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This page contains information that is important to consider when selecting an instrument and determining how to acquire an instrument.
This page contains information that is important to consider when selecting an instrument and determining how to acquire an instrument.
Proper Sizing
Proper Sizing
Unlike wind instrument which only come in one size, string instruments have the wonderful advantage of being available in fractional sizes for all four instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass)! This means that everyone, regardless of their size, can play any of the four string instruments within the orchestra. It is, however, very important that your student gets sized properly for the correct size of instrument. Incorrectly sized instruments can have negative impacts on a student's technique, can potentially cause physical injury/stress, and in many cases is simply unplayable by the student.
Unlike wind instrument which only come in one size, string instruments have the wonderful advantage of being available in fractional sizes for all four instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass)! This means that everyone, regardless of their size, can play any of the four string instruments within the orchestra. It is, however, very important that your student gets sized properly for the correct size of instrument. Incorrectly sized instruments can have negative impacts on a student's technique, can potentially cause physical injury/stress, and in many cases is simply unplayable by the student.
Your student will most likely NOT be large enough to play on a full size instrument, regardless of the instrument selected.
String instrument sizes are categorized the following way:
String instrument sizes are categorized the following way:
Violin/Cello/Bass:
Fractional sizes (1/4, 1/2, 3/4, etc.)
Viola:
Inches (12", 13", 14", etc.)
Below are the sizing procedures for each rental/purchase option.
Below are the sizing procedures for each rental/purchase option.
Rental through a local music vendor:
Rental through a local music vendor:
These stores are staffed with string specialists that should be able to size your student appropriately at the store.
Rental through an online vendor:
Rental through an online vendor:
Many online vendors offer sizing suggestions based on your student's height and arm length. While this sizing method can work, we recommend you check with your director first to ensure that you are ordering the correct size.
Rental through the district:
Rental through the district:
Your student's director will size your student before issuing them an instrument.
Purchasing an instrument:
Purchasing an instrument:
If purchasing an instrument from a music store:
The on staff specialists should be able to size your student correctly. If they do not have a string specialist or you are unsure about sizing, contact your director for guidance.
If purchasing an instrument online or through a private sale:
We HIGHLY recommend that you consult with your director before making any purchases online or through private sale. This will ensure that your student is receiving an instrument that is of quality and that is the correct size.
*Please note:*
When purchasing an instrument, it is important to consider that most students will continue to grow; as your student grows, they may need to get a new instrument in the next size up. For some students, it could take years before requiring the next size, for others, it could be only a matter of months. Depending on the quality of the instrument and where you got it from, you may have the option of selling or completing a trade-in with local music retailers if you do not want to keep the old instrument or pass it on privately through sale or donation.
Instrument Quality (when purchasing)
Instrument Quality (when purchasing)
In addition to a properly sized instrument, you will want to make sure that your student is playing on an instrument that is of good quality. Cheap instruments that are poorly constructed are often difficult, if not impossible to play. Your student will be learning many new skills, both mental and physical, and having an instrument that is difficult to play can cause added frustrations that may make them feel incapable of learning, which may lead them to want to quit. Good quality instruments are determined by a number of factors and the cost for good quality instruments varies widely. The good news, however, is that you CAN get a quality instrument at a reasonably affordable price, so long as you know what to look for. Listed below are some things to consider and options we advise you to avoid:
In addition to a properly sized instrument, you will want to make sure that your student is playing on an instrument that is of good quality. Cheap instruments that are poorly constructed are often difficult, if not impossible to play. Your student will be learning many new skills, both mental and physical, and having an instrument that is difficult to play can cause added frustrations that may make them feel incapable of learning, which may lead them to want to quit. Good quality instruments are determined by a number of factors and the cost for good quality instruments varies widely. The good news, however, is that you CAN get a quality instrument at a reasonably affordable price, so long as you know what to look for. Listed below are some things to consider and options we advise you to avoid:
First off, we HIGHLY recommend that you discuss purchasing an instrument with your director before you officially make a purchase. Your student's director has the knowledge and experience with string instruments to help you make wise and informed purchase decisions that may save you money by preventing potentially costly purchase mistakes.
V.S.O. (Violin Shaped Objects)
V.S.O. (Violin Shaped Objects)
V.S.O.s or Violin Shaped Objects, is the general term used by string teachers to describe "instruments" that have the violin shape (violin, viola, cello, or bass) and to the untrained eye appear to be a perfectly acceptable instrument, but are in fact generally unplayable. These "instruments" should NOT be purchased.
Any reputable music retailer will not carry these. V.S.O.s are typically sold online on sites such as amazon and sometimes even at superstores such as Walmart, Target, Costco, etc.
V.S.O.s often come in "too good to be true" package deals at unrealistically low prices that include all the accessories your student needs such as a bow, case, rosin, shoulder rest, end pin, etc.
As mentioned above, these instruments are generally unplayable to a degree that even your student's director would not be able to make a good sound on the "instrument." If your student's director is unable to play the instrument, there is no way that your student will be able to!
Often times, in order to make these instruments playable, the hand of a skilled luthier is required and the cost to make all of the necessary adjustments exceeds the cost of simply purchasing a quality instrument from the beginning.
AVOID "DEALS" LIKE THIS WHEN PURCHASING ONLINE
Here is just one example of many of a V.S.O. sold on amazon. $79.99 seems like an excellent deal for the whole package, right? Well, it would be if the instrument and bow were of good quality. However, $79.99 would be too low of a price to expect good quality for just the instrument itself, let alone everything else that is included.
Quality instruments and "outfits" that include accessories can be purchased online at a reasonable price, but typically only through reputable online retailers. Consult with your director if you plan to purchase online to receive a recommendation.
Private Sale
Private Sale
Consult with your student's director if you are planning to purchase through a private sale. Generally, if the seller is knowledgeable, then they will provide you with a fair price. Occasionally, sellers may not realize what they have and may overestimate the value of their instrument and try to charge you too much simply because they do not know any better. Your student's director will likely be able to tell you if it is a quality instrument or not.
Please note: We may recommend you ask the seller to accompany you to a local music retailer that can professionally assess the value and quality of the instrument.
Beware of V.S.O.s when purchasing privately as well!
The Bass
The Bass
Let's have a brief word about the bass...
Let's have a brief word about the bass...
While we don't discourage the selection of any instrument, the following considerations must be made when selecting the bass:
While we don't discourage the selection of any instrument, the following considerations must be made when selecting the bass:
As an ICCSD policy, students are not allowed to bring items that take up extra seat or isle space on to the bus. This means that basses are prohibited from being transported to and from school on district buses.
To make transportation easier, orchestra directors try to have basses at school for your student to use during lessons. However, directors cannot guarantee this to be the case and the instrument that is available may not be the appropriate size for your student.
Basses are the largest instrument in the orchestra and therefore take up the most room. Please make sure that you have room in your home to safely store the bass when not in use so that it does not suffer any accidental damage.
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