What’s the best violin to buy?
When it comes to finding a violin to purchase, there are so many options out there that it can be overwhelming. For beginners, renting is going to be a better option for buying for the following reasons. If you are set on buying a violin, scroll down for my recommendations and things to look for before purchasing.
Renting a violin is more affordable than buying. Violins are expensive, and it’s hard to find a quality instrument for less than a few hundred dollars. Renting rates differ depending on the area, but on the East Coast of the US, most rental programs are around $25-$35 per month, which is much more affordable. Additionally, many shops offer a rent-to-own program, where a portion of the rental fees go towards the purchase of an instrument, if you choose to buy one (so you’re not wasting money by renting!)
Renting guarantees that you’ll get a good quality instrument. The better the quality, the easier it is to learn. Cheaper violins (or VSOs as they’re sometimes called) don’t sound as good and are harder to play on, which is likely to leave the user discouraged and prone to giving up. Violin shops usually only stock good quality instruments, so by renting, you know you’ll be getting an instrument that will help you rather than hurt you in your journey. Additionally, if you don’t like the violin you were given, you can always switch it out for another.
Renting (most likely) guarantees you free repairs and maintenance. If your string breaks, your bridge falls, or your instrument just isn’t sounding right, the shop that you rent from will help you because you’re their customer, not just some random person who walked in off the street. This gives you a huge piece of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong, it can easily be fixed.
With all that being said, I know that renting isn’t always possible. Some people don’t have shops in their area, and others just prefer buying. If that’s the case, here are some things to think about and do before you buy.
Budget. Before making a big purchase, it’s always best to have a budget in mind. It is ideal to go try violins in person before purchasing one. If possible, ask to try violins below and above your budget (as well as within) so that you can get an idea of the level of instrument you can afford.
Ideal sound. Do you want a brighter violin or a darker one?
Play for someone. Violins sound different under the ear than they do to the audience! Ask your teacher or a friend to go with you to the shop and get their opinions on the instruments. Record yourself playing your top choices and listen to how they sound on the recordings.
If you cannot try violins in person, Fiddlershop is the best online option. The quality of their products is excellent and their customer service is unmatched. Here are the instruments I recommend looking into.
Fiddlerman Concert Violin runs about 500 USD. This violin is very easy to play and has a clear, warm, tone.
Fiddlerman Artist Violin ,about 700 USD, is a step up from the Concert Violin. The tone is more rich and full, and the instrument responds to your touch instantaneously.
Fiddlerman Master Violin, around 1000 USD, is one of the best student violins on the market today. Even though it is technically a student violin, it does not sound like one. It has a sweet, warm tone, and can easily fill up a room with its sound.
All of these instruments will ship to your door ready to play.
What violin do you have? Let me know in the comments!
