Size
There are eight different sizes of violins and cellos to fit students as they grow. These are described in fractions from 1/32 to 4/4 (full size). Violas are usually described by a measurement of the viola’s body not including the neck, such as 13”, 14”, or 16”. A 14” viola has the same body length as a full size violin, but a viola body is normally deeper in order to accommodate the resonance of the lower strings. Very young violists sometimes use small violins strung with viola strings.
Although a parent will often choose clothing in a larger size for a child to grow into, this is not a good practice for selecting an instrument size. A too-large instrument will contribute to poor technical habits. The Metzler Violin Shop has a rental program and a generous trade-in policy to lessen the expense of moving through the various sizes. Every member of the Metzler staff plays a bowed string instrument and will be able to determine the correct instrument size for a student.
Outfits
Student instruments are usually sold in outfits, which include a bow and a case. Instruments and bows in a higher price range are sold separately.
Student Bows
The bows which complete the student outfits are made of wood or fiberglass. Although most high quality bows are of wood, not all wood bows are high quality. A fiberglass bow may be preferable to a poorly made wooden bow because the fiberglass stick is stronger and less likely to warp. There are several brands of composite bows, including Coda, Jon Paul, Arcus which are of a higher quaility than the student-level fiberglass bows. The bow hair should always be horsehair. Although nylon hair is less expensive, it does not produce a good tone, and should be avoided.
Handmade or Factory
Commercial student instruments are mass produced in workshops. To classify these instruments as factory-made is inaccurate. All string instruments are handmade. Noncommercial instruments are the product of an individual maker, and usually signed. Commercial instruments are produced through the combined effort of many hands, and finer details of workmanship may be overlooked in favor of speed. The countries which export a large quantity of commercial student instruments are China, Germany, Korea, Rumania, Bulgaria, and Czechoslovakia. These countries also produce higher quality instruments.
Price
The price of an instrument is not determined by the quality of sound. This is because the assessment of sound quality, like the taste of food, or preferences in color and smell, is entirely personal. Market value is determined by how much it costs to produce an instrument, or--if the instrument is imported--the value of the dollar compared to the currency of the country of origin. If a violinmaker has achieved some fame, his/her instruments will command a higher price. Some regions of the world, such as Italy, France and Germany have a long tradition of violinmaking, and this is reflected in the prices of instruments from these countries.
New vs. Used, Antique vs. Modern
Some people feel that a used instrument should be worth less than a new one. Other people feel that instruments become better with age. Where is the truth in these contradictory opinions? If an instrument is poorly made, it will not get better with age. A well-made instrument will continue to keep its value through the years, if kept in good condition. Although a major crack over the soundpost or bass bar will diminish an instrument’s value, minor blemishes on the surface add interest, as do character lines in a human face. In fact, many violin makers deliberately antique their new instruments to achieve this effect. Fine instruments will increase in price as their availability diminishes. This is why the purchase of a good instrument is a good investment.
Brand Names and Countries of Origin
You cannot choose an instrument by brand name alone. Sound quality varies from instrument to instrument, more than from brand to brand. Two Roman Teller violins may look identical, yet sound completely different. Violins bearing the name of Suzuki have changed significantly over the years. An instrument with a Becker label may be made in Korea, China, or Germany. It is also too narrow a focus toonly look at violins from Germany, or refuse to look at an instrument from China. Both countries produce both poor quality and excellent instruments.
Adjustment
Commercial instruments leave the workshop where they were made in an unfinished condition, although they may appear finished to the untrained eye. Most general music stores will sell these instruments right out of the shipping box with no further adjustment. At the Metzler Violin Shop, we put several hours of adjustment into each instrument. Bridges are carved to the correct height and shape for comfort. Fingerboards are planed to preent buzzing sounds. Pegs are adjusted to turn correctly. Poor quality strings are replaced with good sounding ones. At Metzler violins this work is done by violin makers who have graduated from violin making school.
Finding a Teacher
There are several excellent teachers at Metzler VIolin Shop.Words of Encouragement to Adult Beginners!
It is never too late to begin the fulfilling process of learning to play a string instrument. Some of our favorite customers are those who began their lessons in adult life, or who returned to their instrument after a decades-long hiatus. We encourage you to nurture your need to make your own music. It is a special feeling for which there is no substitute.
Visit our shop to satisfy your curiosity. We will be glad to give you an opportunity to hold a violin,viola,cello or bass to see which you would prefer to play. We have a wide selection of instruments to fit every budget, as well as a rental option. We can advise you about teachers who enjoy working with adults, including some who have studios at our shop.
