Markers of Quality
What's the difference between a quality performance violin and a $50 violin for sale online? There are some basic beginner guidelines here that can help you have a discerning eye.

..................................................................................................................................

Beginner Instrument Standards
Every beginner violin, viola, and cello must meet certain standards to make sure your child can learn proper technique. Learning good placement of the bow and holding the instrument correctly are crucial, so the child does not learn habits that hold back his or her playing ability later on. Look for these markers in a beginner instrument:

All Ebony or Rosewood Fittings
Fittings include the pegs, the chinrest, and the tailpiece. These pieces need to be strong woods that are not prone to breakage.

Inlaid Purfling
This is the double line that runs around the edge of the face and back of the instrument. It is a strip of ebony wood, and it reinforces the seams of the instruments, protecting them from splits and breaks. Cheapest instruments will have drawn purfling, and you may check for breaks in the purfling or inconsistency in the width of the line to determine if it is authentic. This will not affect your child's ability to play this instrument, but it will affect the instrument's longevity.

A Wood Horsehair Bow
Some teachers allow a fiberglass bow for beginners while they learn about releasing the tension in their bow. A wood bow with genuine horsehair will respond best. All bows from Caraway Strings meet this standard.

Proper Set Up
Most instruments offered online are not set up, and most shops charge at least $50 for a proper set up. There are many measurements which must be precise for comfortable playing and good tone, including the following:
- precise string height off the fingerboard
- proper placement of the soundpost
- correct placement, cut, and curvature of bridge
- proper string length on both sides of the bridge
- correct nut height
- pegs properly fitted to peg holes

No Imperfections
Finally, when purchasing a used instrument, check carefully for cracks along the seams or on any part of the wood. These repairs can potentially be costly.

..................................................................................................................................

Intermediate Instruments & Beyond, or "Step-Ups"
Once you are looking to invest in an instrument, make sure what you're looking at meets all the above listed standards, and look into these as well:

Hand Rubbed Finish
Many beginner instruments have a sprayed-on finish because it dries quickly. A hand rubbed finish takes more time, but it is less likely to chip away with normal knocks and bumps the instrument receives. You instrument will stay nicer, longer.

Tone Quality
A maker will have spent more time inside the instrument getting the wood thicknesses just right, so it will respond with a clearer, louder, sweeter tone than a beginner instrument. By the time you are ready to buy, your child should be able to hear the difference in tone quality, and by far this is the biggest reason for price difference in an instrument.

Beauty
At this price point you can begin to see beautifully flamed wood on the backs and sides, lovely inlays and unique carvings. These are great touches and do affect the price, but by far the tone quality is most important.

Bow Quality
There are a range of bows available, and they vary little in appearance to the beginner eye. The best way to get to know bows is by playing them, and good players will notice a difference in their weight and feel. Some woods (like pernambuco) will respond better than others, and carbon graphite bows perform exceptionally as a synthetic material.