7 min read
10 violin accessories and tools every violin player needs to have
Whether you're a beginner violinist or a seasoned professional, you need to get yourself these accessories and tools! From bow to bridge, strings to rosin, all these violin accessories are essentials that can make or break your performance.
Let's dive into the top 10 must-have violin accessories that deserve a home in your violin case, ensuring you're always ready to create enchanting melodies.
1. Soundbrenner's wearable metronomes
The Soundbrenner Core 2 and Pulse are more than just metronomes; they are comprehensive tools for serious musicians. These wearable devices offer powerful vibrations that are 7 times stronger than those of an average smartphone, allowing musicians to feel the beat instead of hearing distracting clicks. Customization is at the forefront, with easy adjustments for BPM, time signature, and accents. The devices even offer a precision tuner that magnetically attaches to your violin.
Additional features like a real-time decibel meter protect your ears by monitoring volume levels. The Core 2 can also function as a daily smartwatch, providing notifications right to your wrist. With multi-day battery life and splash-resistant design, these devices are a valuable violin accessory.
2. Tuning fork
A tuning fork lives up to its name in a straightforward manner: it provides a reference pitch, typically an A for violin players, and has a fork-like shape. To use it, grasp it near the base and strike it against your knee. Then, gently place it against any wooden part of your violin; the bridge works exceptionally well.
Doing so should produce a resonating pitch that fills your instrument with sound. Experiment by tapping it against various wooden areas on your violin. Though the tuning fork alone produces a subtle tone, coupling it with your violin amplifies the sound considerably.
3. Stomp Bluetooth foot pedal
Meet Stomp, the game-changing Bluetooth foot pedal that's a very important violin accessory. With just a tap of your foot, take effortless control over your favorite music apps, whether you're scrolling through sheet music or managing your metronome.
Designed for the discerning musician, Stomp boasts a durable, US-manufactured metal enclosure that's as rugged as it is reliable. Its six customizable buttons provide tactile feedback without making a sound, ensuring you never miss a beat—or a note—during your performances. Forget about power woes; Stomp offers over 150 hours of operation on a single 9V battery, or can be powered via a 9VDC adapter.
Plus, it even charges your devices on the go with a built-in USB port. Its remarkable 50-foot range and universal compatibility make it the reliable choice for musicians who demand the best. Elevate your practice and performance to new heights with Stomp.
4. Quality strings
Strings are your vocal cords in the world of violin music. Keeping an extra set of strings is essential as they are a lifesaving violin accessory. A broken string while performing might be a violinist's nightmare, but with spare strings, you'll continue your melody without skipping a beat.
5. Rosin – The magic dust
This magical substance is an important violin accessory that improves the grip of your bow on the strings, producing that sweet, resonant sound you crave. A few swipes before playing will make your melodies sing like never before.
6. Compact music stand
Unleash your musical prowess wherever you go with a foldable music stand, a must-have violin accessory. Whether you practice or perform, having your sheet music at the perfect angle makes a world of difference.
7. Humidifier
Your Violin's Spa Day — Wooden instruments are sensitive to humidity changes. Protect your violin from cracks and warping by including a small humidifier in your list of essential violin accessories. Your violin will thank you with amazing, melodious notes.
8. Essential tool kit
Imagine having the right tool at hand when a fine-tuning or minor repair is needed. Always keep a tool kit with you as a must-have violin accessory to make repairs on the go. Include essentials like a screwdriver, peg compound, and extra bridge in your toolkit. Be your own maestro!
9. Shoulder rest
Shoulder rests are a very important accessory for any violinist. Not only do they support your instrument, but they also provide a lot of comfort. A good shoulder rest will slip onto your violin and fit tightly. It won’t fall off easily while changing music or moving into a resting position.
10. Hygrometer
A hygrometer tells you the humidity level around your violin. When the air is too dry, your violin can absolutely get ruined—We’re talking cracks in the wood and open seams.
Excessive dryness can also dry out the horsehair on your bow and make it brittle, kind of like if you use a blow-dryer on your hair too often. You’ll get split ends and breakage when you brush. The solution to humidity problems is to buy a high-quality hygrometer and always keep it in your bag of violin accessories.
Wrapping up
With the above selection of accessories, you're pretty much ready to take on any musical venture with your violin! Remember to handle them with care and replace them as needed to keep their use up to mark.
Although it doesn't quite count as an accessory, having the perfect rhythm will do you more good than any of the above! We cover the basics of rhythm and how to develop a solid understanding within these articles, give them a read!