This is what some of our favorite customers have to say about how they began their musical journeys:
Dan Gallup, Viola
 I am a 48-year old math teacher at Pasadena City College who has played guitar and bass guitar for years and years. Back in the fall of 1994, I had a dream that I was playing, of all things, the viola, and really enjoying it. The next morning, CBS showcased the viola on Charles Kuralt's CBS Sunday Morning. Hmm.... There was nothing left to do but to rent one and see. I found a teacher, bought a starter instrument from Metzler Violins, and by October, 1996, played in the Pasadena City College orchestra for the first time, just days after the death of my mother.
I mention this because her generosity and my own savings allowed me to purchase a truly beautiful viola before that concert. I scoured L.A. looking for a nicer instrument, bringing numerous instruments back to my teacher for his advice. When the Metzlers showed me a 1988 Russian viola recently brought over from Moscow, my hard search was over. My teacher concurred, and having a truly beautiful instrument was great motivation to keep practicing.
Being an older "beginner", I had no illusions about joining the L.A. Philharmonic. I am not blessed with great talent. But the joy of contributing the best I am able at the college orchestra, at church where I play each week in an ensemble, and with friends, has been something I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. Why did I wait so long to get started?? But now the joy is mine. Thank you, Tom and Barbara Metzler, for your patience in helping me find the right instruments and the particular kindnesses shown me these past 5 years. Best wishes to you and all future violists who enter your doors! Kindly yours, Dan Gallup.
Gary Duvall, Violin
I began taking violin lessons at the age of 8. I progressed fairly well primarily due to several outstanding instructors. I served as concertmaster of my high school orchestra (4 years) and, for a brief time, concertmaster of the local community orchestra.
In spite of earning a music scholarship from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa (voice, violin, and piano), I was becoming increasingly less interested in music. After 10 years of hard work, I quit the violin completely. My only musical involvement for more than 40 years was an occasional participation with church choirs.
At the age of 59 (6 months after my retirement) I began thinking about playing the violin again, but was quite dubious after 42 years away from the instrument. After two weeks of practice with a beginner violin, I felt good enough about playing to visit Metzler's Violin Shop, the premier string shop in Southern California, to search for a quality instrument.
Although I entered the shop not intending to purchase at that time, I left with a wonderful violin, nice bow, and a beautiful case. I felt great about this purchase because Barbara spent hours with me in an effort to find the "perfect" instrument.
I always look forward to visits at Metzlers due to the warm and friendly treatment and the valuable advice I receive from Barbara, Tom, and Annabelle.
I am now playing as principal of the second violin section for two community orchestras only five months after my original visit to Metzlers.
Greg Fair, Cello
I'm a 34 year old computer tech who's been playing music on one instrument or another since I was 5 (has it been that long?) The cello was the very first instrument that I wanted to play but it was not possible at that time. I've played accordion (don't hold it against me), trombone, guitar, tuba and bass.
Fast forward thirty years (well, 26 or 27, but who's counting?) Here I am with time on my hands and a (still) strong love for cello and the money to pursue the passion. I found myself cold and hungry on the doorstep of Metzler's Violins (artistic embellishment) and I talked to Annabelle about my desire to start playing the cello. She patiently answered all my questions and was extremely helpful. I decided that I would rent a cello and start my lessons with Ginger Murphy (she's great and made my first year with my cello a very happy one!)
About three months after I started my lessons I purchased a bow from Metzler, and then three months after that I started my search for a cello. Three months after my search began, Annabelle showed me the cello that I'd been looking for, a Wladek Stopka that I fell completely in love with. Unfortunately it was out of my price range. I continued looking, but everything I played couldn't come close to the Stopka. ( I'm sure Annabelle and Barbara are reading this and laughing to themselves, I kind of put them through hell with my torment.) Then one day I came into the shop to decide whether I wanted to put myself that deeply in debt and Annabelle showed a Chinese cello that the had just received. It was beautiful, a very nice top, and the flamed maple used in the ribs and back was completely breathtaking. All very well and good, you say, but how does it sound? Well, it sounds incredible, not as good as my beloved Stopka, but I'm completely happy with it. (one day, Stopka, you'll be mine!)
I'm playing for the enjoyment of it at this point, it's very relaxing to come home after work and play. One day in the not too distant future I'd love to play with a quartet (love that Mozart Clarinet Quintet) for the sheer joy of it. Anyone that's even considering playing an instrument, stop thinking about it and do it. Anyone who know me knows that I continue to push those who want to play, it doesn't matter how old you are (just ask my mom, I've broken her of complaining that she's always wanted to play the piano.)
