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Purchasing a String Instrument-Playability and Set-Up
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Purchasing a String Instrument-Playability and Set-Up
Just as the condition is important when pricing an instrument for the seller, The proper functioning of the parts and maintenance are essential when considering purchasing a string instrument.
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Purchasing a String Instrument -Sizing and Arching's
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Purchasing a String Instrument -Sizing and Arching's
There are two important considerations that the buyer must weighĀ with purchasing an instrumentĀ andĀ thoseĀ are theĀ instrument'sĀ archingĀ and size.Ā 
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Purchasing a String  Instrument -Investment Potential
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Purchasing a String Instrument -Investment Potential
Investment potential is the thirdĀ requirement the buyer may be interested in when purchasing an instrument. A good instrument with papersĀ from a reputableĀ appraiser can be a good investment in certain instances.
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Purchasing a String Instrument -Sound
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Purchasing a String Instrument -Sound
Sound What is theĀ best-sounding instrument you have? I get this question a lot and this is probably the most important category of all. What sound or tone areĀ we looking for?Ā Ā 
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Purchasing an Instrument from the Customers Perspective
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Purchasing an Instrument from the Customers Perspective
This next section covers the five categories that are important to the buyer of an instrument.Ā  Our first category important to the buyer is: Ā PRICE Customers need to set a reasonable price limit when they purchaseĀ anĀ instrument.Ā Understand that string instruments range in price and quality from a few hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars. Before you select a range, it's a good idea toĀ play examples in various price ranges, so that you can get a feel for the differences. When it's time to call and make an appointment to see instruments ask if the violin shop can reserve Ā½ hour to one hour, with the first 10 to 15 minutes set aside to explain the selection process.Ā When you are on the phoneĀ tell them you have a price range, that way your shop can getĀ several in that range ready for you to consider.Ā  If you don't want to spend more than a certain dollar amount, make sure they understand and respect your request.Ā  To either educate your ear or satisfy your curiosity, you may want to hear instruments in the next range up or down. Not every violin in one price range is made equally. Likewise, not every violin at one quality level is priced equally.Ā  Determine what your purpose is in ownership.Ā  You should consider whether you want to invest in a more expensive violin that will last you a lifetime, or you simply want to buy a cheaper model that will get you through your lessons. Your plans for an instrument will dictate what price range you should be investigating. Make sure toĀ bring your bow, shoulder rest for violins and violas, and a few measures of music to playĀ  Having your bowĀ takes out a foreign element in your right hand leaving only the left to focus on. The following is a general guideline for the basic price groups. Add 10% to 20% more for violas and 50% more for cellos $400.00-$600.00 ā€“ Usually beginner instruments. Lower-end factory or trade name instruments from China, Czech, Romania, and Bulgaria.$800.00-$2000.00 ā€“ Entry level step-ups. Better-madeĀ factories from China,Ā  Romania, Bulgaria, and Germany.$2100.00-$8000.00 ā€“ Includes above but with better wood and craftsmanship. Usually better attention to detail and sound.$9000.00-$15,000.00 ā€“ Handmade violins.Ā  Contemporary American makers and European makers. $25,000.00-$75,000.00 ā€“Prize-winning contemporary makers; well-known 20 century English and French makers Approval: Ā Any instrument that you are seriously considering should be able to be taken out on approval. This allows you to play it in a variety of settings, and receive critical feedback from friends, teachers, and colleagues. Does the shop have a "trial policy" ?ā€“Ā  Whatever factors are important to your decision-making, make sure it will fit into their "trial period". For example: Will your teacher be in town to give you feedback?Ā  Can you get into a hall if the projection of sound is important? Ā Financing: Does your shop have any financing, or can they refer you to a bank that understands violin purchases? By the time you have made your decision, you need to be ready to tellĀ them how you wish to pay for the instrument. If you wait untilĀ you fall in love with one, you might be left trying to beg, borrow, orĀ having to negotiateĀ the purchase price, and considerable heartache will ensue if your plans do not materialize. Trade-in Policy: Does your shop have aĀ  trade-in policy? If in the future you need a better quality instrument or a larger size, what value will the present purchase carry forward? Also, find out about the selection your shop has available in the range or size that might be the nextĀ step up if the trade-in is important to you.Ā 
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Pricing of Strings Instruments- Appearance
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  • Article author: cassandra thuneman
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Pricing of Strings Instruments- Appearance
Overall Appearance Visually, a violin should be attractive and blend in with other instruments. Without even playing a selection of violins, most of us will likely have a preference based on appearance.Ā 
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Pricing Of String Instruments- Condition
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Pricing Of String Instruments- Condition
Did you know the condition of an instrument is crucial when purchasing?The overall condition of an old violin must be weighed against the advantages of the structurally perfect condition of a new violin, as we have just discussed. For new violins, this step will not be so important. However, with an older violin, the condition becomes a critical factor.Ā 
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Pricing of String Instruments- Age
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Pricing of String Instruments- Age
We have been discussing the basic factors that go into pricing of instruments. As we statedĀ in our previous articles, there are five basic priorities and requirements that are importantĀ to the buyer and five different ones for the seller.Ā This month we will continue our discussion of the third most important factor that goes intoĀ pricing from the sellers view.
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Country of Origin
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Pricing of Instruments - Country of Origin
Our second most important area of pricing comes to the identification of the maker or brand. All knowledge of violinmakers of the past and present depends, and has always depended on the labels gluedĀ inside them and occasionally the brand. Without these clues we would have no idea of who made what, or where, or when.Ā 
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