Catherine Allen
Catherine was raised on the early and choral music of Salisbury, where the cathedral is never far from earshot, and developed a lasting love of music from earlier centuries. She writes about classical, early music and its instruments.
Stentor Music Co Ltd: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A practical guide to selecting, sizing and purchasing Stentor instruments for young musicians, covering grades, features and what to examine before buying.
The Ultimate Guide to Double Bass with Bow
A quality double bass bow directly influences tone quality and musical expression. Learn how to select, maintain, and optimise your bow for superior performance.
The Complete Guide to Full Size Violin
A full-size violin is essential for serious learning and professional playing. This guide covers what to look for, pricing, student vs. professional options, and how to get it set up properly.
Common Classical Guitar Mistakes to Avoid
Classical guitar technique is precise, and the mistakes beginners make tend to be very specific. Here are the most common ones, and how to put them right.
The Ultimate Guide to Tiger Orchestral Music Stand
An orchestral music stand is an essential professional tool that provides stability, visibility and proper posture for musicians in orchestras, chamber groups and bands.
Cello for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The cello rewards patience and consistency. This beginner's guide covers what to expect in the first year: instrument choice, finding a teacher, posture, bow arm, intonation, and how to practise effec...
The Ultimate Guide to Electric Cellos
The electric cello keeps the bow and the technique of its acoustic cousin while replacing resonant wood with a pickup and a signal chain. Here is everything you need to know about how it works and why...
The Complete Guide to Bridge Violin
The violin bridge is a small but crucial component determining tone quality and playability. Proper setup and maintenance ensure your instrument produces full, resonant sound.
Cello Case: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The right cello case depends on the instrument's value, how often it travels, and what conditions it faces. Here is the practical breakdown for making that call correctly.
Red Lumps on Chin: A Complete Guide
Your chin rest is crucial for comfortable, tension-free playing. This guide explains how to select, fit, and maintain the right chin rest for your violin.
Stentor Music Co Ltd for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A beginner's guide to starting with Stentor instruments, covering sizing, choosing between Student models, essential accessories and when to upgrade.
Hidersine Violin: A Complete Guide
Hidersine violins deliver exceptional quality and tonal character at accessible prices. From student models to professional concert instruments, explore this respected British brand's range and find y...
Cello Case for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A cello case is not optional. Whether the instrument is a first student rental or a bought beginner cello, the case determines how much real protection it receives. Here is what matters most.
The Ultimate Guide to Baroque Viola Bow
A quality viola bow transforms your playing and tone. Discover how to select the right bow, understand weight and balance, and maintain your instrument.
Stradivarius Violin: A Complete Buyer's Guide
There is no price list for a Stradivarius. Here is what independent authentication, provenance and condition really involve before any money changes hands.
E Bow Explained: Features, Types and Tips
A small handheld device that coaxes a single guitar string into a long, sustained, almost vocal tone, purely through magnetism.
Stradivarius Violin for Beginners: A Complete Guide
New to the violin, or just curious about the name? Here is the plain-English beginner's guide to what a Stradivarius actually is.
Common Violin Strings Mistakes to Avoid
Most violin string mistakes are simple to avoid once you know them. Here are the pitfalls that catch musicians and how to sidestep them.
What Catherine Allen covers
Cello
Core orchestral string instrument with a rich tone, broad range and strong ensemble role.
2 topics
Classical Guitar
Traditional nylon-string guitars for study, recital work and expressive fingerstyle with a warm, balanced tone.
3 topics
Double Bass Pedal
Double bass pedals let drummers play fast, controlled kick patterns with both feet for rock, metal and fusion styles.
Electric Violin
Browse electric violin models for amplified gigs, studio work and contemporary performance settings.
Rosin
Rosin for bowed strings, helping the bow grip and produce a clear, controlled sound.
Stradivarius Violin
Iconic historic violins famed for exceptional craftsmanship, rarity and tonal character.
Violin Strings
Explore violin strings to improve tone, response and tuning stability for study, ensemble and solo playing.
Violin Tuner
Use a violin tuner for quick, accurate tuning at home, in lessons, rehearsal or on stage.
