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Where do you start when you want to start purchasing equipment to begin playing an instrument which belongs to the string family? During my violin playing journey I have encountered many products over the years. Strings, bows, shoulder rests, bridges, chin rests, pegs, scores, rosin and everything else in between. I’m doing all the heavy lifting (LOTS of research) so you don’t need to. I cover topics such as affordability, budgeting, and planning.
Seeing there are a variety of models and styles available on the market, an offering of a different product from a familiar brand may not be a wise choice for your needs. Not all top-picks mentioned here will be suited for every player. However either due to popularity, conditioning or exceptional quality, these are the items from a range of trusted brands which I continue to find myself returning to time and time again.
These are products and items which I have previously used (or still do!) so I would be able to give a more informed opinion on each piece of equipment, and comment on my own personal experience in this blog post. If there are alternatives which are not mentioned in the youtube video or in this post, leave your suggestions in the comment box below.
A ‘What’s In My Bag 2022’ Guide with a @sheiscallednv twist…
Many of the items and brands suggested in this video are to be used as a starting point, and this list is not exhaustive, however if there are other products which could be far more suited for your needs then follow your intuition. Be pragmatic, experiment and reflect on what is right for you. This all depends on who you are as a player, your anatomy, what feels comfortable when holding, playing or using your instrument and your budget.
Equipment Buying Plan-of-Attack:
➤ Budget
➤ Plan & Monitor
➤ Journal & Document
Remember: Make informed decisions
- Music stand – König & Meyer – RRP £9.99 – Germany – So the first item that I’ve got here is a German manufactured K&M or König & Meyer music stand which retails at RRP £9.99 – £58 and it’s a lightweight and robust little thing. It’s available in a range of eye-catching colours including red, silver, gold, black and mine is in a fetching and fabulous tuorquise colour. If your are looking for something which packs away and unfolds relatively easy then this product is for you. Here is a brief demonstration [in Youtube video] to show you how to adjust it (it’s adjustable at any height) so you can use it which you are standing or sitting down. If this is the first time you’re buying a music stand this König & Meyer music stand is likely to be a safe bet.
The tripod base is much wider than my old stand when opened, making the stand very stable. When closed, the legs are prone to flap slightly – a means of retention would be a good addition, though a strong rubber band will do the trick.
➤ K&M Music Stands | Thomann UK
https://tinyurl.com/jr48mrju
https://tinyurl.com/6p3w52jb
- Shoulder rest – Bonmusica Violin Shoulder Rest 4/4 – RRP £48 – Germany – The second piece of equipment is also manufactured in Germany, which is a Bonmusica shoulder rest for a 4/4 violin which retails at approx RRP £48. If you did want to opt for one which doesn’t risk to break the bank then a Wolf Forte Secondo is a budget friendly RRP £19.40 and is manufactured in Holland. If you did want to get more advice about which shoulder rest would be suitable (depending on the size of the violin/viola) it might be useful to take the instrument into a music shop and have different shoulder rests fitted on the instrument. Generally, finding a solution so your posture remains comfortable while practising is important, with or without a shoulder rest. Some may advise against using a shoulder rest altogether however for most beginners, with professionals and students included, this is a well-known starting point for most string players.
➤ 10 Best Violin Shoulder Rests [2021 Review] | MusicCritichttps://tinyurl.com/5pnvwjjv
➤ Bonmusica Schulterstützenhttps://tinyurl.com/2p972bdr
➤ Wolf Forte Secondo 4/4 -3/4 BK – £19.40 – Netherlandshttps://tinyurl.com/43a25fzk
➤ Wolf Forte Secondo 4/4 -3/4 BK – Thomann UKhttps://tinyurl.com/2vunjube
➤ YMC Violin Shoulder Rest Maple https://tinyurl.com/yckkxpk7
- Bows – Brazil – Trying to find the ideal violin bow can be a labour intensive task. Searching for the right bow is very similar to looking for a comfortable, and hopefully stylish, pair of jeans. Once you have found “the one” which is suited to your needs and matched with your instrument, then trust your gut instinct (if budgetary limits allow) and give your new bow a fabulous, new home. A brief discussion over the phone with an team member at Bridgewood and Neitzert galvanised me to take the plunge and replace the bow I have owned for (more or less) over ten years.
