Tips for buying a violin

The search for the perfect violin for you is often exciting but also difficult. It takes time and patience to discover what you like and what suits you best.

Most violinists are often used to the sound of the violin they have been playing for years. At first everything is compared to this violin. It can help to play violins that are very different in the beginning, so that you get a better idea of sound differences and what you like. It's easier to put aside violins you don't like than to immediately try to find your ideal violin. Start with eight violins. Put away the violins you don't like. This way you slowly limit the number of choices and it becomes easier to choose your violin.

Two important questions to ask yourself are: is the instrument ok? And do you fall in love with it?

The first question is technical in nature. A violin with unrepaired cracks or a crooked neck will lead to problems. You should also be careful with older violins that have already undergone repairs. Not all defects are immediately visible. If in doubt, it is best to consult an expert.

If the first question is answered with a yes, the second question can be answered; do you fall in love with it?

By playing different instruments you increase the chance of finding out what is best for you. The best thing is a violin that you fall in love with and want to play endlessly. If you don't immediately have a good match with the instrument, move on to the next one. Trust your feelings and don't let yourself be distracted too much by what the value of the violin is and what the violin looks like.

If you don't get it right away. Don't get frustrated. Just try again later. There are other instruments and you may have a better idea of what you are looking for. It can also help to bring someone with you who has a sense of sound and can give you advice. The moment you have one or two violins that you find special, try them out at home for a week. Show the instrument to your violin teacher and friends and play different pieces on it. This way you get a good idea of the properties of the violin and you can make a good decision. If at the end of the week you are completely in love with the violin and you want to keep playing it, then you are fine. Hopefully the above points will help you make a good choice, so that every time you play your violin you get confirmation that this is the most beautiful instrument there is. Finally, some tips: