I already have an instrument what do I do?
Keep the instrument secure in the case by closing all zippers, locks, latches, straps
Keep the instrument clean by wiping rosin and oil from our hands off the instrument after each use. Also keep the cloth over the instrument to prevent rosin dust from the bow from sticking to instrument and strings.
CHANGE STRINGS ONCE A YEAR! Strings get old, break and lose sound so fresh ones are needed each year.
Make sure that fine tuners and pegs turn easily. If they do not peg soap can easily be purchased at local music stores for pegs. Fine tuners will work well as long as the instrument is protected in the case when not in use and kept free of rosin from the bow.
What do look for when buying an instrument?
Appearances can be deceiving. Shiny and pretty are awesome, but often take a closer look. If you are shopping for an instrument at a local music store quality instruments are around $500. However if you choose to pay less you should be paying between $250 and $500 for beginner student instruments. Any less and the phrase "you get what you pay for", comes to mind. Online music retailers that are recommended on our lists at the beginning of year may have specials or clearance instruments, but if they are on our list you are in good to go! Amazon and Ebay are great websites for lots of stuff, but purchasing an instrument without knowing the facts can result in you paying more money to get the instrument repaired so that it is good playing condition.
Quality instruments should have the following: real ebony fingerboard, real ebony pegs, tailpiece with metal fine tuners (not plastic, these break very easily), a bridge with the notches already cut for strings to fit, a brazilwood or carbon fiber bow, Prelude or Red Label Strings.
Suggested brands of instruments (Franz Hoffman, Carlo Lamberti, Klaus Mueller, Knilling Bucharest, Yamaha, Brandenburg 880, Carlo Robelli CR-209/302/350 Violin, Carlo Robelli P262 Viola, Cremona SC100 Cello, Carlo Robelli CR 252, Cremona SB2 Bass)
Online Retailers
Shar Music
http://www.sharmusic.com/Rentals/National-Rentals/?state=GA#state=GA&page_no=1&src=&_=1492361910201
Southwest Strings
https://www.swstrings.com/#
Local Metro Area Stores
Mandarin Strings - Marietta and online
Ken Stanton- Marietta and other locations, online
Music and Arts Center- East Cobb and other locations, online
Dirt Cheep Music- Smyrna and online
Beau Vinci Violins- Alpharetta and online
Ronald Sachs Violins- Marietta, Lilburn and online
Atlanta Violin Shop- Roswell, online