Strings for Starting
It is no myth that the younger you can start learning a musical instrument, the better - and the violin is no exception. I'm not saying you can't learn in your 90s… in fact, I positively encourage it! But if the aural skills, physical dexterity and technique can be trained and finely tuned at an early age, you have your whole life ahead to improve and perform.
There is nothing more satisfying than hearing a school orchestra, after months of rehearsals, perform in concert to parents, friends, family and teachers. Or a simple rendition at home, and the joy a young performer can bring to those around them.
But we all must start somewhere. Where the violin is concerned, you do not want to be paying an extortionate amount of money at the outset. Stradivarius can wait! What you need is a good-sounding, well-built and reliable violin.
Here at Normans Musical Instruments, we have been advising and providing violins to schools, colleges and educational services for many decades. It is our experience, our customer service and our provision of high quality, reliable and affordable instruments that keeps them coming back.
Early Years - The Forenza Uno Series
When looking for an inexpensive first violin, it can be a minefield. Class sets could cost thousands that your budget simply won't stretch to.
Enter the Forenza Uno Violin - the most cost-effective and reliable starter violin available. The Uno Series delivers the best value for money while still maintaining quality features. Built to the same specification as the Stentor 1018 range but at half the price, this outfit is ideal for beginners and is available in Full, 3/4, 1/2 and 1/4 size.
Featuring a well-made wooden body, a quality bridge, hardwood tuning pegs and fingerboard, plus an integral tailpiece with four fine tuners, the Uno will get any young player off to an ideal start. The outfit comes supplied with a solid bow, carry case and rosin - everything you need to begin the journey.
At around £60, the Uno is also perfect for growing children working through different sizes. When you're changing instruments every 18 months or so, the Forenza Uno makes total musical and financial sense.
The Next Step - The Forenza Prima I Series
For students who have found their feet and are ready to move on from a pure beginner instrument, the Forenza Prima I is the perfect bridge between our entry-level Uno and the more advanced Prima II.
Meticulously crafted from solid wood, the Prima I delivers the durability and resonant, clear sound that developing students need. The robust hardwood fingerboard withstands frequent practice sessions while providing a smooth playing experience, and the high-quality ebony pegs and matching ebony chin rest offer both aesthetic appeal and functional stability - making tuning easier and technique development more natural.
Sitting under £100, the Prima I is a genuine step up in quality without requiring a significant step up in investment. It's the ideal choice when a student is ready to get serious, but you're not yet ready to commit to a higher price point.
Prima Donna - The Forenza Prima II Series
For those seeking the best-value violin on the market without breaking the bank, we proudly present the Forenza Prima II.
By far our most popular model - brilliant sounding, well-built and tonally superb - all for under £150. Schools and educational services absolutely love it. But be warned: it sells out fast, so order as soon as you can to avoid disappointment!
Matching the specification of the Stentor II models but at a healthy discount, the Prima II is made from quality tonewoods with a solid ebony fingerboard, chin rest and pegs. The profiled bridge, premium strings and fine tuners allow for a superb tone and consistent tuning - crucial when starting out, as these elements build confidence and support the development of proper technique.
Everything is safely stored in a deluxe lined case, with a quality bow and rosin supplied as standard.
Moving Towards Grade 5 and Beyond - The Forenza Secondo Series
When a student is ready for their first serious instrument upgrade - or is working towards Grade 5 and beyond - the Forenza Secondo Series Violin is the natural next step.
Available in 4/4 size, the Secondo Series is crafted with a stunning flamed maple back and a Grade AA spruce top, delivering both a beautiful appearance and a genuinely impressive depth of tone and resonance.
A solid ebony fingerboard, chin rest and tuning pegs give the instrument a stable, accurate feel, while upgraded premium strings with a string protector ensure the kind of intonation and tonal range required for more advanced repertoire.
The outfit is completed with a high-quality oblong case and a professional specification bow - everything a committed student needs to take their playing to the next level.
String Summary
No matter what stage of education you are teaching, directing or performing at, we have a violin to meet your needs - from the Forenza Uno all the way through to the Secondo Series.
Whether you need one violin or one hundred and one, it is not a problem. Educational music provision and promotion is in our genes and it is our main focus.
