Violin Buyers Guide

Violin Buyers Guide

The violin has been around for hundreds of years, originating in the 16th century, rising in popularity throughout the 19th century to now being taught daily to thousands of school children around the world. At Karacha we specialise in student violins supply schools, tutors and students throughout the country. Our most common question is, which size of violin do I need to buy? If you're buying for yourself and you're an average height adult then you will need a full size or 4/4 violin. If you are buying for a child please consult the chart below:

Measure your childs arm from shoulder to middle finger tip. Of course this is only a guide a teachers opinion is always best.

1/8 - 3 to 5 years old with an arm length of 17.1 to 17.5 inches.

1/4 - 4 to 7 Years old with an arm length of 17.6 to 20 inches.

1/2 - 6 to 10 years old with an arm length of 20 to 22 inches.

3/4 - 9 to 11 years old with an arm length of 22 to 23.5 inches.

4/4 (Full Size) - 9 years and above with an arm length of 23.5 and up. This is the size for all adults.

Can anyone play the violin?

Of course! Violin beginners come from all age groups, from 3 year old toddlers to retirees, many adults will make a start at learning basics from a book and online videos and children can receive good value tuition in school.

There are a few techniques you will need to get used to when learning. At first the beginner will feel awkward due to the stance and position you hold yourself. Not only is there the violin to hold but also how to hold the bow. It will take time to master this but it will come with practice.

Is it easy to play?

It is easy to make a sound with the violin but it is knowing where to put your fingers which will make the tune. Once you know the basics you will be on your way.

What comes with a violin?

The violin comes in a suitable case with a bow included. The bridge will be down and strings loosened. Rosin will also be provided. 

What else do I need? 

Most violins do not come with various accessories this means the customer can select them for themselves.

Recommended

Digital Violin turner – This helps you to tune the violin up to the correct pitch by either the turner playing the note or by picking up the sound of the string and telling you digitally whether the instrument is tuned to the correct pitch.

Violin Shoulder rest – The Shoulder Rest supports the violin on the shoulder.

Get both of the above in our Violin Starter Kit – Digital Violin Turner, Shoulder Rest, Violin Setup Guide, Violin Rosin x 2 , Spare Violin Strings, Violin Stand, Sheet Music Stand

Your violin will have been packed with the bridge loosened and the strings de-tensioned. 

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  Setting the Bridge into Position

   

  The bridge has four different sized grooves to accommodate the four different thicknesses of the strings.  G being the thickest to E being the thinnest.   If the bridge is uncut then first you will need to make the small grooves using a sharp bladed tool or knife.  The bridge will be slightly higher on one side.  This is where the G string will be positioned.

   

  

   

   

  Position the bridge in an upright position, feet touching the instrument.  The bridge should be placed directly between the centre of the F-holes.  There are notches cut into the centre of each F-hole to use as a guide.

   

  

   

   

  Now the bridge is in the correct position starting with the G string (thickest), place the strings into the relevant grooves on the bridge and carefully tighten each string by turning the appropriate tuning peg.  Do not over tighten.  The bridge should now be held up in an upright position. 

   

  Tuning Your Instrument

   

  Once the bridge is in the correct position you should now be able to tune your violin to concert pitch (A440Hz).  To help with this use a set of pitch pipes, piano, an electric tuner or tuning folk.  Tighten or loosen each string by using the tuning pegs or adjusters until correct pitch.

   

  Preparing the Bow

   

  The hair on the violin bow when used for playing should be taut.

   

  

   

   

  Turn the button on the heel of the bow to tighten the bow hair. As a rule, tighten the bow hair so there is a gap approximately the width of your little finger between the bow stick and the underside of the bow hair. (Do not over tighten or bow/bow hair could be damaged).

  Apply a sufficient amount of rosin to the bow hair by running the block of rosin along the length of the bow hair several times.  When playing the violin this creates friction between the bow and strings which in turn is transmitted through the bridge and amplified through the body of the violin.

   

  After playing we recommend the bow hair is slightly slackened to prolong the life of the bow.