Choosing an Instrument

Choosing an instrument is a major decision for any musician, as not only does it have to work well, but it has to suit the individual player. I often suggest that younger players in particular play a number of instruments, even if they are not for sale, perhaps borrow your friends' instruments, to find out how they vary. This will help you decide what you are looking for, both from the point of view of playability as well as tone. You are then in a much better position to make a good decision when looking for an instrument to buy. The standard of instruments being made nowadays is generally very good, and usually you get more sound for your money from a new instrument compared with an old instrument. This is particularly true for violas and cellos.

A new instrument should essentially show its true tonal characteristics right from the start, though it may sound what I call a bit 'raw'. It should speak easily, sound even across the strings and be comfortable to play. With playing, the sound will lose its rawness and become more refined and focused. It will become freer, more responsive and any slight difference in the quality of adjacent notes will even out. The better and more often it is played the quicker the playing in process will be, the biggest improvement occurring in the first few weeks. But the essential quality of sound must be there at the beginning.

I always allow musicians to have an instrument on approval for two to three weeks, so they have time to get to know it. It is important to try every technique on it, and to play in different acoustics, on its own, in chamber groups and orchestras, to find out how it works in different situations. Playing in different settings helps you become familiar with the instrument, and whilst concentrating on the music, allows you to briefly forget you are playing on a different instrument. Then you remember, and hear the instrument afresh.

Because, as a string player, you need to put so much into your instrument, and through the instrument, I often think that your instrument becomes almost a part of you. For that intimate relationship between player and instrument to develop, it is vitally important that you are happy with your instrument, and that it works for you.

If you would like to try one of my instruments, or find out what instruments I have available, contact me

by phone - 01948 880608

by

by post - 8 Welsh End, Whixall Whitchurch Shropshire SY13 2NU