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How do I get my instrument?
How do I get my instrument?
Instruments can either be rented or purchased. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. The saying goes that a performance equals 80% performer and 20% instrument. Even so, an instrument that is well made will sound better, stay in tune more easily, and generally, be easier to play on. Cheap instruments work well for students who are just getting their feet wet and aren’t sure how long they’ll be playing. If you truly love music and are pretty sure you’ll be playing for a few years, you’ll want to invest in an instrument that you’ll love playing on. The good news is that instruments (as long as they’re taken care of) usually hold their value and a nice used instrument can often be just as good as a new one.
What do I need to know before I go shopping?
What do I need to know before I go shopping?
An instrument outfit - usually includes the instrument, a bow, a case, and rosin. For beginning students, it’s best to look for an outfit that already has all the things.
4/4 size - For violins, violas, and cellos, 4/4 is a full size instrument. High schoolers should be playing on a 4/4 (full) size instrument. Upright basses - you’ll need a 3/4 size bass.
Shoulder rest - violinists and violists, you’ll need this! Kun is my favorite brand or Everest is another brand that works well. A shoulder rest is a piece of equipment that you slip on the back of your instrument so that you can easily hold your instrument high enough on your shoulder.
Rock stop or endpin anchor - cellists and bassists, you’ll need this! This is something you put on the floor so your end pin doesn’t slide around when you’re playing. For cellists, my favorite type is the endpin anchor that attaches to your chair. For basses, the rock stop works great.
Rosin - everyone needs this. Rosin comes in a block or circle and is made from tree sap and turns into a sticky, white powder when rubbed onto the bow’s horsehair. This creates friction (which creates the sound) when the bow is drawn across the strings. Either light or dark rosin is perfectly fine violins, violas, and cellos. Basses - you’ll need bass rosin. If you’re purchasing an instrument outfit, you’ll most likely receive rosin with your instrument.
Electric instruments - you do NOT need this! Electric instruments are super cool, but we won’t be using electric instruments in beginning orchestra class.
Recommendations
Recommendations
Renting
Renting
Davidson Violins: https://davidsonviolins.com/
102A S Main St. Davidson, NC
Pro: They’re a local string instrument shop
Pro: They can quickly fix anything that breaks (they have a luthier on staff who fixes instruments)
Pro: They’ll take care of you as a customer
Pro: They generally have good quality instruments
Davidson Violin Rental Flyer and Info
Music & Arts: https://www.musicarts.com/
9931 Rose Commons Dr. Suite B, Huntersville, NC
Pro: They’re a local music shop
Pro: They’ll take care of you as a customer
Pro: They generally have good quality instruments
Shar Music: https://www.sharmusic.com/
Pro: They are completely online and can ship to your door
Pro: They generally have good quality instruments
Pro: They’re great with customer service
Pro: Most economic option
Purchasing
Purchasing
Davidson Violins: https://davidsonviolins.com/
102A S Main St. Davidson, NC
Pro: They’re a local string instrument shop
Pro: They can quickly fix anything that breaks (they have a luthier on staff who fixes instruments)
Pro: They’ll take care of you as a customer
Pro: They generally have good quality instruments
Music & Arts: https://www.musicarts.com/
9931 Rose Commons Dr. Suite B, Huntersville, NC
Pro: They’re a local music shop
Pro: They’ll take care of you as a customer
Pro: They generally have good quality instruments
Shar Music: https://www.sharmusic.com/
Pro: They are completely online and can ship to your door
Pro: They generally have good quality instruments
Pro: They’re great with customer service
Pro: They have a lot of selection and different price point options available
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/
Pro: Cost effective
Con: They don’t sell great quality instruments and I only recommend it if you're just getting your feet wet and not sure how long you’ll play.
***Cecilio and Mendini are the most common Amazon brands
***Absolutely NO colored instruments allowed. They look cool, but sound awful!
Renting/purchasing options for basses
Renting/purchasing options for basses
I’d recommend renting a bass for the first year. Because of their size, basses are much more expensive than the other instruments. Here are a few options:
The Bass Violin Shop: https://www.bassviolinshop.com/
523 N. Cedar St. Greensboro, NC
Pro: this shop specializes in basses. They are the best bass shop in the Southeast.
Pro: they have awesome customer service and will help you with anything you need
Pro: they have good quality instruments
Con: they’re located in Greensboro, NC
Davidson Violins: https://davidsonviolins.com/
102A S Main St. Davidson, NC
Pro: They’re a local string instrument shop
Pro: They can quickly fix anything that breaks (they have a luthier on staff who fixes instruments)
Pro: They’ll take care of you as a customer
Pro: They generally have good quality instruments
Shar Music: https://www.sharmusic.com/
Pro: They are completely online and can ship to your door
Pro: They generally have good quality instruments
Pro: They’re great with customer service
Con: They don’t have bass rentals
Con: You may have to get help “setting up” and tuning your bass a bit after it gets mailed to you.
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