Buying a violin is often considered an art form for violin enthusiasts. There are so many intricate details that make up a good violin that it’s easy to get caught up in the finer aspects of the instrument. However, most students just need an affordable option to start lessons, and that’s what this article is about.

The Wood

When considering purchasing a used violin, you need to be cautious about cracks in the wood. Cracks can often be repaired, but if left unfixed, they can not only make the violin Play the Violin - A Whole Novice's Guide - The violin, also known as a fiddle, is a bowed string instrument. It has four strings that are tuned in perfect fifths. The violin is the smallest and highest pitched member of the string instrument family, which also includes violas and cellos. Although playing the violin can be quite challenging, when mastered, it produces a… difficult to play but also decrease the value of the instrument. Watch out for cracks on the back of the violin. Small imperfections on the top of the violin are generally less problematic to repair.

The ribs, or the sides of the violin, also require your attention. The ribs of a poor-quality instrument may begin to bulge out towards the front or back. This usually happens because the wood wasn’t prepared correctly, causing it to shrink.

Alignment

When buying a used violin, ensure that it is properly aligned. Carefully inspect the instrument to see if everything is symmetrical. The neck and bridge should be centered around the two holes on the violin, known as “F Holes” (named for their “F” shape).

Setup

The setup involves making sure the strings are at the correct height from the violin, the strings don’t buzz, the pegs turn smoothly, and the tone is adjusted correctly. Most brand-name instruments will come fully set up. Some used instruments that haven’t been played for a while may require additional care. If that’s the case, you can have it adjusted at your local violin store.

Violin Bow Your Violin Bow - It's Just Elementary Physics - As your violin skills and passion develop, it's essential that your violin bow evolves with them. Your first bow was likely chosen for durability and protection against accidents, perhaps even an all-synthetic bow for your initial learning and introduction to the violin's intricacies. As you progress, it's wise to keep that initial bow as a…

Professional violinists can spend thousands of dollars on a well-crafted violin bow. However, if you’re a beginner, you can opt for a more affordable option like fiberglass or Brazilwood bows, which will cost significantly less than the professional-grade Pernambuco wooden bows. As a novice, you likely won’t notice any issues with these more affordable alternatives.

In summary, purchasing a violin involves careful consideration of the wood, alignment, setup, and bow. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find an affordable and suitable violin to start your lessons with.