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Can You Actually Use a Violin Bought on Mercari?

Updated: 1 day ago

So I bought a violin on Mercari. It looked great. But then…


I already had a silent violin that I bought brand new, mostly for quiet practice. But when it came time to start classical violin lessons, I didn’t want to invest too much upfront—especially as a beginner.


So I turned to Mercari, hoping to find something budget-friendly. And I did: a Czech-made violin for just JPY30,000. It looked beautiful in the photos—clean, glossy, no visible cracks or damage. For a beginner? It seemed perfect. Or so I thought.


The Problems Started Right Away


The moment I tried to tune it, I knew something was wrong:

  1. The pegs were so tight, they wouldn’t even turn.

  2. The strings were rusty.

  3. The bow hair had turned yellow. (And not in an antique-charm kind of way…)


To my beginner’s eyes, it had looked totally fine. But the truth is, string instruments are incredibly delicate, and their condition isn’t always obvious—especially if you're just starting out.


A Quick Lesson in Violin Maintenance


So I brought it to a nearby violin workshop. The luthier—aka violin expert—took one look and immediately spotted the issues. They softened the pegs, recommended changing the strings, and even shaved the bridge to make it easier to play. After that small setup, it felt like an entirely different instrument.


My Advice to Fellow Beginner Violinists


Here’s the bottom line: Buying a cheap or used violin is totally fine, especially when you’re just starting and want to keep costs low.

But—and this is a big one—always get it checked and adjusted by a pro before you start playing.

It will save you frustration, help you build better habits, and probably make your lessons much more enjoyable.


Also, if possible, find a local violin shop or luthier that you can trust. Someone you can ask silly questions. (important!)


Bonus: Tools That Helped Me Get Started


If you're curious, here’s the silent violin I’ve been using for quiet practice, along with a few small tools I found super helpful:



 
 
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