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Instruments
Introduction
Choosing the right instrument
New or old?
What size?
Violin care
Violin anatomy
Unusual violins
New or old?
New instruments
Many people start learning to play on a new instrument and as they progress, want a better one which they think has, in order to be better, to look old. There are lots of good new instruments available and lots of bad old ones. Don't let a shine put you off. Stradivari's instruments looked all shiny and new once and most of those turned out OK!
What new violins are available in the shop?
Old Instruments
Wood, being an organic material, has qualities that change over time. Just as a young branch on a tree is more flexible than an old branch, a young violin has different flexibility and vibrates differently from an old violin. The stiffer, older wood helps to create more complex overtones which are what makes the violin sound rich and interesting.
What old violins are available in the shop?
Whatever you decide...
Whatever age of violin you choose, a well-made instrument will improve over time. A poorly made instrument however old may never develop a tone to die for, in fact the tone may deteriorate as the instrument gets older. At Dance of Delight we appreciate this and our approach is designed to minimise the guesswork and risk. Here's what we do:

With our new instruments we work with the manufacturers to ensure the instruments are carefully selected before we accept them. We then take at least two hours to fine-tune the setup of every single one of our new instruments before we offer them for sale. We adjust or replace the soundpost and bridge, lubricate the pegs and dress the fingerboard. After that we put on a brand new set of strings. We believe this is what you'd expect and we include all this in the price so when you purchase from us, not only is the instrument is ready to play, but it will improve over time.

With our old instruments, we live with each instrument for many weeks, carefully trying out various combinations of strings, tailpieces, bridge and soundpost settings. We are also include accurate photographs and descriptions - this is particularly important where there's anything which gives the instrument its special, individual character.

With all our instruments we make a sound recording under controlled conditions with repeatable microphone placements so you have a reliable reference to compare the unique tone quality of each violin - and decide which one is right for you.

Please also see our returns policy. We want you to be totally happy with your purchase.

Wood used in violins
Maple
Maple
Violin backs are usually made from one or two pieces of maple. This beautiful wood can display a "flame" or "curl" where the wood has grown in a wavy manner
Spruce
Spruce
The spruce used most often for stringed instrument fronts is the Picea abies or the Picea excelsa, the common christmas tree
Ebony
Ebony
Ebony is a very hard, black wood which comes from Africa, Madagascar or India. It is often used for pegs and tailpieces
Boxwood / Jujube
Boxwood / Jujube
Boxwood is from the box tree, which is a Mediterranean shrub. It is a pretty light coloured wood used for pegs and tailpieces. Jujube is the equivalent wood from Asia and is similar in colour and appearance

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