Below are the slides from our “Instrument Care” demonstration.
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This buying guide will provide you with valuable information about different levels of instruments, including beginner, intermediate/advanced, and professional. The price ranges below are approximate and also vary by region.
Beginner Level:
– Price Range: $500 – $1,000 (Violin), $600 – $1,200 (Viola)
– Quality and Materials: Beginner-level instruments are designed for new players. They are often crafted with laminate wood or lower-grade solid wood, along with basic fittings and accessories. These instruments offer a good starting point for beginners to learn the fundamentals of playing.
Warning: You may encounter instruments that are priced well under $500, often from large online retailers and auction websites. These instruments are junk, don’t waste your money! In order to make these instruments playable, you will need to spend hundreds of dollars having them repaired and set up by a luthier – and even once you have done that, they will still sound awful. Save yourself the headache and buy a well set up instrument from a luthier or violin shop.
If you can’t yet afford $500 for a beginner-level instrument, start by renting an instrument! Often, you will be able to apply some or all of the money you spent on renting to the eventual purchase of an instrument.
Intermediate/Advanced Level:
– Price Range: $1,000 – $6,000 (Violin), $1,200 – $6,500 (Viola)
– Quality and Materials: Intermediate/advanced-level instruments are made with higher-quality materials and craftsmanship. They often feature solid tonewoods, such as spruce for the top and maple for the back and sides. The fittings and accessories are of better quality, these instruments have enhanced tone, projection, and responsiveness.
Professional Level:
– Price Range: Varies significantly based on instrument quality and location. Often, modern instruments for professionals will cost between $10,000-$30,000, and antique instruments will start around $30,000.
– Quality and Materials: Professional-level instruments represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and tonal excellence. They are meticulously handcrafted using select, aged tonewoods that have matured over time. The fittings and accessories are of the highest quality, resulting in exceptional tonal complexity, projection, and responsiveness.
When to Upgrade to an Intermediate/Advanced Instrument:
It’s appropriate to consider upgrading to an intermediate/advanced instrument when you have developed a strong foundation in technique, demonstrated significant progress in your playing, and feel limited by the capabilities of your current instrument. Your teacher’s expertise and guidance will be invaluable in assessing your skills and determining if an upgrade is warranted.
When to Upgrade to a Professional Instrument:
The decision to upgrade to a professional instrument is usually made by experienced musicians who are pursuing a career in music or aiming for the highest level of artistic expression. This upgrade is suitable when you have reached an advanced level of technical proficiency, regularly perform in professional ensembles or orchestras, and seek an instrument that can provide superior tonal richness, depth, and responsiveness.
How Your Teacher Can Help:
Your teacher plays a vital role in guiding you through the process of instrument upgrades and budgeting. They have a deep understanding of your playing abilities, musical goals, and the characteristics of various instruments. Your teacher can help you assess when it’s appropriate to upgrade and provide advice on finding an instrument that suits your specific needs and aspirations. They can also assist you in setting a budget by considering factors such as your commitment to playing, long-term goals, and financial resources.
Why Buy from a Local Luthier or Violin Shop:
Purchasing from a local luthier or violin shop offers several advantages. These establishments have expert staff with extensive knowledge and experience in string instruments. They provide personalized guidance, allowing you to try out multiple instruments to find the perfect fit for your playing style and preferences. Local luthiers and violin shops offer ongoing support, including maintenance, adjustments, and repairs. Instruments that are purchased from a luthier or violin shop will come with a better setup than instruments even from a general music store. Buying from a local luthier or violin shop ensures a high-quality instrument and a lifelong partnership for your musical journey.
Ready to buy your next instrument? Contact Gig Violins!
Listed below are a set of price estimates for common repairs from Gig Violins LLC in Madison, Wisconsin (note: prices for repairs vary by region, mostly due to cost of living considerations).
These are merely guidelines because the needs of every instrument are slightly different. We have listed these here to make the process more transparent and less intimidating for our customers. Please contact Gig Violins to talk about your instrument’s specific needs.
| Repair | Cost (Violin/Viola) | Cost (Cello) |
| Seasonal Instrument Check-up 1 | $30 | $30 |
| New Bridge (Professional) 2 | $250+ | $350+ |
| New Bridge (Standard) 3 | $125 | $175 |
| New Bridge (Student) 4 | $75 | $105 |
| New Soundpost | $70 | $90 |
| New Pegs (traditional) 5 | $120 + cost of pegs | $200 + cost of pegs |
| New Pegs (mechanical) 6 | $160 | $280 |
| Replace Tailpiece | $30 | $50 |
| Change Strings | $10 (Free if purchased from Gig Violins) | |
| Glue Seams 7 | $15 | $15 |
| Set Fallen Soundpost | $15 | $15 |
| Soundpost/Tonal Adjustment | $15-60 | $15-60 |
| Clean/Polish | $30-$90 | $60-$130 |
| Fingerboard Dressing | $70-$120 | $110-$150 |
| Crack Repair (small, not requiring top removal) | $50-200 | Variable |
| Crack Repair (large, requiring top to be removed) | $500+ | Variable |
| Bow Rehair | $70 | Cello $75, Bass $80 |
| Bow Tip Replacement (Tip Armour) 8 | $100 | Cello $120, Bass $130 |
| Thumb Grip Replacement | $40 | $40 |
Luthier Nathan Giglierano runs Gig Violins LLC out of his home-workshop on North Gammon Rd. To protect his privacy, the exact address is not listed on this page but will be shared when making an appointment to visit. The map below gives a general indication of the location. Nathan’s workshop is a very short walk from a bus stop.
Click on a title to go to a specific article, or scroll down for the latest posts.
- Building a violin from start to finish
- Starting a new viola – pt 1
- New Viola – part 2 (rough arching, purfling)
- New Viola – Part 3 (rough thicknessing, f-holes)
- New Viola – part 4 (the scroll)
- New Viola – part 5 (closing the box, fitting the neck)
- New Viola – part 6 (varnish, set-up)
- Designing a new Small Viola
- Instagram Posts
- Making a Baroque Violin (part 1/2)
- Making a Baroque Violin (part 2/2) – The Setup
- Article Index
- Location
- Repair Price Estimates
- Violin and Viola Buying Guide: Finding the Perfect Instrument for Your Level
- Instrument Care