How to Choose a Violin

Choosing the correct violin can be an intimidating prospect for many people. The variety of instruments available can be quite daunting and, unless you fully establish your particular criteria, you could end up spending a considerable amount of unnecessary money.

Fortunately, by carefully evaluating exactly what it is you are searching for, it is quite possible to choose a violin that is going to completely meet your needs – for however long that might be.

First of all, don’t be frightened that the best way to choose a violin is to target the most expensive one you can find; this almost certainly will not be the case. Budget is only one of the considerations.

Remember that although it is undoubtedly rewarding to have an immaculate new instrument, it is usually possible to find one completely appropriate that is second-hand. A well cared for violin – meaning without cracks, with pegs that still tighten easily without slipping and which has clearly been well maintained – can have a warm, clear, smooth tone that matches any new instrument. Personally, I would not recommend buying from an on-line auction site, though – unless you can have a return clause if the violin turns out to be not quite what you wanted. As with most things, it is necessary to ‘try before you buy’ if you want the most suitable instrument.

The size of the violin is another prerequisite. Very, very young children – pre-school age, for instance - can play a violin that is 1/16th of standard size and the instruments are graduated through to ¼, ½ and ¾ sizes. It is marginally less helpful for a child to learn on an instrument that is too small rather than too big, but, if the child is growing rapidly, then buying a cheaper violin for just a year or two is not a bad idea. Most children will be able to play a full-sized violin by the time they reach secondary school age. It might even be possible to rent a good violin for a child to learn with whilst he or she is growing, or, again, whilst you are both deciding if the violin is the instrument the child really wants to play.

For experienced players, the criteria become much more sophisticated, of course.

For example, you might want to weigh up the advantages of purchasing a handmade or a factory produced violin. The handmade will be more expensive but almost certainly produce a better sound and be a more satisfying instrument. Many experts undoubtedly consider Italian-made violins to be the very best – and not just for historical reasons. Individually produced Italian violins are usually meticulously and lovingly crafted.

Other things to be taken into consideration by the more experienced violinist might include the investment potential of the instrument, its ‘beauty’, the particular size and arching that suits the player, the sound quality and perhaps even the maker’s name!

Finally, the most important criterion – whether you are young or old, novice or professional – and one that can never be quantified, is, ‘Can I love this instrument?’ Playing the violin is an emotional as well as an intellectual experience and, although most of your criteria will be logical and sensible, your heart and soul will also play a part in your final decision.