Beginning
violinists require
a violin that possesses a pleasing tone, balanced
response, contrasts in dynamic range (volume) and forgiveness of general
response to help instill confidence in an inexperienced player.
Beginning violins are typically manufactured in a production
setting, where a good deal of the carving is done by a machine to keep costs
to a minimum, and for consistency and predictability of tone. The
violin set-up is the single most important stage of production, where a
skilled worker's careful attention to detail brings out the best possible
tone and playability.
Holiday Special
Save up to $400 on Instruments or Bows! Get a Shar Gift Certificate valued from $25 to $400 when you purchase select Instruments or Bows before December 31, 2009. Simply look for the special icon to see your savings!
Your Gift Certificate will be sent within 30 days of purchase and is good on any future order from Shar. If you return your instrument or bow, the gift certificate will be voided, or if you have already used it, your refund will be reduced by the amount used. Excludes Flex Plan, Electric instruments and already discounted trade-in and blemished instruments.
Treat yourself, a friend or a teacher!
Your gift certificate can be sent to anyone you would like - a quick and easy gift!
Ends December 31, 2009!
Please CALL 866.742.7270
How
to Choose A Student Instrument
There are many choices available to beginning players. Deciding
between them can be difficult, as the difference between
instruments are not always visible to new players and their
parents.
First, we recommend that you speak with your teacher. They can
give you guidance and sometimes specific recommendation for an
instrument.
When buying a violin, there is no substitute for holding it in
your hands and trying it. If you are buying from a catalog or
web site, be very sure that you can return the violin if you do
not like it. A picture will not show you if the pegs turn
properly - and if they don't, you cannot keep the violin in
tune, making it unplayable! No matter where you buy your violin,
please sure that you speak with a knowledgeable person there -
preferably a violin player, who can guide you through the
choices.
At Shar, we have been selling violins in our store and through
the mail for 45 years. We understand that the set-up of the
violin is the single most important factor to playing success.
The violins we sell are made to our exacting specifications in
workshops in China, Romania, and Germany, and then each
instrument goes through a rigorous inspection and set-up process
in our Ann Arbor workshop where our highly-trained staff ensure
that the violin we send to you will be the best in its class!
Questions
about Instruments?
How can I tell the quality of my student violin? Of
course, a violin must sound good in order to motivate your young
student. But a high quality instrument must also have
easy-turning pegs that stay in tune. The bridge, fingerboard,
nut and soundpost must be carefully shaped and fit so that the
violin is easy to play and feels good to the hand. What makes one violin more expensive than another? The
two biggest factors are the quality and age of the wood and the
skill of the makers. Only a skilled maker is able to make all
the parts fit together properly so the violin will work
perfectly. What size violin does my child need? That is best
answered by the child's teacher. The musicians who answer the
phone at Shar are well qualified to make a recommendation based
on your child's age and arm length, but there's no substitute
for having a good teacher who can see them holding the
instrument. Our 30 day guarantee assures you that returns and
exchanges will be quick and easy. Why does it matter where I get an instrument? There are
so many places offering "great deals" on student
violins these days that it can be overwhelming. You need to be
sure that your instrument will be playable, and that the staff
can answer your questions so that you select an appropriate
instrument that is right for your child's level of playing. Many
parents call Shar because they are frustrated at the poor
quality of a violin they purchased on an internet auction or
discount instrument site. - Catherine Portis, 2007 Shar Apprentice and Violinist
Other
Questions? Call us! Only Musicians Answer the phone at Shar!
800.248.7427
Simple Beginnings
The Amadeus violin outfit has everything the beginning musician needs to start off on the right foot! There's no need to settle for a poorly made, hard-to-play "V.S.O." -
Violin Shaped Object - when you can get Franz Hoffmann quality at such a great price!
Hoffmann
Amadeus Violin Outfit Boasting
a clear and smooth sound, excellent setup, and
affordability, the Amadeus violin is a wonderful
beginning instrument. Made in China and
available in 4/4-1/16 sizes. Item #HV100
$9.99/mo.
Outfits
from $ 139.00
Elevate Your Performance
Nothing excites and inspires a budding musician like an instrument that looks, feels, and sounds just right. The traditional European craftsmanship of the Prelude makes it a solid choice for any student.
Hoffmann
Prelude Violin Outfit
An exceptional
value for a student instrument. We have been
very pleased with the Prelude's consistent quality
since we first offered it in the Fall of 2002.
European-made, this instrument is forgivingly playable
with a warm tone. Available in 4/4-1/16 sizes.
Item #HV120T
$18.99/mo.
Outfits
from $ 199.00
For the Developing Virtuoso
When a student has a talent that begs to be shared with others, they need a violin with a big, bold sound. The Etude's beautifully applied spirit varnish enhances the instrument's tone and ensures they won't get lost in the crowd!
Hoffmann
Etude Violin Outfit
Our Etude has
long been a popular choice with both parents and
teachers willing to spend a bit more for a warmer
sound. Now, the Etude is made by hand in Romania, and
finished with a spirit varnish to bring out even more
of the sound. The level of craftsmanship is not found
on any other student violin in this price range.
Available in 4/4-1/16
Sizes.
Item #SV120T
$22.99/mo.
Outfits
from $ 269.00
Dedication Should be Rewarded
Great musicianship requires passion and commitment. When a student displays these qualities, they need a violin that can keep up with them as they rapidly improve their skills. The Maestro is up to the challenge, and is sure to make student, teacher, and audience very happy! Our Ann Arbor workshop puts every Maestro through the most extensive set-up and adjustment process of all the Franz Hoffmann instruments to create a truly special and lasting treasure.
Hoffmann
Maestro Violin Outfit
Our
top-of-the-line Hoffmann offers the broadest tonal
range with a warm, clear sound which is complemented
nicely with a very attractive varnish. Hand
adjusted in the Shar
Workshop. Available in 4/4-1/32
sizes! Item #SVBWH
