Past threads like this one, as well as general dissatisfaction with my own violin (as well as having a bit of money saved up) have convinced me that I should get a new violin.
I found an instrument shop downtown with an amazingly trusting owner. So far he’s let me borrow $5k in violins and bows without any kind of deposit. He also seems to have a good ear for the fine distinctions between instruments and bows.
So, string players (Jpeg Jones, where are you?): I have two violins to return Saturday and I want to give them & myself a good test before then. One is a Parisienne, not sure how old, and one is (I think) Italian from the 1950’s. What are some things I should do, play, listen for, etc. so I don’t feel like I’m wasting our time? What if I can’t tell the difference?
Choosing the right violin can be very difficult. There are so many factors to remember when you’re trying out instruments.
The strings that are on the instrument may not be the best type for that instrument, or they could be old. The bow you’re using to test may not be well-matched to the instrument. The instrument might direct all its sound away from your face, so your idea of its timbre might be skewed from reality. It might need some tuneup work. The bridge might be too high or too low. I could go on and on…
All these things could give you a false impression of the instrument. I would say the best thing to do is to play in front of a trusted friend who has a good ear and let them give you their impressions as an audience. Then balance this with how it makes you feel to play that instrument. Listen for how each note makes the wood respond. Make sure you’re aware of where the “dead” spots are. Evaluate your preference for bright or dark.
As an example, when I’m playing my viola, it sounds to my ears way too bright and I’m always trying to coax a deeper sound out of it. But when I listen to a recording of myself, it’s a lot better. My wife agrees, too. So I’m sticking with it.
It may sound crass, but you can pretty much expect to get what you pay for, roughly speaking. Once you’re into the mid four-digits, you’re probably looking at a respectable quality instrument with a fair bit of personality. Depending on your level, this might be all you need for years to come. Be prepared to start developing the “grass is greener” mentality pretty quickly, though. I’ve never known anyone of modest means to be completely satisfied with their instrument.