During June 2019 I returned a pair of bows which were kindly loaned to me by luthiers based @oxfordviolins. Having the opportunity to test drive high quality equipment, like the ones pictured here, is rare so I completely rolled with it when offered. Playability and balance of each bow is stunning yet both give entirely different responses. These in particular are made from Paubrasilia echinata with pearl inlays at end of the adjuster. In terms of their value some are worth more than your girlfriend’s Catier jewellery and Birkin handbag collection combined… just saying. Pictured here are silver mounted bows both hand crafted by Juliano Oliveira and A. Napier.
Violin Bow by Valdecir Nickel-Ebony mounted Artisan model
Violin Bow 4/4 made in Valdecir’s workshop in Brazil. This is an excellent choice of bow for any musician. It will be hard to find any better bow under $2,000. The Pernambuco wood is always exceptional quality.
RRP £590 – £1200 – Sousa classic Pernambuco nickel
➤ Violin Bow | Oxford Violinshttps://oxfordviolins.com
➤ Violin Bows | Bridgewood & Neitzerthttps://tinyurl.com/2p8hz9jt
➤ Violin Bows Collection | Esther Abramihttps://tinyurl.com/mvnr4n8d
➤ More Violin Bowshttps://tinyurl.com/2p9677cz
➤ Differences between a cheap and expensive violin bow | Esther Abrami https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Mdx7OqrEpU
➤ Bow Repair | Bridgewood and Neitzerthttps://bridgewoodandneitzert.london/bow-repair/https://tinyurl.com/2my3bhc8
- Bow case – Adult Boxwood 2 Piece Cue Case – RRP £10 – United Kingdom – this next item isn’t idiosyncratic of a classical music store find however it is a product that can be used to keep your violin equipment safe while on tour or pon road. Because every string player knows how fragile they are given that they are prone to breaking when dropped or if they’re not looked after with care. So next-up is something which can be described as a little unconventional. It’s a pool cue case which, *drum roll* in this case (yep) can double up as a protective travel container for your bow. The RRP for this is approx £10. The one I own is manufactured in the UK. This is an affordably priced item and is a no-brainer purchase if regular travelling constitues as part of your day-to-day activities. If you are moving from one concert hall to an other or there happens to be a surplus number of bows needed for the concert/rehearsal which means there is a limited number of spare bow compartments left in your violin case, this is a must-have product.
The only drawback is that there is only space for two bows and features no dual or quad storage compartments inside (which some violin cases do). Therefore, as ever, your violin case will still be your ride-or-die in order to store all your concert necessities in.
➤ 2 Piece Cue Case – Black
https://tinyurl.com/f2rd33ju
- Rosin – England – RRP £2 to £15 – This next item does comprise as part of any proactive violinist’s concert toolkit. The rosin I use is the world famous Hidersine 3V Violin Rosin. This is made in England. This inexpensive necessity can be found readily available online or can be purchased from any violin workshop, classical instrument store or a local well stocked music shop.
➤ Hidersine 3V Violin Rosinhttps://tinyurl.com/2p8j7yct
➤ AB No1 Dark Violin Rosinhttps://tinyurl.com/yc2kf6hd
- Strings – Undoubtedly, every violin player who strives to achieve continued development of their sound and musicianship will find equipment to make this job easier.
Regardless of being a professional or keen amateur performer, any instrumentalist will tell you how violin strings are the single most important piece (or should that be pieces?!) of equipment they can invest in.
With there being a wide variety of choice on the market, deciding which industry standard strings brands to opt for can be a challenge.
From low tension strings for younger players using a 3/4 sized violin or smaller to gut strings used by professional artists refining their technique by performing Baroque repertoire, finding the perfect set of strings can be a monumental task.
Many premium quality strings won’t corrode due to slight or extreme changes to temperature or humidity. These items, such as professional grade Evah Pirazzi Violin strings, tend to have a higher price point and therefore may not be a casual impulse purchase, however these items are unlikely to snap or unravel unlike their more affordable cousins.
After being fitted, whether playing solo or participating in ensemble work, overall tone production is important. Experimenting (when using different strings/brands) can help to gauge on aspects such as projection, dynamic range, colour, timbre and tone. Below are a list of strings I have used however this list is not exhaustive but can be used as a helpful stating point. - My recommendations:
- Dominant Violin Strings, Thomastik (Vienna) – These strings produces a clear sound quality which offers a good balance of brightness and warmth. Although the high E can be tinny when played and settle after a week of playing, they are relatively low tension and very good quality. These are more affordable compared to the high price point of other premium brands. Ideal for beginners, students and intermediate players.
- Dominant Pro Violin Strings, Thomastik (Vienna) – if you want greater projection, wider dynamic range and a finer colour palette, consider the Dominant Pro version. Suited for advanced players and semi-professionals.
