violin for 6 yr old

wosters

So far I have rented mine from the Local Authority but now I am considering buying one as my daughter needs a 3/4 one - someone has a Hans Joseph Hauer one at school - are they a reasonable make for someone who is doing Grade 2.

franwise

I know this thread was posted a couple months ago but since this came up in the weekly email I thought I'd share some expertise on the matter.

As a violinist and someone who used to work in a music shop including selling and repairing instruments, I can whole heartedly say they are the way forward. I know this is bucking the online trend for many MoneySavers, but I lost count of the amount of internet buys that were brought into the shop and subsequently deemed beyond repair. This is true for nearly all instruments I would say, especially beginner ones, unless you really know what you are doing. It's like buying a second hand car that doesn't have an MOT; you are taking the risk that the repairs to make it roadworthy are likely to cost more than the value of the car. Don't do it; it will only cost you more. Renting and buy back schemes as others have suggested are the way forward; through local music shops directly or through schools or local music centres.

And others on here are absolutely correct to start off with a basic instrument (such as Primavera or Stentor).However, you are only delaying the inevitable, as especially with the violin, you get what you pay for. (price and quality are exponetially related) Violins range from £50 to over £1 million! And often for a relatively small increase in money you get a significant increase in quality. Correct set up and better quality strings as someone suggested will make some improvement but this is negligible compared with upgrading the instrument (it is silly to spend the same amount on strings as the instrument). Some basic violins are not made to accommodate higher quality strings such as Dominants as they are too thick. I'd say after the first instrument, if your child is keen and is regularly practicing, then I'd consider upgrading to a violin such as the Schroetter (around £350) as the difference in quality is dramatic. beyond grade 3 you really need an instrument of minimum this calibre.

Unfortunately; musical instruments and lessons are expensive, and violin one of the most (don't be sucked in by the cheap starter
violins). Woodwind instruments start off more expensive (around £150 for a beginner flute or clarinet) but don't sky rocket nearly as much as the violin or cello. Guitars are a much cheaper option in the long run. Brass similarly with woodwind.

Lastly; as for size as someone mentioned for the violin you absolutely need to be measured for the correct size. This is fairly straightforward; place the instrument on the child's left shoulder and their hand should reach comfortably around the scroll (the end of the violin) with their arm outstretched. If it is too easy and there is too much bend in the arm then it is too small.

I hope this is of some use.