Personal Preference of Player

• Sound
• Response and “feel”
• Playing needs (e.g. soloist, orchestra, chamber music)

Condition of Instrument or Bow

• Critical to value and playability of instrument or bow

Investment Considerations

• Ability to trade or resell

Support of the Seller

• Repair facility, staff expertise, trade-in policy, reputation

Auditioning Instruments or Bows

• Play a variety of instruments or bows
• Try to get your final selection “on-trial” so that you have time to play the instrument(s) or bow(s) several times in a variety of settings and consult teachers or colleagues