LIVE . L AUGH . PL AY . MUSIC
www.simplyforstrings.com.au
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– Welcome to our world of music – Your first instrument – Our professional setup – Time to upgrade – Advanced range – A beginner’s checklist
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– Choosing strings – Choosing a bow – Rosin – Sheet music
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– Instrument and music stands 14
– Contact us
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“Visitors hurry through the hallways to see what awaits them ... A grand room with high ceilings is filled with violins, violas, cellos and double basses.”
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD OF MUSIC Marked by original stainedglass windows and a picket fence, Simply For Strings in Red Hill inspires exploration into the world of music. – Entrance is via blue-trimmed arched doors and in the front room violins cover the left wall. A quick glimpse to the back of the room makes visitors hurry through the hallway to see what awaits them. A grand room with high ceilings is filled with cellos, violas, double basses and violins, and a piano waits patiently and authoritatively in the corner. Luscious deep-brown leather couches make this space seem unhurried and welcoming and are complemented by plush pillows – making you want to spend the rest of the day curled up listening to Mozart and Beethoven. In a corner, a library of musical scores begs to
be played with passion and sincerity. The sheet music can be viewed and studied on a large wooden table, hand-made from a Tasmanian Blackwood tree that the owners salvaged after it was struck by lightning. The stage area looks out through wide open-glass windows as high as the ceilings, over Brisbane’s treasured inner suburbs, allowing for an expanse of natural light to illuminate the interior and bounce off the crisp white walls. It’s easy to imagine this space being momentarily converted into an art gallery and concert room, and filled with the melodic sounds of string ensembles. Guests would mingle as the sun goes down – with drinks and fresh canapes in hand – trying not to make too much noise with each step on the shiny wooden floorboards, for fear of meddling with the harmonious sounds of stringed instruments. (Originally published by The Weekend Edition)
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YOUR FIRST INSTRUMENT
Buying a string instrument for the first time, whether for yourself or your child, can be a daunting task. There are so many options to consider and it can be hard to know where to start. In the name of demystifying the process we’ve assembled our complete guide. –
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A professional setup is key (and our forte) Make sure that the instrument you are purchasing is set up correctly so that it’s ready to play. Plenty of vendors out there will be happy to sell you an instrument straight from the box with no adjustments, and this means that the sound and technique learned while playing will both be poor.
OUR RAN GE 01 Enrico Student II
Cello Outfit
02 Arioso Double Bass
Outfit
03 Enrico Student Plus
Violin Outfit
04 Arioso Violin Outfit 05 Gliga III Viola Outfit 06 Hidersine Vivente
Viola Outfit
07 Arioso Cello Outfit – Cello/Bass Stand by Tornado Violin / Viola Stands by Hercules Stands and Tornado
A professional setup should include adjustments to the: • Bridge • Nut • Fingerboard • Pegs • Sound Post • Tailpiece • String Adjusters • Chinrest.
Make sure you’re covered Whether you decide to purchase a new or a second-hand instrument, it’s important that the instrument you purchase is covered under warranty. The warranty should cover the timber, manufacturing quality and safeguards against any structural issues that may arise. Simply for Strings offers a 12-month warranty on all new instruments. We also include a free 6-month service with all instrument purchases.
Buy the whole outfit A beginner instrument might seem “cheap” online but once you buy all of the required extras, the costs can really start to add up. When you buy your instrument, make sure it comes in a package with a case and bow (also known as an “outfit”). This will save you some money and also means that you’re ready to go!
Hit the mark on price Each part needs to be fitted, adjusted or finetuned to ensure comfort while playing, balance of tonal quality, volume and clarity of sound that is free from buzzing. Simply for Strings is proud to offer a professional setup service with every instrument we sell.
Getting the size right The easiest way to fall in love with playing a string instrument is to be comfortable doing it. The wrong-sized instrument can cause physical pain while performing, which will certainly lead to the novice player giving up on practice – or playing altogether!
You should expect to spend at least $250-$400 if you want a well-made violin. $300-$600 for viola and $800-$1500 for cello. Double basses start at approximately $1500. This price range ensures that you receive a nice sounding instrument.
Get branded Buying an instrument that is a well-respected brand should further assure you that you are receiving good quality. Our best selling beginner instruments include Enrico, Arioso and Hidersine. – For more information and reliable advice please contact our expert team or visit us in-store.
