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Many instruments
purchased from the web and other sources do not satisfy the needs of beginning
string players. They might look
nice, but they are often of insufficient quality to provide the function of
a good instrument. We offer the
following information to help you remedy this problem:
Beginner’s Needs
Beginners, more than any other
players, need three things from their instruments:
1. Easy tuning. The
instrument must be easy to tune, and should stay in tune. The tuning pegs and tuning machines must
turn easily and not slip. Badly
fitting pegs are frustrating!
2. Easy playing. String
heights and other adjustments should meet all specifications used on
professional instruments. A beginner
is unlikely to continue if they must fight their instrument.
3. Good sound. This
encourages students to continue developing their skills. Poor sound just makes them want to quit.
Common Problems
Materials—Poor instruments are made from
inferior materials. Instrument wood and parts are
available in a huge range of prices, from a few dollars to more than $800
for materials to make one violin. Expensive wood is obviously a luxury, but
it is worth looking for real black ebony fingerboard and pegs, a
straight-grained spruce top, and nicely flamed maple for the back, sides,
and neck. Similarly, it is important to get name-brand strings (Dominant or
Tonica are good brands) despite the increased cost. Bridges should be
stamped with the name of a respected French company, preferably “Aubert” or
“Despiau.” German “Wittner”
tailpieces are preferred to Chinese copies because the adjusting screws turn
more easily.
Craftsmanship--Low-quality instruments are made
rapidly by poorly skilled workers using power tools on an assembly line.
Often there are gaps between parts that can later lead to structural
failures. Varnishing is done by spray-painting.
In contrast, good instruments
are made by experienced makers, and high-quality work requires extensive
training, fine hand tools, diligent effort, and considerable time. Parts
are painstakingly fitted to avoid gaps.
Applying varnish by hand is especially slow and difficult, but
worthwhile visually and acoustically. Consequently, properly made
instruments are slow to produce and have a higher cost. Labor represents most of the cost of the
instrument.
Setup—Adjustment of many parts
(especially strings, bridge, and soundpost) is critical for good sound and
playing properties. The bridge and soundpost must be good quality, properly
carved, and well positioned. Good setup requires careful adjustment by a
trained violin professional, rather than sales staff. Low-quality
instruments are essentially unadjusted and often arrive at your door with a
badly fitted bridge taped to the top and a soundpost rolling around inside
the body.
Solutions
1. Demand properly made and adjusted
instruments. Good signs are genuine ebony parts, inlaid purfling, flamed
maple, and name-brand strings and accessories. Setup should be to strict
specifications.
2. Only consider instruments that
can be played and evaluated by trusted players, teachers, and service
personnel prior to purchase.
3.
If you have problems with a web purchase, try to return it and
request a refund.
4.
It is better to discard or destroy inferior instruments, instead of
allowing them to discourage beginning players from lifetimes of
music-making.
5.
Look for shops offering a service guarantee that covers flaws in
materials and craftsmanship. If adjustments are needed, or problems
develop, the shop will do free repair or replacement.
6.
Look for shops offering a “trade-in” guarantee. This means that the
shop will accept your initial purchase from them as a future trade-in
towards items of higher quality so you can easily “upgrade” your equipment
as you become a better player. Note:
Very few shops offer this option.
All instruments sold at Kenmore Violins are properly made and adjusted, are
available for free trial, and have service guarantee and trade-in
guarantee.
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