Choosing the right instrument is very important to guarantee success. Select an instrument that interests you and that has an appealing sound. Having a vested interest in mastering something you like is half the battle.

Size matters
Make sure it’s the right size! Although full size violins are generally of a specific size and length, smaller versions of these instruments have been created to help younger or smaller players correctly play the instrument. It’s very important to have the right size for the best playing experience. Knowledgeable staff at Summerhays Music Center can help you find the right instrument for you. Violas, Cellos, and Basses are also available in a variety of different sizes.

Is it for you?
Physical attributes are also of key importance when choosing the right instrument. Someone with small, skinny fingers may be successful at the violin, but would find a bass or cello rather difficult; while someone with larger fingers may not be able to play a violin or viola. Likewise, a taller person with longer arms may be better suited for a string bass.

How hard can it really be?
Unlike many other instruments, the fingerboard of a string instrument does not have frets or keys to help find the correct note. This is done through tactile memory and careful listening. Those choosing to play a string instrument should realize that they have chosen a difficult, but very rewarding instrument.

Good Quality Instruments
The best way to ensure success for your student is to choose an instrument that comes from a reputable and reliable source. Some important questions to ask are:

• Who will back up or warranty my instrument?
• Does the store/company have an established repair shop to set up and maintain my instrument?
• Does the instrument conform to the teacher’s specifications or standards?
• National guidelines for instruments can be obtained from MENC, is it set up to meet their standards?

Asking yourself some of these questions, and getting answers to them from the manufacturer or seller will help guarantee a good quality instrument and a successful experience.

Poor Quality Instruments
Consumers today are faced with a large spectrum of choices for instrument purchase.

Many internet companies and retail establishments offer instruments with the promise of unbeatable prices. These instruments are often inexpensively made and purchased from factories in China, Korea, or Sri Lanka. Most are poorly set up and made from materials not commonly accepted by violin makers worldwide. Woods that are too green, improperly cured, and glued together with nonreversible glues lead to cracks, warping, and the inability to play the instrument.

What may be appealing at first glance quickly becomes a hindrance to a student with a strong desire to succeed. Students who are struggling to learn a new instrument will often give up or blame themselves when the instrument itself may be to blame.

Wittner Tailpieces

A Wittner tailpiece is designed with the fine tuners built into the body of the tailpiece. Unlike traditional fine-tuners, which simply sit on the string, fine tuners in a Wittner tailpiece enable the student to tune the instrument without major adjustments to the pegs. Teachers love them because the kids learn to tune their own instrument more quickly and fine adjustments are so much easier. Since the string fits comfortably into the tailpiece, there is no damage done to the winding of the string, as is sometimes the case with fine tuners that fit onto the string itself. Thus, expensive strings last longer –which saves you money in the long run. And because there is less hardware involved, there is less chance for one of those annoying “buzzes” that come from a traditional style fine-tuner. The tailpiece is precisely designed and manufactured in Germany using the highest quality light metal alloy. Try it, you and your teacher will love it.

Our Professional Strings Department at Summerhays Music has all the knowledge and experience you need when deciding on which instrument is right for you. Stop by any time and they will be happy to assist you!