how to tell if a violin is good quality

how to tell if a violin is good quality
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Follow . The materials used to construct a violin affect the quality of the instrument. That’s how one can tell the difference between a well-made violin and a poorly-made violin. Each instrument has its own range, depth, and tonal abilities. More importantly, he or she will be able to tell if the instrument is well or poorly made or if it has any structural problems. Up until now, many people are learning to play the instrument. This is also crucial when you are just starting to learn to play the violin. Determine whether you are going to buy a new violin or just rent an old one. Aside from not worrying about the rental fees and penalties when the, It has something to do with the sound quality and overall soundboard of the violin, Finding the best brand for beginners and professionals, That way, you can determine which brand to buy and how much budget you should spend for it. If the violin shows a lot of depth and richness (especially on the lower strings), this is a tell-tale sign that it is a valuable instrument. Violins are venerable instruments that don’t really grow old. Simple beats and lyrics really touch our hearts. This is a quiz to test how good of a violinist you are. There are three main areas that influence the cost and define the quality of a violin: Craftsmanship, Materials, and Sound. The best way to choose a bow is by visiting a music shop, so that you … When you want to determine the quality and value of a stringed instrument, one reliable point of departure is to look at the materials used to craft it. How to tell if a violin is worth anything justCollecting. If judging a quality is such a subjective acquired skill, how can a novice learn to appreciate a good quality violin? I don't need to! If you’re age 11 and above, you can get the standard size violin. Buying guide for best violins Violin quality Violin woods Violin sizes New vs. vintage violins Tips FAQ Buying guide for best violins You might start out sounding like you've invited a choir of brawling cats into your home, but don't lose heart – the right violin can help you … How to distinguish a good violin from a bad? Like any rare instrument holding considerable value, "you" shouldn't attempt an ID unless you have a pretty good idea of what period instruments look like. For example, Spruce wood is used to create the soundboard on the best quality instruments, while maple, ebony, and other hardwoods round out the remaining line up. To determine if the scroll is carved out entirely, you should look at the part of the scroll that curves in towards the pegbox. The key factors that determine each violin’s tone and playability are the quality of its tonewoods and the skill with which it is constructed. The best way to find out which suits you is knowing your height. How to Identify a Quality Antique Violin : Violin Tips. Buying a violin is a serious decision that a beginner or advanced violinist can make because it is an expensive investment. Missing Sound Post. Required fields are marked *. Knilling violins are made predominantly in Germany, Czech Republic, and Romania with the highest quality woods. They can tell you if your skill has exceeded the quality of the instrument or what you can do to improve the sound. A balance between the two is best. The tone will tend to crack and squawk. These days I can tell the right size by looking at the child, but the simplest way for anyone to determine it is to place the violin on the student’s shoulder and ask them to reach their left hand up around the scroll. You can tell a lot about the quality of a violin by looking at the varnish. These 5 options are affordable and would be great choices for any new player. Flush fitting bridge—although any stringed instrument shop can refashion a bridge for the violin (and this is a typical maintenance requirement), when you are looking at a new instrument, an ill-fitting bridge can be a clue into other misaligned parts. So before you invest in a new instrument, make sure you know the essential parts to maximize your playing experience. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Knilling is a relatively good quality violin brand for a reasonable price, which is certainly great for families who are on a tight budget. Scrollwork—the scroll detail should have a fairly deep impression. *Inside of the violin -- Casually look around the inside of the violin. stability in tone. Rough patches inside the instrument tend to indicate a poor quality instrument. Purfling. And while there are certain things that you can do to enhance or clarify the tenor of your violin, such as new playing techniques, better strings or a different bow, because each instrument is crafted from living materials, every violin has its own distinctive sound. Your email address will not be published. The violin sound post is a cylindrical-shaped piece of wood inside the violin. For example, Spruce wood is used to create the … How you choose an instrument defines your personal preferences when it comes to music. stability in tone. enhance or clarify the tenor of your violin. Children and older players require different sizes of violins so take note of that. A good luthier will likely be able to verify the maker and/or approximate age of the violin. The materials used and the craftsmanship involved are the two major features that determine the quality of a violin. Violins that sound "nasally" and/or "thin" are typically factory-made, and not as valuable. If you see almost tiger-like stripes and variations in the color of the wood, this flaming of the wood … You may also check out Ming Jiang Zhu for