There are a myriad of styles and ways to test instruments and bows. Let’s face it, sometimes you just fall in love instantly. Many players are in search of this method.

However, if you are more inclined to have a check list, there are many things to test for that are important for just about everyone.

Projection, Clarity, Depth, Response, Ease, Colors, Balance, Dynamics, String Height and Length, Neck and Fingerboard Comfort. Deal Breakers for some people, include fuzziness, buzzes, not enough or too many over tones, wolf tones, too big, too small, hard to get around, C bouts and bridge alignment make it uncomfortable, so you hit the sides or corners while bowing.

Many people want to hear it played by a friend, teacher or colleague so they can hear it from a distance. This can seem like an advantage; however, it has been our experience that regardless of skill level everyone makes a slightly different sound on each instrument. This can also be true of every instrument by the same maker using wood from the same tree will sound slightly different as well.

Please consider recording yourself in different venues. This may give you added knowledge to which instrument and/or bow suits you currently playing your best.

Having a knowledgeable person guide you is still important. They can assess the condition, set up, playability, and sound you are producing in different settings and share their opinions. Ultimately, the player has to enjoy what they are playing and get a sense of satisfaction and pride when they open the case.