Your Complete Guide to Starting Violin or Viola

Starting your musical journey is an exciting milestone. To make things easy, our beginner instruments come as complete outfits—meaning the core essentials are already built in.

What’s Included in a Beginner Outfit?

When you choose a beginner violin or viola outfit, you are getting everything you need to start playing right out of the box:

• The Instrument (Violin or Viola):  (Remember to select the correct fractional size for students or full size for adults).

• The Bow: Expertly strung and balanced for smooth playability.

• The Protective Case: A sturdy hard-shell case designed to securely hold your instrument and bow against bumps and temperature changes.

Essential Accessories to Complete Your Setup

To get the absolute most out of your new outfit, you will also want to pair it with a few crucial accessories:

• The Shoulder Rest: A fully adjustable, padded rest that attaches to the back of the instrument to prevent posture strain and stop slipping.

• Rosin: Essential resin rubbed onto the bow hair to create the necessary friction against the strings to produce sound.

• Electronic Tuner: A simple, clip-on chromatic tuner that attaches directly to the scroll to keep your instrument in perfect pitch.

• Practice Mute: A handy accessory that slips over the bridge to significantly lower the volume for quiet practice.

• Instrument Stand: A secure floor stand that keeps your instrument safely displayed and ready to play, encouraging more frequent practice.

 

Your Complete Guide to Starting Cello or Bass

What’s Included in a Beginner Outfit?

When you choose a beginner cello or double bass outfit, you are getting everything you need to start playing right out of the box:

• The Instrument (Cello or Bass): Remember to select the correct fractional size for younger students or full size for adults.

• The Bow: Precision-balanced and properly strung to draw a full, clear tone from the thick strings.

• The Protective Bag: A sturdy, padded gig bag or hard-shell case designed to safely transport and protect your instrument and bow against bumps and temperature changes.

Essential Accessories to Complete Your Setup

To get the absolute most out of your new outfit, you will also want to pair it with a few crucial accessories:

• Music Stand: A sturdy, adjustable folding or heavy-duty desk stand to hold your sheet music at eye level for proper posture.

• Instrument Stand: A heavy-duty, secure floor stand designed specifically for the weight and size of a cello or double bass, keeping it safe when not in use.

• Rosin: A specialized, high-grip resin block rubbed onto the bow hair to create the necessary friction against the thick strings to produce sound.

• Electronic Tuner: A simple, chromatic tuner (often with a clip or contact mic) designed to handle the lower frequencies and keep your instrument in perfect pitch.

• Practice Mute: A rubber or heavy metal accessory that slips onto the bridge to significantly lower the volume for quiet, neighbor-friendly practice.

• Slip Stop (Endpin Anchor): A small device or strap attached to your chair leg that anchors the metal endpin, keeping y