Buying a string instrument can be a big investment, and we want to make sure that you get the best gear possible. That's why we created the Sweetwater 40-point String Inspection. Here’s how it works …

Total instrument acclimation in a temperature and humidity controlled environment.

2. Fit and finish inspection

Our professional technicians quality check every string instrument from scroll to end pin

3. Playability check

Techs verify action and basic intonation and play test all notes before a final polish.

We carefully repack and ship your instrument, verifying it is in ready-to-play condition.

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Orchestral String Instruments

Orchestral Accessories

Orchestral Strings

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40-point Inspection

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Dedicated Sales Engineer

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Sweetwater’s Your Hub for Orchestral String Instruments

Whether it's a new violin bow or an entire string section you're shopping for, Sweetwater has you covered for band and orchestra needs.

Our partnerships with industry leaders like Yamaha, Revelle, Knilling, Eastman, Scherl & Roth, and NS Design — to name a few — allows us to carry the latest and greatest in orchestral string instruments and accessories.

From student-level violins and cellos to the most discriminating professional violas and double basses, along with cutting-edge upright basses (both acoustic and silent), Sweetwater is your one-stop shop for the string instrument you've been searching for.

Looking for suggestions? Placing a bulk order? Don't hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team of Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700. We're here to make your shopping experience as fast and positive as possible.

Orchestral String Instruments List

What are the string instruments, you may ask? The string instruments Sweetwater carries for your band and orchestra include:

- Violins
- Violas
- Cellos (or celli)
- Double bass

What Instruments Are in a String Quartet?

For chamber music, a typical string quartet includes two violins, one viola, and one cello. This configuration can cover the lion's share of arrangements written by Classical-era composers.

The blend and output of a string quartet are ideal for weddings, garden parties, and cruises. However, in a loud or high-traffic environment, or if you're playing music from modern composers, adding a double bass can increase the volume and fullness of your string quartet.

Why Buy Your Next String Instrument from Sweetwater?

All of Sweetwater's orchestral string instruments come inspected, tested, and ready to play by our knowledgeable team of instrument handlers. We call it our 40-point String Inspection. After allowing instruments to acclimate and hydrate for 24 hours, our handlers take the following steps to ensure you and your band have a positive playing experience right out of the case.

- Examine the finish/varnish for cracks, blemishes, or shipping defects
- Inspect the F-holes, ribs, neck, scroll, fingerboard, nut, and saddle for cosmetic defects
- Check mechanical parts (tuning pegs, fine tuners, etc.) for mobility
- Verify that string height, string spacing, and bridge position fall within acceptable spec
- Play-test all notes and octaves on the instrument, checking for playability, curvature, and intonation
- Stretch the strings and retune the instrument
- Polish the instrument, re-package it, and store it in a climate-controlled warehouse prior to shipment

Once examined, your orchestral string instrument will ship with a signed inspection card, so you can be sure your instrument was quality-checked by a fellow player and appreciator of the arts.

Don't Forget the Accessories

Remember — your orchestral string instrument will only play as well as it's maintained. Be sure to stock up on orchestral strings, bows and rosin, polish and cloth, tuners, and humidifiers to keep your instrument playing and sounding its best for your next outing.

Violin players and violists, don't underestimate the advantage an upgraded shoulder rest can afford you for those after-hours practice sessions.

Looking to ditch the pitch pipe? An electronic cello tuner or violin tuner can help you dial in your intonation to a level of accuracy that is hard to match with the human ear. Our headstock tuners clip conveniently onto your instrument's scroll, body, or bridge and tuck back neatly into a case once you're tuned.

Need a case for your string instrument? Sweetwater has you covered. Give our knowledgeable sales team a call for help finding the right gig bag or hard case for your violin, viola, cello, or double bass.