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Places to Buy or Rent A Violin |
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Whether to buy a violin or rent one is a decision that every family needs to make, because there are definite advantages to each. Renting is very, very cheap and is not "money in the hole" at all, particularly for younger students who grow out of their instruments every year or so. It's easy to exchange a rented violin for a larger size. Another advantage to renting, especially for students at a young age, is that if something should happen to the violin, you don't lose any resale value. Buying a violin allows you to shop for a much higher quality musical instrument, and--since violins appreciate in value over time--you can sell it for a profit or trade it in toward the next larger size. In addition to places within driving distance of us, I've also listed places that will mail violins. You can buy or rent from these places. Also, if you're interested in buying from them, they will actually mail you two or three violins to try out, and you can send back the ones you don't like. There are plenty of options for everybody. The mail-order list is there mainly for those who don't live conveniently close to any of the area locations. The people who sell musical instruments understand that musicians have to be picky, and so there are conveniences built in to accommodate that. For instance, all dealers have a certain amount of insurance for violins that they can lend out to potential buyers, and they don't expect you to buy anything under pressure. You can take your time, take violins home to practice on them (at no charge!), and discuss with the dealer exactly what you want the violin to sound like. As noted on the Care Of A Violin page, it is very important to get your strings and bow hair replaced every 4 months. There's also other standard maintenance that you may need at various times. This is why it's important to consider who you buy your violin from. The person you buy your violin from should be the one you take it back to for any repairs, small or large. Don't go to big rock-music stores for these things. You need to go to someone who deals only in classical string instruments to get reliable information and an acceptable selection. Also, a hand-made instrument is always better than a machine-made one. Also, I highly, strongly, very much recommend that you let me know when you're ready to buy a violin so that we can go through the process together, especially if it's your first time buying one. Violin shops will let you take a certain number of violins home for a few days to try them out, and this is a good chance to bring them to a lesson and play them for me. This is one of the most fun things in the world!
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Locations:
Home
(Philly area)
To Rent: Kot's Violins is very professional and helpful, with good quality instruments and a very knowledgeable staff. I have heard nothing but good things about their service, and I have heard nothing but good sounds from their violins. Kot's Violins
To Buy: For most students, I
recommend David Michie in Philadelphia. He is the one with whom I have the best
sales relationship, and I have always been more than satisfied with the quality of his
instruments. He carries violins in all price ranges, making his shop very
student-friendly, and the quality is good
throughout. Paul Stevens also deals in student price ranges.
David Michie Violins Paul Stevens Violins Helmuth Keller &
Sons (Steven Keller) James Fegley Violin Shop Fred Oster's Vintage Instruments
To Rent: The only place I can really recommend for the Princeton area is Robertson, because I'm not from New Jersey and I don't know what's around. I have heard that there isn't much. Cordas House of Music is okay, although the quality of the instruments is hit or miss.
Robertson & Sons Violins
(mail-order) Cordas House of
Music
To Buy: I believe David Michie still comes to Westminster Conservatory on Wednesdays, and he is the best option for student instruments. I recommend calling him to make an appointment some Wednesday, and he will bring over a few violins he thinks are appropriate. A better option is to go to his shop if you have the time, because you'll find more of a selection. Also in the Princeton area is Cesar Mateus, whom I have never met but have spoken with and heard highly of. These two are the best option for strings, bow rehairs, and simple repairs. Mr. Mateus is the more convenient option, because he's in town and can do repairs quickly and easily for you. Mr. Michie's violins are a bit better in my experience.
David Michie Violins AltaMusica (Cesar
Mateus)
To Rent or Buy: If you rent by mail, I highly recommend renting from Robertson, because the sound quality is so superior to anyone else, especially for smaller-size instruments. They will mail violins quickly and safely. Robertson & Sons Violins The String House The Potter Violin Company Reuning & Sons Violins Casa Del Sol
Violins-Violas-Cellos
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The person who sells you your violin is someone you will have a professional relationship with for many years.
Buying and selling violins is a culture centuries old. It's different from buying anything else. These are some things that will help you through the process.
What to The easy answer is,
"Whatever you want!" But, here are some things to
How to Size a Violin, and Who to Trust What size should your violin be? And how do you know? What if the guy at the music store disagrees with your teacher?
This may be common sense, but there are places you shouldn't bother trying to buy a violin from. |
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BACK TO THE VIOLIN OWNER'S MANUAL
© 2008 Neil Bakshi
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