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It should be noted that there are many different opinions about what constitutes a beginner instrument. For clarity, we explain that the beginner instruments here are what we have found are best suited to the new student in maximizing their chances of having a good experience in their first year or two of study.
Our violins, violas and cellos are not economy items that look like violin family instruments. Economy products of the ultra low priced variety range from mostly playable to exceptionally bad. We do not sell these violin look-a-likes because we are committed to player success and providing our customers with an excellent product for a decent price. We are already busy with look-a-likes that are brought to us for repairs. While many products in the modern world are now available for highly discounted prices, real violins, violas and cellos simply cannot be created for an ultra-low price for one reason: time and skilled hand work must be used. Factory made, machine-cut instruments cannot be made well enough to allow a person to learn and play well.
The Difference Is In the Details
If you are unsure of your child's long term commitment but you still want a nice instrument for them to explore, we recommend our outstanding rental program instruments, most of which are chosen from instruments listed on this page. These beginner instruments are easy to play, have a clear, quality sound and inspire students who have them. "I love the sound of my new violin, thank you!" - phone call from E., age 8, 4th year student, playing an Davidson Violins standard rental 1/4 size violin after turning in her previous instrument to another store. This type of call is why we are here, and why we stand by the quality of our instruments.
Ifyou have a new violin, viola or cello student, you will have many questions about instruments and the best choices for the new player. A rental instrument is a great way to get started, but if you prefer a purchase it is important to be sure that the instrument is suitable to learn with.
For the new beginner, we are pleased to offer the excellent Core Academy series from the Howard Core Company in Alabama. The Core Academy instruments are hand made and are designed for the brand new player exploring violin, viola or cello or bass. Each instrument is hand
selected and set up with quality strings, Brazilwood bow and sturdy case, rosin and polishing cloth.
You can upgrade any component of the pictured outfit to suit your needs and the preferences of your teacher. We have some recommended upgrades, but keep in mind that the basic outfit is still a high quality package that will serve the new player perfectly.
Core Academy Violin outfits: starting at $359
Core Academy Viola outfits: starting at $419
Core Academy Cello outfits: starting at $969
Core Academy Bass outfits: starting at $1799
The Gewa Company is based in Germany and applies Old World traditions of quality to internationally made instruments and accessories.
The Gewa Ideale violins, violas and cellos are well known among our customers for their excellent quality and sound for the price. These instruments have good, clear projection and durable varnishes for the beginning player.
Available in all sizes from 1/8 and up. Violin: $399
Available in sizes from 13-16.5 inches. Viola: $499
From the Howard Core Company in Alabama comes the Johannes Kohr line of student instruments, all hand carved and perfect for the new student who needs an excellent quality instrument at a reasonable price. The flagship beginner instrument from Johannes Kohr instruments is the K500.
Available in all fractional sizes.
Violin complete outfit, (includes Brazilwood bow and rectangular case): $499
Viola: $579-$739 (depends on size)
Beginning level cellos and basses are normally made with laminated wood in the back, sides and top (front). This is done to bring down the cost and increase durability. Unfortunately there is also a price to be paid in sound quality, as laminated woods do not resonate as well as solid woods.
Some cellos and basses can be purchased with a solid spruce top, with laminate in the back and sides, or “fully carved”, where the instrument has solid wood throughout. Almost all music store rentals are entirely laminated wood cellos. We prefer students to at least have a solid top cello or bass, and recommend fully carved for purchases.
The Johannes Kohr K40CP offers an excellent sound with its solid spruce top and laminate back and sides. Available in ¼. ½, ¾, and full size.
Cello: $1199
The Gewa Ideale Cello is a fully carved cello with excellent tone. The well seasoned, nicely flamed maple is carved and shaped for the back and sides, with tight grained spruce on the top. No laminate woods are used in the Ideale. This model from the Gewa company is consistently excellent, offering a full bodied tone and outfitted with appropriate strings to bring out its full character.
This is the best cello we have found in this price range and it has been recommended regularly by local private cello instructors. The popularity of this cello keeps our inventory constantly changing - please call for current sizes in stock.
Available in ¼. ½, ¾, and full size. Cello: $1299
Please call for more information or send us an e-mail through our Contact Us page.
