Like I explained in my about page, I bought a violin for $80.00 and have been using it since May. Sam Ash had a special for a Benjamin Adams VN75 beginner 4/4 violin that came with case, bow, and rosin. And to top it all off, I got a 10 dollar coupon in the mail that I was able to apply to the purchase – big score!
Benjamin Adams VN75 Benginner’s Violin Outfit (4/4 Size)
Since then I have made several modifications to the violin to improve sound and comfort. I’m pretty sure I have invested a lot more than I anticipated. I don’t mind though – upgrading and modifying my outfit has been a joy. Here’s is a brief summary of what has changed since I laid eyes on my cheap violin.
Shoulder rest – $21.99 / 2nd shoulder rest – $26.80
Yes, I went through two shoulder rests – the first time I ordered the Fiddlerman shoulder rest from Amazon. Although it was a very good rest, eventually I realized that I needed something that would provide a better fit. So after 4 months of using the Fiddlerman rest, I finally decided to pay my first visit to my nearest violin shop (Benning Violins). There, they let me try different shoulder rest until I found one that fit just right – which is the Mach One MB shoulder rest. My advice to all beginning violin self-teachers – visit your violin shop for this type of purchase so that you make the right decision the first time.
Peg Drops – $11.00
Out of the box, the violin tuned nicely and the rosin worked well. Unfortunately I came across a problem that may be common for brand new beginner violins. The strings kept unraveling and de-tuning. The pegs were brand new and slippery. So I got myself a bottle of Peg liquid compound drops and it temporarily solved the problem.
Violin Finger Guide – $1.90
My handy dandy training wheels! I love my finger guide – although it isn’t absolutely accurate, it still gives me an indication of where I should place my fingers for each note. It’s been 5 months and I still use my guide on my finger board. I suspect it will be hard to let go of my “training wheels” – but I will…eventually. Violin Fiddle Finger Guide Fingerboard Sticker Label
Tail Piece Fastener – $4.99
After having no more slippery peg trouble for a while, suddenly I heard a click while I was practicing. The click was immediately followed by a undertaking of un-tuned strings. At first I blamed the pegs, but every time I attempted to tune my violin, another click would happen and all my strings would detune at the same time. After getting over my frustration (nothing frustrates me more than anything that interferes with my violin practice), I realized that the click was coming from the tailpiece. So I took apart the tailpiece to check what was going on inside and found that the threads of the tailpiece fastener were stripped. I rushed to my local music store to get a replacement. The violin was as good as new and I was able to continue playing. I found that Amazon offers a set of 5 for less than what I paid for: Tail Piece fasteners
New set of strings – 16.99
I wanted a better sound and it just made sense to try a new set of Addario Prelude Violin Strings. Yes, it made a huge difference in sound.
Chin Rest – $5.99
In the effort to improve sound, I decided to get a smaller chin rest (Carlo Robelli Chinrest). This type of chin rest is more comfortable as well.
New bow – $41.19 / Second bow – $65.00
Another upgrade I decided to try in order to improve the sound of the violin. Again, I received another $10 coupon from Sam Ash and decided to use it for a bow upgrade. At the store, they only had the Glasser Violin Bow available – so I decided to give it a try. Yes, there was an improvement in sound and the bow was easier to work with than the original stock bow. I also favored the black color. The cons for me were a greater tendency to shaking on a long note and loose horse hairs even if the bow was tightened. Also, when the bow was tightened to a proper playing tension, the stick would loose it’s curve. But I was willing to overlook those issues. The day I visited my local violin shop for the first time, they were so helpful with all the questions I had about my bow – they even adjusted the loose hairs. Best of all, they allowed me to compare a range of their violin bows from a 5,000 dollar one to a 65 dollar one. You could only image how much fun I had comparing these bows on my cheap violin. I was literally a kid in a candy shop. I ended up purchasing the 65.00 bow which is an Artino Select Series Carbon Graphite Violin Bow. I’m so in love with this bow. It’s so elegant and produces a nice sound without tremble. Again, if you’re a self teaching beginner looking to upgrade your bow, go to your local violin shop! That’s what I should have done the first time around and it would have saved me a total of 64 bucks (bow and shoulder rest price). In any case my Glasser bow now serves as a back up.
In conclusion, I know I invested close to 200 dollars into my cheap violin, but it was absolutely worth it. The higher priced items like the bow and shoulder rest are investments that will be passed onto an upgraded violin. I am proud of my little violin and feel that it represents me at this time. My goal is – make this violin sound beautiful – and if I can play beautifully on this violin, then my playing will sound awesome on a higher quality violin. When that happens – I’ll be ready for a new outfit.
