Violin - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2022
You may start to sound like you've invited a choir of feuding cats over to your house, but don't be discouraged—the right violin can help you go from "Pop Goes the Weasel" to Paganini.
What makes a good violin, and how do you find the right one for you? At Real Indian, we are here to help you find out. The most expensive violin sold for around $16 million at auction; that... is a little more than the average person can afford. Instead of robbing a bank to pay for your new instrument, we can help you find a quality violin that offers great value for money.
As part of our research, we consulted a wide range of violin owners who have real-world experience using the instruments we recommend for long periods of time.
Keep reading our complete guide to violins to discover everything you need to know to select the perfect instrument for you.
Violin Quality
As with most things in life, you tend to get what you pay for with violins. You can find basic violins for under a hundred dollars, and you can find high-end violins that cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Here we examine violins for quality, find out their pros and cons, and look at average prices.
Violin Wood
The wood used to make a violin is one of the biggest factors in how it sounds. However, it is not as simple as using a single wood. Different woods are used for different parts of the violin.
Spruce is generally used to make the top (the front of the violin body), the lining, and the blocks inside the body of the instrument. It is chosen for its pleasing resonance and attractive grain.
Maple is the most common choice for making the violin's spine, ribs, neck, and scroll. Old European maple (particularly from the region of the former Yugoslavia) is often considered the first choice, but luthiers increasingly see North American maple as a solid choice.
Ebony is generally used for the fingerboard, pegs, tailpiece, and endpin, as it is light but strong. However, boxwood and rosewood are decent alternatives.
Violin Sizes
Violins come in a range of sizes, with smaller than full-size models designed for children's use. Most people ages 11 and up can handle a 4/4 (full size) violin, but you will... need to measure smaller children to determine what size violin they require.
With the player's left arm fully extended and away from their body, take a measurement from the base of their neck to their wrist. Then refer to the list below to find the appropriate size.
- Players who are 23 inches or taller will need a 4/4 violin.
- Players measuring 22 inches will need a 3/4 violin.
- Players measuring 20 inches will need a 1/2 violin.
- Players measuring 18 1/2 inches will need a 1/4 violin.
- Players measuring 16 1/2 inches will need a 1/8 violin.
- Players measuring 15 inches will need a 1/10 violin.
- Players measuring 14 inches will need a 1/16 violin.
- Players measuring 13 inches will need a 1/32 violin.
New Violins vs. Ancient
If you are looking for an intermediate or professional violin, you may be faced with the choice between a new instrument and an old one.
Some claim that violins age well and that older models play better and produce a richer tone. However, much of this may just be romantic.
Studies suggest that even elite professional violinists are often unable to distinguish vintage Stradivarius violins from modern high-end instruments in blind tests.
Newer violins, on the other hand, tend to produce a more even tone across all four strings and are generally cheaper than older instruments of comparable quality.
Tips
Decide if you want your violin to come with a range of accessories. At a minimum, you will need a bow and a case to accompany your violin. Some violins are sold in a package with various accessories, which can be cheaper and easier than buying everything separately.
Think about what you want from a violin. A beginner will have very different needs than a musician studying music at university or playing professionally.
Check the return policy of the violin you have chosen. Sometimes finding the right violin is a matter of tact. Just a few extra millimeters on the neck can make the difference between your perfect instrument and something that feels uncomfortable to play. Make sure you can easily return your new violin if it is not quite right.
Consider if you really like it. Since you may be using your new violin for decades, it doesn't make sense to spend a large amount of money on an instrument you get no pleasure from.
FAQ
Que. Will my violin have its value?
Ans. Don't be afraid to invest in a violin that you eventually want to improve; a well chosen input fiddle should hold its value quite well. This means you can sell it for close to what you bought it for when it comes time to upgrade to a better model, especially if you keep it in good condition. Some intermediate and professional violins will appreciate in value over the years.
Que. How can I care for my violin to keep it in good condition?
Ans. Once you have purchased your violin, make sure you take good care of it. Violins are relatively delicate instruments, and improper care can cause serious damage over time. Violin care is more important than we can discuss here, so we encourage all violin owners to thoroughly investigate violin care. However, we have some tips to get you started.
- Keep your violin free of dirt and dust by using only cleaning products suitable for violins.
- Change your violin strings once every six to twelve months.
- Do not expose your violin to extreme hot or cold temperatures for long periods of time to avoid cracking and/or warping.
- Violins should ideally be stored between 45% and 50% relative humidity. Consider getting a humidifier or dehumidifier if you're serious about keeping your instrument in top-notch condition.
Que. I am a beginner. Where do I start to learn to play the violin?
Ans. The violin is a complex and nuanced instrument, which can be overwhelming for the beginner. If you are completely new to violin practice, we recommend that you take at least a short course of lessons from a professional violin teacher. However, you can also find a wide range of resources for beginning violinists in books and online.
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