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Band and Orchestra Violins

The violin is the highest pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which also includes violas, cellos, and basses. The violin has four strings tuned to perfect fifths of the scale and is played most commonly by drawing a hair bow across the strings. In some instances violins are plucked. Violins are common in a wide range of music including classical, jazz, swing, country and others. Full size (4/4) violins are used by adults, but smaller violins are also available for children. Violins are available in 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16, and even smaller sizes. The numbers are not to scale: a 3/4 violin is not 3/4 the size of a full size violin, it's just the next step down. Therefore, it's important to try children out on a few different sizes before deciding which one best fits them. Electric violins are also available, which use a piezometer to register string vibration and output the sound to a receiver or speaker.

How to Shop

Okay, here's the part that puts the proof in the pudding: the best way to buy a violin is not online. Ideally, you should examine a violin first hand before purchasing it, play it a few times and get a feel for the sound and tone. You should also examine the "set up" which is most important. This will include all the small details of the violin such as the bridge fitting, the string nut material and fitting, the placement of the strings, the plane of the fingerboard, etc. Set up can mean a lot to how a violin ultimately sounds, and a reputable dealer will give you a violin with a good set up. When listening to a violin's sound many experts agree you should look for power. A good violin should be loud. Actually holding a violin before buying it is even more important when purchasing a used violin. Used violins are considered, by some, better than new violins because they've been worn in. Over the first few months to a year of a violin's playing life the sound will mature a bit on the back of the violin. Any cracks found there should be considered a deal breaker. Another thing to consider is that, contrary to common sense, a used violin will be comparably priced or even more expensive than a new violin. Violins are one of those rare cases where shopping for used items will not get you a discount. All this is not to say you should never buy a violin online. Sometimes it can be a good idea to do so, especially if you know what you're doing. But it is important to check out the retailer thoroughly before jumping in. Consider retailers that offers refunds, buyback, and service options, which will give you some security even if you happen to pick a lemon.

Price Range

The last thing to think about, but perhaps the most important, is price range. I apologize in advance for having to tell you that a good violin will not be cheap. Though many violins are available under $300.00, these are usually pretty poor and should not be considered by anyone even marginally serious. I did read an Internet article written by a violin teacher who had bought one such instrument and used it to punish students who forgot their own violins by making them play on the cheap one. A decent violin for the beginner will start around $500.00 to $600.00, while a good violin for a serious, advanced student will run about double that. Professional violins for professional musicians will start at $1200.00 and can run to $20,000.00 or more. This might be a bit disconcerting to parents of musically inclined kids but don't let it discourage you. A violin is a great tool for helping kids to grow mentally and socially. A final word, I know it's tempting to go cheap-o, especially when purchasing a violin for a kid who may not be experienced or old enough to really understand the difference. Fair. Maybe getting a really cheap violin is a good way to go when just starting out, especially if you're not sure you (or the kid in question) will stick with it. However, to make a cheap violin sound good it will need a lot of repairs, and even then it will have an upper limit on how good it will ever sound. Repairs to a violin can be quite costly and will, often, cost more than the violin itself without notably appreciating its value. Meanwhile, it's good to remember that violins kept in good repair don't depreciate in value. Think of it as an investment: even if the kid gives up on the violin, you can usually still sell it for close to what you bought it.

Top Sellers

Here are some of the top selling violins on the Internet today:

Related Guides

Here are some other wikis related to violins: * Stringed Instruments * Violin Accessories Strings * Violins By User:LPNalini @timeAndDate(1273193205)

ShopWiki Search Links

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