Frequently Asked Questions
EVENT/ ENSEMBLE QUESTIONS:
How do I determine what type of ensemble to choose for my event?
As we perform "unplugged", with acoustical string instruments, not hooked up to any electrical amplification, the selection of our ensemble choice is determined by a number of factors that will create your event's ambiance:
1) Your Fans: The number of attendees at your special event.
2) Location: Whether indoors or outdoors OR
3) Position: Where the ensemble is placed in relationship to all these factors.
Generally, we recommend that events over 75 people in an indoor or outdoor location be performed by a quartet so that a beautiful resonant sound will be enjoyed by all. Intimate occasions under 75 people that feature our string duo ensemble are enjoyed in an indoor or outdoor setting. In either case, placement of the ensemble- whether under a tented outdoor area, near an expanse of water or a structural surface are all 'acoustically friendly' choices for an excellent string performance.
Are the ensemble packages length determined by actual performance time?
The packages are approximate in length and are determined by more than the actual performance time. They are gauged by:
1) Preparation by the ensemble- the music, materials and rehearsals. (And you thought we just show up and sound brilliant ;-) Awww... we're flattered!)
2) The experience of the individual performers. Oftentimes, an ensemble needs to be on their 'fingers' to perform on a moments' notice or to lengthen or shorten their programs depending on the flow of the special event.
3) In addition, a live string ensemble performs with artistic heart and soul ( Think of your last LIVE concert and how much more special that was than just the CD recording). Many people appreciate how unique, romantic and extraordinary a live string performance is for their special event memories. You can buy many things.. However, as the commercial puts it.... an artistic custom touch is = priceless.
How far in advance of my event should I book a string ensemble?
Generally, most inquiries come to us about 6 months- one year ahead of the event date. We also receive requests as soon as 1-3 months in advance. Of course, the closer we book to the time of your event, the greater risk we may have in already having your special date booked! For more intimate occasions, we generally have our duo available on shorter notice but we appreciate any and all reasonable requests. Thank you for considering one of our ensembles to perform and we look forward to hearing from you! Contact us as soon as possible :-)
How do I go about booking my event?
We are able to fill out our agreements with you via phone consultation and use electronic signing via: EchoSign/Adobe. Deposits of 25% of the total package booked are accepted to book your special date. The balance is due the week before your event or when you wish to submit before then. Payments may be accepted by check or credit card/PayPal. (Please note that there may be processing fees for this method of payment.)
Do you have live recordings of your ensembles?
We are anticipating live audio clips/recordings of our ensembles to be uploaded to the website soon. We understand that this helps you determine which 'sound' you are looking for for your special occasion.
Please be assured that we are all well polished musicians that regularly perform in many highly professional symphonies and groups with challenging repertoire and dexterity. So, we find performing wedding repertoire relatively easy by comparison, allowing us to focus on the musicality and expression of your custom selections.
In the meantime, we recommend that you check our references from our past clients on our page: Ocean Ovations. As you can see both of our ensembles have been highly praised for their performances on the Treasure Coast since 2005. We regularly perform with top notch event planners and locations such as Pointe West,
the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, Windsor and many local beach and garden venues. In addition, we have been contracted to perform for several celebrity weddings.
STUDIO QUESTIONS:
How much do string instruments cost to rent each month?
Rental is a good idea for beginners. Rentals are usually per month and depending on the type of instrument can run from $18- $45 a month.
For those interested in committing and/or taking orchestra seriously, we highly recommend investing in a rent to own program by reputable violin shops. This is where a high percentage of your rental monies will go towards a future "upgrade" to a finer quality instrument. This step is usually taken for responsible students and/or students ready to dedicate a higher amount of practice/playing for private lessons or the orchestra programs in Indian River County.
We don't recommend renting forever and when you decide to buy an instrument do it from an established violin shop. Please see our recommended list of reputable shops at the end of this page.
May I buy a violin on the internet or on Ebay?
Why is a fiddle on eBay to begin with? Someone doesn't want it! Generally good violins in good shape are wanted by the owner. We suspect a substantial number of the violins on eBay are being dumped because they don't work well enough. If this is just a setup problem, then it can be easily fixed. If it is more, then you may end up with more money in the violin than it is worth. Consider some other important reasons purchases on Ebay should be avoided:
Fraud. Ebay is also inhabited by a certain number of crooks. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Unfortunately some of these ethically challenged individuals are violin dealers of one kind or another.