You can’t “grow” into a string instrument, so buying one that is too big in the hope that it will save you some upgrading in the future just won’t work. If your child is quite young and you’re concerned that they will grow out of their violin too quickly, you should consider buying a more affordable, second-hand violin, or perhaps renting one instead. Simply for Strings’ experienced team of professional players and teachers can help find the perfect size for any player.
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OUR PROFESSIONAL SETUP New stringed instruments require specialist pre-delivery adjustments prior to sale. Simply for Strings’ dedicated workshop team deliver a high quality setup on each individual instrument making them a delight to play. – 01 The Bridge Each bridge must be hand-cut with the correct curve and be fitted individually to each instrument. A carefully fitted
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bridge allows the strings to vibrate freely without touching the fingerboard, and maintains them at the proper height for easy playing.
02 The Nut The nut should have the correct height and spacing to ensure that the strings do not touch the fingerboard so there is no “buzzing” sound when the instrument is being played. The nut grooves are adjusted pre-sale to ensure smooth fall of the strings.
checked for correct height starting at the nut and on to the bridge.
04 The Pegs Pegs, also made of ebony, should be individually fitted for smooth easy tuning and ideal string holding tension.
05 The Soundpost Each soundpost is hand cut to fit the individual instrument. It is placed in the optimal position to provide best tonal quality and volume.
03 The Fingerboard The fingerboard must be accurately trued and aligned, smooth and straight, with the proper curvature and correct length and thickness. Fine ebony, not varnished, only lightly oiled. The strings must be
06 The Tailpiece Our tailpieces are made from lightweight, durable material that encourages a vibrant sound. The in-built fine tuners are lubricated to assist with ease of fine-tuning.
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The Chinrest A fine quality chinrest must be wellshaped for comfort and balance and attached to the instrument securely. All violins and violas are fitted with a standard chinrest, however musicians may choose a chinrest from our extensive range for maximum comfort.
Strings Strings are tuned and checked for any false tones or rough surfaces. Strings are wound from the middle of the peg toward the edge of the peg box. This ensures each string is held correctly and does not overlap other strings.
Final Inspection All instruments undergo a final inspection and are played by one of the team at Simply for Strings. This ensures that each instrument exceeds all specifications. –
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TIME TO UPGRADE
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You’ve been practising and performing with gusto and it’s time to take the next step and upgrade. Our friendly team are all qualified musicians who understand the nuances of each different instrument we stock. Let us help you find the sound that suits you. –
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OU R I N TE R M E D I AT E RANGE 01 Allegro Violin Outfit 02 Gliga I Viola Outfit 03 Monteverdi Viola 04 Allegro Cello 05 Concerto Viola Outfit 06 Monteverdi II Violin 07 Arioso II Violin Outfit
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ADVANCED RANGE Simply for Strings provides a range of advanced instruments for the discerning player. The range includes instruments from well-established workshops spanning the globe. Some of our most popular instruments includes Jay Haide, Helmut Illner, Gliga and KG. –
PRODUC T FEATU RED Jay Haide A L’Ancienne ‘Maggini’ Viola
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La Défense STRONG.YOUNG.DURABLE.
Fait Main en France • Hand Made in France
www.bamcases.com
A BEGINNER’S CHECKLIST
YOUR ESSENTIALS LIST: Rosin Cleaning Cloth Shoulder Rest (Violin & Viola)
If you’re just beginning your string instrument journey then you’ve probably been asking questions such as “what do I need
Cello Rockstop
to start? What book will work best for me? And what the heck is rosin?” We are here to help you navigate the range of
Music Stand
instruments and accessories for new string players. There are
Tuner / Metronome
lots of fun extras available to you as you begin your musical journey. Here’s just a few of our favourites. – Rosin is hardened tree sap that provides friction between the bow and the string, which in turn creates sound. A cleaning cloth is a life-long essential in your musical journey. Keep it in the case as a reminder to remove rosin dust, dirt and grime from your strings. Another essential for most violinist and violists is a shoulder rest. A shoulder rest allows the instrument to be comfortably sat on your shoulder, eliminating pain and tension so you can practise for longer! All of our staff are able to provide a
recommendation for which shoulder rest will suit you and your instrument best.
collapsible stands to the professional Manhasset range.
A Rockstop is a handy practice accessory for cellists and bassists alike. It stops the instrument from slipping and sliding around on timber or tiled floors. Just don’t forget to label yours – those pesky things can go walk-about at home or at school!
