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Common Problems With Cheaper Violins

For beginners in particular, shelling out a thousand dollars for a new violin may seem like a big commitment. If you just started taking violin lessons and have not yet determined if it's the instrument for you yet, the cheaper violins may seem more cost effective. However, there are some common problems with cheaper violins to watch out for.

Price isn’t everything, of course, and just because a violin is expensive does not mean it’s of good sound and playability. So how can you know you are getting the best quality for your money? Well, there are a few things to keep an eye out for when you begin the violin shopping process. Here are our tips for choosing your first violin.

Look beyond the violin itself

When buying a violin, you will also need to think about violin outfits. Violin outfits are sets including the instrument itself, a violin bow, and violin case. If you’re not sure of your preferences for each individual component of the outfit, purchasing them together can save you money and be an easier way to acquire the necessary materials.

Student and beginner outfits are very common in music stores, which makes it simple for burgeoning musicians to assemble all the tools they need to start their musical career. As you progress in your musical journey, you’ll develop your own preferences for bow strength, string type, and instrument brand. Once you reach this point and are looking for better violin cases and accessories that suit your playing style, purchasing items individually, rather than in an outfit, may become the better choice for you.

Moving on up

Buying your first violin can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for, and violin outfits can ease some of that burden. However, rentals are also a good choice for beginners who want to try an instrument before they buy it.

If you’re starting to shop for violins and bows online, check out the Johnson String Instrument catalog. We offer a variety of violins and violin accessories for purchase or rental, making it a good option for people who want to simplify the violin searching process. We can guide you through the process of putting together your first violin outfit to make it as streamlined as possible. Additionally, we offer instrument rentals for every playing level: beginner, intermediate, and professional, so you can always rely on us to fulfill your instrumentation and musical needs. Buying your first violin doesn’t have to be an ordeal if you know where to look.

Additional Resources

Carriage House Violins

Located in Newton, Massachusetts, Carriage House Violins is the instrument sales division of Johnson String Instrument.

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JSI
Resources

Whether searching for a job, learning about the "Mozart Effect," looking for a summer music camp, or choosing the right instrument string, you need look no further.

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Johnson String Project

A charitable foundation whose goal is to provide high-quality instruments to children who live in under-served communities and who are participating in El-Sistema-inspired programs in Massachusetts.

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JSI
media

Helpful "how to" videos and useful information about JSI and the products and services we offer.

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