What type of violin should I get for my 7 year old son?

Question: What type of violin should I get for my 7 year old son!?

My son, who is 7, wants to learn to play the violin!. I want to encourage this but have no knowledge at all about violins so any advice would be greatly appreciated!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

As a violin teacher myself (in the UK), I would say, first of all, ask at school what lessons are available and if it is possible to rent an instrument!. If not, go to your local music shop and see what is available!. The way to test if the violin is the right size isot have him put it under his chin in playing position!. His left hand should be able to hold the scroll (decoration on the pegbox) easily!. If he can't reach it, he needs a smaller size!.
There are quite a number of starter kits on the market - My last pupil had a purple Rainbow violin (!)!. You may be able to buy a second hand one in the shop!. If i can be of further assistance, go to my profile and email me from there!.

Hope this helps!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Selecting or buying a violin(or any musical instrument!) for your child can be sometimes intimidating I know!!

The easy answer is the best one you can afford!. The practical answer is more complicated!. The two most important considerations are:

- does the violin sound good!?
I would say since a fractional size violin is too small for its acoustical range it will tend to sound bright and brassy yet much softer than a 4/4 (full) size!. Power is important in a violin -- the ideal is a strong sound that is also deep and rich!.

- does it stay in tune!?

This is always a hard problem!. The child doesn't have the finger and hand strength to control the pegs and the parents are usually inexperienced in tuning a violin!. A helpful idea is to have a tailpiece with tuners built in!. This allows the parent to do most of the tuning with the tailpiece which is easier to control than the pegs!. A good teacher will be able to make a recommendation based on the child's age and skill level!.

What are things to avoid in my opinion:

The main thing to avoid is being mesmerized into purchasing a violin because of a fancy name or some other abstraction!. But keep your eyes out for a violin that sounds good but is otherwise nicked up a bit -- it may make a good buy!.

I hope your son enjoys his new instrument, and the best of luck choosing the right one :)Www@QuestionHome@Com

I agree with Lolly!. I also agree that you should probably rent a beginning violin outfit rather than buy a violin!. He may or may not wish to continue after a time!. This said, rent from a luthier (violin maker) and not from a general violin shop!. This way you can be sure of the set up!. The luthier knows that kids have trouble with pegs and will set it up properly!. You should have your son's teacher check it out before you shell out the cash to rent it!. also, new and old at that stage of violin purchasing isn't that important!. You do want to make sure you get him the proper accessories: some good rosin, shoulder rest, soft clothes to clean the instrument with, etc!. The luthier can help you with all that!.

Good luck!.

~LisaWww@QuestionHome@Com

I'd say try renting a violin first!. He might get bored quickly or find it too challenging and then if you've bought one it would be a waste of money!.

You could buy a cheaper one at first but that means he wouldn't be learning on as good quality so might find it harder!. By renting it means that you get a good instrument but it isn't permanent!.

Once he's played for a couple of years and you know he'll be serious, you could buy a better type with the help of his teacher who will know what will suit him by then!. Or if you're lucky you may be able to purchase the rented one!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Go to your local music shop and for some advice as to what would suit someone of his size, also don't get a very expensive one at first although you do need to encourage you don't want to spend a fortune just incase he decides he wants to play something else a little later on!

Hope he has fun learning!!Www@QuestionHome@Com

well!.!.!.!.depending on how big he is!.!.!.

go to the music store and tell them you wanna see a 3/4 violin, make him hold it like on his chin/cheeks w/e part and hold his left arm out

if he can reach the scroll (end swrily thingy on the very top of the violin) then it's good, get 3/4

if he can't reach it!.!.then ask if they have smaller ones xP

violin!.!.!. it hurts your fingers when you first play it !.__!. !.!.!. just to let you know ><"Www@QuestionHome@Com

I'm not sure of brand names, but I would strongly recommend gettng a fairly cheap for a young beginner!. You could get a decent one for $100-150ish!. When he seems as though he's really interested in it, enjoying it, respecting the instrument, etc!. Then go up the financial ladder and get him one a real good one!.
Go to music instrument store, they'll lead you in the right direction!.
good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

A traditional one, as then if he chooses he can convert to electronic later, however he is unlikley to try it the other way round, also depending on the size of your 7 year old, a 3/4 size should be good, but to be safe ask his music teacher or if not you could always ask in the shop!
xWww@QuestionHome@Com

If he starts lessons with a county teacher, not private, the county can supply a violin, but for a cost!. If he stops lessons, the county get the violin back!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

i think when Ur in the music shop , just check it out n then tell him that if Ur son is a stater ,advances,etc n then they;l recommend u which type of violin should be given to your son!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

You should have a word with the music teacher first!. I would have a look round for second hand ones, just to see how he progresses, so you won't have wasted too much money if he doesn't continue!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

electricWww@QuestionHome@Com

you are better off to ask his musician teacher as she!. he would know best at what size etc would suitWww@QuestionHome@Com