Best Violin Brands For Advanced Student

In this article we will present some of the best violin brands for advanced students on the market, currently, there is a very varied range of violin brands that you can find to buy, both on the internet and in physical stores. Here we will list the best, that is, those brands that manufacture superior instruments, taking into account their sound, finish and ergonomics.

Undoubtedly Stradivarius is the most famous violin brand in the world. The legendary violins produced by the Stradivari family during the 17th and 18th centuries have a unique sound that delights any listener or musician who plays it. It is estimated that there are only 500 copies of these violins around the world. Several luthiers and scientists have tirelessly studied this brand of violin over the past few centuries, to discover why these violins sound so good and have come to no conclusion. Nowadays, the word “stradivário” is used to designate something that has an exquisite construction.

Because of this historical importance, the Stradivarius are dreams of consumption for many guitarists and, consequently, are expensive violins.

This brand is among one of the best violin brands on the market, being recognized by teachers and violinists for its excellent quality and durability. These violins are produced to accompany the musician’s development from the beginning to the professional level and can last a lifetime.

Stentor is one of the largest string instrument manufacturers in the world. Violins, violas, cellos, double basses, almost all instruments are available from this English manufacturer.

Many people recommend this brand for the sound quality of their violins, but also for the attractive prices. Music teachers often recommend the Stentor violins to their students.

Stentor offers you the opportunity to buy a high-quality instrument without ruining yourself.

• Made from high quality hardwoods
• One of the best brand in the market
• Endorsed by teachers and Professionals
• Perfect for all levels: Beginner to advanced
• Great sound quality
• Affordable prices

Consolidated as the largest producer of string instruments in Europe, this violin brand offers several models from the simplest to the most advanced, with variable prices and qualities. Hofner was founded in 1887 by the German luthier Karl Hofner, the brand became popular worldwide thanks to ex-Beatles Paul McCartney, who has been using a Hofner violin bass for many years.

• Largest producer of string instruments in Europe
• Outfits available for some violins
• Perfect for all levels: Beginner to advanced

This violin brand is undoubtedly among the most popular in the world, producing different types of instruments with unique quality and technology. Yamaha violins are based on Stradivarius models and optimized with Yamaha technology, raising the quality of this instrument to a superior class, offering musicians the best of modern and classical.

By the way, Yamaha not only specializes in instruments but also sells motorcycles, engines and electronic devices.

The Japanese company was founded in 1887 by medical device repair expert  Torakusu Yamaha. The first instrument he built was the harmonium and over the centuries the company has grown into an international stock corporation.

Many musicians choose an instrument from this brand because they are known for their tonal consistency and good manufacturing process. The guitars of Yamaha are famous, but it is also a very respectable selection of violins. From acoustic to electric violins … there is something for every taste.

The prices vary from 300 € up to 2000 €. Some violins cost even more. So this is a real investment. So you should be sure that your violin will be with you throughout your life.

If your budget is not big enough for a Yamaha violin, you should keep in mind that there are also second-hand offers. The Yamaha violins age well.

• World-famous brand with lots of awards
• Handcrafted
• Affordable prices
• Great sound that is pleasant to the ear
• Based on Stradivarius models and optimized with Yamaha technology

Founded in 1989, this violin brand is internationally recognized for the many awards that its instruments have won over the years. The production line of these instruments is managed by famous Italian and German Luthiers, which guarantees an impeccable construction and incredible sound to the instrument.

• High-quality materials
• World-famous brand with multiple awards
• Incredible sounds

For those who still do not know this brand, it is the best national violin brand! Their process is practically all handmade, in addition to working with unique woods of Brazilian flora such as Pinho de Araucária, Jequitibá and Ipê, ensuring a unique sound to the violin, in addition to using a special varnish that allows great resonance to the instrument. In addition, this manufacturer produces custom violins for customers who want exclusivity. Despite being a violin of superior quality to those on the market, its price is very affordable.

