Beginners in particular should make sure it is easy to play.

5. lessons instead of self-study

-Self-taught learning is particularly difficult with the violin.
-Without professional guidance, there is a risk of getting into the wrong posture.
-Lessons with a teacher help you to learn the right technique and playing style right from the start.

6 Rent or buy?

-We recommend renting a violin, especially for beginners, so that you can take your time to see if you want to stick with it.

-Depending on the provider, the monthly rent is €18-20.
-I strongly advise against internet offers for violin sets for €100-150, as the instruments are usually unplayable and made from very poor quality materials. Refinishing is often not possible.
-A beginner’s violin that has been well set up by a violin maker will cost at least €750-850.
-If you do not want to invest this amount immediately, renting is a good alternative.
-Many violin makers will credit part of the rent paid towards a later purchase.
I-f you want to buy a second-hand violin privately, you should first show it to a violin maker: -They can check the condition. He/she can assess whether repairs are necessary and what costs can be expected.

These tips will help you find the right instrument and enjoy playing the violin for a long time!