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FIRST-TIME
BUYERS OF INSTRUMENTS
Most of our clients have never played or owned an instrument and are
understandably anxious. We have been helping families find the right instrument since 1983 and are proud of our reputation for honesty, thoroughness, and integrity. We aim to make this experience a pleasant adventure for you.
When you acquire your instrument and bow,
we will help you understand how to properly maintain them, protect them
from damage, and protect the financial investment they represent.
I never purchased an instrument before. How do I start?
How much will I have to spend to get a decent instrument?
But what if I need a better instrument in a few years?
What should I do to care for my instrument?
How often should I change the strings on my instrument?
When should I get my bow rehaired?
How do I learn more about caring for my instrument?
What about instrument insurance?
What is the value of my old family instrument?
Why does it say "Antonius Stradivarius 1723" inside?
Can I ask you a question you have not addressed?
I never purchased an instrument before. How do I start?
Your teacher will know how fine an instrument
you need. Contact us to see some instruments when you are ready. You may take several instruments for a few days and you may show them to your teacher.
How much will I have to spend to get a decent instrument?
In recent years the cost of
instruments has been dropping at the same time that their quality has been
rising. To start out as economically as possible, our Rental Program
lets you build credit towards a purchase. Geoffrey Chi and
Ivan Dunov make our most economical instruments for purchase.
But what if I need a better instrument in a few years?
We are always delighted to
take your instrument or bow back in trade and credit 100% of what you paid
towards a trade-up, minus whatever maintenance we must do to put it in
saleable condition.
What should I do to care for my instrument?
We give free check-ups every six months
to keep your instrument sounding its best. Instruments cannot just “go
bad.” If you notice it sounds poorly or is difficult to play, it needs
maintenance. To learn more read our free
Student Guide to
Instrument Care . Children can understand it, and the information
is useful for adults as well.
How often should I change the strings on my instrument?
Strings start unravelling
internally as soon as they are put on the instrument and eventually will not
play in tune, while sounding dull and lifeless. They should be changed
long before they fall apart or break. The more you play, the faster
strings wear out: if you play 5 hours a week, we recommend changing your
strings twice a year. (Some professionals change their strings once a
week!) Strings that break prematurely indicate a problem with the
instrument needing repair.
When should I get my bow rehaired?
If you are playing 5 hours a
week, have your bow rehaired twice a year. If you have a stain on the hair
by the frog, it's time. If you have an important performance coming, bring
it in three weeks before to allow time for the new hair to break in
nicely.
How do I learn more about caring for my instrument?
Easy! Download a free copy of our Student
Guide to Instrument Care.
What about instrument insurance?
Instruments and bows are easy to damage and expensive to repair.
Some clients have suffered accidents three days after taking their dream instruments home,
and smashed them beyond repair.
If you have valuable instruments, insure them with a musical instrument specialist, rather than homeowner's coverage. The best policies we know of are provided by Clarion Associates (800-VIVALDI) and Heritage Insurance (800-289-8837) (see links below). We do not sell insurance, and our only compensation for these endorsements is the well-being of our clients.
As with any insurance, be sure you understand the “exclusions of coverage”. For more detailed information read our
Musician's Guide to Instrument Insurance.
What is the old instrument in my family worth?
We can evaluate violins, violas, and cellos for their market value, which may not reflect your sentimental value in a family treasure. All other instruments are outside our field of expertise, and we suggest you contact the closest museum that has a collection of musical instruments, or reputable dealer in that instrument.
We do not charge to look at photographs or instruments in person. If you want a verbal opinion and consultation (how old is it, where is it from, how much is it worth, etc), the charge is $50. If you want a written appraisal, which you will need to insure the instrument, the charge is $150. Written appraisals
do not establish authenticity and are not valid nor necessary for selling
an old instrument.
To send us electronic photos, please photograph your instrument in front of a light-colored gray or neutral (not black) background. To avoid reflections on the shiny surface use several small lights rather than a flash. Shoot 640 x 480 pixel VGA images and send them in a JPEG format no bigger than 400KB. Shoot the full back and full front of the instrument. Take separate pictures of the scroll from all sides, the corners of the back, the left soundhole, and any other unusual features. Photos of the case and its contents may be of interest. We will let you know if we will need to see the instrument.
