My daughter is only 11 years old and a talented grade 7 – how do I go about upgrading her violin?
Here is some qualified advice on how a professional steps up his pupils.
I would offer this strategy, knowing, of course, nothing of your daughter’s actual technique or ability. Firstly, for an 11 year old who is talented, her first upgrade violin may not be her final high school instrument, and much less her college instrument. It is suggested that it is better to do the upgrade in clearly defined steps matched to her playing progress. It is not the most natural evolution in development to get an expensive instrument too early on. It is a bit different when Grandmother owned a Rocca and there is history and experience behind an instrument – but for a student evolving and developing it might potentially be unkind to drop them into a Ferrari when they are still learning how to drive. Or they learn how to drive fast straight until they crash the instrument.
Secondly do not attempt to buy on auctions, but rather visit a few established dealers or violin shops who specialise in this suggested price bracket (£1000 to £3000) She will be navigating 150 years of violin literature so that this certainly does require a boost from a better instrument – that is, assuming she manages to complete a solid concerto every year, The Tchaikovsky, for example, is realistic pre-college, but even a prominent position in a local youth orchestra may require a change in timbre or clarity in a particular range of the voice which might be strident when played solo. A violin like this may lead, in a young person, to some hearing damage which parents need to take into account. Much depends in higher education on the actual ensemble and the conductor.
Thus, although parents may have a generous budget, care needs to be taken so as not to hinder a smooth solid progression. Thought also needs to be given to actual sizing so that, for an average 11-year-old, I would suggest starting with the better master Chinese or Eastern European instruments, made from European wood or at least European spruce. The variety of patterns of the old masters are better copied by the Chinese workshops, and I would suggest a shorter Del Gesu or Amati model as a starting point or even a good 7/8 instrument. If she is taller than average the more usual Strad and Guarneri copies are appropriate. Some workshop models from Europe are hybrids and capable of sounding really great. You may, however, be limited by the choice of instruments available at the dealers so a visit to two or three is a necessity. Re-sale value must not be a factor at this stage and might be restricted, although her instruments would likely be sought after as she improves.
If she is looking for an older instrument and searching for the ‘sound’ – the older German a French violins from 19th Century are often good buys in the price bracket provided they have been expertly restored and properly set up. There are also some contemporary makers from the bigger workshops who offer very acceptable instruments such as Paesold, Kirschnek etc. These will undoubtedly improve over years as they are played and seldom depreciate in value.
The bow will be a very important component of this project and again needs time and patience to select the correct weight and feel – with the choice to be made after settling on the violin purchase. For the usual composers, or for example Bruch, Mendelssohn or Wieniawski, a medium to light tipped balance is probably a good bet and should be stiffer. This requires some input from the dealer but essentially the player will quickly empathise with the correct bow depending once again if she is of average height or taller than average for her age. As she grows and progresses, she will indubitably find that her needs change and she may need another bow – so limit the budget at this stage. Look carefully at the modern carbon-fibre bows, as they are increasingly very acceptable
Second opinions if respected locally, can be sought, and certainly the teacher’s input is desirable. Be chary, however, of consulting too many ‘experts’ online as it can become very confusing – rather rely on your own instinct, your players musicality and, if from a reputable dealer, the confidence that you can trade up or exchange at any time.
I hope this helps with your talented 11 year old
