BEWARE OF THE VSO!!!

Ok, your first question is… what is a VSO?

VSO – (vee-es-oh, noun) Abbreviation for “violin shaped object.” A violin shaped wood box that produces noise. Tone of a VSO is much like that of a tin can.

Violin – (vie-oh-lin, noun) The instrument. Constructed of carefully crafted maple and spruce. Tone of a violin is likely to be pleasing to the ear.

<<< THE VSO

(VIOLIN SHAPED OBJECT)

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VERSUS

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THE VIOLIN >>>

 Truth of the matter is that VSO’s are not crafted with your best interests in mind!

The fingerboard and pegs are not made of ebony = Pegs will stick & slip. Staying in tune is almost impossible.

Bridge is poor quality wood and is usually uncut or not properly filed = Bridge can warp (bend) causing the strings to fall to the fingerboard, muffling their sound. It can be difficult – impossible – to play one string at a time.

Outfitted with off-brand strings = Whiney, tin-ney sound

Soundpost is too long, not set properly = Poor tone

Bow is straight with no camber, and is warped to one side =  It will be incredibly difficult to control the bow.

Horsehair very poor quality = Will create a scratchy sound, and rosin will not stick

Finish is “bullet-proof” = But its weight dulls the sound and tone of violin

It’s hard to stay motivated on a new instrument when no matter how hard you try, the instrument sounds terrible. Obtaining a great quality instrument for your little violinist is one of the best first moves you can make to ensure their musical journey is an encouraging one 🙂