Basic equipment The following equipment should come with your instrument at the time of purchase. All of the below equipment is necessary for you to play and take care of your new violin. Instrument Violins come in eight main sizes. The smallest is 1/16 and the largest (full size) is 4/4. Most adults play a full size violin. To measure your size: 1. Hold the violin under your chin, in the playing position 2. Extend your left arm all the way alongside the neck of the violin 3. Your fingertips should be able to curl around the top of the scroll. 1. If your arm is way past the top of the scroll, you need a larger size. 2. If your fingertips cannot reach to the top of the scroll, you need a smaller size. Bow Your bow should be new, or newly rehaired. The bow hair should: * Be a bright and uniform color * Have a uniform width from end to end Strings Your violin will come with four strings: G, D, A, and E. Different types of strings: * Gut * Expensive and difficult to take care of * Complex range of sound * Steel * Loud and bright * Can sound scratchy * Synthetic (i.e. nylon core) * Smooth, clear * Best for beginners Case A hard carrying case is needed to protect your violin. Helpful accessories The following are not absolutely required to play the violin, but they will help improve your sound quality and make it easier for you to learn how to play. Rosin Coagulated tree sap that is used to make the bow hairs sticky and produce a full sound. You should put rosin on your bow each time you practice or play your violin. Without rosin, your sound will become strained and scratchy. Chin rest A piece of plastic or wood that clasps to the base of your violin and helps you hold it in place with your chin. Shoulder rest Many violinists choose to use a shoulder rest, which lies between the back of the violin and your shoulder/collar bone. A shoulder rest helps secure your violin under your chin. There are two main types of shoulder rest: * Sponge or pad—you can secure a soft foam sponge to the back of your violin with rubber bands * Kun—an adjustable shoulder rest that can be purchased for 20 to 25 dollars Tuner A small device that clips on to the scroll or the pegs of the violin. It is useful for beginners if you are teaching yourself, as it can be used to make sure you are playing the notes correctly. Additional equipment Once you have bought your violin and violin accessories, it’s time to start learning some music! While many people choose to learn songs by heart, it can be helpful to take a look at a beginner’s lesson book, especially if you know how to read musical notes. Music stand A music stand is easy to set up and store, and will allow you to hold your song or lesson book flat. Song book Look for a beginner’s guide that will provide you with a lot of simple lessons. At first, it will be difficult for you to produce a continuous and pleasant tone from your violin. Simple exercises will help you practice and improve your sound.