"I found a violin on Walmart's website. Is it a good one?"
In a word, NO!
Most violins look beautiful. But many are made very cheaply and have a terrible tone when played even by someone who plays well. These violins won't stay in tune, may have warped or cheap parts that break, and many other issues which make learning to play them difficult or impossible.
These, despite looking nice, are simply Violin-Shaped Objects (VSO) and shouldn't even be allowed to be sold!
Please don't waste your time and money on one. I've included a list below of several reputable places to purchase and brands to look for.
What size will you need?
GET MEASURED! Violins come in different sizes and students need to be measured at a qualified music store or violin teacher to find out for certain which size violin is needed. Adults typically use a 4/4 (full size) unless they are very small or have fairly short arms, in which case they might use a 3/4 size. Children sizes range from 3/4 down to a tiny little 1/16. (There are actually 3 sizes below this for children ages 3 and under!) Don't guess or go simply by charts online. Actually holding various sizes of violins to be measured is the best, most accurate way. I'll say it again....GET MEASURED!
What does a beginner violin cost?
A decent violin outfit (violin, bow, case) begins at about $300
If you pay less than that for a new violin outfit, you're probably going to end up with a piece of junk. If you are buying used and it is one of the brands listed below, you might find it cheaper. Be aware that with used violins repairs or adjustments may need to be made, strings will need to be replaced, and the bow might be worn out. So the savings can get eaten up in repairs.
Where can you find a violin?
My students are responsible for supplying their own violin. Renting is an option, as well a buying.
Listed here are some beginner violins I recommend.
My favorites:
From Kennedy Violins (renting or buying):
(These have a beautiful, warm, mellow tone and high quality items in the outfit as well.)
Ricard Bunnel G1 (G1 and G2 refers to the grade of wood used, thus the G1 is a slightly better model.)
Louis Carpini (a wonderful one if you're able to spend a little more.)
Be sure to check out their Clearance Violins! They often have deals on these brands I've listed.
My second favorites:
From Fiddlershop (no rental option)
These have a beautiful sound and nice items in the outfit.
Other choices:
Shar online rents and sells an excellent, affordable student violin called Franz Hoffman. It is well made and has a good tone for a beginner instrument. These range in quality and price from the Amadeus, Prelude, Danube, Concert, Vienna, and Maestro. The chinrests that are used on these are uncomfortable for many students and require a chinrest cushion or cover to fix that issue.
Andy's Music in Mobile also sells and rents a decent beginner one called the Sebastian. It is a little on the loud side, so not my personal favorite, but is a well-made and setup student violin.
MusicArts in Hattiesburg, MS rents violins as well.
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with any questions you have!