Choosing your first violin can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. In this article, I have put together a step-by-step guide to help all future violinists make an informed decision when choosing their first instrument. By the end of this guide, you will have the knowledge and confidence to find a great violin to start your musical journey.
1. THE SIZE OF THE VIOLIN
Choosing the right size violin is a crucial step in starting your musical journey. It’s important to select a violin that fits the size of the player and the length of their arm. As a violin teacher, I often hear parents suggest buying a standard size violin for their children, thinking that they will quickly outgrow a smaller violin.
While it’s true that a smaller violin may need to be replaced sooner, skipping sizes to save money can have serious implications for a child’s development. Learning to play the violin requires developing specific skills that are much easier to achieve on an instrument that fits the player’s physical characteristics. It’s like trying to walk, run, dance, or play in adult-sized trousers as a child – it’s just not comfortable or practical.
To feel comfortable throughout the learning process, it’s essential to have an instrument that fits you well. Keep in mind that playing on an ill-fitting instrument will negatively impact your performance. The standard size for a violin is 4/4, but for adults who feel that size is too small, the viola is a great alternative. Violas are similar to violins but are slightly larger and may better suit your physical characteristics.
When it comes to violin sizes, they are organized using fractions in this way:
Since each child is unique and grows at a different rate, it’s not possible to match specific sizes with ages. To determine the appropriate size, you will need to measure the child’s arm length from the base of the neck to the middle of the palm of their hand, and then refer to the sizing chart provided above to find the best match.
At the music shops there are usually violins of different sizes to try.
Place the violin on the left side of the body in the playing position, stretch the left arm until you encircle the scroll completely by the hand, being careful to keep the arm slightly bent. The arm must not feel too stretched when doing this.
If the hand does not cover the scroll, it indicates that the violin is too large for the player. Conversely, if the arm is too bent when holding the violin, it suggests that the violin is too small. Choosing the right size of violin is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience, and it is important to measure the arm length to ensure the correct size is chosen. With the right size violin, the player can focus on developing their skills and technique without unnecessary physical strain or discomfort.
2. MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
To begin your musical journey, I highly recommend starting with a student violin designed specifically for beginners. These instruments are crafted with simple woods, making them both affordable and durable, which is particularly important when you are just starting out and may not have much experience handling the instrument.
Generally, the wood used to build violins includes solid spruce for the top, and maple for the back and sides. Ebony is commonly used for the fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest. However, for simpler violins, plywood may be used for the top, back, and sides. The fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest are typically made from solid hardwood that has been blackened.
It’s important to note that the quality of the wood used can vary greatly and can have a significant impact on both the price and sound of the instrument. To make an informed decision when purchasing a violin, it’s essential to have information about the materials used.
One important aspect to consider when choosing a violin is the materials used to build it, as they greatly influence the instrument’s sound quality and price. Here are two key questions to keep in mind when evaluating the materials of a violin:
1. Is the body of the violin made with laminated or solid wood?
Laminated wood refers to a thin layer of attractive wood glued to a simpler base wood. This is a common construction method for beginner violins, as it can give the instrument a nice appearance at a lower cost. However, solid wood violins are generally more expensive but offer better sound quality and durability.
2. Is the fingerboard made of ebony or dyed hardwood?
Ebony is a hard and naturally black wood, making it an excellent choice for fingerboards. While it’s more expensive, it provides better tonal quality and durability. On the other hand, dyed fingerboards, chinrests, and pegs are cheaper alternatives but may lose their shape and color over time.
CHECKLIST!
The quality of a violin at this level depends largely on its construction. Even new violins may have variations in details due to the use of machines during their manufacturing process. To ensure you are getting a good quality instrument, there are several things you should check for, including:
One important aspect to check on a violin, even if it’s new, is the angle of inclination of the fingerboard in relation to the front of the instrument. Although I am not an expert in violin making, I have come across violins that have a very low fingerboard, which can cause problems when playing. You can check the angle like this:
When examining a violin, it’s important to pay attention to the overall assembly of the instrument. Take a close look to make sure everything is aligned and fits together seamlessly.
Specifically, check that the pegs fit snugly into the pegbox without protruding too far out the other side. This ensures the strings can be properly tuned.
Additionally, test the fine tuners to make sure they rotate smoothly without getting stuck. This is important for making small adjustments to the pitch of the strings.
THE BOW
When it comes to playing the violin, the bow is just as important as the instrument itself. A good bow can make all the difference in the world. Here are some things to keep in mind when inspecting a bow:
First, check that the stick has a consistent curve towards the hair. A bow that is too straight or too curved can negatively impact the sound quality.
Next, make sure that the screw rotates smoothly and generates the necessary tension in the hair. The tension should be just enough to maintain the curve of the bow, but not too tight as to cause damage to the bow or the instrument.
It’s also important to inspect the hair itself. Check for any loose or broken hairs and make sure that the hair is evenly spread across the bow.
3. THE LUTHIER
A violin is not just a mere musical instrument, it’s a masterpiece that has been carefully crafted by the hands of skilled artisans known as luthiers. Although there are many low-cost factory-made violins available in the market, they lack the personal touch that only a luthier can provide.
When a luthier creates a violin, he/she puts their heart and soul into the process, ensuring that every aspect of the instrument is perfect. They meticulously check each part of the violin, including the bridge, sound post, pegs, and more, to make sure that everything is in place and functioning properly.
Although it might be tempting to skip this step and save some money, having your violin checked by a luthier can make a world of difference in its performance. Your violin teacher can also guide you in choosing a good luthier who can help you take care of your violin and ensure that it continues to produce beautiful music for years to come.
Congratulations on finding the perfect violin for you! Now that you have the right instrument in your hands, it’s time to focus on improving your skills and making beautiful music.
If you still have doubts about choosing your first violin or have any other tips that could be useful for fellow violinists, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Sharing our knowledge and experiences can help others in their search for the perfect instrument.
And don’t forget to share this article with anyone who might be looking for their ideal violin. Let’s spread the word and help more people find the joy of playing this beautiful instrument.