The Violin is a symbol of culture.  For centuries, musicians from around the world have enchanted audiences with the instrument's captivating voice.  Although the violin is popularly respected, there are numerous "counterfeits" available on the market, which can fool and disappoint an unwary buyer.  

While these may have the outward appearance of a violin, they lack the necessary characteristics of any "real" classical instrument.  There are in fact four essential elements required of the true string instrument, based upon the fundamental needs of the player and the function of the instrument.

TUNING EASE:  The violin should be relatively easy to tune and should retain that tuning under normal conditions.

PRACTICAL PLAYABILITY:  A proper instrument must be functional and comfortable.  It should not hurt to play and neither the strings nor hardware buzz.

TONAL QUALITY:  When played properly, a violin should produce the pleasant sound for which the instrument is known.  Failing that, who would want to listen to or play it.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY:  An instrument grows with its player and should exhibit construction quality substantial enough to properly serve his or her musical aspirations over time.

These qualities can offer the opportunity for the student or player to earn and own the pleasure and satisfaction of making music.

Special thanks to the Knilling Violin Co. for providing this information.
Used by permission