How do I compare violins and other orchestral stringed instruments?
When purchasing a violin, whether it be a beginner instrument or a professional level instrument,
be sure that you purchase it from someone who knows about violins, who has a repair shop or on staff
luthier, and from someone who has been in the business for a while.
There are many dealers online these days who know virtually
nothing at all about the product that they are selling. Beware
of charlatans who claim to have expertise and do not. There are
dealers out there making a lot of money by importing $29.
violins from India, or China, and then having someone set them
up, and then reselling them for over $800. This, in my opinion
is unethical.
When you try out a violin, it is always good to have someone
else play the instrument for you from across a room also. A
violin can sound very different away from the ear, and in
different locations also. For instance, the violin will sound
different if played in a carpeted room than it will in a room
with wooden floors. I think that instruments sound better in a
room with wooden floors. Make sure that someone can try the
violin out who knows how to play in the upper ranges
(positions). Make sure that you get clear and true intonation
all the way up the finger board.
Also, it is my opinion that a bridge should not be too thin. Even the very best bridge will warp towards the
finger board eventually if it is too thin. I also believe that a little thicker bridge gives a better tone.
Always make sure that the pegs and fingerboard are made of ebony. Rosewood and boxwoods may be good for
pegs, in some cases, but the fingerboard should always be ebony.
Some dealers are now buying violins by "weight". This is a
puzzling practice, as the weight of the violin has little to do
with the tone that the instrument will produce. Don't be
persuaded to purchase an instrument based on the weight of the
finished instrument alone.
If a dealer is selling a "Master Made" instrument, ask the name
of the "Master" maker. Also, ask about any competition
which the maker has been involved in etc. Ask who the
"Master" apprenticed under.
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