How to Buy a Violin (Beginner's Guide)

How to Buy a Violin (Beginner's Guide)

We have put together a list of some great things to consider when buying your first beginner violin. Some of the tips might be very obvious; like shopping from a place that offers free shipping and hassle-free returns. But some things go beyond the standard online-common-sense buying tips. Read our guide for for a full breakdown.
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What Is Important To Consider When Buying a Violin?

If a violin isn't built or adjusted properly then it is usually not easy to play, especially for beginners. Many instrument shops don't focus on the setup of inexpensive instruments, but at Fiddlershop a goal of ours is to make every instrument play its best. Our instruments are ready to be played right out of the box (some tuning will still be necessary). A good violin bow is also important. We always include our popular Fiddlerman carbon fiber bow with our Fiddlerman outfits. You can learn more about what to look for when buying a violin here.

How much do I have to spend to get a decent instrument?

At Fiddlershop, you don't have to spend much to get yourself a well-built and great sounding instrument. The Fiddlerman Apprentice violin outfit for instance, costs only $449 and comes with everything you need to get started right out of the box. For another $70, you can buy the popular Fiddlerman Concert violin (Fiddlershop best-seller for students). These are both great instruments for the money. Violinist Pierre Holstein (aka Fiddlerman) or another violinist on our staff will test each violin personally to ensure quality. On top of that, all of our instruments undergo our famous 10-point inspection.

Is it Easier to Play on a More Expensive Instrument?

Yes! It's not only easier to play, but you also get a better sound and can more easily hear intonation (if the note is in tune), which is motivating and can help you improve quicker. Fiddlershop also provides plenty of learning resources that will help you with how to play the violin, how to get better at the violin, and how to stay motivated with your violin practice.

If this fits within your budget, we highly recommend our best-selling intermediate/advancing level violins, the Fiddlerman Master Violin ($1039) and the Fiddlerman Soloist Violin ($1599)! Combined they have 170+ 5-star reviews and a 5.0 star average, check them out for yourself!

What is Included in a Violin Outfit?

Our violin outfits include everything that you need to get started. Other than the violin, you will receive a case, bow, shoulder rest, rosin, and a polishing cloth.

How Do You Ship the Instrument? Is there Any Danger of It Breaking During Shipping?

We guarantee safe delivery, and will take care of any cost if anything should happen. To put this into perspective: the past 3 years, only a couple of violins were damaged in shipping (and we ship thousands of violins via Fedex every year).

What Kind of Warranty is Included?

Everyone gets a 45-day money back satisfaction warranty and return window. We also have a 12-month product and part warranty (excludes "maintenance items" like strings, bridge, rosin etc). If you aren't satisfied with the instrument, you can simply return it for a full refund.

What If I Want to Upgrade? 

We take trade-ins if you order a new violin from us (needs to be a significant upgrade). You should expect to get about 60-65% of what you spent on your violin (provided it came from us), depending on the quality and shape.

Is it True that New Violins Sound Better with Time? 

Yes, they open up and sound better with time. You will notice the biggest difference in sound after the first 3-4 months, but it will already improve after 2 weeks of playing.

What size violin should I get?

  • 4 – 7 years: 1/4 size violin
  • 6-10 years : 1/2 size violin
  • 9-11 years:  3/4 size violin
  • 10 and up: 4/4 = full size violin

Check out this Sizing Guide for more detailed information. We can guide you when it comes to which size violin to buy for you or your child. Please don't hesitate to call us if you need help.

6 comments

Fiddlershop

Hi! Yes, we ship internationally. It would take about 3-4 days to set up the instrument and then about a week for the violin to reach you in India.
Please be advised that you will have to pay for shipping costs. The best way to figure out the exact shipping cost, is to put the violin in the cart and then add your address. That way the cost will be calculated automatically.
Please keep in mind that you also might have to pay customs fees.

Hi! Yes, we ship internationally. It would take about 3-4 days to set up the instrument and then about a week for the violin to reach you in India.
Please be advised that you will have to pay for shipping costs. The best way to figure out the exact shipping cost, is to put the violin in the cart and then add your address. That way the cost will be calculated automatically.
Please keep in mind that you also might have to pay customs fees.

Keshabdutta

I want to purchase newly launched " Symphony" violin 4/4 .
I stay in Bangalore, India

Is it possible from India!?
Do you have authorized dealer or shop?
How much time it would take .

I want to purchase newly launched " Symphony" violin 4/4 .
I stay in Bangalore, India

Is it possible from India!?
Do you have authorized dealer or shop?
How much time it would take .

Fiddlershop

Wow! Thanks for your kind words, Jan. They mean the world to us! We really appreciate you being our customer. Hugs from us ❤️

Wow! Thanks for your kind words, Jan. They mean the world to us! We really appreciate you being our customer. Hugs from us ❤️

Jan Campbell

Fiddlershop shines above all others. They actually care about the quality of what they sell and about customer satisfaction. That is a rare gem in this day and age. You can tell they’re all nice folks who work hard and share their expertise. Brava!

Fiddlershop shines above all others. They actually care about the quality of what they sell and about customer satisfaction. That is a rare gem in this day and age. You can tell they’re all nice folks who work hard and share their expertise. Brava!

Fiddlershop

Hi Gerald!
How nice! The best thing would be to measure your granddaughter’s arm, to get the correct size violin. I’m including a link to our size guide, so you can see (in the video) how it’s done:
https://fiddlershop.com/blogs/fiddlershop-blog/the-ultimate-sizing-guide-for-string-instruments
You’ll receive a beginner’s brochure with your purchase, but we will be happy to give you some great Youtube links for beginner’s also. Just let us know!

Hi Gerald!
How nice! The best thing would be to measure your granddaughter’s arm, to get the correct size violin. I’m including a link to our size guide, so you can see (in the video) how it’s done:
https://fiddlershop.com/blogs/fiddlershop-blog/the-ultimate-sizing-guide-for-string-instruments
You’ll receive a beginner’s brochure with your purchase, but we will be happy to give you some great Youtube links for beginner’s also. Just let us know!

Gerald Avery

My granddaughter turns 5 New Years and thinking about buying her a violin. Would 1/4 be good size? Does and easy learning guides come with the instrument?

My granddaughter turns 5 New Years and thinking about buying her a violin. Would 1/4 be good size? Does and easy learning guides come with the instrument?

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