Stringed Instruments

From the earliest lyres of Ancient Mesopotamia and the ravanastrons of Sri Lanka played thousands of years ago to the electric stringed instruments of today, stringed instruments can be found in every era and every genre of music. Our collection of informational articles about cello, violins, violas, and double basses will provide you with an introduction to some of the world’s most beloved instruments.

• When is it time to quit playing an instrument
  Deciding when to quit playing an instrument is a deeply personal choice that often comes with mixed emotions.
• How to sell a cello
  With the year coming to an end many of us are reevaluating our skills, goals, and hobbies.
• Why do violins sometimes sound sad?
  When it comes to evoking emotions through music, the violin is in a class of its own.
• Cello vs. Bass
  There are a lot of stringed instruments that sound similar, making it hard for some to distinguish which one is being played upon first hearing.
• Musical Instruments as an Investment
  When it comes to investing, your values matter.
• Three Things We Love About String Instruments
  String instruments are some of the most ubiquitous instruments across all genres of music.
• How Much Does It Cost To Play Violin, Viola Or Cello Per Month?
  If you’re considering taking up an instrument, the costs associated with equipment and lessons are probably on your mind.
• How To Buy An Instrument Online
  So you finally settled on your dream instrument, but you can’t buy it locally.
• The 500 year old Amati "King" Cello
  For those interested in the history of the violin family, there is a brilliant museum piece currently on loan at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Common Problems With Cheaper Violins
  For beginners in particular, shelling out a thousand dollars for a new violin may seem like a big commitment.
• Is Viola More Difficult to Play than Violin?
  Viola vs. violin is the age-old battle of the stringed instruments. While the viola sometimes is referred to as a “big violin,” there’s more to their differences than that.
• The Cello Buyers Guide
  There comes a time in every musician’s life when they have to decide the type of investment they are willing and able to make in their instrument.
• You Can Convince Your Family that You Need a Guitar. Here's How...
  If you live with a parent or spouse, there’s probably some level of negotiation involved in making important purchases.
• Reasons You May Want to Own More than One Violin
  Just as there are as many types of violin players, there are different types of violins. In fact, many musicians often find reasons to own more than one violin.
• Why Do Violinists Have Multiple Violin Bows?
  Ask a group of violinists why they have more than one bow, and you’re likely to get a variety of responses.
• Form Your Own String Quartet
  If you’re a string player, you’re probably familiar with a variety of famous string quartets
• Cello Recording Tips
  With a rich, emotional sound that has often been described as the closest approximation by an instrument to the human vocal range, the cello is a favorite stringed instrument for many musicians.
• Cross Tuning Your Fiddle
  Many fiddle players have only experienced playing their instruments within the standard tuning format of GDAE.
• How Often Should You Replace Your Cello Strings?
  When it comes to string instruments, maintenance is key to producing your desired sound. The strings will wear out over time, and may even break in the course of playing.
• The Potential Problems You Can Find with Cheaper Violins
  If you’re the parent of a young child who is interested in learning to play the violin or an adult beginner, you’re going to need to rent an instrument or purchase a starter violin.
• Viola Players are Awesome – and Here’s Why
  In the world of stringed instruments, the viola takes a backseat to the violin and cello when it comes to being the stringed instrument of choice.
• Upgrading from One Cello to Another
  If you have been playing cello for years, it may be time to think about a new instrument. Cellos come in beginning, intermediate and advanced models, and it's appropriate for new music students to begin with the easiest model.
• How to Buy a Cello Online
  Buying a cello online greatly expands the selection from which to choose, and allows you to purchase the precise instrument you want at a competitive price.
• Common Double Bass Problems
  Every instrument comes with its own set of quirks, and the bass is no different. Whether you are playing in an orchestra or a school band, most bassists will run into problems with their instrument.
• How Much is Your Violin Worth?
  The value of a violin depends on a number of factors. The age of the instrument, the country of origin, and who made it all contribute to its value.
• Cordoba Guitars: A Brief History, Instruments, and Popular Models
  You likely have heard the name Cordoba Guitars being synonymous with high-quality nylon strung acoustic guitars.
• The Differences Between Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass
  The four primary stringed instruments in an orchestra are violin, viola, cello and bass.
• The Best Apps for Violinists
  Nowadays it seems like everything can be accessed through an app. We’re not just talking about mind-numbing games; you can find practical and useful tools right on your iPhone or Android.
• The Gift of Giving an Instrument
  Trying to come up with a great present for someone in your life? Gift giving is something with which a lot of us struggle.
• 3 Interesting Facts About the Cello That You Probably Don’t Know
  The cello is considered to be one of the most beautiful sounding instruments with its warm, living tones and rich sounds.
• Are Violins Used in Music Therapy?
  The therapeutic use of music.
• Electric Instruments
  Electric Instruments informative article
• Violin Basics
  A short guide for the beginner.