Blog

When someone purchases a violin, viola, cello, or bass, it is easy to assume that everything needed to start playing comes with the instrument. In reality, orchestral string instruments are traditionally sold on their own. The instrument itself is only part of what a player needs to play comfortably, safely,... read more →

When someone begins shopping for a violin, it’s natural to focus on price and appearance first. Violins are beautiful objects, and many look impressive hanging on a wall or resting in a case. But appearance alone doesn’t tell you whether an instrument is well made, properly set up, or capable... read more →

When players and parents begin exploring orchestral string instruments, one of the most common points of confusion is the difference between student, intermediate, and professional instruments. These terms are used widely, but they’re not always explained clearly, and they don’t mean the same thing across every music store. At Von’s... read more →

When parents start shopping for their child’s first violin, viola, cello, or bass, one of the most common questions they ask is also one of the most reasonable: How do I know if this instrument is actually good enough for a beginner? Most parents don’t have a background in orchestral... read more →

When parents begin shopping for their child’s first violin, viola, cello, or bass, one of the most common questions they ask is whether they should buy new or used. On the surface, it sounds like a straightforward comparison, but in the world of orchestral string instruments, the question is often... read more →

When families start thinking about buying a first orchestral string instrument, the conversation often begins with price. What parents really want to know, though, is not just how much an instrument costs, but whether it is the right kind of instrument for a beginner. They want something that will stay... read more →

An instrument case is not just something to carry an instrument from one place to another. It is a critical piece of protection that shields a violin, viola, cello, or bass from impacts, pressure, and environmental changes that can cause serious damage. For students especially, cases play a major role... read more →

For many string players, the instrument gets most of the attention—but the bow is just as important. The bow is how sound is created, shaped, and controlled. A well-chosen bow can dramatically improve tone, articulation, and ease of playing, even on a modest instrument. Even though you need the bow... read more →

When students make the transition from renting to owning a string instrument, one of the biggest questions parents have is: How much will it cost to buy a beginner violin, viola, cello, or bass? At Von’s Violin Shop, we’re committed to helping students and families make informed decisions about buying... read more →