I have looking to buy some new violins recently and noticed not all of them have black (my guess is ebony) tailpieces, pegs, and chin rests. Some have a much lighter brownish type color to them, and the pegs are a different shape. If you go to http://www.givensviolins.com/, the pegs you see in the very first page (it is a violin from the scroll to the very beginning of the finger board) are what I`m talking about.

Right now, I`m basing whether or not I buy a violin based on its sound and feel. However, I was just wondering, if I wanted to, and the violin I choose doesn`t come with this type of tailpiece, pegs, and chinrest, could I have it switched? Or would this change the sound somehow?

Also, would it be worth it to wait for the Cremona Violin Exhibition and see those violins first? We`re looking at $6K-$8K violin, and with the "20% off exhibition prices", some of those new Cremonese violins fall into that price range.

Thanks for all the help!

-Tim

I`ve been violin shopping this past month for an advanced student violin and have noticed the `new` parts too, but while looking at antique models I saw that some have the brown as well - most made from boxwood and/or rosewood as I understand it.

I also understand that it should be fine to switch to whatever style/colour you prefer as long as it`s done properly by a professional - as part of the `set-up`. Of course this will cost you extra.

I`m still more used to the black, and found the brown unattractive at first, but it`s starting to grow on me and I`m finding it more and more attractive.

I`m currently looking at a 1900 German model with inlaid tailpiece and pegs (of ebony) - I don`t know if I like that either, but the violin itself has a beautiful tone.

Maybe it is just a coincidence, but I find, generally, that the boxwood/rosewood pegs are easier to tune with. I`ve only been playing the violin for about 1 1/2 years, but played the piano before that, so I`m working on the last song in Suzuki book 6 and Romanza Andaluza by Sarasate, and haven`t really spent time tuning with pegs. On my new violin, however, I don`t think I`m going to ask for fine tuners (maybe on my A) on all the strings.

Another violin I saw didn`t have an ebony tailpiece, chinrest, and pegs, but it was a darker type than the rosewood/boxwood. It wasn`t a solid color either, like the ebonys.

I forgot to mention this in my first post, and I`m glad you brought it up, but about how much would I be expected to spend for a switch over to different pegs etc...? Thanks for the reply!

-Tim

Tim,

This surprises me rather. Perhaps it`s just the cross-atlantic differences showing, but you`re thinking of spending at least $6000 on a violin and you`re worrying about the cost of changing the pegs?? Seems rather odd to me. Anyway i would imagine $100 or so would cover it.

Liz

I guess it does seem sort of odd, hahaha. The pegs don`t make sooo much a difference to be spending a lot more money, the violin, however, does. But, if I`m going to be spending $6K+ on a violin, my attitude is that if I can make it "perfect" for a small price, why not?! $100 seems very reasonable to me, thanks for the info!

Does anyone think that it would be beneficial to wait for a Cremona violin exhibition to check out those too?

-Tim

If you`re spending that much money - may as well wait for the show and see what`s what.

Don`t forget about a good bow either - I`m upgrading that as well - I can`t believe what a difference a `real` bow made! Man!

You`d think, by my age, I wouldn`t be so surprised at these things anymore.

A good bow can make such a difference in your sound and ease of playing, I agree! I`m planning on spending about $1K on a bow, probably a little less. I`m just taking my time finding violins, I`m not in a hurry or anything like that. I would like to have one (if I make the Concerto Concert at my school) by the time of the Concerto Concert so the audience could actually hear me. My current instrument does not project at all! That concert is in May.

-Tim

Good luck then! Should you find something you like, let us know. I`m interested in hearing about what you ended up purchasing!