Recently, I decided I needed yet another violin for a very specific mission. I don’t have a local luthier or string shop within a few hours of my area so I knew I would have to use an online violin retailer. Even though I have some retailers that I trust and enjoy working with, purchasing a good quality, intermediate or advanced violin online can be tricky.

How do you find the best violin for you? How do you know what it will sound like? How does the in-home trial process work? If I can only try two or three violins for an in-home trial, how do I narrow it down to those? Why are some violins called “bright” while others are “warm?” What’s the difference with all of those terms for describing violin sound?

Which all brings us down to a basic question of violin sound production. How can you have two instruments that look more or less the same and yet sound completely different?

Let’s tackle those basics of violin sound production, the overtone series, describing violin sound, and where to purchase a violin online in this first video.

Buying a Violin Online: What Makes Each One Sound Different?

It’s pretty fascinating, isn’t it? Now that you understand a little bit more about sound production, let’s discuss how to understand the differences between violins as you get ready to start comparing violins.

Comparing Violins: Tips to Help You Hear the Differences

Start Listening and Comparing!

Now that you know a little bit about how to compare the differences, start listening and comparing! Remember to go with your gut feeling, take breaks in between listening sessions, and enjoy the process!