With cheap instruments now available at discounters and “big box” stores, local music shops are feeling the pinch. Jon Bentley of Bentley’s String Instruments in Everett, WA cites prices of $150 and less at online shops, Walmart, Kmart and Costco for violins that are not as good quality as the $500 starter violin he carries. Cheap instruments use wood that isn’t properly seasoned which makes for terrible sound. The sound post, a crucial component, is placed in a standard location instead of adjusted for the individual instrument. Most importantly for a parent who may think that they can’t invest more until they know if their kid is going to be serious, these inferior instruments are usually more difficult to play and difficult to tune properly. Parents, if you can’t or don’t want to invest in a good instrument until you’re sure it’ll be worthwhile, rent a decent one first. Also ask around to see if someone’s got one stashed away under a bed or in a closet.