You’ve seen your child through the many stages of learning the violin. The cardboard box violin. The struggle to use the correct bowings and fingerings. Conquering scales and new songs. You’ve watched them grow into a little musician. Maybe they’re beginning to use vibrato or learning to shift. Perhaps they’ve joined their first orchestra or started playing duets with friends. As they take on more difficult repertoire and begin playing in ensembles, you couldn’t be more proud. Isn’t it time to reward your child’s commitment with a better instrument?
We’ve seen it happen so many times: a family purchases a new instrument, and the student gets so excited about their new sound and easier-to-play instrument that they can’t wait to go practice. Learning a stringed instrument becomes more enjoyable once a student realizes the sound they’re making is beautiful and under their control. It’s a huge confidence booster.
If you and your child’s teacher feel your child might be ready for a new instrument, consider the Carlo Lamberti® line from Shar Music. The violin family includes the Sonata, Symphony, Classic, and Master Series violins, with Lamberti options for viola and cello as well. The differences between an entry-level instrument and the next step up may seem subtle, but a few of them make a bigger impact than you might think. Here are five reasons the Lamberti series is a smart upgrade.
1. Sound Quality
The biggest difference between a Lamberti and a beginner instrument like a Franz Hoffmann® is sound quality. Franz Hoffmann® instruments sound great for beginners, but the Lamberti instruments are a clear step up. Teachers often remark that Lamberti instruments sound warmer, fuller, and more colorful.
This is especially noticeable in the fractional violin sizes of 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2. Violins smaller than 1/2 size tend toward a bright, tinny sound. Lamberti fractional sizes sound much more like their full-size counterparts. If your student is starting to work on vibrato, or on repertoire that calls for more phrasing and tone color, a Lamberti lets them draw a richer tone and create more subtle differences in sound.
2. Volume
Lamberti instruments naturally produce a bigger, more beautiful sound, thanks largely to their more refined craftsmanship. A stronger sound matters when performing with piano (which is much louder than most stringed instruments!) or in a large space.
Volume ultimately depends on the player’s technique, but every instrument also has its own natural limit on how much sound it can deliver. Lamberti instruments pack a bigger punch than many entry-level instruments. When an instrument produces more sound on its own, the player doesn’t have to work as hard and can play with more ease.
3. Response
An instrument’s responsiveness is somewhat subjective, but most players find a Lamberti violin, viola, or cello easier to play. If your child enjoys the feeling of the bow gliding across the strings with precision, they’ll love a Carlo Lamberti®.
Think of response like the handling of a car. When the steering and brakes are more responsive, the driver can drive with more precision. For stringed instruments, response is how quickly and accurately the instrument reacts when the bow is drawn across the strings. Any string player can tell you how frustrating poor response is! An instrument with great response helps students articulate notes with more clarity and precision, especially during those tricky string crossings.
4. Intonation
String players know how challenging intonation is. Have you ever heard your student working to improve their pitch accuracy? A carefully crafted instrument that resonates and vibrates freely makes this easier.
On a Carlo Lamberti® instrument, you’ll notice it rings more when your child lands on the correct pitch. That feedback helps them hear when they’re in tune and adjust when they’re not. It’s hard to believe, but a nicer instrument can actually help your student play more in tune! Your child will enjoy it, and so will their teacher. So will the rest of the household, including the family cat.
5. Value
The Carlo Lamberti® series is a clear choice when it’s time to upgrade. The improvements in sound quality, response, and resonance help students play their best. Lamberti instruments come in a range of sizes for violin, viola, and cello, so there’s a fit for students at many stages. With great sound at a reasonable price, a Lamberti is a smart buy. Don’t let an instrument hold your child back. Reward their hard work with an upgrade.
Is It Time to Upgrade?
As a parent, you want to do the best you can for your child. Teachers can often tell when a student’s progress is being held back by their instrument. At a certain point, an entry-level instrument simply can’t produce the subtle tonal differences a teacher is asking for. If that sounds familiar, it may be time to talk with your child’s teacher about upgrading.
If you don’t live near our Ann Arbor shop, you can try eligible Carlo Lamberti® models at home through the Shar Music In-Home Trial program. You can trial up to two violins, two violas, or one cello for 10 days, with shipping anywhere in the United States (terms and fees apply). Your child and their teacher will appreciate the benefits a Lamberti brings, not least of which is the confidence to explore new musical territory.
