Part 1: Choosing a stringed instrument full of uncertainty

~ The Musings of a String Concierge

Who do you consult when you want to play an instrument?

It would be nice if you had a family member or friend who is familiar with them, but that is not always possible. The violin, viola, cello, or double bass of your dreams. Some of you may feel it is too expensive to visit a store specializing in stringed instruments.

The stringed instrument floor of TC Gakki is a "friendly stringed instrument specialty store" for everyone. Please feel free to consult with us about any questions you may have when choosing an instrument. We are sure that you will be convinced, "Oh, good, I didn't know that..." We are sure that you will be satisfied with our service.

A "concierge" is a specialist in a hotel, for example, who will introduce and guide you according to your needs. We hope you will find it useful as a tweet from a stringed instrument concierge who can change your current "anxiety" into "peace of mind".

Part 1: Choosing an instrument full of anxiety (for beginners)

Stringed instruments are expensive and difficult to store for.

When you hear of a specialty store for stringed instruments, you may think, "The price of instruments is high, and it is difficult to visit the store because they deal only with high-end products of an order of magnitude higher. It is a closed room like a reception room, and I feel that I will not be allowed to leave until I purchase an instrument. Only those who know a lot about stringed instruments and are good players will be taken seriously by the store staff." Many people seem to have an image of "I can't go to the store until I buy an instrument.

Attractiveness of used stringed instruments

There are various ways of thinking and advantages and disadvantages in choosing between "new" and "used" stringed instruments.
In other words, a "new" instrument is a brand new instrument that has never been played by anyone. There are no flaws and no defects. The biggest advantage is that you can enjoy playing the instrument and develop it from scratch. However, the fact that it is new means that it has only existed as an instrument for a short period of time.
If this were a car, you would immediately know that a new car has better performance, but this is not always the case when it comes to acoustic instruments. As is the case with folk guitars, a guitar that has been played for a certain number of years may sound better than one that has been played for a certain number of years.

A "used" guitar may have scratches or a history of repairs, and in terms of appearance alone, it is not as good as a "new" guitar. However, strangely enough, these "used" instruments are currently the most popular, and are preferred and used by many people.

Some people may be attracted to the "new" look of old instruments with scratches and peeling varnish, such as current "used" instruments, modern/old instruments, and so on. What kind of maker in what country was this instrument made, what kind of hands it has been played by, and what kind of people it has been played by? The greatest advantage of acquiring a "used" instrument is that you can enjoy the deep and warm sound of the original stringed instrument while thinking about such romance. Our store is also a beginner-friendly space where you can relax and look around as much as you like in an open space.

Even if you have never touched a musical instrument or do not know much about it, it is okay. You are welcome to just come down and take a look or try out the instruments. First of all, we would like as many customers as possible to experience the comfort of the TC instruments and stringed instruments floor.

I don't know what makes, models, and sounds are good or bad.

We know the famous brands and models of clothes, bags, cars, watches, etc., but I don't know which makers of stringed instruments are good and what is the difference between models, including the price.
I have my own preferences for how an instrument should look and sound, and to be honest, it's hard for me to decide if it's new or used."
We often receive inquiries and consultations like this from our customers.

How to choose an instrument (brand, price range, etc.)

Violins, cellos, and other stringed instruments have a particularly expensive image. Violins costing more than 100 million yen are often featured on TV programs, and professional musicians can bring out the full appeal of these instruments with impressive performances that are worthy of their rare value.

The high price of stringed instruments generally introduced in the public eye may give them an image of luxury, but there are stringed instruments that can be used at a low price with peace of mind.

Before giving up on violins and cellos because they are too expensive and out of reach, please consult with us at TC Musical Instruments & Strings floor.

We will be happy to guide you to a stringed instrument that suits your budget and purpose. To be honest, we would love to recommend a high-quality stringed instrument for you from the very beginning, but we believe that it is also an effective way for you to start off casually and enjoy playing, and then choose the right model for you after you become a good player.

Usually, when you go to a music store looking for a new instrument for beginners, they will recommend a model that costs around 100,000 yen for a set. Many of the low-priced models sold through mail-order stores sound terrible because they are made of plywood, or they are so poorly tuned that it is difficult to even tune them.

Famous violinists advise that a new violin for practice should cost at least 300,000 yen, and some models carefully crafted by skilled craftsmen cost more than 1,000,000 yen. It is difficult to know which one to choose as a reference, but if you can play your favorite tunes, have no problems with the construction, and feel like enjoying music, then it is a fine enough stringed instrument.

