Buying a Violin

"How do I buy a violin, (or fiddle)?"

That question has risen to the top of the fiddle FAQ list, even above "What's the difference between a violin and a fiddle?"

This is an account of how Richard Blackwell, my student, actually purchased a violin.

He had been using a good quality student violin on loan from his sister. He was ready to upgrade to a better quality violin when his sister asked for her violin to be returned.

A violin was already on its way to him from a shop in Philadelphia, when he scheduled an appointment with a violin dealer in Plant City, Florida. Royce Burt, the part-time dealer had a good inventory of instruments ranging in price from about $500 to $8000.

He has a regular job as an accountant and does this other business part-time from his home. Aubrey Haney, a prominent Nashville session fiddler, buys violins from him when he is in Tampa visiting his folks.

Richard brought me along to hear the violins with him and also to play them. Many players recommend having an other violinist (or fiddler) with you when trying out instruments. Violins often sound quite different right under the ear, as compared to a few feet away.

He also had his current instrument with him to keep the base line of comparison.

This turned out to be a very good move.

When we got there we went right into the violin room. Royce began to hand Richard violins, making just a few comments about them. I kept Richard moving from violin to violin, not getting hung up on any one instrument. Then he would circle back and retry ones he had played earlier.

In between I played them and made comments about their sound and appearance. There was one that I found really intriguing, with a certain mystery quality to its sound. I wanted to keep playing it until I solved the mystery.

At one point Richard seemed to hit an indecisive stall in the process. It was at this point that he pulled out the fiddle he's been playing. The comparison made Royce's violins stand out. He could hear the superior quality of tone immediately.

That gave him fresh encouragement as to his inclination. And he was drawn to one violin in particular. It was a truly fine instrument suitable for a professional player.

By this time it had come down to choice of two fiddles. Going back and forth settled the matter. Even though the one he chose was much more expensive, he made his decision. He knows he has a violin that won't let him down as his ability improves.

There is one thing about Florida that you should know. Land may be pricey, but moveable goods are not. Almost everything costs less here than it does up north or out west. Royce's prices are on the low end of the spectrum.

When Richard was clearly gravitating towards the one he chose, Royce reminded him of his complete satisfaction guarantee. I don't believe I would buy a violin without such a guarantee.

Richard left with a violin he really liked. He also knew that he would be receiving on trial one more instrument to compare to it. That trial violin did not displace his choice.

This is not the only way to find a better violin to play. You might know a fiddler who has more than one violin and would be ready to let one go.

In some cases you might even be able to take the violin home for a week or so.

You could find a sleeper in an estate sale. Or, even a yard sale.

When it comes to trying out violins, there are three factors from Richard's experience that are key in making a wise choice.

1. Take someone with you who can also play, as well as listen. If you can find someone knowledgeable, that's ideal.

2. Take your current instrument with you. At some point, take it out and compare it to the violin or violins you have been playing.

3. Make your evaluation in a stress free, no pressure setting.

If the dealer brings out a violin exclaiming, "I have just the violin for you!" and he proceeds to rip off a few cadenzas, then hands it to you, make a quick exit. I was with one of my students when a "respected" dealer pulled this stunt.

Noticing how echoey the room was, I asked him if he practiced in this room. He said he didn't.

You should also play the candidate violins in a room with normal acoustics. That's another aspect of stress free environment.

One last point may be: know what your budget is. Don't sell the cow to get a violin. There are more violins down the road.

Elan Chalford, MM.
Learn How to Play Fiddle without Reading Music

---

Things To Know When Shopping For A Guitar Amplifier

Guitar amplifiers are a major part of your tone. Some... Read More

Micheal Jackson

I bet your wondering all about the Micheal Jackson Trail.... Read More

Guitar Facts: A Glossary of Terms

It is said that the forerunner of the guitar, the... Read More

Your PC Is An Awesome Singer... If You Let It!

As an amateur songwriter, who struggles with a computer far... Read More

Buying A Guitar - Do You Know What To Look For?

Buying a guitar is an important decision that my students... Read More

How to Become a World Class Expert in Just 20 Minutes a Day

Is it really possible to become an expert in some... Read More

Guitarists...Are You A Victim and A Loser?

I was thinking today about THE most dangerous enemy of... Read More

Musicians: What Chords Do You Absolutely, Positively Have To Know?

As you probably know, there are thousands and thousands of... Read More

Why You Cant Play Piano

It's really not your fault. You see, you've been taught... Read More

Its Jewish Music, But Is The Music Jewish?

A while back I was driving along the Jerusalem highway... Read More

How Many Guitar Chords Do I Need To Know?

Guitar chords, (chords played specifically on a guitar,) differ only... Read More

Five Secrets to Playing in the New Age Style

1. Learn how to ImproviseLearning how to improvise is the... Read More

Facts about Betty Kresin, Eminems grandmother

Betty Kresin, Eminem's grandmother from the maternal side... Read More

Celtic Music: The Japanese Connection

My friend, guitarist Brian Hughes, toured with the Chieftain's in... Read More

Quick and Easy Violin Mute

One of the reasons I picked up the violin was... Read More

Buying A Guitar

There are many things to consider when buying a new... Read More

Living Life Loud

Change is good. Just ask the millions of unsigned artists... Read More

The Gong - An Instrument Everyone Can Play

What exactly is a Gong?The gong is a musical instrument... Read More

How to Organise a Gig or a Live Music Event - the Budget

Three times in the last month I've been asked the... Read More

Songwriting - The Art of Writing a Good Song

Did you know that good songwriting is often the key... Read More

How to Create Interesting Textures

A lot of new age piano music consists of repeating... Read More

Musical Improvisation Basics - 8 Vital Things To Remember

This article discusses 8 vital things to remember as improvisers... Read More

How To Play Piano Using Chord Symbols

Chord symbols (for example, Fm7, Cmaj7 or G6) are a... Read More

50 Cent G Unit

His lockjaw delivery makes him look as gangsta as Marlon... Read More

Creating Your Own Compositions

The idea of actually creating a complete piece of music... Read More

Is it Possible to Download Music Legally Anymore?

Throughout the past few years downloading music on the internet... Read More

14 Ways Musicians Can Increase Their Tips

I was listening to NPR the other day when they... Read More

Music Industry Secrets Revealed - How To Become Succesful The Music Industry Without A Record Deal

Before the internet, unsigned music artists couldnt make a living,... Read More

New Age Music - How Its Made

Different styles of music have different "sounds." We can all... Read More

The Post-rock Revolution (Explosions in the sky)

A lot has been said about the 'post-rock' revolution as... Read More

Launch Pad Introduces Subliminal

Who would have ever thought that a call out for... Read More

50 Cent

More so than any other music since the blues, hip-hop... Read More

A Guitar Lesson To Help You Test Your Note Knowledge

In this guitar lesson we look at a great way... Read More