Purchasing Instruments FAQ
What should we do first?
A great place to start is by asking your teacher for help; and don’t get an instrument until you have a teacher to help you. Nobody will better understand the needs of your child and your family. A knowledgeable teacher can suggest a price range equal to the needs of the student and can also help you avoid the pitfalls of E-Bay Violin Shaped Objects- these are things that only look like violins.
I have a friend who got a nice instrument on E-Bay/ at a garage sale/ on Craigslist. Why shouldn’t I buy there?
No doubt about it, people sometimes do get lucky. But we see a great many instruments from these sources that are just bad news or a money pit. Unless you know what you are buying, you might want to get your teacher's approval. Is the instrument properly set-up and tone-adjusted for playing? Can you get a refund if your teacher doesn't approve the instrument? Do you have any trade-in, warranty, and service guarantee with the instrument?
But don’t just take our word for it- here is an excellent blog post by Laurie Niles of Violinist.com- Cheap Violins For Sale Are Not A Good Deal.
What do you mean when you talk about the "set-up" and "tone adjustment" of an instrument?
The set-up comprises the final steps in making a violin, installing all the small parts necessary for it to be played as a musical instrument. Because violins are such sensitive creations, set-up can be adjusted to enhance tone at different times of the year.
An tone adjustment is the final arrangement and dynamic balancing of these parts so they work together to enhance the tone and playability of an instrument. A good set-up and adjustment makes an instrument sound nice, comfortable, and easy to play. When you purchase from us, our expert set-up and tone adjustment are included at no extra charge.
I never bought an instrument. How do I know how much to spend?
The short answer - we have beginner outfits that include an instrument, a bow, and a case for several hundred dollars. These are all 100% hand-made instruments of good quality that will last for many years if properly maintained.
The long answer - it really depends on the individual, the seriousness of their study, and the speed of their progress - all things that are very difficult to quantify only by the price of the instrument. At a minimum, we suggest an instrument of sufficient quality to let the student progress for at least the next 3 years, and that number could vary widely depending on the student. This is where the input of your teacher is invaluable. Our staff is adept at gauging the needs of students, and they can help you determine a reasonable budget to meet your specific needs.
I want an instrument to take my child all the way through high school or college. How much do I need to spend?
Your child's teacher will best be able to give a helpful answer. A teacher understands your child's needs and what kind of instrument will help them make progress.
Questions like this are much easier to answer in person or by telephone, so we would recommend that you contact us for a more personalized approach.
How can I try some instruments?
Do I need an appointment to see instruments at The Long Island Violin Shop?
You are always welcome to visit us and try instruments with no obligation or pressure to buy. No appointments are necessary, but you may wish to call ahead to determine a time when the store is less busy and/or so that we can prepare instruments for you to see. We have two tryout rooms where you can play in private. Plus our knowledgeable staff is at your disposal to assist you and answer any questions.
If you are coming a long way, we will be glad to see you outside of our regular hours, please call for an appointment. And remember, we also ship instruments and bows to you for home tryouts - please see our Policies page for details.
Are new instruments or used ones better?
With age and play, violin family instruments develop a richer tone and are considered more desirable. We have a good selection of new and used instruments in all price ranges, all of which are maintained in excellent condition. A used instrument is not less valuable unless it has been severely damaged.
How do I trade up to a better instrument in a few years?
If you've purchased an instrument from us, you can trade-in 100% of what you paid for your instrument, minus whatever maintenance is required to return it to salable condition. Please see our Policies page for full details.
Additionally, instruments purchased with rental credit maintain 100% of their value for future instrument trade-ups. Say you bought a $1500 instrument with $750 rental credit, paying just $750 at the time of purchase. Years later you want to trade up: you will have $1500 in trade-up credit .
Can we take instruments to show my son or daughter's teacher?
Absolutely; we recommend you involve your teacher in the selection process for your child's instrument. If you visit us, a one week trial is normal and more time can be arranged if needed. If we send you an instrument, you will have more time available to accommodate shipping times.
What if I bought my instrument somewhere else, can I still trade it in at The Long Island Violin Shop?
We can't promise the same 100% trade-in value, but will be glad to examine your instrument to determine if some portion of your purchase price may be applied toward one of our instruments for sale.
I am no longer playing - will you buy back my instrument?
We wish we could buy back instruments for the price you paid but regret this would soon put us out of business. We do take instruments on consignment if they are in good condition. Incidentally, many of our clients have found that holding an instrument may be worth considering. We find that many young players who stop playing during college come back to it later on with renewed pleasure.