• Handmade with lovely designs
• Made from unique Brazillian woods
• Special varnish that gives the instruments great resonance
• Made from high-quality materials
• Affordable price

Many violinists must be wondering why we add this violin brand to the list of the best violin brands for advanced players. Of course, an Eagle violin will never be comparable to a Stradivarius or Yamaha, however, this brand is a great option in the Brazilian market, as it is a violin with an excellent sound and construction, despite being a large-scale violin.

• Made from high-quality materials
• Known for excellent sounds and great constructions

Gliga is less well known than Yamaha, but also has a very good selection of violins. They are made in Romania in the studio of the violin maker Vasile Gliga, and have very nice acoustics.

Solid spruce from the Carpathians and other precious woods are used for these beautiful string instruments.

The finishing work is remarkable, therefore these violins belong to the more exclusive segment. You will hardly find a violin for less than € 500.

Here is a little insight into the range of violins from the Gliga brand:

• The Gliga Genial violins: For beginners, ages 12 and up. The shape of this violin is based on the classic shape of the Stradivarius,
• The Gliga Gems 2 violins: For beginners who take violin lessons at the conservatory or music school,
• The Gliga Gems 1 violins: for middle and advanced violin students,
• The Gliga Gama violins: For instrumentalists of advanced levels,
• The Gliga Maestro violins: For violinists who play at the highest level or professionally and who need a violin of excellent quality.

Professional violinists like to play violins on Gliga, and collectors of beautiful objects do not frown on the noble instruments either! Chinrest, ankles, head, everything is aesthetically pleasing and of excellent quality down to the smallest detail.

• Good selection of violins for different violinist
• Nice acoustics
• Made from precious woods
• Great finishing works

Stagg is a Belgian brand that has been making violins and accessories since 1995. Today it is represented internationally. There are bureaus all over Europe and in the United States.

Originally, the Stagg brand made very cheap violins, a little like the instruments that can be imported from China and can be found for € 60 on eBay or Amazon.

Nevertheless, the manufacturer has developed well and offers an excellent price/performance ratio.

The plus point for Stagg is that it has a lot of accessories and a wide variety of instruments such as drums, guitars, pianos, etc.

• Stagg’s range is one of the largest on the market.
• Famous brand
• Affordable price
• Excellent price/performance ratio

There are many different manufacturers from whom you can buy a violin in order to become a future virtuoso and play the most beautiful pieces by Vivaldi. One of these manufacturers is Gewa.

Gewa was founded in 1925 by Georg Walther in his workshop in the “Vogtland Music Angle” in Adorf. Today their violins are sold in all European countries as well as in Asia.

The brand is known for its pursuit of improvement and perfection in all instruments (trumpet, accordion, electric guitar, classical guitar, clarinet, saxophone, drums, piano …).

The price ranges from € 100 to € 2000.

Gewa has also developed a wide range of accessories for violins. You will find a catalogue on the website in which you can view a wide variety of products: ebony chin rests, rosin, violin cases, violin bows, violin bridges, violin pegs, mutes, tuners, music stands, etc …).

With these violins, you can try out any style of music (classical music, Celtic music, Manouche Jazz …) and pay homage to the greatest virtuosos (Beethoven, Vivaldi, Mozart …).

• Famous brand
• Known for its pursuit of improvement and perfection in all instruments
• Affordable price
• Wide range of accessories

What Is A Violin?

The violin is the smallest and sharpest of the instruments in the string family. It is related to a North African instrument consisting of a three-stringed instrument that is also played with a bow drawn across the strings.

Violins have traditionally been used as an accompaniment to singing and dancing. It is also an important classical solo instrument, as well as occupying a prominent place at the front of the orchestras. When played, the violin is held under the chin and the fingers of the left-hand press the strings at the neck of the instrument to produce different tones when the string is bent or played. The bow is held in the right hand and is drawn through the strings at right angles to make them sound.

The history

Although the Italian luthier Andrea Amati is believed to have created the modern violin family around 1555, bowed stringed instruments were invented long before this date. For this reason, it can be helpful to think of the violin as an instrument that has evolved over time, rather than being a perfected product that was instantly invented.

