The type of strings vary depending on the type of sound you are trying to acheive. However, generally speaking Eva Pirazzi or Vision strings are recommended. For more information, see our violin strings page.

You may get different opinions on this, but I think changing your violin strings depends on how much you use them and wear them out. So if you practice for about 3-4 hourse a day, you should probably change them every 6-12 months. If you practice less than an hour or so per day, you could change them every 12-24 months. Hope this helps! - Shaundra

The service department recommends high-quality guitar polish such as Dunlop Formula 65 on all parts of the guitar. The fingerboard should be treated semi-annually with light mineral oil. Remember, a clean guitar is a happy guitar.

From time to time Martin will change the type of strings used on new Martin guitars. Generally, all non-cutaway dreadnoughts and jumbos get medium gauge. All X-Series, cutaways and smaller models such as the 000 and 00 get light gauge strings. All 12 string guitars get extra light gauge. Of course they have a few exceptions with nylon string guitars and bass guitars.

Rosin dust should be removed immediately after each playing or practicing session from the violin and the strings. Use a soft, lint free cloth after each practice session. This is necessary because rosin dust collects on the body of the instrument under the strings and on the strings, and if it builds up it will be difficult to get off. If you do this consistently, it shouldn't be necessary to use a violin cleaner/polish.

I've got to be careful here..... Four and, more recently, five string basses have become the most common instruments. However, there are many people that use 6 and 7 string basses (I've seen a 9 string, so there are many varieties not mentioned here). None are inherently better than the others. I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but try as many as you can and decide for yourself.

It's an excerpt from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, and it's being played by Steven Bochco's father Rudolph.

It might be a good idea to rent a violin to start with. Try Foote's - this is a shop in London that has an excellent rental scheme, quite cheap and they are prepared to send instruments all over the country. If you want to buy, any music shop can get hold of the type of instrument beginners use in schools - the best-known make is Stentor - expect to pay somewhere in the region of £100.

To find a teacher, try Musicians Friend. Failing that, contact the local Education Authority Music Service. They won't help you directly as they exist to serve schools only, but they must employ a lot of violin teachers many of whom will be interested in giving private lessons in their spare time.

They are essentially the same instrument. A modern Fiddle is often refered to a Violin in a Folk setting. A traditional Fiddle is a medieval instrument that is related to and somewhat resembles the modern Violin.

The primary reason strings break is that "main" strings rub against "cross" strings when the ball is hit with spin. Gradually, this rubbing cuts a notch in the main string. When the notch gets deep enough the string cannot withstand the stretch caused by a strong shot, and it breaks. The thicker the string, the deeper the notch it will tolerate before breaking. That's why thicker strings last longer than thinner strings.

You will be able to do many of the activities that you were able to do before the implant. You should always talk with your doctor before resuming any of these activities. Some activities like contact sports that could damage your device or cable may be prohibited. Others like swimming may be discouraged, or allowed with certain restrictions.

That is a great question. Most of the time the prices are determined by dealers and appraisers based on what similar instruments are selling for. Most violin makers are also dealers. If you have a violin that you are not sure about, you should take it to several dealers as they will probably tell you different things. I have seen dealers say an instrument is worth very little and then offer to buy it and others say it is worth alot and offer to sell it for me.

One of the best ways to hold a violin is to not use a shoulder rest. For more information, check out our page on holding the violin.

I'm afraid we aren't a shop and don't sell instruments, we just give free advice. Almost any music shop should be able to sell you a NEW violin for about £100 - you don't need very good quality for a 4-year-old - frankly she won't know the difference! Ask for a make called "Stentor" - they are basic but cheap and tough.

The Viola is the second highest pitched instrument of the string family. It is similar to the violin in most respects, however it is larger and is a fifth lower in range.

A reliable method is to stretch your arm straight out under the instrument, and under the scroll, and if the instrument's scroll ends flush with the pulse, it is just right. According to the build of a student, it can be a little shorter or longer. A sturdy student can take a little longer; it will mean less bend at the elbow when they play, which is tiring but can be tolerable, but if the candidate is weak then one chooses a little shorter instrument

In order to preserve the authenticity of the time the original text was written, the musicians referred to descriptions found within the Biblical text to guide the creative process. For example, when they encountered references in the Psalms to violins, psaltery (similar to a harp) and other stringed instruments, the musicians used these or similar instruments in the appropriate song. In other words, they used instruments that most closely fit the period and specifically, the Psalms.

I always suggest renting your first violin. During our initial lesson I will measure your child and tell you what size violin you should get.