Buying Used Violins
The good news is when buying a new violin is that a second hand violin doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a second class instrument. Second hand violins are actually more valuable in some cases as a violins tone and quality of sound increases with age.
Where should you start when buying a used violin?
The first point you have to decide on when buying a used violin is how much you want to spend.
What is your budget?
Set a price and give it limits. A lower limit is not essential but I’d recommend you have an upper limit in mind when you start looking.
What is your standard of playing?
Before buying a violin you should consider how ‘good’ a violin you need for your standard of playing. If you have just started lessons and are pre grade one then you don’t need to spend thousands of pounds on a top quality violin just because it is the best. For a beginner it is best to get a cheap violin, that way you won’t be scared to try the violin out, you can be a bit rough with it safe in the knowledge that if it breaks it won’t be thousands of pounds wasted. I’m not suggesting you go out and start bashing your cheap violin against a brick wall. No, what I mean by ‘be a bit rough’ is that you can handle the violin without being scared of breaking it because of its hefty price tag.
Also when buying a new violin it is a good idea to speak to your violin tutor and get their opinion. They may even come with you to view potential new violins.
Where to buy a used violin?
When it comes to used violins the best ones you will find will comes from violin dealers. Many of these dealers are also luthiers who buy broken or tarnished violins and fix them so they come up to scratch.
Used violins can also be bought in music shops, it is best to go to a specialist string shop for this as most general music shops will usually stock new violins. In a specialist string shop they will be able to advise you on which violin will be best for you and which one to buy. Many string shops also let you have loan of the violin for a week or more so you can practise on it and compare it with other violins.
A few ending points:
It may seem like common sense but when looking at used violins to buy make sure you check:
- Is the violin set up properly?
- Is the violin the right size?
- Are the strings right? Are they in the right order?
- Does the violin come with a bow?