In all honesty, Metzler is not the only shop that I went to when I was looking for a cello. It is the shop that I kept coming back to though, and not only because of my lessons with Ms. Murphy. And it's the shop that I keep going back to for sheet music and accessories. I love the personal attention and the friendliness of the staff and I never feel rushed or pressured to purchase anything.
Lawrence Rubenstein, Violin
Brief biography: Born 1947; married; four degrees from UCLA (none in music); President of a property management company since 1984; interest: golf, piano, skiing, and of course violin.
I played piano since I was 6, got pretty good, but played only casually. I love classical music, and considered "going to the next level" in piano, but knowing how much time andf effort that would take, I decided to try a different instrument. I've always loved the sound of violin, so I decided to give it a try.
I've been taking lessons diligently for over five years now. Although I have not achieved the level of play I would have hoped for by now, I truly enjoy the practice, playing and the lessons with Ruth Siegel.
I have had several opportunites to play with others, either duets with piano or violin, and a little quartet opportunity. I really enjoy the group playing, something I never had (nor required) in playing the piano (violin really needs accompaniment). I hope to improve to the point that I can play with a group regularly and contribute musically some day.
Purchasing a violin from the Metzler Shop couldn't have been a better experience. They have a large inventory from which to choose, ranging from introductory to top of the line. It is a great experience to have the opportunity to try theses instruments and compare their sounds. Moreover, they have a customer friendly policy of lending out the instrument of your choice, giving one the opportunity of experimenting with it over a week's time. Same for bows.
Mitch Weiss, violin and viola
I want to let you know that your warm reception and enthusiastic support in the shop have helped me move forwarrd in my renaissance as a violinist and now, violist.
While I was in the shop for a nw chin rest for my grandfather's old Russian violin which I played as a kid (my last lesson was in 1957), you opened new worlds to me by encouraging me to try some bows to replace my horrible fiberglass bow and by putting a lovely viola into my hands, which instrument I had never played before. The deep baritone vibes travelled through my body and I knew I was now a violist and forever more.
So, my quest for a chin rest ended up with a CODA CLASSIC violin bow, a CODA CONSERVATORY viola bow and a lovely Chinese viola which all my friends love to hear me play.
Two years ago I was lucky enough to play a small Bach accompaniment on violin with Angel City Chorale (at the Music Center X-mas Day), a wonderful 100 voice choir in W. L.A. with which I also sing tenor, more or less. Currently, I play strings with a folk singing quartet called HAPPY BAND born out of the choir and we have played several civic and private gigs and are near finishing our new and only CD available in March we hope called "The Best and All of Happy Band" (our first and last CD) since one of our lead singers moved to Chicago.
Thanks for your welcoming warmth.
Steve Bonthius, father of a violinist
Many thanks to the shop's staff and in particlar Ms. Barbara Don, for your help in selecting a suitable violin for my daughter. It was a difficult task to select an instrument about which I knew very little. As you must be aware the market is quite confusing and intimidating for most purchasers who don't play (or like me suffer from hearing loss) and must rely upon others to somehow validate the instruments under consideration. Being able to take several instruments home and evaluate over a period of time and with others listening was a real help. Christine has received several compliments on the instrument's tonal quality from others who have an ear for such things. Thank you again for your time and patience for helping us select an instrument within our price range. We'll be back when we are looking for a good quality bow to match the violin.
Phillip Yurgalevicz, violin
When I was a child I listened to the classical music station KFAC every night. I took violin lessons with Francis Ghisi for 2 ½ years. She sent me to her teacher, retired NY Philharmonic concertmaster, Ciopioni Guidi. (He played under Toscanini.) Guidi took me without pay because my parents could not afford lessons. Although he told me there was no limit to what I could accomplish on the violin, he suggested I do something else to make a living. That crushed me. Shortly after that, I was drafted during the Berlin crisis. I never went back to the violin. I always loved music, continued to go to concerts, and I started piano lessons at age 32 continuing for 12 years. I was blessed to find such a wonderful piano teacher, Ordynsky. After I retired from the cosmetology profession I became interested in the violin again. I came into the Metzler Violin Shop and purchased a Chinese violin. I taught myself and practiced 3-4 hours a day. Since I continued to progress I decided to purchase a better violin. I attended the Metzler Shop Cremona Event and found a very nice Italian violin.
|
|
