What to look for when purchasing a student violin, viola or cello:
Sizing
- Ensure the instrument is appropriately sized for your child to avoid discomfort.
- This may mean the need to upsize as they grow. Ask your teacher for advice.
- Violas can be 11 to 15 inches.
- Violin and cello sizes vary between quarter to full size.
- The size of cellos may vary depending on country of origin.
Instrument
- The body of the instrument must be neat and solid construction with no cracks or open seams.
- Ensure the strings are a good quality with a functioning winding.
- The bridge should fit well and conform to the finger board.
- Pegs should fit well and not slip.
- The fine tuners need to be easy to turn and not bent.
- The cello end pin needs to be long enough for the student to sit comfortably and the screw holds should tighten easily.
- The tone should be even throughout the range and not muffled.
Bow
- The wood of the bow should have good flexibility and be straight as you look down the bow.
- The wood of the bow should have a good arch (the dip in the bow from one end to the other)
- The hair needs to be tidy and not loose at the frog or tip.
- The frog should not be too stiff or too loose.
- The screw should be able to be turned easily to loosen or tighten the hair.
Cases and bags
- The bag should be appropriately sized for the instrument.
- The outer cover should be durable with no open seams.
- Padded cello cases are better than canvas.
- Ensure hinges and zippers close properly and hold well.
- The compartments and bow holders should fasten well.
Diagram which shows the parts of a string instrument: chin rest, bridge, tuning pegs, scroll, fingerboard, F hole, fine tuners, tailpiece, bow tip and frog.