A wide variety of beginner method books are available in-store or online. Simply for Strings staff are happy to provide personal recommendations. –
A music stand is an absolute must for any musician; you definitely can’t practise without one! We have a large variety available from easy-to-carry and colourful
BEGIN N ER’S CHEC K LIST 01 Bernardel Rosin for all instruments
05 Artino Cello Stop
10 Encore on Strings Tuition Book
02 KORG TM-50 Digital Tuner/Metronome
06 Might Bright Duet Music Stand Light
11 Essential Elements for Strings
03 Everest Shoulder for Violin or Viola
07 Wittner Tuning Fork A440
08 Evah Pirazzi Violin String Set
(Range of Colours Available)
04 Intelli IDM-770 Digital Metronome
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09 Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Tuition Book
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CHOOSING STRINGS
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Whether you’re looking to improve your sound or simply 04
refresh your strings, the right set can make all the difference. – 06 Searching for the right strings for your instrument can sometimes feel like you are searching for the Holy Grail! Do not worry – Simply for Strings can help in your relentless quest. We offer a wide range of string brands, all at highly competitive prices. If you are unsure of what strings may suit your instrument best, our staff are more than happy to consult with you one on one either in store or over the phone. New strings will ensure your instrument is producing the best sound possible. Strings are made of precious metals like silver and aluminium and tend to dull over a period of 6-8 months. As strings age, their sound becomes less clear and the tuning less accurate. To avoid these issues, you should change your strings regularly. Here are some of our recommendations.
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VIOLIN
VIOLA
CELLO
There are lots of options available for violinists, however our favourites suit any beginner or intermediate musician.
Pirastro Tonica (1/4-16”) are perfect for any beginning violists as they have a nylon core, which creates an even, bright tone across the instrument, and have a quick response time. They have a reduced background ‘hiss’ which can be a problem for any player. C strings can be a hassle on violas, but Tonica remain a firm favourite as they produce smaller scale C strings, which reduce pitch bending.
Our favourite cello strings suit any beginner or intermediate musician.
Pirastro Tonica strings (1/8-4/4) are perfect for any beginning violinist, as they have a nylon core, which creates an even, bright tone across the instrument. These strings are quick to respond as the player continues to learn new techniques. They reward both player and listener with an open and direct sound, and are suitable for any level of instrument. If the musician is enjoying the violin, and looking for a premium sound, Pirastro Evah Pirazzi (1/8-4/4) or Obligato (1/8-4/4) strings are an excellent upgrade. Evah Pirazzi and Obligato strings have a core made from modern synthetic multifilament fibres, and produce a loud, rich and even tone across the instrument. These strings have a quick response, offer a wonderful range of colours and dynamics, and are insensitive to variations in temperature and humidity.
Dominant viola strings (1/4-16”) are made from a highly flexible, multi-strand synthetic core. They offer tonal warmth and the feel of gut whilst being insensitive to variations in temperature and humidity. The sound is clear, rich in overtones, and is widely recognised as the reference standard for all instruments.
Jargar cello strings (1/2-4/4) have been developed and perfected over the past 60 years by cellists, for cellists. These strings are hand made with a flexible steel core, and produce a warm, powerful tone. Their quick response and excellent sound quality make them the perfect choice for beginning and intermediate cellists.
Lastly, make sure you use your cleaning cloth after every practice to ensure your strings longevity and sound quality. – If you’re still not sure what strings will suit your instrument best, don’t hesitate to give us a phone call or pop into our lovely store. We can’t wait to help.
If the musician is enjoying the cello, and looking for a premium sound, Larsen strings (1/4-4/4) are the professionals favourite. They create a vibrant, warm tone across the instrument and are some of the most responsive strings available, perfect for a wide range of playing styles and dynamics.
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Tonica String Set for Violin or Viola
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Evah Pirazzi Violin String Set
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Obligato Violin String Set
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Dominant Violin/Viola String Set
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Jargar ‘Young Talent’ Cello String Set
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Larsen Cello String Set
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Pirastro Piranito Cello String Set All prices available at www.simplyforstrings.com.au
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CHOOSING A BOW
German Style Double Bass Bow French Style Double Bass Bow
Simply for Strings stocks a wide range of bows for violin, viola, cello and double bass. – Our team of professional players and teachers hand-select each bow to exacting criteria. Make your choice from a selection of bows made from a range of timbers and materials including; hardwood, brazilwood, pernambuco, composite, fiberglass and carbon fibre. Visit us in store or online for current prices.