Why does it say
"Antonius Stradivarius 1723" inside?
Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737) is one of the greatest violin makers who ever lived. He made about 2,000 instruments of which roughly 600 still exist. His instruments were sold to royalty and the rich, and few Strads today are not well documented. Because of his fame, his designs were widely copied. Since the 1850's, instrument factories all over the world have produced millions and millions of cheap copies labeled "Antonius Stradiuarius, Cremonenfis Faciebat Anno 17**". The chance that you have a genuine Stradivari is very small..
Can I ask you a question you have not addressed?
If you have another question, please e-mail
music@liviolinshop.com
NEED A PRIVATE TEACHER?
At present we have a nationwide list of private music teachers in violin, viola, and Cello. Let us know where you are and which ones you want and we will e-mail them to you.
Some of these teachers will come to your home, others teach in their
studio.
Lessons in the home:
Kathryn Brickell Music offers private music instruction in
the home to students in Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn and Queens, Long Island. A number of our clients recommend them.
www.music-instruction.com
ARE YOU A PRIVATE
TEACHER?
If you have a private studio where you teach strings and would like to be
added to our list, please click the link below.
Please add my name to your teacher referrals list.
And take a look at Mimi
Butler's books about running a successful string studio in the links
below! You will be glad you did!
STUDENT GUIDE TO INSTRUMENT CARE
Download a free copy.
To order printed copies for your school or organization. please contact
us.
MUSICIAN'S GUIDE TO INSTRUMENT INSURANCE
This document goes into great detail about how to choose the best insurance for your needs.
Download here or
to order printed copies for your school or organization. please contact us
at music@liviolinshop.com.
AIRLINE TRAVEL WITH MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Since the terrorist attacks of 2001, commercial air travel with musical instruments has become more challenging than ever. You would do well to check with individual airlines about their regulations before booking tickets.
Here are some links that you may find useful:
Suggestions for Persons Traveling With Musical Instruments
This document gives you general suggestions about how to minimize headaches if you plan to travel with a musical instrument.
Transporting Musical Instruments
The
Transportation Safety Administration's
official position and comments on travelling with musical instruments.
Check the luggage policies of major airlines
FIRST AID FOR STRINGED INSTRUMENTS
Download this article
which appeared in the journal of the American String Teacher's Association.
To order printed copies for your school or organization, please contact
us.
USEFUL MUSICAL LINKS
Beethoven House
is one of the most caring and experienced houses of music, with an
excellent selection as well as great prices. Mention the Long Island
Violin Shop and you receive an additional 10% off their already great
prices
www.beethovenhouse.com
Chamber Music America is a wonderful
source of educational and support materials for all lovers of music.
www.chamber-music.org
Classical Domain is the leading
source for information about upcoming performances in New York. With
clear listings months in advance, articles, interviews, and links to every
musical organization or school, this is a must-see site for every lover of
classical music!
www.classicaldomain.com
Insurance for your musical instrument is very important. These companies are the best in the business:
Clarion Musical Instrument Insurance
www.clarionins.com
Heritage Musical Instrument Insurance
www.heritage-ins-services.com
Anderson Group
www.violininsurance.com
Kathryn Brickell Music has offered quality private music instruction in
the home to students in Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn and Queens, Long Island
since 1971. A number of our clients recommend them.
www.music-instruction.com
Mimi Butler is a private
music teacher, lecturer, chamber music coach, board member of New Jersey
ASTA and author of several books to help you make your private studio a
success. Look on the individual web page of each book for reviews
and comments.
https://www.privatemusicstudio.com/pubmain.htm
Montagnana Books specializes in
books, photographs, and collectible items pertaining to the violin family.
A fascinating catalog which includes photographs and autographs of famous
soloists.
http://www.montagnanabooks.com/violindealers.html
String Sound Studio
has offered home instruction in many instruments to Huntington,
Smithtown and Three Village townships since 1986, recently expanding its offerings
to parts of Nassau County, including Syosset, Woodbury, and Jericho.
Several of our long-time clients teach there.
http://www.stringsoundstudios.com/stringsoundstudios.php
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