Characteristics of a Good Quality Instrument
Pegs of good quality - custom fit
Bridge is custom fit from high quality maple (correct shape, height, thickness; feet that are correct thickness, fit flush to the top of the instrument)
Fingerboard made of well-seasoned ebony conforming to accepted standards of thickness, arch, and scoop
Nut made of ebony. Correct height strings and string spacing.
Tailpiece made of ebony, rosewood, or boxwood.
Built-in fine tuners.
Comes with horsehair bow, unbleached and undyed hair.
Set-up and adjusted for local climate by a luthier who specializes in string instruments.
Excellent Brands include...
Knilling, Klaus Mueller, Scherl & Roth, Lewis, Glaesel, Antonio Strad, Eastman, Hoffmann, Becker, and other German brands, are a few companies that make quality products for orchestra. Most orchestra students rent or buy instruments from music stores. In general, we prefer that you support local businesses and shop locally rather than on the Internet. Not only will you help our neighbors stay in business, but also you will receive much better customer service.
Here are some violin shops in and around Los Angeles:
J. Brown Violin Maker - Appointment recommended
Phone: (909) 624 - 0849
Address: 232 N Indian Hill Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711
Bertrand's Music - 2 locations
Pasadena
(626) 793-4730
145 Vista Ave., Pasadena, CA 91107
La Puente
(626) 917-9300
1217 N Hacienda Blvd., La Puente, CA 91744
Thomas Metzler Violin Shop
(818) 246-0278
604 South Central Ave., Glendale, CA 91204
Los Angeles Violin Shop
(213) 471- 2124
3350 Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019
Hans Weisshaar, Violin Makers, Restorers and Dealers - By appointment only
(323) 466-6293
936 Huntington Dr UNIT E, San Marino, CA 91108)
Beware the ISO: These are the cheap instrument shaped objects (“ISO”) found on eBay and other internet sources as well as large chain stores. Although I will refrain from mentioning specific stores, keep in mind that if you can also buy bananas, jeans, or tires from the store, then it is not a music store, and it will not have musically knowledgeable personnel. These stores often do not have repair people on site, and they will not back up the poor quality of the instrument. You get what you pay for. If it’s inexpensive, it’s most-likely bad quality. A bad instrument may be harder to play, will likely produce a non-standard instrument sound, will not blend well in the orchestra, will be impossible to repair correctly, and will almost always frustrate the student to the point of eventually quitting. They rarely stay in tune! Many repair people refuse to work on these instruments, because they cannot guarantee the results. ISOs are often made and/or sold in China (not Taiwan) and India. A good quality student instrument made by a respected manufacturer will last throughout middle school and probably high school orchestra, and it will have a better resale value.
You wouldn't ask your child to play soccer in flip-flops or shoes 2 sizes too big or too small because it might cause extra injury and is a disadvantage. So, please be sure that you are getting the right size instrument and one of respectable quality because playing on a poorly fitting, or poorly made instrument can cause strain and injury as well.
Articles:
Good advice about buying versus renting: https://www.kennedyviolins.com/how-to-buy-a-violin/
What "brand" of violin should I buy?: https://www.violinist.com/blog/laurie/20199/27918/?fbclid=IwAR3WnRBq80D11-nIphWERXjzcBH42D8-tHq9mj05uXD_f7jLY65d2LiMDJo
Common Myths and Misconceptions (written for violin, but also has information that applies to viola, cello and bass): https://reverb.com/news/how-to-buy-a-violin-common-myths-and-misperceptions