The Eastman Violins
A violin from the Eastman family is the perfect first full-sized instrument for your son or daughter and a great step up from a rental instrument. The Eastman violins are ideal for those serious students who want a great looking, great sounding instrument for their school performances, lessons and practice sessions. Their sound is full and robust and your child will be delighted to pick them up and play!
These violins are some of my favourite on the student market, and I’ve also sold them to adult beginners who’ve been impressed with the quality of the instruments and with their sound and tone. The Eastman violins will be ideal if your child is an older beginner (10 – 12+), if you are looking for a bigger sized violin (especially 3/4 or 4/4 full size), or if your child has already been playing violin for a few years. If a parent is looking for something special even for a young beginner, I encourage parents to choose the Eastman violins when budget allows. These violins come fitted with steel strings, but to really get the most out of the instruments, I recommend upgrading the strings (individual recommendations on the product pages = click on the images or titles to view).
There are three violins in the Eastman family:
1. First in the Eastman family, we have the Westbury Violin outfit. It comes complete with Brazilwood bow 
and dart shaped case. The case is good quality with adjustable and detachable straps and a nice leather handle. It has an external zipped music pocket, inside blanket and plenty of room inside the case for shoulder rest, rosin and other bits and pieces. The Westbury violin outfit is available in 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8 and 4/4. If budget allows, this violin is ideal for the serious young student, or a great first step up from a rental instrument. Also in antique finish (pictured right). Great looking and sounding, the Westbury violin represents outstanding value for money.
2. The Concertante Violin is a superb student violin. It is a great looking and sounding instrument, with a fuller sound than the Westbury. Superb value for money. The Concertante violin comes in 3/4 and 4/4 sizes. It is ideal for a child or teen who is approaching intermediate level. Also a great option for adult beginners. It is priced as a violin only, but may be made into a bespoke outfit (violin, bow and case) at a discounted rate. Also in antique finish.
3. The most advanced violin in the Eastman family is the Master Series Stradivari Violin. The Master Series Stradivari violin has a powerful and robust tone. Its top is from European spruce, giving a fantastic ring to the sound. It is a bright instrument and is slightly louder than its Guarneri sister violin. This violin is very popular at the moment. The Master Series Stradivari violin is available in 7/8 and 4/4 sizes. It’s a fabulous instrument for a serious young player (age 10+ to teen) who is approaching the mid grades.
Is an Eastman violin suitable for my child?
If you are looking for a more advanced violin for your serious young student, look at the Heritage Stradivari Violin and the Wessex Violins. Both violins are popular with advanced high school and conservatoire students, and also with professionals as a second instrument. Visit the product pages to see detailed photos of both these instruments and to watch video demos of them being played.
Rhoda Barfoot is a violinist and experienced strings teacher and is director of The Strings Family. Think of Rhoda as your personal shopper for the stringed instruments world! If you have a question about stringed instruments, music study or related topics, check with Ask Rhoda on The Strings Family website.