It’s an exciting time when you decide to upgrade your instrument or bow. When making a large purchase like this, you want to make sure you are getting the most quality bow or instrument for your money. The best way to do this is to go to a luthier in your area to see what they have available. Starting with a luthier is important because they will only carry quality instruments and bows at their shop. Try the instruments or bows that they have available in your price range to see if there are any that you would be interested in purchasing. If you have the option to take some of the instruments to your private lesson, take this opportunity. Your private lesson teacher can help you identify qualities of each bow or instrument that you like or dislike. Also in your lesson you can take turns with your teacher both playing and listening to each instrument or bow. This is invaluable because instruments and bows can sound different next to your ear when you are playing then they sound projected out when you are listening.
If you find an instrument or bow that has all of the qualities that you are looking for and you decide it is the right one, don’t be afraid to move forward with the purchase. The instruments that a luthier carries are unique, so if someone else comes along and purchases the instrument before you, the instrument is gone. On the other side of things, do not buy an instrument or bow unless it fits all of your needs and you love it. You can always expand your search and try instruments and bows from different places. An instrument or bow is a large purchase and you will be playing it for years, so you want to be happy with your choice.