What is the most important aspect of a beginner instrument? The simple answer is playability. Young people should not be discouraged by an instrument that is difficult or impossible to manage. Pretty soon, a young player will lose interest and eventually want to quit. Parents should know that a student will be more committed on a well constructed and adjusted instrument.Teachers understand this all-too-well. They see instruments every day that are not adequate for the needs of the player. We apply the same expectations to the setup and adjustment of a simple instrument, as we do for a high-end instrument.

You WILL find cheaper Violas on the internet. We have seen these instruments in our workshop because customers bring them in for service. These instruments always require more work that is worth spending. The customer should have spent a little more in the first place to get an instrument that was adequate. A teacher that is a friend of our shop, calls these things "instrument-shaped objects" because they are not truly instruments. You will not find a $99 Viola on our website. It's about value, not price. Our selection starts at a level that is the minimum acceptable quality according to the vast majority of teachers, and therefore the minimum reasonable investment. If you are serious about supporting a student's desire to succeed in music, DO NOT buy a $99 Viola off the internet. There, you just did all the research you need to do about how much to spend on a student Viola.

An Outfit includes a Bow and Case, or you can purchase the instrument only. With the standard setup, a shaped model case with fabric cover and basic quality Brazilwood or Fiberglass bow are included (your choice). With the DeLuxe setup, an oblong case and upgraded bow are included. Shaped model case examples are the Pro Tec Max, Concord Academy Dart, HC Economy Dart, SKB, Bobelock Shaped, or other, similar cases are used in the Standard Outfit. Oblong cases such as Pro Tec ProPac, Bobelock 1002, HC Oblong, and others are used in the DeLuxe outfit.

Segue Les Etoiles is the most affordable instrument we offer. Les Etoiles means "The Stars" in French,(as in Twinkle, Twinkle). It is one of our primary rental instruments, and also a very popular choice for entry-level quality. Made for us by one of the most well-known and respected Chinese workshops.

We confidently offer Concertino, hand finished instruments from the Segue Line as high quality, entry level instruments. Made for us by one of the most well-known and respected Chinese workshops.

Kohr K400 is the entry level model from the Kohr workshop. This instrument is very similar to our other offerings of a similar price, in terms of it's quality of materials, workmanship and tone. The K400 offers a different look, which is distinct from Les Etoiles and Concertino. The color tends to be orange-brown, which is nicely between these other two models in appearance. The antique effect is tastefully done.

Violin model Shown.

European Workshops-Romania Etude Model is our entry level instrument from Europe. A tradition of quality workmanship, and low cost of production make these appealing instruments suitable for beginning students, schools and rental programs. Their appearance is more attractive to many customers, as compared to the brighter, cleaner appearance of Segue Concertino.

European Workshops-Romania KR10. Slightly flamed maple. Brown varnish with hints of golden tones. European wood is the equalizer, as far as comptitiveness with Chinese-made instruments. European production can't compete on the labor costs with China, but they can offer European wood, which can only be found in very high-end Chinese instruments. So, even an entry level European instrument has overall similar value with an entry level Chinese product.

Violin Model Shown

Core Academy Model 20. Intended for rental fleets, school music programs and other institutional uses, but offered here because of the exceptional value. As the name implies, Core is Kohr, the same well-known brand as Johannes Kohr and August Core.

Violin Model shown.

Core Academy Model 25. Same as model 20, but with more attractive selection of wood and better varnish process.

Violin model shown.