Best Factors to consider when looking for a violin to purchase near you

You’re looking for your first violin and you have no idea where to start! Don’t worry, we will show you the different levels of instruments. Below are some important pointers you need to know when buying the best violin in Los Angeles:

Size - 1/32, 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8. I will write another more in-depth article about violin sizes, but for now you need to know how to find the right size for your child. Extend their left arm away from the body, and take the measurement from the base of the neck to the center of the palm or the wrist. The size that will be most comfortable is from the neck to the wrist.

New or used? - You might get a better value getting a used instrument or a rent-to-own at a shop. Ask your instructor for music lessons for recommendations on local violin shops.

Quality - Depending on your budget, you may be limited in terms of quality. However, whatever your price range is there are certain non-negotiable things. For example, if there are visible cracks, that’s a big red flag. You won’t know how to determine whether a crack has been well sealed or will ultimately devalue the instrument when you try to resell it, so as a general rule of thumb stay away from violins with cracks.

Price range - Know how much you can comfortably spend on a starter instrument, but realize a very entry level instrument starts at $500 at the bare minimum, plus the bow and case. In addition, you need rosin and a spare set of strings in case one breaks in the middle of tuning or practicing. It will be easier to narrow down your search once you have a specific budget to work with.

There are some key differences between student, intermediate and professional violins. A student violin is probably what you will find online somewhere like Amazon for up to $400. This is a complete waste of money because some of the parts are made of plastic and will eventually require more to repair than you paid for it. If you don’t know whether your child will stick to it, you’re better off renting a decent level instrument.

Intermediate violins range from $400 to $1000 and are your best bet when you are ready to purchase and know your child is committed to it for at least 6 months. Several music stores require a 6 month contract anyway, and you will not lose anything in resale value (as opposed to student level violins which are worth nothing when you try to sell them). When it comes to professional instruments, expect to pay anywhere from $4000 to at least $10,000. Price varies greatly but you will not be disappointed with the high quality parts and hand crafted work carefully done by the luthier.

Call Los Angeles Music Teachers at 818-209-2620

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