Does my child need a new violin?
This article outlines the main things to consider when your child needs a new violin.
There are two main reasons a parent will be looking for a new violin for their child:
- The child has outgrown the instrument, physically speaking
- The child has outgrown the instrument, musically speaking
(The third possibility is that the instrument has been damaged and needs to be replaced. Hopefully you aren’t in that position!)
Your choice of new instrument will depend on the size of violin needed and your child’s experience in playing the violin:
- A child who is playing at a high level will need a higher quality instrument than a child who is less advanced
- If it’s time for a bigger instrument (e.g. 3/4) better to choose a higher quality violin than if you need a smaller (e.g. 1/8) size
Fractional sizes (up to ¾)
Let’s say your child is moving up from a ½ size to a ¾ size violin. Should you buy the same model in the bigger size?
If you are really happy with the model your child is playing, then when moving between small fractional sizes it will probably be fine to buy the same model. But when moving past a ¼ size and especially after ½, for each new size I’d probably want move up a grade in terms of quality.
Even when your child is ready for a bigger size, there are occasions where you may want to wait before moving: the teacher may want to hold back on changing for a few months while they consolidate bow technique; or if your child is growing very quickly, some parents will wait, then skip a size, e.g. going straight from ½ to 7/8 or full size.
Keep in mind also that your child will need some time to get used to a new violin, so it’s best to allow at least a few weeks with the new violin before your child has to play in an important exam or concert.
In changing sizes, it’s best to check with your child’s teacher before upgrading so you can plan together.
Buying your child’s first full-size violin
When moving to a full-size violin or when buying for the first time after renting, I almost certainly would opt for a higher quality instrument, even if you are currently happy with the violin your child is playing. This is because a full-size violin may be used by the same child for several years, but your child’s needs will change before that time has passed.
When you are shopping for a full-size violin, keep in mind the level of instrument your child will need in 2 -3 years, and not the level they are at today. Your child will benefit from having space to grow (musically) into the instrument and buying a good violin now will also save you money over time.
When buying a full-size violin, I would strongly advise seeking out expert advice. Some teachers are knowledgeable on the subject of violin dealing but many aren’t. No matter who asks me, I always advise to buy the very best violin in your price range, then you know you’ll have a great value instrument that your child can enjoy hopefully for several years.