The beginner violin. Its only $100!!! Usually these violins have heavy front and back plates, have painted or dyed fingerboards and fittings, and have absolutely no setup. They squeek and are very hard to play, if they are playable at all. If playable at best, the limitations of these types of violins will be very discouraging to a beginning student in learning a string instrument. We DO NOT RECOMMEND buying an instrument without guidance from someone with more experience- such as your orchestra director.
The pretty new violin with special features. For example, statements that "it's the wood." Well, to some extent a pretty violin may indeed sound nice. But again, consider the setup needs- strings, bridge work etc., For either beginner violin or the pretty violin, the buyer can expect to spend from $45 to $150 to get basic setup work done on the violin. A reputable shop will have violin rentals available with the setup already made. So, in reality, you may end up spending more on your Ebay "find" then on a quality made, adjusted string instrument.
Older violins may be a good deal. Or they may not. They are very difficult to judge. One may get a bargain, but need to spend $300 on repairs. Or one may end up with a piece of junk painted pretty. Damage and setup problems are very difficult to see on pictures and are rarely described well.
Availability of repair. Another factor is whether you'll be able to get your eBay prize restored. Many shops are very busy. Will they really be willing to set aside a loyal customer's work to fix up a cheap German trade fiddle needing a fingerboard and setup? Is it really fair to ask them to do so? Setting up junk, low-end Chinese trade fiddles is even less rewarding. How to tell someone their $80 violin needs $100 in minimal setup before it will work?
Violins aren't expensive from shops. I find that people think violin shops are too expensive. Some are if they have lots of overhead. Some aren't. Regardless, violin dealers must support their customers. They must sell at a competitive and fair price AND back up the products they sell. They have to keep a repair capability in hand, which is a non-trivial matter. Auction buyers don't get this support.
Final caveats. If you are going to buy via eBay anyway, look at the images carefully and ask lots of questions (especially of your orchestra director before buying!) Make sure you know who the seller is. And read this. Be very careful about auctions offering no return. Expect that some work will be required. But one can expect violins bought at private sale to require some work as well.
Good deals exist on eBay, but we urge rank beginners to stay away until they gain sufficient knowledge to buy intelligently.
So what is the difference between an entry-level, a student, and a professional instrument?
Entry level instruments tend to be inexpensive, as they are for beginners. They are made in large workshops by many hands, and, depending on what part of the world they come from, they are often made of pre-carved or pre-assembled parts; and usually the wood is plain looking and the varnish monochromatic and shiny. There is no excuse, however, for them to be badly made or cheap looking; and they should always be set up properly.
Student grade instruments can range from entry grade boxes made with fancier wood (usually called “step up”—a term I don’t like) to beautiful instruments costing many thousands of dollars. Many instruments made by individual makers still reside in the “student” category, but typically they are made by many hands in small workshops with better materials and with more attention to detail. This is where you start to see “highly flamed” wood. Remember, “flame” (which is sometimes called “tiger striping”) has nothing to do with sound—it just looks good. Also, “antiqued” varnish is quite common, and, when done well, can really enhance the appearance, as well as reduce the amount of varnish on the instrument, which can improve the sound.
Professional instruments are those that are of a quality that would be acceptable to a professional musician; and this usually means a musician in an orchestra or a soloist. They are typically made and varnished by an individual maker. Professionals, more than anyone else, are more likely to own either fine vintage instruments, or new products of today’s best makers. Prices for these instruments seldom get below $15,000, and if you read the papers you’ll know how high they go. The best vintage instruments are so expensive simply because there are x number of them left and x2 number of musicians and collectors who wish to obtain them. (x2\x=$$$$$)!!!! :-)
RECOMMENDED AND DIRECTOR APPROVED LOCAL STRING SHOPS:
Atlantic Strings- Melbourne, FL
Muni Strings - Orlando, FL
W.H. Lee- Chicago, IL
Shar Music- Ann Arbor, Michigan
Please visit some very informative links below for more information:
A Parent's Guide to Violin Shaped Objects: VSO's
Thank you for visiting our FAQ page! If you have a question that is not listed here please contact us at:
oceanstrings@gmail.com and we will be sure to get back to you in a timely manner.
