A Guide to Buying an Affordable Violin Outfit
Today's market offers good values at every price point under $2,000
by Erin Shrader
“The quality of these is so much better than I expected,” said strings... Read More...
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Why Fine German Bows Are Such a Bargain
Tips on finding a good-quality stick for under $5,000
by Phillip Kass
If you want to buy the best French bow, be prepared to spend a lot of money. Bows by ... Read More...
Improve Your Violin or Viola Bow Hold in 3 Easy Steps
Use this simple exercise to enhance your technical command of the bow
by Leah Hollingsworth
The proper bow hold is a key part of developing your own sound... Read More...
How to Buy Adequate Instrument Insurance
What a special music policy costs, what it covers, when it makes sense for you by Erin Shrader
“You have to buy insurance when you don’t need it,” says Peter... Read More...
The History of Vuillaume’s Bows
Legendary luthier Vuillaume is known for his bows, but he never made one
by Erin Shrader
The top price paid at Bonhams’ March 11 auction sale in London was ... Read More...
A Tale of Two Makers, Jay Ifshin and Haide Lin
From different worlds, two men meet to make the successful enterprise Ifshin Violins
by Erin Shrader
This article first appeared in the June 2009 issue. ... Read More...
Mortality & Meaning of Beethoven’s Late String Quartet, Op. 132
The 3rd movement of Beethoven's haunting treasure—the String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132—holds a key to the meaning behind this emotional composition.
Choosing an Ensemble Name for Your Chamber Music Group
While a name may be little more than icing on a tuneful cake, icing should never be underestimated. Here are tips on how to choose a name for your chamber music group.
Role of the First Violinist
So you think the first violinist is running the show in a string quartet? Guess again
by James Reel
For more than a century after Joseph Haydn established t... Read More...
How to Select the Right Fine Tuners
Here we take a minute to demystify fine tuners on stringed instruments. How many fine tuners should you use? And which type is best? Read on to find out more
