One of the most overwhelming experiences is buying your very first violin. Different brands are everywhere. Prices are just all over the place, and there are lots of opinions you’ll hear floating around. Consequence? It’s very confusing.
That’s why most beginners and parents end up focusing on two things: brand name and price. But we’re here to tell you the truth that there are things that most parents and beginners often overlook, and that’s what we’re sharing in this guide.
1. The Importance of Proper Size
If there’s one of the most overlooked parts, it’s the size, and it matters a lot.
Violins have different sizes, making it easy for all ages to pick what size suits them. For children, there are fractional sizes, and for adults, there are full-size violins. If your kid has a violin that’s too big for them, that can strain their arms and shoulders and make bowing even harder.
Note that the wrong size can make the player feel tired faster, uncomfortable, and may lead to a loss of interest. But when you choose the right one? You’ll have a smoother and more fun journey.
2. Quality vs. Price
Next is the price and quality. Do you also think expensive automatically means better? Well, it isn’t always true!
A cheap violin can still sound good and feel comfortable to play as long as it’s set up well. In fact, there are lots of entry-level violins that are made of durable materials, playable, and affordable.
Also, it’s a good thing that beginner violins come complete with rosin, bow, case – everything you need so you can start practicing right away.
3. Setup and Playability
If you have a well-made violin, but it isn’t properly set up, it can still feel frustrating.
Think of the bridge height, string spacing, and smoothness of the fingerboard. All these affect how easy it is to press your strings and therefore make clear notes.
Having these parts adjusted correctly can save you from sore fingers, a buzzing sound, and tuning problems.
4. Accessories Matter
There are lots of first-time buyers who underestimate the importance of accessories.
For instance, a case. A good case protects your instrument from outside factors. Then, the bow – the one that helps produce smoother sound.
Another missed accessory is the shoulder rest. Using this improves your comfort and posture while playing. Finally, we have the rosin that also helps the bow grip the strings.
Low-quality or missing accessories? We bet it can slow down your progress and make practice uncomfortable, even if you have a decent violin.
5. Sound Quality Isn’t Everything
As a beginner, you might be stressed because your violin doesn’t sound beautiful or good. Yes, the tone is important, but you shouldn’t just focus on that!
But aside from that, durability, comfort, and ease of playing are also things you need to keep an eye on. If you have a violin that’s easy to hold and press, it encourages longer and more consistent practice, leading to faster skill improvement.
6. Considering Future Growth
Another thing that most newbies tend to overlook is their future growth. They don’t think much about their level of commitment and pacing when purchasing a violin.
You don’t need professional-level violins right away. It’s better to begin on a cheap yet quality instrument and then upgrade later depending on your skills, pacing, and needs. If you do it this way, it’ll save you money and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Conclusion
Now that you know these things that most first-time buyers and newbies often overlook, we hope that it has opened your eyes. That size, setup, and accessories can make learning more comfortable, easier, and much more enjoyable.
