When to upgrade to a better instrument is a complicated question. Often, when the student begins lessons with his or her first private teacher, it is time to step up. Others choose instruments from this level for a beginning player. One thing is for sure- In the lower price ranges, a little extra investment goes a long way to improve the playability and quality of tone over an entry level product. Pick a price point that is comfortable for you, and consider upgrading in a year or two. Our trade-in policy gives you the flexibility to upgrade the instrument freely, without losing value on your initial investment.

Many of our customers will choose the violin only, and then consider bow and case separately. In choosing a bow we recommend a budget of 15%-30% compared to the cost of the instrument.

We stock a large selection, but the best way to shop is to contact us by email and let us know a little about which models seem appealing to you in terms of the size, price range, tone, and appearance. We can use your preferences to make a specific recommendation of instrument our outfit which is in stock. We also offer a 10 day in-home trial. So, please do not hesistate to contact us. There are no stupid questions. We love email. Thanks in advance for contacting us.

What is the most important aspect of a step-up instrument? The simple answer is "modulation", or, if you are keen on musical acoustics jargon, "waveform modulation". Intermediate level instruments offer better tone, but more specifically, wider tonal possibilities. A player with some skill needs an instrument that will respond to the subtle techniques being developed, such as vibrato, advancing bow strokes and dynamics. Student violins are like an automatic transmission. No matter what you do, you get a Violin-like sound, but at the cost of variety of tones. Intermediate instruments are like a manual transmission, which produce those tonal varieties for the advancing player on demand.

Segue is our private line of instruments from China. We source these from numerous workshops and are constantly looking for better values to offer you. European Workshops is our private line of European made products.

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.

Kohr K415 is the K400 with better wood selection, and slightly improved varnish process. 4/4 Size only. We offer this with only one type of setup, which is the DeLuxe setup.

Segue Concertino Plus is slightly improved version of the standard Concertino. Materials used are upgraded as compared to the Concertino. Better flame, and greater attention to finish detail are noticable improvements.

Johannes Kohr K500 is a popular, value oriented chinese made student instrument. This model is sold in local areas under numerous private label brand names. We make them available for those who have come to know their dependable quality and value.

Segue Suceed is our private label, step-up model. These vary in appearance, tone and response. As with any instrument we offer, we can adjust the various aspects of an instrument to meet your preferences using different strings and other adjustments.

August Kohr 525. Attractive wood selection with great attention to detail in the carving and finishing.

August Kohr 550. Better flamed maple compared to the 525. Lovely satin texture to the finish. Easy response in all registers due to a little extra adjustments in the graduations. Very tastefully antiqued.

August Kohr 575 Lightly antiqued finish, medium glossy texture. Thick tone without being too "Tubby".

August Kohr 602 Choice tonewoods, beautiful medium satin, medium reddish-brown to golden-brown finish. This is the violin that was recommended highly in Strings Magazine.

Core Select 1300. Forgiving response with well balanced tone. Tastefully antiqued look to the finish.

Core Collection K430. One piece back, deep shades of reddish color varnishes. High level of carving and attention to detail for this price range.

Core Collection K470. Better flamed maple with select spruce for the top. Similar to the 430 in terms of carving, but the better varnish process allows for a greater range of tone possibilities. This is a very popular choice in this price range.

Core Collection K480. Again, an improved version of the 430 and 470 model, with even better selection of flamed maple and select spruce. The varnish process also has been upgraded.

Core Collection K490. The top of the 400 series. Gorgeous flamed Maple and select spruce. Wide range of tone possibilities for the advancing player who can "draw" tones out of an instrument.

Eastman Apassionato Antique. Also known as model 405.

Johannes Kohr K512. Not antiqued, but with very light shading. Easy response with well balanced tone color.

August Kohr K515. Lightly antiqued, more-heavily shaded than the 512. Similar wood selection and varnish process.

August Kohr K519. Red-brown varnish over a golden base w/ subtle shading and raised-grain top. Sound is rich with a generally dark tonal quality, and yet delivers big sound. This instrument has a booming sound that does not hinder its projection.

August Kohr K521. Like the 519, but with a one-piece back.

August Kohr K565 Excellent color shading; red-brown to amber over a gold base. This instrument has an extremely clear voice; big sound potential throughout, yet with a uniquely rich tone quality that remains, even through the A string. An excellent intermediate instrument.

European Workshops-Romania Prelude Model is our "Step Up" choice from Europe. The Prelude model offers a better selection of material and some upgraded had finishing. The varnish is a more delicate, improved type as found on the Etude model. Overall, playability and tone are similar to Etude. The improvements are mainly aesthetic.

Segue Difinitive. Our private label, step-up model featuring attractive selection of maple and spruce and a rich varnishes of all styles and colors. Tonally, these are easy to respond with a warm tone balance.

Segue Difinitive Plus is the same model as Difinitive, but with an improved selection of woods and also an upgraded varnish process. The tone is more complex, and should appeal to a player with some ability to draw out different sounds in an instrument. Yet, it retains easy playability and is forgiving.

Segue Distinctive Plus is the top model in our private line for intermediate players. We think this model competes extremely well with any other model at the price. The varnish colors vary widely, but the tone is consistently complex with wide range of tone possibilities for the player on the path to proficiency.

August Kohr K555. Antique varnish with shading. Extra detail to graduations give the instrument ability to produce a wide range of tonal possibilities. Excellent projection and open sound.

European Workshops-Germany Albert Nebel are our least expensive fully German made instruments. Other so-called German instruments are on the market for lower prices, but are not completely made in the country.