Instrument and Equipment needed for Orchestra
In dealing with a string instrument, it is necessary to understand that proper playing adjustment of the instrument is just as important as the instrument. The following brands of string instruments in good adjustment are recommended for the beginning string music student:
Violin and Viola
Glaesel
Scherl and Roth
Knilling
Kohr
Pfretchner
Andrew Schroetter
Cello and Bass
All of the above plus
Peter Horn
Musical Instrument Manufacturing, Inc.
We encourage parents to avoid the temptation to buy a cheap internet instrument, commonly known as a VSO (violin-shaped object). These instruments LOOK like violins, etc. but most are virtually unplayable to due innumerable structural and set-up problems. Many well-meaning parents bring their VSOs to violin shops and are disappointed to find out that the repairs needed to make their instrument playable far exceed both the price they paid for the instruments and the price of a properly made and set up instrument. To avoid wasting your money on a VSO (violin-shaped object), please do not rent/purchase other brands (Cecilio, Mendini, etc.) without approval of one of the orchestra teachers!
String instruments come in various sizes. If you plan to rent a violin, viola, cello, or bass, it would be advisable to find a store with a long-term rental plan. It is important to have a plan in which all rental monies apply to the eventual purchase of a full-size instrument of your choice. Another factor in selecting a store is the availability of prompt maintenance by a qualified repairman.
Each string instrument rental outfit should include:
* Instrument with 4 fine tuners that work and strings of "Super-Sensitive" quality or better
* Bow with horsehair
* Rosin
* Case in good condition
* Cleaning cloth
* Violin and Viola outfits-- Contoured foam pad, Kuhn shoulder rest or equivalent
* Cello and Bass -- rock stop (end pin rest)
* Music stand - additional, but necessary for practicing with proper posture!
ALL INSTRUMENTS MUST BE BROWN (WOOD FINISH) NO OTHER COLORS (WHITE, BLUE, ETC.) ARE ALLOWED!