Here are a few thoughts on the subject
Many paths lead to the goal:

The path to owning an instrument is as varied as the people themselves.

 

 

 

I have already written about criteria that are important for beginners in another blog article. This one is about how the path to a new instrument leads if you have been playing for a while and make music as a hobby.
I think it’s important to realize what you’re missing with your current instrument and why you’re dissatisfied.
This can be various things:

External sound:
-Is the instrument too quiet? Too loud? Do I bang out with it? Do I feel uncomfortable? Is it not assertive enough? Can’t I hear myself in the orchestra? Does it mix badly with other instruments?

Playing technique:
-Do I have difficulties playing, and if so, what are they? What do I need? What do I find difficult on the instrument? What is the reason for this? Here the luthier can help you to assess what is wrong with the instrument and what you should look out for in a new instrument.

Sound on the ear:
-Do I like the sound? Would I prefer something brighter/darker/brighter/softer etc.? Are there any reference instruments that I particularly like?

 

Und was  gefällt Ihnen an ihrem aktuellen Instrument?

Machen Sie sich eine Liste und schreiben Sie alles auf, was Ihnen dazu einfällt.

Gehen Sie mit diesen Aufschrieben zu Ihrem Geigenbauer und besprechen Sie ihr Anliegen. Sie/er hat es dann viel leichter, Sie zu beraten.

Bringen Sie ihr altes Instrument als Referenz mit.

 

And what do you like about your current instrument?
Make a list and write down everything you can think of.
Take these notes to your luthier and discuss your concerns. It will then be much easier for him/her to advise you.
Bring your old instrument with you as a reference.

The bow is also often underestimated. Is it perhaps because of the bow that you are dissatisfied?
Try out different bows on your existing violin.

Other criteria are What must my violin be able to do? Where will it be used?
Am I a student/amateur/pupil? Do I play orchestra/chamber music/solo/at home for myself?
What is my budget? Do I want to buy an old or new violin, do I have any visual preferences? Should it be an investment, a master instrument?
Try out violins in different workshops without obligation, within your price range. In this way, most people develop a feeling for what they like and also for what they don’t like. You narrow down your search. Take instruments with you and try them out at home.

Take all the time you need and trust your instincts.

 

If you buy from private sellers, always show the instrument to a specialist before you buy.
This is always the luthier you trust. Only he/she can realistically assess the condition and value of the instrument.

Don’t ask too many people for advice when choosing an instrument, limit yourself to a maximum of 2-3 people whose opinion you really value. As everyone has their own personal taste, too many different opinions will unsettle you and won’t get you anywhere.

The value of a search is not related to how long it takes. Some people decide quickly and intuitively, others take years. Who is ultimately happier and more satisfied with their decision?

Another big hurdle for many is the claim that buying a violin is a decision for eternity.
I don’t share this view; tastes and requirements can change over the course of a lifetime, so you may need something else at some point.
That’s why many luthiers offer to take back instruments bought from them on consignment, so that you have little risk and only small losses if you want to change.

Perhaps you are interested in which violin is good for a beginner? Then read on here….