Purchasing Stringed instruments for education requires a lot of consideration. You need the highest quality, most robust instrument for the best possible price to obtain an instrument that will withstand years of use.
Violins are arguably the most popular of the stringed instruments. They are instantly what people think of when they see any bowed instrument. Violas and Cellos often get called Big Violins by those who don't know otherwise. With this, they are more likely to be where the budget goes, or at least be the instrument that will be bought in the highest quantity. Due to its popularity, the Violin has a few more options in terms of what would be suitable for schools.
The Forenza Uno series is ideal for education purposes due to the price and the range of sizes available. The Uno series comes in
½,
¼,
¾ and
full sizes, providing great options for players aged 6 upwards. With this, the Forenza Uno Violin Outfit does come with a case, a bow and some rosin. This is everything that you will require to get playing.
While the traditional appearance is probably preferable, the Uno series is also available in a Black finish. Though this is only for the
¾ and
Full sizes.
Want something a little better?
The Stentor Standard series violins are more expensive, with this, the quality is improved, as expected from Stentor. The Stentor standard comes in
¼,
½,
¾ and
full sizes, meaning a good range is covered with these Violins.
The Prima 2 series by Forenza offers a further upgrade in materials used and quality, while remaining a reasonable price. They come with a durable case,
a bow and
rosin as all the violin outfits listed. These violins have a Spruce table, Maple back, ribs and neck, and an Ebony fingerboard. With this, you can be safe in the knowledge that these instruments will be durable and incredibly resonant.
The Prima 2 is available in
1/10,
1/8,
¼,
½,
¾ and
full sizes. There are options available for any age range with this model.
Slightly less popular than its cousins the Violin and the Cello. But the
Viola is still an important, yet often overlooked member of the stringed instrument family. Commonly coming in sizes measured in inches, as opposed to the other instruments. This coincides with the length of the Viola’s body rather than general sizing used for the others.
As with the Violin, the Prima 2 is a reasonably priced, yet high quality instrument. Coming with all accessories required to get playing. With Spruce, Maple and Ebony to construct the body and fingerboard, you can ensure great tone and resonance from this instrument.
With this, the Forenza Prima 2 Viola comes in
12”,
13”,
14”,
15”,
15.5” and
16” sizes. Which should cater to every size range from the smallest players to fully grown players.
The Stentor I Violas are a slightly more expensive option. But, again provide a great option due to the materials used and robust build quality. While still using standard body woods of a Spruce table, with Maple back, ribs and neck, the fingerboard and tuning pegs are darkened rosewood rather than the traditional ebony.
The Stentor I, as with the majority of Viola outfits, is supplied with a case, bow and rosin. This ensures you are able to get started right away.
Offering most sizes, the Stentor I comes in
13”,
14”,
15”,
15.5” and
16”.
A very popular stringed instrument, and the smallest that sits on the floor rather than being held up. The
Cello is probably going to be where the majority of the budget goes under the violin in an education setting.
Again, similarly to the previous Forenza Prima 2 models I have mentioned, the Cello has the same high standard of build quality and materials. Being built with the same tonewoods, with a Spruce table, Maple back, ribs and neck and Ebony fingerboard and tuning pegs. This is an instrument that will last and sound great.
These cellos are supplied in a padded gigbag with back straps, and are provided with a Forenza bow and rosin.
The Forenza Prima 2 Cello is available in
1/8,
¼,
½,
¾, and
full sizes.
As expected from Stentor, the Stentor I Cellos are great choices, while a little more expensive than the previously mentioned Forenza Cellos. They are made from solid tonewoods to ensure great durability and tone, while having an ebonised fingerboard and tuning pegs to achieve the traditional Cello aesthetic.
These Cellos come with a Stentor bow, rosin and are provided in a padded nylon cover. This cover is perfect for protection and transport purposes. The Stentor I Cello is available in
1/10,
1/8,
¼,
½,
¾ and
full sizes. Having 1/10 available is great for children even as young as 4 or 5 years old to get playing.
While not being at the forefront of most string ensembles, the
Double Bass is integral in producing the low-end required for a lot of pieces. Tuned in fourths rather than fifths like the other stringed instruments mentioned means that there is a slightly different learning curve with the Double Bass. Many Primary Schools might opt to leave these out entirely due to their size and cost. As they are very large instruments, even adult players will most commonly play ¾ size models.
The Forenza Prima 2 Double Bass caters mostly to education, only being available in smaller sizes
1/8,
¼ and
½. Again, very similar specification to the other Forenza Prima 2 models, the top is solid Spruce where the back is laminated Maple, the fingerboard and tuning pegs are ebony. With these materials you can ensure that these models will remain robust and be suitable for years of use while sounding excellent.
Like the Cellos, the Forenza Double Basses are supplied with a padded bag, and come with a bow and rosin. These are perfect for beginners and education. If the budget allows for a double bass then only one or two may be needed, but these models will impress and last a long time.