Coda Diamond Violin Bow
Paul Cello Bow
Intermediate Viola Bow
Student Violin Bow
Schumann Carbon Fibre Violin bow
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ORIGINAL |
SUPER |
VIOLA, VIOLIN (4/4), VIOLIN (1/2 - 3/4 ) AND MINI (1/8 - 1/4)
VIOLA, VIOLIN (4/4), AND VIOLIN (1/2 - 3/4)
COLLAPSIBLE |
BRAVO |
VIOLA, VIOLIN (4/4), VIOLIN (1/2 - 3/4 ) AND MINI (1/4 - ALL 1/16S)
VIOLA AND VIOLIN (4/4)
BRAVO COLLAPSIBLE |
VOCE |
MINI |
VIOLA AND VIOLIN (4/4)
VIOLIN (4/4)
ORIGINAL VIOLIN (1/4 - 1/8) COLLAPSIBLE VIOLIN (1/4 - 1/16)
ARTIST SERIES |
VIOLIN (4/4)
www.kunrest.com
ROSIN
TRAY 1
One question we’re often asked is, “Why are there so
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many different types of rosin to choose from?” Rosins react differently to each musician,
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instrument and bow to create a unique sound. Here’s a collection of our best-selling rosins for violin, viola, cello and double bass. –
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06 T RAY 1 01 Pirastro Cellisto 02 Andrea Orchestra
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03 Pirastro Goldflex 04 Pirastro Eudoxa 05 Pirastro Tonica 06 Larica Gold I 07 Larica Gold II 08 Pirastro Obligato-Violino 09 Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold
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10 Pirastro Oliv-Evah 11 Hidersine Deluxe 12 Geipel Hypoallergenic
09 T RAY 2 01 Pirastro Piranito 02 D’Addario Dark 03 Nyman Cello-Double Bass 04 Kolstein 05 Melos Dark Cello 06 Melos Light Violin 07 Bernardel 08 Melos Light Viola 018 / SIMPLY FOR STRINGS
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INSTRUMENT RENTALS EXCELLENT PRICING / GREAT TERMS / EXCEPTIONAL QUALIT Y
VIOLIN OR VIOLA
$24/month
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CELLO
$54/month
With generous terms and excellent quality
Be quick to take advantage of our rental
instruments, our rental program is ideal for
program, as stocks are limited.
the new beginner or those who wish to try before they buy.
For more information phone 1300 739 293 or visit simplyforstrings.com.au ~ This is not a rent-to-buy program. Simply for Strings offers a limited number of hand-selected instruments for rental customers, these are not available for purchase.
SHEET MUSIC
Browse our extensive range of sheet music in store, or shop online now at simplyforstrings.com.au with up-to-date prices, easy checkout and trackable shipping. –
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INSTRUMENT AND MUSIC STANDS
Music and instrument
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stands are essential practice companions. Make a statement with a bold, bright colour or keep it elegant with classic black. –
COLL APSIBLE MUS IC STANDS 00 DCM Collapsible with Carry Bag
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(not pictured)
01 ProTec ‘Touring’ with Carry Bag 02 Hercules EZ-Glide Collapsible Stand ORCHESTRAL STANDS / D ES K S 03 DCM Orchestral Desk
with Collapsible Base
04 Manhasset Music Stand ‘Symphony’ 05 Hercules Quick-N-EZ Music Stand
with Perforated Foldable Desk
IN STRUMEN T STANDS 06 Torndao Cello/Bass Stand 07 Tornado Violin/Viola Stand 08 Hercules Auto-Grab Cello Stand 09 Hercules Double Bass Stand
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Play what you need to say!
CONTACT SIMPLY FOR STRINGS
SHOP
WEBSITE
78 Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill Q 4059 Australia
simplyforstrings.com.au
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TRADING HOURS
PHONE 1300 739 293 (07) 3368 3666
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FAX (07) 3368 3888
– Monday to Friday 9am–5pm / Saturday 9am–3pm
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EMAIL mail@simplyforstrings.com.au
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ABN 60 117 631 464
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LET’S GET SOCIAL / Facebook /simplyforstrings Instagram @simplyforstrings Twitter @simplyforstring YouTube @SimplyforStringsAU
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QUALIT Y STRING INSTRUMENTS, ACCESSORIES & SERVICING www.simplyforstrings.com.au