Which PLAYTECH Violin Model Is Best? - Removing the Worries of Beginners Before Purchase

Most beginners considering their first violin purchase are likely motivated by the desire to try playing the instrument.
With numerous violins available on the market, from various manufacturers and in different sizes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Even if you hope to keep costs down, it can be difficult to admit in a music store that budget is a concern.

Then, you come across PLAYTECH violins at Sound House while searching online.
They seem affordable!! Yes, undoubtedly they are cheap.

However, there are generally three main concerns about cheap instruments:

• Will it break down quickly and end up being a loss?
• Will I struggle to play it properly and thus not improve?
• Will it be so cheap that I’ll hesitate to tell its price to others...

*The types and number of concerns vary from person to person

Furthermore, as you continue to ponder, more and more uncertainties arise, making it increasingly difficult to click the purchase button. The goal today is to transform your worries into reassurance.
In the first half, I’ll address the three concerns, and in the second half, I’ll explain how to choose the right instrument.
Let’s get started.

Receiving the Instrument > Unboxing > Producing Sound

On the Internet, you can find various information on violins purchased online, including unboxing videos and reviews.
While detailed reports are appreciated, these articles often include subjective opinions, so the interpretation of their contents largely falls to the reader.

Many violins purchased online arrive unassembled. PLAYTECH delivers instruments that are set up (picture on the right). The image on the left shows a PLAYTECH violin, but violins purchased on other online stores typically arrive unassembled.

(Before inspection: with the bridge fallen)

(After inspection: set up and secured)

Receiving the instrument
　↓
Unboxing
　↓
Assembling → PLAYTECH violins arrived already assembled (set up) *1
　↓
Applying rosin to the bow → Bows come with PLAYTECH violins are already applied rosin
　↓
Tuning → LAYTECH violins are already tuned (although some tuning is still necessary)
　↓
Producing sound

These are what you have to do to produce sound from the violin for the first time. However, for beginners, assembling, applying rosin, and tuning can be quite challenging.
PLAYTECH violins significantly reduce the hassle in between unboxing and producing sound, allowing you to produce sound quickly.

*1 Some online stores state that “the bridge is not set up to prevent damage during shipping.” This is merely a claim by retailers who skip the inspection process.
If transporting violins with the bridge set up causes issues, all violinists would remove the bridge and reassemble it each time. In reality, they don’t do this.

Producing sound is relatively easy. However, to actually play it, you must be able to tune the instrument.
Sound House provides a beginner’s guide on our website, which is useful both before and after purchase. Be sure to read it.

Now, let’s aim to remove the three main concerns.

“Will it break down quickly and end up being a loss?”

What parts of a violin are prone to breaking? What kind of issues can occur?

Here are some common troubles beginners might encounter when starting to play the violin:

1. ① Unable to tune
2. ② Strings breaking
3. ③ Pegs not staying in place
4. ④ Bridge falling over

While these issues are usually rare once you get used to handling the violin, many beginners experience them due to unfamiliarity, leading to questions like, “Is this instrument defective?”

① Unable to tune

This issue can only be resolved through repeated practice, but here are some key points to remember when tuning:

• Check the correct pitch for each string before starting tuning.
• Move the pegs slowly. If they loosen, push them in to hold them in place.

You can find more tips in the beginner’s guide and the video.

⇒ Tuning a Violin

② Strings breaking

In most cases, this happens due to excessive movement of the pegs. Although string defects can occur, it’s usually due to over-tightening the string by misjudging the octave. This results in the string breaking because the pitch is raised too high.
Check out our video for more details.

③ Pegs not staying in place

When we say to push the pegs in, it doesn’t mean a noticeable push visible to the eye. Instead, it’s about increasing the friction felt by your hand to keep the peg in place.
Practice pushing the peg while using your other hand to absorb the pressure.
It doesn’t take long to get used to this, and once you do, it becomes just a routine task.

④ Bridge falling over

When tuning a violin, you must always check the bridge’s posture.
Always ensure that the bridge stands at the correct angle to the top plate and adjust it as needed during tuning.

Since violins are made of wood, they are susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. It’s important to avoid using them in extreme conditions (too hot or too cold).
The notion that a low price means the instrument will quickly break is an extreme and misleading way of saying.
While it’s understandable why such a view exists, it’s important to keep in mind that with normal use and care, a budget-friendly violin should serve you well without issues.

“Will I struggle to play it properly and thus not improve?”

Let’s think together what it means to say you can’t play it properly.

1. ① The bridge is not adjusted at all, causing adjacent strings to sound simultaneously.
2. ② The bridge is set too high, making it painful and difficult to press the strings with your left fingers.

The height and curvature (R) of the bridge are inspected and adjusted upon shipping. Most instruments that arrive need this adjustment.
There are many violins purchased online that do not undergo this adjustment, requiring you to do it yourself or take it to a music store yourself. Whether the instrument is assembled or not makes a big difference. PLAYTECH violins are delivered to you after being inspected and adjusted.

“Will it be so cheap that I’ll hesitate to tell its price to others…”

It’s not only violins, but people are often curious about the price of others’ instruments.
Hearing that “Mr. A has a 500,000 yen German violin set” might make you hesitant about owning a PLAYTECH violin.
However, if you adopt the mindset of “getting the best performance from the most affordable instrument,” the focus shifts to the importance of adjustment and the player’s skill.
A violin purchased for 10,000 yen that has been meticulously adjusted and delivered will, for however long it lasts, become the ultimate instrument for the owner.
Producing the best sound possible from the instrument in hand will lead to a very enjoyable experience.
Taking good care of and cherishing your instrument is an exemplary attitude that can’t be overstated.

Now, let’s move on to the second half;

“Which PLAYTECH violin should you buy: PVN244, PVN344, or PVN544?”

L to R: PVN244, PVN344, PVN544 (front side)

L to R: PVN244, PVN344, PVN544 (back side)

Let’s compare these three models. As you can see from the table below, there are no extreme differences. The basic structure of a violin is fundamentally the same for both high-end and low-priced models. Therefore, it’s quite challenging to differentiate them based on price alone.

1. 1) Colored: Parts that are hard to distinguish from ebony but have been painted black
2. 2) Ebony: Also known as ebony, this is a black-colored wood
3. 3) Figured: Unlike typical wood grain, wood with a wavering grain pattern shows a tiger stripe pattern when light hits them, hence the name ‘tiger maple’
4. 4) PVB300: Also sold separately, this bow has higher quality compared to the bows of the other two models
5. 5) Oblong Shape: Comes with a rectangular case

Even so, among the three models, the more expensive PVN544 uses high-quality figured wood, and it comes with a better bow and case, setting it apart from the other models.

Front: Shaped case / Back: Oblong case

On the other hand, although the PVN244 uses colored parts instead of ebony, it has a sound quality that surpasses its price. Some violin players have even said that this instrument is more than sufficient for casual playing. Moreover, all models are delivered after inspection.

How was it? I focused solely on PLAYTECH, but there are many different violins available for purchase online. I hope you choose Sound House’s PLAYTECH and enjoy playing the violin with the instrument that you receive.

↓ For the most inexpensive violin, try the PLAYTECH PVN244

PLAYTECH / PVN244 Violin 4/4

↓ If you prefer a matte finish with an antique look, try the PLAYTECH PVN344

PLAYTECH / PVN344 Violin 4/4

↓ Recommended! The PLAYTECH PVN544 offers excellent cost effectiveness and enhances the joy of playing

PLAYTECH / PVN544 Outfit Violin Set 4/4