String instruments are one of the most popular ones. They’re suitable for different types of music and are good for both beginners and experienced musicians. Plus, they have a lot of physical and mental benefits that can improve your life.
Viola
Buying an instrument is not an easy-to-make decision, especially when it comes to a viola. This is an instrument that comes in several sizes and can have differences in sound because of the wood materials and strings. That’s why it’s always recommended to try it out before making a purchase. This way, you can get the best clear-sounding, handcrafted viola instrument.
These instruments are made to fit musicians of different skill levels and come in 3 categories. Student violas are for beginners. In most cases, they’re machine-made to keep the prices low so everyone can afford one. Intermediate to advanced violas are man-made and have a better sound. They’re dynamic and have a better and stronger projection.
Professional violas are meticulously crafted with the finest woods. They have a very rich tone and wide dynamics. They’re considered masterpieces and are more expensive than the previous two. To make the buying process much easier, ask your teacher for some buying advice. They know what you need and will give you great buying tips.
Choosing the right viola size is not difficult. First, stand up and extend your left arm with the palm facing up. Make a dot in the middle of the palm and use a measuring tape to measure the distance from the base of your neck to the dot on the palm. Take the number you get and compare it to the sizing chart at the online store. Of course, you can do this without the measuring tape if you’re at the physical store and have violas all around you.
Another important thing to consider is the materials and construction. Look for high-quality woods such as spruce, ebony and maple. It should also have a tight construction if you want to get a good sound. There shouldn’t be any cracks where two pieces of wood connect. This is a problem you can fix, but if it goes unnoticed, it can worsen very quickly.
A lot of people are wondering if it’s better to buy a second-hand viola. Yes, this is possible, but it is not the best option. They’re cheaper but in an unsatisfactory condition. Plus, they don’t come with a warranty. If you’re not sure that the viola is your instrument, you can always rent one. However, there’s nothing better than buying a viola you can have for yourself and practice anytime you want.
Violin
If you’re a fan of violins, now is the right time to invest in one. These beautiful instruments are a popular option for many reasons. Just like the viola instrument, violins come in several sizes, from 1/16, which is the smallest, to 4/4, or the standard-size violin. They’re suitable for people of all ages and sizes.
The violin should be professionally set up by a string-instrument maker, also known as a luthier. These people are trained to make adjustments that will improve the violin’s performance, sound and playability. They work on things such as nuts, bridges, fingerboards, sound posts and pegs and set them up correctly.
The woods are also important. Ever since the beginning of the violin, manufacturers have used maple and spruce as their main materials. Maple is used for the neck, back and sides, and spruce is used for the top. Ebony is used for nuts, pegs and the fingerboard because it’s a very dense and strong wood.
The last thing to consider is the strings. They will help you create a warm sound and can be made of several materials such as sheep intestine, steel and nylon. Once you get all of the key factors in one violin, you can make a purchase. Find a good teacher and embrace the sweet and mesmerising sounds this lovely instrument plays.
Cello
Just like violas for sale, cellos come in many varieties and have different properties. There are several types of cellos you can choose from. The acoustic one is very traditional and makes the sound with the strings and the body. It doesn’t have any electronic part of amps and it’s used in many music genres. The carbon fibre cello is a modern version of this instrument made of carbon fibre and plastic or resin.
It’s lightweight, strong, durable and perfect for children and limited-strength musicians. The electric cello has an amplifier and an electric pickup. This is not a beginner-friendly instrument. The 5-string cello is also known as pomposa. It has an extra string for higher tone ranges.
Baroque cellos are of course inspired by the Baroque period. They have a longer pitch and the strings are always made of guts. Small-scale cellos are the ¾ and ½ cellos. Last but not least, are the full-scale ones that are the most common. They have 4 strings: C, G, D and A and the back and front are made of different woods. Some of the most popular woods are:
- Basswood – soft, easy to work with, lightweight, light coloured;
- Ebony – thick, long-lasting, darker-toned, good for tuning pegs and fingerboard;
- Maple – good for the sides, back and neck, strong, pretty and stable;
- Poplar – lightweight, soft, lacks resonance;
- Spruce – strong, makes resonant sounds, has good vibrations.
Double Bass
The double bass is the largest instrument in the string category. It has a very elegant look and a unique sound. The main thing to consider is the type of wood the double bass is made of. Laminated plywood is budget-friendly but not very resonant. This means you won’t get the best sound.
The fully carved double bass is a favourite among professionals. This is because, as the instrument gets older it produces more complex and richer sounds. If you’re a beginner and have a lot of money to spend, invest in this instrument. Last but not least, the hybrid double bass. This one has laminated sides and a carved top. It has a high-quality sound, and stability and it’s reasonably priced. Overall, a great instrument for beginners.