- D’Addario Helicore (New York, U.S.) – Ideal for both electric & acoustic instruments. Ascenté and Prelude – for beginners and students. Helicore and Zyex are the premium options for the intermediate and/or advanced player. Overall these are well suited for beginners and intermediate students or for semi-professional players.
- Larsen VIiolin Strings (Denmark) – these are reliable and highly suitable for bright sounding instruments in need of extra warmth. Their Il Cannone strings are widely used by soloists and chamber musicians for their rich, powerful tone and versatility
- Eva Pirastro (handmade in Germany) – for advanced and professional soloists who are looking for an intense and powerful sound. These strings offer a rich and nuanced sound yet extremely balanced overtones. Limitless colour possibilities. The high price point lends itself to their unbeatable sound production, clear tone production and impressive sonic quality even at higher registers.
- The Most Popular Violin Strings for Professionals in 2025
- Famous Violinist’s String Brand Choices
➤ TheStringZone.co.ukhttps://tinyurl.com/58h2s4mv
➤ Dominant strings – Austriahttps://tinyurl.com/yc8cbn3s
➤ Eva Pirastro – Germanyhttps://tinyurl.com/4w2vx5ds
➤ Larsen Strings – Denmarkhttps://tinyurl.com/2p9c7vhu
➤ D’addario Strings – USAhttps://tinyurl.com/5n7jxh9s
➤Jargar Strings Blue – medium tension or Red – Violin Forte, Classic E for soloistshttps://tinyurl.com/2s3fhbsz
➤ Best Violin Strings for Professionals & Advanced Players – MusicalHow.Comhttps://tinyurl.com/ycksaedn
➤ 20$ vs 100$ Violin Strings – YouTubehttps://tinyurl.com/2p8zndxb
- Hidersine Violin/Viola Mute – Tourte Design – RRP £1.50 – England. Moving on from strings, is a Tourte design rubber sliding mute. Tourte mutes are an essential piece of kit for students and professionals alike. When fitted onto the bridge they allow reduced volume for practice or smaller orchestral settings. This mute is made in one size to fit all violins and violas. RRP £1.50 – £3
➤ Tourte Violin Mute https://tinyurl.com/ynzzba3p
- Violin case – [The one fetured in my YouTube video] Bellafina Thermoplastic Violin Case 4/4 – RRP £62.40
This model [shown in the YouTude Video] from Bellafina is another budget-friendly choice. It is constructed of a robust exterior formed from a thermoplastic, which is highly durable and a far more economically friendly option. It is somewhat susceptible to scratching and might not look as fancy or extravagant as some of the others products but it serves up great basic protection for your stringed companion. This is hardy enough for long haul travel also; all of which means business.
It features an aluminium valance and traditional draw-tight latches to keep your instrument case sealed when closed. Beneath the shell is a plush suspension style interior which cradles your violin and cushions it from impacts. It has space for 2 bows and features dual compartments inside, to store all your concert necessities, although they come in a range of sizes where the smaller cases for shorter scale models have just one. It has rubber feet to help it stand alone and weighs 4.8lbs.
Why I Rate The Bellafina Thermoplastic Violin Case – It is exceptionally low-priced; the plastic exterior needn’t put you off as it is a very hardy traditional case.
Pros:
• Heavy duty shell.
• True suspension.
• Dual compartment.
Cons:
• Suseptible to marks & scratches.
• Old-fashioned design.
• No storage for scores.
- Violin – Italy / Germany / France / England / U.S.
This is a bit of a tricky one. As there are so many factors which come into play here. Choosing a violin is highly subjective and very personal so it’s difficult for me to give a definitive opinion on this subject. Find below links to some reviews, tutorials and articles. These can be used for further inquiry, research and more.
➤ Tips To Pick A Violinhttps://tinyurl.com/57b34pdp
➤ How To Choose a Violinhttps://tinyurl.com/2p8u2h4f
➤ How Much Should I Spend On a Violin?https://tinyurl.com/yc852s5a
➤ Buying a Violin – 7 Tips to Considerhttps://tinyurl.com/2p8s2z6z
➤ Comparing Violin A w/ Violin Bhttps://tinyurl.com/unjd39ws
➤ Equipmenthttps://tinyurl.com/47dpuwub
- Pieces and Sheet music – Whether using manuscript for composition or to have notation to perform (although remotely, ideally) this blog post has compiled a list of online retailers for you to peruse:
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