Product Information

Dominant Strings Widely regarded as “the reference standard”, Dominant strings, made with a highly flexible multi-strand synthetic core, provide the tonal warmth and feel of a gut string while being impervious to changes in humidity. The sound is soft, clear with a stable intonation and they are rich in overtones. One of the world’s most popular strings! Dominant Violin strings Probably the best known string in the world, the Dominant violin strings are widely recommended by teacher and professionals. The sound is mellow and full, very similar in tone and response to gut strings yet very stable and rich in overtones. Dominant Viola strings Dominant Viola strings have superb projection and effortless response. Together with the full, warm sound they are often the first choice. Dominant cello strings Dominant cello strings are possibly not that well known because of the very competitive and excellent strings there are on the market at this level. They nonetheless still offer a very full and mellow sound with an ability to project without being metallic. Dominant Bass strings Dominant Bass strings, made with a highly flexible, multi-strand synthetic core, provide the tonal warmth and feel of a gut string while being impervious to changes in humidity.… Tuning pegs Tuning pegs for violin, viola and cello are available in a variety of shapes and woods, the most common being the ebony pegs in the Parisian style. The Posture peg is an innovative invention allowing cellists to play comfortably without the C and G string peg getting in the way. The precise engineering on the Wittner fine tune pegs has revolutionized the way student instruments can be tuned to precision with the same authentic look. Hand fitness Accessories Key to all string musicians is keeping your hand and finger movements supple and strong. These products are simple exercises which can help strengthen your wrist and fingers The author, Georgia Vale, made this series of educational books because she didn’t find any books that worked well for her and her students when she was teaching. She began creating her own violin books for beginners. After she started to use Hey Presto with her students, she immediately got really good reactions from them, and they became more engaged. Parents are heavily involved in the learning process. They are often expected to observe the lesson, take notes and help with correcting finger positions etc.

Double Bass Exam Books Double Bass Scales, Sight reading and prescribed repertoire books for the Associated Board and Trinity College London. Instrument cleaning, virus protection and sanitising Safety for students and teachers is paramount and these products are carefully sourced to help you make sure music departments are ready and equipped for the safety of all. Ilona bollards enable staff and students to dispense hand sanitiser without the need to touch anything. Reusable masks are ideal for teachers as they can be used and washed for a couple of weeks at a time. Alcohol wipes are ideal for sanitising music department instruments that are used by more than one student.

Electric Instrument strings These strings are constructed in such a way that they are more suitable to electric instruments than normal orchestral strings would be. This is especially true in the case of the D’Addario NS electric strings which have been specially designed and developed in conjunction with Ned Steinberger to suit the NS range of electric instruments. Top Nuts and Saddles Top Nuts and Saddles Violin, viola, cello and Bass Top nuts and saddles. Available in ebony or best ebony recommended for repairers and makers. Bow and bowing accessories

At Caswell’s Strings, we have sourced accessories from across the globe to assist you in learning to play a stringed instrument and once you’re proficient at bowing, to make it as comfortable as possible.

Revolutionary products such as the Bow hold Buddie and the Cellophantassist in the bowhold while the Bowzo and HorACE develop a good bowing technique.

Bowgrips such as the Viotech or the best selling Stringvision bowgripalso assist in correct technique, make the bow more comfortable to play and protect your bow.

Don’t forget to keep the Hair of your bow clean with the Old Master bow hair cleaner.

Listening and understanding music aurally is more important than reading music. Listening to music every day is required for students who follow this method. In most cases, young beginners need quite a lot of material for just the right hand before moving onto the left hand. If students use their left hand before they have a solid right arm foundation, they will shift all their focus to their left hand before they have developed enough muscle memory in the right bowing hand. They will then need to focus on too many technical aspects on both hands at the same time, which is difficult. But if the right arm has almost become automated, then they can more easily focus on just the left hand. Endpins & Fingerboards Endpins & Fingerboards Cello and Double bass endpins are available with either a hardwood cone or a genuine ebony cone. Carbon Fibre cello endpins such as the Stahlhammer offering versatility and lightness. Violin and Viola endpins are available in a variety of finishes and styles. Fingerboards come as blanks and will need to be fitted by a luthier. The difficulty progresses really slowly so that the student has enough material to develop a strong, solid technique. The end goal with the Suzuki method is not only to become a great musician but to become a good-hearted and moral person who embraces challenges.Viola cases

Viola Cases

At Caswell’s we offer a large range of viola cases to suit all budgets in a range of materials, colours and shapes. All too often there is no expense spared when it comes to purchasing an instrument but then we leave it very unprotected! Modern Hitech material is very strong and very light and comes highly recommended with it comes to protecting your viola properly.

