How to Prepare to Purchase a Violin

When you are considering purchasing an instrument, it is important to know what price range you are comfortable with. It's also a good idea to have the money available so that when you find the right instrument you can pay for it. (Most violin shops do not allow payment in installments).

Many fiddle players purchase instruments and bows directly from other fiddle players. This can prove to be unwise because unless you are an expert on violin identification, repair and set up you might end up over paying or purchasing something different than what you were told you were getting.

It makes sense to buy an instrument from an established violin dealer or maker. That way, if you have a problem or need an adjustment to your instrument you can go back to someone who will stand behind the instrument.

If you plan to try instruments at a shop, it is courteous as well as expeditious to phone ahead for an appointment first. Make sure that you tell them what price range you are looking at so they will have time to gather the instruments and get them tuned before you arrive.

When testing fiddles it is a good idea to play a G major scale. That way you can hear the whole range of the instrument. Once you have auditioned several go back to your favorites and play some of your tunes on each one. Listen carefully for tone check to make sure the instrument is easy to play and has a fast response. When you narrow your decision to a couple of instruments, ask the shop to allow you them out on approval for a week or so in order to spend more time making a good decision. Make sure that you return whatever you don't want to the shop in a timely manner.