While there are records of stringed instruments in Europe and in the Middle Ages, the first bowed stringed instruments originated in Central Asia with instruments such as the Morin Khuur from Mongolia. These Central Asian instruments then travelled via trade routes to other parts of the world. Once instrument artisans in Europe became aware of these instruments and how they were made, they created their own version of them, using traditional European crafting techniques.

Many different types of string instruments evolved in 16th century Europe, which has been provided in a discussion of aspects of the history of the violin family. It is thought that perhaps Andrea Amati did not create the first modern violin and that it was created in Brescia in the early 16th century instead. One thing we can be sure of, however, is that there were a wide variety of different stringed instruments in the 16th century, from which modern violins and their family evolved, including the lira da braccio, a string instrument with bows much like the violin that was popular in the Renaissance period.

The oldest surviving violin is called Carlos IX, which was made by Andrea Amati in 1564, which in some cases is based on the early modern standard violins. The violin became a popular instrument in Europe with instruments in both the lower class and upper class due to its small size, versatility, and its sweet, melodic tone. The violin family eventually became more popular than its rivals in the violin family because the violin instruments had a higher sound projection that was better suited to larger concert halls.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the violin underwent major technical changes. The violin’s fingerboard was made longer, and it was also set at more than one angle to withstand increased string tension. The increased tension of the strings, along with the change in the fingerboard, resulted in the violin having a longer range and higher sound projection.

Older violins were adapted to these new specifications by luthiers and violin makers. Exactly when and how these changes were made is unknown. As the popularity of the violin grew, more violins were produced and the violin was adopted in many different musical styles. Violin players develop new playing techniques to complement new genres, and the violin is sometimes modified to meet the needs of the new genre.

The violin became an instrument for playing traditional songs in Celtic, Irish, Gypsy, and Hungarian music, and was later used to play country / western, bluegrass, blues, and jazz as these genres emerged over time.

The violin is now one of the most popular instruments in the world. The voice and timbre of the violin mature over the life of the instrument. The most famous violin maker is the “Golden Age” luthier Antonio Stradivarius, whose violins now sell for millions of dollars.

Violins being made today can be played automatically through the use of amplifiers and microphones, eliminating the need for a sound box. The all-electric sound produced by violins can be distorted through amp settings to create different tonalities, further diversifying the instrument’s capabilities.

Outstanding Characteristics Of The Violin.

The violin is a very popular musical instrument and is used in a wide variety of musical genres. The violin has a beautiful hourglass-shaped body and a bow on its top and back. The body of the violin is generally made of different types of wood. However, the electric violin cannot be made of wooden material.

It has four strings tuned one-fifth of the other. The violin is a member of the family of musical instruments that accompany the viola (large violin), cello, and bass. The violin is known as the fiddle in traditional Irish music.

Violin Construction.

Violin makers are popularly known as luthiers. They also reform violins and violin bows. The wooden body of the violin is hollow with a neck extending from the top. Animal skin glue is commonly used to assemble the violin parts.

This glue is thinner and reversible, making it easier to disassemble parts when necessary. The violin needs a bow to play music. The bow is the head of a stick with a thin ribbon formed from horsehair between the nut and the heel. Different bows sound different. The resin must be applied to the hair of the bow to obtain the sound.

Rosin is a small sticky piece made from pine sap. So next time you’re looking for a sound, be sure to apply the hair from the bow to the rosin. The violin is like a bottle of wine: the older the better. Basically, the age of the violin is the main criterion for better music. The older violin is much better than the newly purchased violin.

The shape of the body, the quality of the wood and the barn. Violins come with strings made of different materials, such as travel strings for melody, steel strings for clear and crisp sounds, etc. Thinner strings sound more focused, while thicker strings are louder and faster, and need a bit more effort to get the sound.

