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- Playability
You should be able to move from string to string freely with an even
tone across the strings.
- Tone and Sound
Are you looking for a violin with a warm upper register or do you
prefer a bright sound in the higher strings? Check for any buzzing
as you play and be sure that you are getting the projection and tone
that you desire.
- Price Does it fit your
budget?
Be sure the quality of the violin and outfit your are buying match
the price tag attached. Ask teachers you trust, as well as fellow
students, where they purchased their instruments and how much they
paid.
- Craftsmanship
Is the finish sprayed or brushed? Is the top hand carved or factory
pressed? The craftsmanship of the violin contributes greatly to the
instrument's quality and potential resale value.
- Setup
Do the pegs, chinrest, bridge, and strings fit well? You should be
able to play each string clearly without brushing against other strings—if
not it could mean your bridge or fingerboard need adjustment. Do the
pegs feel tight? Is the neck set at the correct angle? You should
be able to press each string all the way down at the part of the fingerboard
nearest the bridge. Your shop can take care of this problem—be sure
to address it before you leave with a new instrument.
- The Package
Is the quality consistent across the board? Check the quality of the
bow (look for pernambuco bows with true horsehair, not fiberglass
bows with synthetic hair). Is the case going to protect your instrument?
Some dealers are open to mixing and matching their outfit options.
You may find that you can purchase a better bow and safer case for
the same price, or a just fraction more.
- The Dealer or Shop
Check with friends, fellow musicians, and your teacher about where
they like to shop for instruments and accessories. Be sure to ask
about trade-ins and trade-up policies. Some shops selling starter
fiddles will buy back instruments and direct part of that cost to
your purchase of a step-up violin.
Buyer Beware
Some teachers are given percentages of instrument sales from their
local dealers, often as much as ten percent of the price of each instrument
they recommend to their students. Many teachers put a lot of effort
into helping students. Search for a new instrument, and some either
ask students up front for a fee for their time, or make it known that
they receive commissions from shops. But teachers who keep the practice
quiet are more common thatn you might think.
Be sure you are purchasing a violin based on good advice froma teacher,
fellow player, or reliable dealer. Do research on the Internet. Make
notes. Decide what price range you are going to work with, and stick
with it. Dealers can be very persuasive, and there are, as one dealer
pointed out to us, many instruments that may look impressive but sound
dull and flat, and carry a hefty price tag.
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