If you are in a situation where you are required to carry two instruments around – a violinand a viola perhaps or two violins if you use one for teaching purposes, it will make your life so much easier to have both in one case.

A double violin or violin/viola combination case is a must for any musician living the hectic lifestyle of the 21st century! Modern combination cases are strong, light and compact, and often can accommodate up to eight bows as well.

Bowing and Fingering Aids & Accessories Bowing and fingering Aids & Accessories from Caswells Strings are sourced from across the globe to assist you in learning to play a stringed instrument. Not only are they designed to help you become proficient at bowing, but to make it as comfortable as possible. Revolutionary products such as the Bowhold buddie for violin and the Cellophant for cello assist in the bow hold. The Bowzo and HorACE help to develop a good bowing technique. Bowgrips for violin and cello bows also assist in correct technique while making the bow more comfortable to play and reducing wear on the bow. The best selling Doodle bow is excellent for doing flexibility exercises.Accompanied by a great violin teacher, these books will ensure that young beginner violinists get a great start to learning how to play the violin. 1. Fiddle Time Starters However, even though you’re not learning to play the violin with the Suzuki method, you can still use the Suzuki books as they are great for developing a strong technique. In that case, even this first book is too advanced to start with, but perfect after the student has started to use their left hand. Often, original work and inventive creations spring up as a result of solving a problem. That’s the case with this book as well.

Shoulder rests Violin and Viola Shoulder rests are very personal and what suits one player may not suit another. Many young students start off with the Huber pad or Jegro shoulder pad before moving on to a shoulder rest. Most teachers would then have a preferred option – Kun and Wolf are the long standing favourites but there are now many very good and comfortable alternatives. If you’re undecided and in the area you’re most welcome to spend some time in the shop trying them to find one that suits you. Please be aware that the student age for this book can vary a lot. Shinichi Suzuki himself thinks it’s commonplace to start with this method as early as 3 or 4 years old. He argues that music can be learnt the same way as you learn your native language. That’s why you can start at that age. Synthetic Viola bows

Synthetic, or often referred to as Carbon fibre Viola bows (although not all are carbon fibre), are consistent and often comparable to much more expensive wooden Viola bows. It is therefore possible to produce a very reliable, balanced and consistent Viola at a very reasonable price. Synthetic and Carbon Fibre Viola bows are not affected by temperature variations so are an excellent choice if playing outside. It also means they are highly resistant to warping due to tension or humidity.

These points are not only important in terms of delivering a solid musical education. They are also important motivational factors for the students. All the books below score high on the points mentioned above.

Top tracks

Instrument stands & hangers Stringed Instrument stands Stringed Instrument stands are an essential. There’s nothing more risky than putting a violin or viola down on a bed or standing a cello or Double bass in the corner while you have a break from practicing! One mishap could be the end of the instrument or at best a very expensive repair. Stands for violins (or violas), cellos and basses are essential for every player. If putting your violin away every time is hindering you practicing, try a violin wall hangar from Hercules or K&M – the instrument is right where you need it, when you need it! Mutes Mutes The saying goes ‘Good mutes make good neighbours’! But mutes aren’t only to please the neighbours; sure it helps keep the volume down if you’re spending hours practicing but then some scores may also require you to play softer in parts. The heavy metal or ultra rubber mutes are very quite while the tourte mute is ideal for leaving on the strings while you’re playing so it can be engaged at any time. Synthetic Cello bows

Synthetic, or often referred to as Carbon fibre Cello bows (although not all are carbon fibre), are consistent and often comparable to much more expensive wooden cello bows. It is therefore possible to produce a very reliable, balanced and consistent bow for a low price. Synthetic or Carbon Fibre Cello bows are not affected by temperature variations so are an excellent choice if playing outside. It also means they are highly resistant to warping or losing their spring.

We have years of experience watching how young beginners react to different educational material. In this article, we have hand-selected the best violin books for beginners. The factors we have taken into account are: Music Stands, Stand lights & Accessories Music Stands, Stand lights & Accessories Wooden music stands are not only functional but make a superb furniture piece. For a cheaper option, the Solid Conductors stand is a popular choice. If you’re on the move and prefer a fold up stand, the ultralight stand is excellent and comes with a bag. Music stand lights are a must – you don’t think you need one until you take the plunge and wonder however you managed without it! And last but not least the magnetic pencil holder which sell by the dozen – need we say more!