Major manufacturers include SUZUKI and Pygmalius (made in Japan), San Antonio (made in China), Karl Hofner (made in Germany), etc. There are many stringed instruments made in the Czech Republic, Hungary, France, Italy, etc., but the best sellers for a first stringed instrument are those made in detail However, the best-selling first stringed instrument is the one made by SUZUKI, which is carefully finished to the last detail and can be used with peace of mind. Also popular are German-made instruments, which have a high volume and a satisfactory tone even after a certain level of proficiency, and which have many excellent production workshops.

In Germany, where production is said to have been introduced from Brescia in Italy at the beginning of the 17th century, there existed a large guild of craftsmen, who are said to have accounted for 90% of all old and modern instruments made in the world.

A decade ago, the country's neighboring country, China, did not have a good image and was not considered a good place to make violins, but in recent years, China has become known as the number one producer of violins. Today, there are many models that are particular about the materials and varnish finish, and we often receive inquiries from customers about high-quality stringed instruments with antique finishes. Although there are some roughness in the exterior details, we recommend these instruments to those who place importance on performance.

Many people may think of Italy as the birthplace of stringed instruments. It has produced famous string instrument makers such as Stradivari and Amati, and even today, high-end models are produced in the Cremona region. There seems to be a tendency for people to prefer these instruments not as tools, but as works of art. The fineness of the wood grain and the beauty of the varnish finish enhance the elegant tone. It is a longing to have one in one's hands someday, isn't it?
Now, how much is a reasonable price for a used one?

Although it is only a reference, taking a model with a fixed price as an example, the basic selling price of a used product is about half the price of the fixed price. Although the price may vary depending on popular demand, a model priced at 300,000 yen would cost about 150,000 yen for a used one. If you are willing to pay the same amount of money for a used violin as for a new one with a list price of 150,000 yen, which do you find more attractive?

Worried about the quality and repair warranty of used goods

I am worried about the quality of used instruments that have been used by others. They may lose their sound immediately or break. It seems that some stringed instruments are old, and I wonder if old instruments can still be repaired. I also worry about aftercare (warranty) after buying."
Are these reasons keeping you away from purchasing a used instrument?

Quality and Warranty

Naturally, buying a used instrument for the first time can be intimidating. You may have experienced a cheap purchase that quickly broke down in the past. However, at TC Musical Instruments, we don't want you to have that bitter experience. We sell instruments that require repairs or adjustments after they have been thoroughly restored by our skilled craftsmen. If there is a history of restoration or any future concerns, we will tell you about them without concealment so that you can be satisfied with our service. One-year warranty for peace of mind after purchase. We will support you in case of any eventuality so that you can enjoy playing for many years to come. TC Instruments does not only sell instruments. If you are no longer satisfied with your instrument, or if you want to buy a different instrument, you can "replace" it. If you trade in your instrument within one month of purchase, you will receive 80% of the purchase price (excluding tax). What is most unfortunate is that people give up playing stringed instruments without knowing their true appeal. Even if you start with a low-priced model, we will help you replace it with a high-quality model as you progress, so that you can enjoy playing stringed instruments for many years to come.

The 1-month replacement warranty is valid for products with a sales price of 20,000 yen or more (excluding tax) and in the same condition as the original purchase. The purchase price must be equal to or greater than the trade-in value. Shipping costs are to be borne by the customer.
Of course, we will be happy to help you replace the item anytime, even after the period has expired. Please feel free to contact us even if you only want to buy the item.

We will respond free of charge in the event that the product goes out of tune or stops producing sound after purchase. Please feel free to contact us.

However, the following cases will be charged.

Afterword

You've always dreamed of playing a stringed instrument, but "Will I ever learn to play it? "Will I be able to keep playing? "I don't know where to start. I just don't know..." It is natural to be anxious about choosing an instrument.
Just seeing someone playing the violin or cello can be soothing, or it can be irresistible. I get excited every day like that, but sometimes I get lost. This is the first precious time that stringed instruments give us. From the day you get the stringed instrument of your dreams, a whole new day begins.
No one can play well at first. Even the violinists we admire so much couldn't play well at first. Spend your days touching the instrument, imagining that you will become someone who can play it well. This is the second most important time that the instrument gives us.

What is important is that I enjoy my life with stringed instruments. A happy life of enjoying sound. This is the third important time that stringed instruments give us.
TC Gakki's stringed instrument floor always has over 200 used stringed instruments in stock. It is a healing space where you can relax in an open space and browse at your leisure for as long as you like. There is no need to be nervous just because you are not buying that day. We have many customers who just come to preview or try out the instruments. Lessons by professional instructors are also available. Please feel free to consult with us about any concerns you may have about actually selecting an item to purchase, either in-store, by phone, or by e-mail.
Our store is a place full of excitement, charm, and fun, where you can find a bargain, your own personal treasure. At the same time, we are a stringed instrument specialty store that is friendly to children and their parents who are always working hard in lessons, and to beginners who want to start playing a stringed instrument.