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| | | An expressive instrument, the violin was once thought to be the closest in sound to the human voice. Violins come in many sizes, making them ideal for young musicians. However, the violin's distinctive tones appeal to musicians of all ages. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Renting a violin runs $15 -$30 a month, although used violins can rent for $10 -$20 a month. These prices are based on a contract for a specific length of time (three, six, nine or twelve months). Sometimes most or all of the rent will be deducted from the final purchase price, and usually a rental package includes the basic accessories of a bow, case and rosin.
- Child-sized violins start around $50 -$150, and can cost $200 -$350 or more. These usually include a case and bow.
- Although it's possible to buy a full-size violin for $100 -$250, get it checked by an expert to be sure it's playable. Often an inexpensive instrument will need $150 -$250 or more in repairs or improvements.
- A full-size violin with a reasonable tone for a beginning player starts around $300 -$600; an intermediate-level violin runs about $600 -$1,500; an instrument for an advanced student can be $1,500 -$3,500; and semi-professional and professional violins are $3,500 -$10,000 or more. Strings Magazine reviews 18 violin packages .
- The price for a violin may include a case and bow, but not always. Many violinists own several, using different ones for practice, small groups, large groups, solos or different music styles. All bows are strung with horsehair, but the stick portion can be made out of fiberglass or wood, and can have a handle (called a frog) of ebony, silver, ivory or tortoiseshell. A bow can be a mass-produced factory product or a hand-crafted work of art. Prices start around $25 -$150, but easily run $200 -$500 and can be $2,000 -$3,000 or more. Violin cases start around $40 -$150 but can run $200 -$600 and luxury cases (to protect and preserve expensive instruments) can be $800 -$2,500 or more.
What should be included: | - A violin typically has four strings, and its body is made of different types of wood. SoundJunction.org gives an overview of the violin and examples of its tones. A violin should be sold properly "set up" with a good quality bridge and tailpiece, and with the strings at the correct height for playing easily.
- Violins come in four basic sizes, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and full, although there are 1/8, 1/16 and 1/32 sized instruments available. TheHeartString.org names the parts of a violin and explains how to choose the right size.
- An inexpensive instrument may have a poor sound and be physically difficult to play (strings too high, etc.). A well-made violin mellows as it ages, developing a richer tone; a poorly-made one does not.
- Violin making is an inexact science; many experts warn that there is only a casual relationship between price and sound.
Additional costs: | - Violin strings can break unexpectedly; it's good to have extras at $5 -$50 (or more) each or $20 -$200 or more for a set of four.
- You'll need a music stand for practicing at home; they start around $10 -$50 but can run $100 -$200 or more.
- Rosin for your bow will run $2 -$25 or more, depending on quality and quantity.
Shopping for a violin: | |
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Article updated August 2008 |
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