How do I determine what type of ensemble to choose for my event?
As we perform "unplugged", with acoustical string instruments, not hooked up to any electrical amplification, the selection of our ensemble choice is determined by a number of factors that will create your event's ambiance:
1) Your Fans: The number of attendees at your special event.
2) Location: Whether indoors or outdoors OR
3) Position: Where the ensemble is placed in relationship to all these factors.
Generally, we recommend that events over 75 people in an indoor or outdoor location be performed by a quartet so that a beautiful resonant sound will be enjoyed by all. Intimate occasions under 75 people that feature our string duo ensemble are enjoyed in an indoor or outdoor setting. In either case, placement of the ensemble- whether under a tented outdoor area, near an expanse of water or a structural surface are all 'acoustically friendly' choices for an excellent string performance.
Are the ensemble packages length determined by actual performance time?
The packages are approximate in length and are determined by more than the actual performance time. They are gauged by:
1) Preparation by the ensemble- the music, materials and rehearsals. (And you thought we just show up and sound brilliant ;-) Awww... we're flattered!)
2) The experience of the individual performers. Oftentimes, an ensemble needs to be on their 'fingers' to perform on a moments' notice or to lengthen or shorten their programs depending on the flow of the special event.
3) In addition, a live string ensemble performs with artistic heart and soul ( Think of your last LIVE concert and how much more special that was than just the CD recording). Many people appreciate how unique, romantic and extraordinary a live string performance is for their special event memories. You can buy many things.. However, as the commercial puts it.... an artistic custom touch is = priceless.
How far in advance of my event should I book a string ensemble?
Generally, most inquiries come to us about 6 months- one year ahead of the event date. We also receive requests as soon as 1-3 months in advance. Of course, the closer we book to the time of your event, the greater risk we may have in already having your special date booked! For more intimate occasions, we generally have our duo available on shorter notice but we appreciate any and all reasonable requests. Thank you for considering one of our ensembles to perform and we look forward to hearing from you! Contact us as soon as possible :-)
How do I go about booking my event?
We are able to fill out our agreements with you via phone consultation and use electronic signing via: EchoSign/Adobe. Deposits of 25% of the total package booked are accepted to book your special date. The balance is due the week before your event or when you wish to submit before then. Payments may be accepted by check or credit card/PayPal. (Please note that there may be processing fees for this method of payment.)
Do you have live recordings of your ensembles?
We are anticipating live audio clips/recordings of our ensembles to be uploaded to the website soon. We understand that this helps you determine which 'sound' you are looking for for your special occasion.
Please be assured that we are all well polished musicians that regularly perform in many highly professional symphonies and groups with challenging repertoire and dexterity. So, we find performing wedding repertoire relatively easy by comparison, allowing us to focus on the musicality and expression of your custom selections.
In the meantime, we recommend that you check our references from our past clients on our page: Ocean Ovations. As you can see both of our ensembles have been highly praised for their performances on the Treasure Coast since 2005. We regularly perform with top notch event planners and locations such as Pointe West,
the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, Windsor and many local beach and garden venues. In addition, we have been contracted to perform for several celebrity weddings.
STUDIO QUESTIONS:
How much do string instruments cost to rent each month?
Rental is a good idea for beginners. Rentals are usually per month and depending on the type of instrument can run from $18- $45 a month.
For those interested in committing and/or taking orchestra seriously, we highly recommend investing in a rent to own program by reputable violin shops. This is where a high percentage of your rental monies will go towards a future "upgrade" to a finer quality instrument. This step is usually taken for responsible students and/or students ready to dedicate a higher amount of practice/playing for private lessons or the orchestra programs in Indian River County.
We don't recommend renting forever and when you decide to buy an instrument do it from an established violin shop. Please see our recommended list of reputable shops at the end of this page.
May I buy a violin on the internet or on Ebay?
Why is a fiddle on eBay to begin with? Someone doesn't want it! Generally good violins in good shape are wanted by the owner. We suspect a substantial number of the violins on eBay are being dumped because they don't work well enough. If this is just a setup problem, then it can be easily fixed. If it is more, then you may end up with more money in the violin than it is worth. Consider some other important reasons purchases on Ebay should be avoided:
Fraud. Ebay is also inhabited by a certain number of crooks. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Unfortunately some of these ethically challenged individuals are violin dealers of one kind or another.
