Best Christmas Gifts for String Players 2019
Buying a gift for someone who plays an instrument you don't can be not only intimidating, but incredibly stressful. Naturally, the best way to be completely certain you are getting a gift they're really going to love is to just ask them, or if you are buying an instrument for someone starting lessons in 2020, a qualified and experienced teacher.
Of course, if you're like your gifts to be a surprise, that isn't and option for you, and you're probably tearing your hair out trying to separate your Gligas from your Strads or trying to figure out whether carbon or timber is the way to go. Even trying to piece together something seemingly simple like a fresh pack of strings can seem overwhelming when there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Logans, we're not only experienced as musicians, but also as gift givers and receivers. Below, we've compiled a list below of our top picks for beginner, intermediate and advanced string players - instruments and accessories that are good value, safe bet for pretty much anyone interested in violin, viola or cello.
Dos & Don'ts for String Related Gifts
- DO give something they can use - everyone needs spare strings, rosin & cleaning supplies!
- DO ask expert advice. Teachers, experienced musicians, and trained musical instrument sales staff are good sources of advice. Someone who heard once that all Chinese instruments are rubbish probably isn't.
- DO gather information about the preferences of the intended recipient of the gift. Things like their sound preferences (warm, bright, loud etc.), and favourite styles of music can really help narrow down choices. Their favourite violin/fiddle player or composer might is another great piece of information to have up your sleeve when consulting with sales staff.
- DON'T wait until the last minute! This is probably a no brainer, assuming you've lived through at least one Christmas. The longer you leave things, the narrower your choices get.
- DON'T give them a mug. It's scientifically proven this is a terrible gift. Yes, even if it has violins on it.
Beginner Strings
Strad Student Violin Outfit
$399
- Comprehensive beginner pack, including bow, case and pro setup by in house Luthier
- Available sizes to suit beginners of all ages
- Hand made from solid traditional tonewoods
The Strad student is, in our humble opinion the best value beginner violin pack on the Australian market. Designed especially with beginners in mind, the violin is has a bright, easy to play sound without any of the harshness usually associated with beginner instruments. Setup is undertaken with ease of playability in mind, so a dedicated beginner should start to really hear results even faster!
Includes an FPS carbon bow, and FPS shaped dart case
Intermediate Strings
Coda Bows
FROM $434
- Versatile carbon fibre bow, Violin, Viola & Cello models available
- Excellent balance and sound
- Virtually indestructible, made in U.S.A. quality
Countless carbon fibre violin, viola, cello, and bass bows have found a home with passionate players worldwide. Committed to excellence and the quality of their craft, Coda Bows seeks to enhance the performance of string players everywhere.
Advanced/Pro Strings
Strad Master 2 Baroque
$1500 RRP $2600
- Bargain baroque violin sound and playability
- Handmade from traditional European timbers
- Beautiful inlaid knotwork designs on fingerboard & back
Contrary to popular belief, you can not have too many violins. That said, there's also no point in owning a whole pile of violins that are basically the same.
This beautiful Baroque violin offers something that most violin players - even professionals - don't have in their collection. In addition to Boxwood fittings, knotwork designs on the fingerboard, tailpieces and back, it is an absolute powerhouse to play, with a warm tone and projection to spare. Like all Baroque violins, the fingerboard is flatter and shorter enabling fine execution of traditional articulations and intonation, giving your Bach and Vivaldi and extra touch of authenticity.
Accessories
There are some things that everyone has a different opinion on, like the best instruments and bows, but there are some thing that every string player needs. Things like strings, rosins and cases make great gifts for any string player. after all - who doesn't need spare strings? They might not be glamorous, but can be absolutely sure that some day they are going to get used. Here are some of our best picks for Christmas 2019
Accessories
There are some things that everyone has a different opinion on, like the best instruments and bows, but there are some thing that every string player needs. Things like strings and stands make great gifts for anyone. After all - who doesn't need spare strings? They might not be glamorous, but can be absolutely sure that some day they are going to get used. Here are some of our best picks for Christmas 2019.
Cartoon Clip on Tuners
FROM $29.95
Most string playershave a tuner, but not many of them are this cute! There's even a Reindeer, just in case you feel like getting really "in tune" with Christmas. Ahem.
Seriously though, in addition to being adorable, these Swiff cartoon tuners are well made, easy to use and dead accurate. They even do guitars and ukes too!
Spare Strings - Pirastro Piranito
$58.80
Pirastro Piranito set the standard for budget strings for violin, viola and cello. Piranitos may not have the greatest sound in the world, but they project well, and are much harder than synthetic core strings to break, making them a great choice as spares.
Pirastro Goldflex Rosin
$22.45
German maker Pirastro have been one of the biggest names in rosin for decades. Goldflex rosin provides excellent grip and projection, without sacrificing too much smoothness. Best of all, it won't melt during the hot summer months, and won't crack during the dry winter.
Great for violin and viola, and will even do Cello in a pinch, although cello players may prefer this instead
For more great Christmas gift ideas, follow us on Facebook or Instagram @Loganspianos