A Beginning Violinists Buyers Guide

How Good A Violin Should I Buy?


This is a question asked of us every day of the year and one which is difficult, yet most important to answer.  We all
know the axiom “a workman is no better than the tools he works with,” yet many conscientious people feel that a fine
violin, viola, cello, bass, or bow is needed and deserved only by the professional and concert artist.  This, in our
opinion, is not true and responsible for great proportion of the difficulty encountered with violin study.

Fine tone quality may be an ambiguous word to the untrained ear, yet it is all important and readily measured by the
trained musician and expert appraiser.  The beginner and amateur to properly develop his tonal production and taste
should make every effort to provide himself with the finest quality instrument and bow in his means to obtain.  The
violin cannot make the musician, but an inferior one can definitely hinder his progress and spoil his results and
incentive.

How much has to be spent for a good violin?  It is impossible to give a definite answer to a question such as this, as
the word “good: is a comparative and consequently could have a different meaning in each individual circumstance.  
Nevertheless, we have been asked this question time and again and wish to give our frank personal opinion in the
matter.  We feel that a beginner should spend a minimum of $600.  This will provide a well balanced bow, and a case
of substantial construction to provide adequate protection.

We feel that after a student has progressed through the first three or four years he should have an instrument of
greater potential.  Such a violin should cost about $1,200 and upward with the bow and case extra.  Such an outfit
should prove adequate until the student reaches the stage of advanced proficiency and is ready for solo work,
college orchestra, or advanced study.

Now, how much must be spent for a good violin?  Actually, the sky is the limit and this decision must be made in
relation to the funds available.  Good old violins can be bought at $2,000 and upward, the great masterpieces at
$12,000 and upward.  Naturally the more that is spent, the finer violin, viola, cello, or bass, which can be provided,
and the greater will be the musical pleasure and progress.  Stephen R. Davy violins are priced with three decades of
experience and record of integrity.  How good a violin should you have?  How much should you spend?  That, in the
end, will be answered by you; but we wish to assure you that every dollar spent will provide you with the most in dollar
value and musical enjoyment.


BACK