What Kind of Violin Accessories Will I Need?
April 4, 2014/0 Comments/by Suzy S.
Case: Every violin needs a durable case to prevent dents and dings no matter where you go. You can purchase softer cases for easier travel, or hard cases for extra protection. A good case will also keep your violin’s humidity level constant when you’re not playing. This is important because the wood in your violin may expand and contract with changes in humidity, causing it to go out of tune. Most cases have pockets for holding one or two bows, as well as smaller accessories. Straps are available for carrying your violin over your shoulder, or you can use the handle if you prefer to carry it like a briefcase. Average prices range between $50-$80.Shoulder rest: A shoulder rest props up your violin so that it rests at a comfortable location on your shoulder, and it keeps your instrument from slipping. Your shoulder rest needs to be adjustable for height, so that you can determine your most comfortable position, and also width so it accommodates your violin regardless of size. Average price for beginners is usually less than $25.Chin rest: A chin rest is a specially shaped piece of wood or plastic that attaches to the body of your violin to help position your jaw or chin comfortably on the instrument. Most violins will come set up with a chin rest, but you may find that you prefer a different one. The average price of these violin accessories is $15.Music stand: Instead of propping up your music on a chair or laying it flat on a table, the best place for your music is on a music stand. This way, your music is always conveniently available for you when you’re ready to play! Many stands are metal, although some are made of wood. Often, violinists have two: a smaller, collapsible one for taking to music lessons and recitals, and a sturdier one for home. Both types are adjustable for height and can swivel as needed. Collapsible stands typically are $20, while sturdier models can cost around $50.Tuner: How do you know if your violin is in tune? With a tuner, of course! One of the most indispensable violin accessories, most electronic tuners have lights that indicate green when each note, or string, is in tune, and likewise, turn red when it is not. More complex tuners may also have a metronome. Tuner prices can be very expensive to downright cheap, but a quality yet affordable tuner typically costs about $30. You can also find various tuner apps to download on your smartphone.]Sheet music or violin books: It’s one thing to play open strings, but it’s much more fun to play actual music! Therefore, purchasing sheet music or technique books will open up a whole new world to budding violinists. Your violin teacher can help you select several books that are at the appropriate level for you. Some books include a CD that plays the melody so that you can play along, or just the accompaniment so that you can play the melody yourself.Rosin: Often included with your violin, rosin is one of the most essential violin accessories. It helps create the friction needed for your bow to grip the strings and create sound. Keep in mind that not all rosin is created equal – the quality of the rosin, the amount that you apply to your bow, and how often you apply it will affect your playing. Budget about $12 for this purchase.Soft cloth: While you need rosin to make sounds with your violin, too much rosin can be a bad thing. It can build up, causing residue to cake your strings and produce a “screechy” sound. Purchasing a specially designed cloth to wipe away excess rosin will keep your violin strings in excellent playing condition. Expect to spend about $5.00.Dampit: Humidity and violins do not mix. Extreme dryness can cause your violin to crack, while excessive humidity can stretch your strings so that they are constantly out of tune. To combat humidity issues, you should always store your violin in its case after playing. If you live in a dry climate, consider getting a dampit, often called a “worm.” It’s a long tube that you fill with water and then place in one of your violin’s F scrolls to add moisture to your violin. A dampit costs about $15.Extra strings: Your violin is set up with four strings – but what happens if one of those strings breaks or wears out? You definitely need to replace it. Make sure you have spare strings on hand. You can buy each one individually, which is useful if you tend to wear out a specific string, or you can buy a package of four – one of each string type. Buying a package tends to be a more economical choice. While these violin accessories can run the price gamut, allocate about $20.00 for individual strings and $60.00 for a package of four.Peg compound: Every violin has four pegs that keep the strings in place and tightened appropriately. However, depending on your violin’s construction and your home’s humidity levels, pegs can be extremely difficult to turn, or become too loose. The solution: peg compound. Also referred to as peg dope, use it to coat your tuning pegs to prevent them from sticking or slipping. Peg compound is inexpensive, at about $10.00.Other maintenance costs: When you first start learning how to play violin, you may be hesitant to do any routine maintenance. So if you have problems with your pegs, need to replace your D string, or want to add a new chin rest, your best violin accessory could be the contact information of a reputable violin maker, also called a luthier. They will know how to maintain your violin, recommend parts, and suggest changes that will help you play your instrument better.
While a violin and bow are the basics needed to play the instrument, investing in these violin accessories will certainly help you as you progress. Combine them with a qualified and enthusiastic teacher, and playing the violin will quickly become one of your favorite hobbies.
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