Violin Basics

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Violin Case

Plywood & Wood Laminate Cases - Very strong, but not as light as composite. If you plan to run over your case with your car, or to drop it off the...

Guide to Violin E Strings

Your choice of E string will affect the tone quality of your entire instrument, across all four strings.  And, although there is a dizzying array of E string choices, there...

Ball vs Loop End Strings

There is a great deal of confusion around how we attach strings to the violin's tailpiece.  For most G, D, and A strings, manufacturers attach a little brass "ball" to the...

Accessories for Beginners

In addition to the violin, bow, and case, that typically come with a student violin rental, there are a few things you'll need to get started . . .

Student Sizing

There is no standard system of measurement for student violins. The appropriate size will depend not just on arm length, but also on finger length and thickness, the instrument's setup,...

Buying Your First Violin

Many of the violins sold cheaply online are not playable and are jokingly referred to by professionals as violin-shaped objects or VSOs. The following is a minimum list of required characteristics that any...