The strings come in different sizes (small, medium, large) and need regular replacement when using the violin. Tuning the strings should be done under the guidance of the instructor. There are simple chances that amateurs can break the rope. When compared to an old string, a new string generally needs more tuning to improve the stretch. Tuners and pegs are used to tune the violin. Make sure to tune your violin before each playing session.

Hold the violin the correct way.

The traditional way to hold the violin is to rest the instrument on the left side of the jaw. He is then supported by the left shoulder while manoeuvring the bow with his right hand. The violin is played standing up when it is played alone or in a symphony. Posture is crucial for sound quality during playback.

Taking care of your violin.

Caring for the violin is imperative, as it is a delicate instrument that must be handled with care. Follow the tips below:

• Worn strings. Make sure to check all 4 strings frequently.
• Rosin accretion. Regularly wipe off the rosin build-up with a clean, soft cloth.
• String restoration. Restore the strings when necessary.
• Loosen or tighten the rope regularly.
• Loosen or tighten the chin bolts and fine tuner bolts each time before playing.
• Clean the dust and keep the instrument clean.

Benefits Of Playing The Violin.

Learning the violin is quite a touch-up. Practising and playing the violin regularly is great for adults and children, both mentally and physically. Some of the physical benefits are.

• Strengthens the upper body and back.
• Improve posture.
• Helps in stronger arms, shoulders and biceps.
• Increases brain plasticity, the brain’s ability to modify learning.
• Relieve stress.
• It reduces depression and anxiety, as well as reduces the feeling of loneliness.
• Manage higher energy levels.
• Increase muscle mass.
• Strengthen and enhance social connectivity with friends.

Finally, learning has no age limit, if playing the violin is on your to-do list, start soon.

Important points that you should know before buying a violin of any brand or model.

If you have recently made the decision to buy a violin, you may be a bit put off by the lack of general information available. Violins come in different price ranges and qualities that very few will know about. Obviously, you want to get the best quality instrument at the best possible price.

So before you start shopping, there are a few things you need to consider when buying a violin. The basics, however, are absolutely mandatory. A violin must be well integrated and durable.

The first thing to do before going violin shopping is to determine your budget. As you might expect, the price of modern low-end violins ranges between 100 Euros on the budget side, while there is really no upper limit on high-end ones.

When setting a budget, you need to define what type of violin you need

Next, we will talk about size. Most adults will do well with the full size, 4/4 violin. If you are shopping for one for your toddler, you may have to look in smaller sizes. Luckily, there are 7 more compact sizes of violins to choose from. Each of them is smaller than the other by 25 millimetres or so.

The quality of the tonewood and other materials used to build a violin will generally depend on its price. The more expensive instruments will feature soundboards made from naturally densely aged spruce. Inexpensive and affordable violins will use lower quality tonewood. The same goes for other elements of the violin.

The cheapest models usually have components made of plastic or other synthetic materials. Buying a violin is a great investment, but it is not always the easiest task. Should you buy it used or new? Which manufacturers or models are the best? What about student violins? There is a lot to consider.

Price Range And Quality.

Good quality violins generally start around $ 500. If you have exceeded your budget and want to buy your first violin, we recommend that you buy a cheap violin online instead of buying a less expensive instrument at a violin store. Not worth it.

College-level violins generally start at around 1,500 Euros and professional violins start at around 3,000 Euros. In general, it is a good idea not to tell the dealer the price range, if you do, they can instantly change the price of each violin they give you unless each one already has a price tag that is physically attached.

Don’t change your price range just because a particular violin store doesn’t have a violin of that price range. Don’t feel pressured to buy. There are many great violins out there. Take your time and make sure that the violin you buy is the one that you really like. Don’t let anyone else convince you of something you’re unsure of.

Try It Before You Buy It

If you are buying a violin at a store instead of online, don’t buy it without trying it first. It is absolutely normal to request to try violins at the store. Many stores have practice rooms for that exact purpose. Take several bows to try. You will most likely have to purchase a violin bow and violin case separately, as they are generally not included in the violin price. Mix and match bows with violins to make sure you find the combination you like.