The beginner violin. Its only $100!!! Usually these violins have heavy front and back plates, have painted or dyed fingerboards and fittings, and have absolutely no setup. They squeek and are very hard to play, if they are playable at all. If playable at best, the limitations of these types of violins will be very discouraging to a beginning student in learning a string instrument. We DO NOT RECOMMEND buying an instrument without guidance from someone with more experience- such as your orchestra director.
The pretty new violin with special features. For example, statements that "it's the wood." Well, to some extent a pretty violin may indeed sound nice. But again, consider the setup needs- strings, bridge work etc., For either beginner violin or the pretty violin, the buyer can expect to spend from $45 to $150 to get basic setup work done on the violin. A reputable shop will have violin rentals available with the setup already made. So, in reality, you may end up spending more on your Ebay "find" then on a quality made, adjusted string instrument.
Older violins may be a good deal. Or they may not. They are very difficult to judge. One may get a bargain, but need to spend $300 on repairs. Or one may end up with a piece of junk painted pretty. Damage and setup problems are very difficult to see on pictures and are rarely described well.
Availability of repair. Another factor is whether you'll be able to get your eBay prize restored. Many shops are very busy. Will they really be willing to set aside a loyal customer's work to fix up a cheap German trade fiddle needing a fingerboard and setup? Is it really fair to ask them to do so? Setting up junk, low-end Chinese trade fiddles is even less rewarding. How to tell someone their $80 violin needs $100 in minimal setup before it will work?
Violins aren't expensive from shops. I find that people think violin shops are too expensive. Some are if they have lots of overhead. Some aren't. Regardless, violin dealers must support their customers. They must sell at a competitive and fair price AND back up the products they sell. They have to keep a repair capability in hand, which is a non-trivial matter. Auction buyers don't get this support.
Final caveats. If you are going to buy via eBay anyway, look at the images carefully and ask lots of questions (especially of your orchestra director before buying!) Make sure you know who the seller is. And read this. Be very careful about auctions offering no return. Expect that some work will be required. But one can expect violins bought at private sale to require some work as well.
Good deals exist on eBay, but we urge rank beginners to stay away until they gain sufficient knowledge to buy intelligently.
So what is the difference between an entry-level, a student, and a professional instrument?
Entry level instruments tend to be inexpensive, as they are for beginners. They are made in large workshops by many hands, and, depending on what part of the world they come from, they are often made of pre-carved or pre-assembled parts; and usually the wood is plain looking and the varnish monochromatic and shiny. There is no excuse, however, for them to be badly made or cheap looking; and they should always be set up properly.
Student grade instruments can range from entry grade boxes made with fancier wood (usually called “step up”—a term I don’t like) to beautiful instruments costing many thousands of dollars. Many instruments made by individual makers still reside in the “student” category, but typically they are made by many hands in small workshops with better materials and with more attention to detail. This is where you start to see “highly flamed” wood. Remember, “flame” (which is sometimes called “tiger striping”) has nothing to do with sound—it just looks good. Also, “antiqued” varnish is quite common, and, when done well, can really enhance the appearance, as well as reduce the amount of varnish on the instrument, which can improve the sound.
Professional instruments are those that are of a quality that would be acceptable to a professional musician; and this usually means a musician in an orchestra or a soloist. They are typically made and varnished by an individual maker. Professionals, more than anyone else, are more likely to own either fine vintage instruments, or new products of today’s best makers. Prices for these instruments seldom get below $15,000, and if you read the papers you’ll know how high they go. The best vintage instruments are so expensive simply because there are x number of them left and x2 number of musicians and collectors who wish to obtain them. (x2\x=$$$$$)!!!! :-)
RECOMMENDED AND DIRECTOR APPROVED LOCAL STRING SHOPS:
Atlantic Strings- Melbourne, FL
Muni Strings - Orlando, FL
W.H. Lee- Chicago, IL
Shar Music- Ann Arbor, Michigan
Please visit some very informative links below for more information:
A Parent's Guide to Violin Shaped Objects: VSO's
Thank you for visiting our FAQ page! If you have a question that is not listed here please contact us at:
oceanstrings@gmail.com and we will be sure to get back to you in a timely manner.