Violins, Etc.
We carry new violins, made by makers in New England and overseas, and restore older violins found at auction or in grandma’s attic. Other stringed instruments such as violas, mandolins, ukeleles and guitars are for sale when available. We feature a line of fine Eastman acoustic guitars.
Violin Tips
Buying a Violin
In this ebay /bargain driven marketplace, some folks are tempted to acquire their instrument from an anonymous source far away. Sometimes one can happen upon a good deal, but most often, in our experience, people are disappointed. We recommend that students buy from a reputable dealer.
Our customers often bring their teacher or another player if they don’t trust their own judgement. We enjoy helping our customers find a violin that they love. This is almost impossible to do on-line.
A Few Violin Care Notes
When not in use, a violin is safest in it’s case. Be sure the case is latched so you don’t pick up the case and have the violin flop out. A surprising number of broken violins come into the shop this way.
Violins may crack when exposed to extremes in temperature or humidity such as when left in a car on a sunny day. In-case humidifiers help reduce problems associated with the low humidity of winter.
Most violinists keep a soft cloth in the case to wipe off excess rosin on the strings and violin after playing. This takes only a few seconds and may extend the life of the strings and protect the violin varnish. Always loosen the bow after playing.
Regularly inspect the position of the bridge and gently ease it back (with two hands) into an upright position if it leans forward or back. A warped bridge will eventually fall over or break. Straightening bridges can be tricky; ask your teacher for help or come by the shop if you have concerns. If the bridge is warped slightly, it can be straightened by a luthier. If you have fine tuners on your tailpiece, ease them back every once in a while so the screw does not mar the top of the violin.