ACV30 Violin - should I upgrade?

March 11, 2012 at 12:21 AM · Hmmm A good time to upgrade is when you are playing grade 4 orchestra music. A general rule of thumb. For children that have started in 5th grade they mostly trade their instruments in 8th grade to prepare for high school. As far as the the model go to a violin shop for a nicer violin. Those years also make it possible to save up for a nice violin. A great step up violin should take you to 5-6 years before considering what I like to call "The One" The Otto Benjamins are a standard from Eastman Strings for a advanced violin. I heard that Snow and Gliga make very well built violins. A good price range if you want to buy from a violin shop is around $2000-$4000

March 12, 2012 at 08:51 AM · Amanda - One thing I often recommend to someone thinking of upgrading to a better student violin is simply to get a better set-up on their current one. It's amazing what you can achieve in terms of sound and playability by improving the soundpost, bridge, pegs, etc. Cheap student instruments usually come with cheap fittings which have been quickly fitted to a not very good standard. A better setup might allow to play your current instrument for a couple more years, whilst you're saving towards a proper step-up instrument when the time is right.

March 12, 2012 at 11:43 PM · The right time to ugrade is when the instrument you have won't do what you need it to. Or when you have some extra money burning a hole in your pocket. Or when you fall in love with something.

Seriously, you might go to the local shop for a couple of hours and try some things in the price range you're thinking about. You'll know quickly whether or not you would benefit from an upgrade.

March 14, 2012 at 12:40 PM · Marc has the right idea ; get your current violin set up properley. What sort of strings do you have on it now ? Good strings and a slightly better bow can make a big difference to the sound.