Student Instruments - Don't go for price alone

Varnesh

Hello

It is quite common at this time of year for students to be taking up instruments to learn at school. Musical instruments aren't hugely expensive these days at the student level, and internet retailing and the competition it brings means prices are the lowest they've been for many years.

One thing to look out for though is the set up of the instrument. Stentor violins for example, are the world's most popular student instruments and are cheap too (£50 for a standard, £65 for a student 1 for example).

It is worth however, checking that the company selling online sets up the instrument first (particularly with violins). Cheap Chinese violins may need work done on the peg holes and bridge, amongst other things. There is nothing more frustrating for a child (and their continued interest in learning) than not being able to get a good sound out of their instrument.

So check whether 'set-up' is in the title or description and don't be afraid to call the company first to see what they do before sending the instrument out. If you don't, and you buy your violin from a 'box shifter', you could either waste your money with a child who gives up quickly, or end up having to take it to a local violin dealer to be set up (which is usually quite expensive for workshop time).