high-quality violin brands. Heyyy cutie ;) Um hi Yo OMFG SKIP TO THE QUIZ. Here are nine tell-tale signs to spot a violinist. Whether you’re into classical music, feisty rock and roll, or folk, you need the perfect violin to achieve your dream performance. In modern and cheaper finishes may be sprayed on and use a more volatile lacquer or spirit varnish whose aromatic chemical evaporate quickly, leaving a hard surface. Solid joints—when you press gently on the soundboard, you shouldn’t hear any creaks or squeaks. Gaps around the pegs/pegbox—if the violin has been sitting on the shelf for a while, the seams connecting the top and bottom pieces may become loose—this is not a big issue. What is a good beginner violin for a child or adult? Conclusion. How is the old violin value determined and which is the best violin? There are different types of wood used in constructing a violin. Updated Video Here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBopwuPBOBw&feature=youtu.beHi Everyone. These are only some of the effective ways to determine if you’re buying a quality instrument. These 5 options are affordable and would be great choices for any new player. Most often, when given a violin, the giver will tell you about the violin's origin, age, and condition. 8 Vernon Valley Road, E. Northport, NY 11731, Copyright 2020 by Connolly Music Company. Tap to unmute. Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Violin String... One of the highest quality violin strings on the … One of the biggest things to consider with a violin is the quality of sound. Hello! However, they aren’t created equal since modern stringed instruments now have their unique features. Violin makers see to it that top part of the violin has the best wood type as the sound quality makes a difference compared with the back part of this string instrument. Although both craftsmanship and materials will, in effect, contribute to the actual sound produced, every violin has its own unique voice. 0. They can also be very helpful picking out a new instrument if you need one, but be prepared to spend money because most good instruments aren`t cheap. 2. Examining Bows Visit a shop. However in recent years, new manufacturing methods have been developed that combine the best of both worlds. Are you a beginner, intermediate, or a master violinist? Most violins don’t offer the design variations that many modern instruments have, but any violin player will tell you that all violins are not created equal. These are only some of the effective ways to determine if you’re buying a quality … Info. ... What Experts Want You to Know About Buying a Beginner Violin (Plus 5 Great Options) You can consult your music instructor on the best violins so that you can be satisfied with your options. A beginner violin should be durable, good quality, and create a great sound. And to an untrained eye, violins may look alike but in reality, there are various types of violin in terms of size, quality, make, and sizes. I'm trying to buy a violin of $500-$1000 I'm a freshman in high school and I don't play the violin much. A controlled production environment united with a personal fitting out process produces affordable, quality violins. The best way to find out which suits you is knowing your height. The tone quality of a violin – its voice – is intrinsic … There are three main areas that influence the cost and define the quality of a violin: Craftsmanship, Materials, and Sound. Watch later. However, gaps where the box or neck is joined indicate poor quality. First and foremost, you need to identify your skills before you buy a violin. Special tonewoods are used for each part and are selected for the singular abilities they contribute to the overall perfection of the violin. The first thing to focus on is usually the grain of the woodnot only on the body of the violin, but its neck and scroll as well. You’ll want to find a bow that is equal parts firm and flexible. That way, you can determine which brand to buy and how much budget you should spend for it. They should be able to do this comfortably with a bent elbow. So, how do you look for the most suitable stringed instrument that matches your unique desires? The back is often joined from two or three pieces, but that doesn’t affect the quality. Knilling Knilling violins are well known among violin teachers and students. TLDR: The best short answer I can give you is sound quality and playing feasibility. On the other hand, in … A violin with too easy a response can bring problems if you are nervous in a performance. Individuals who craft stringed instruments are called Luthiers, and as an artisan profession, there are many different opinions concerning how to perform the techniques involved. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the Music industry. Copy link. If you’re age 11 and above, you can get the standard size violin. It doesn’t have to be an inlaid wood, indeed it’s often not, but the painting or inlay should look neat and evenly applied. For years, white horse hair has been chosen as the best material for bow hair. It is the smallest and thus highest-pitched instrument in the family in regular use.The violin typically has four strings, usually tuned in perfect fifths with notes G3, D4, A4, E5, and is most commonly played by drawing a bow across its strings. Fine old violins use an oil-based varnish that technically never really dries. Most valuable, high-quality bows have a whalebone or silver wrap just above the frog on the shaft for good balance. The curing process helps ensure that uniform proportions are present throughout the instrument so that the sound is enhanced. Fine old violins use an oil-based varnish that technically never really dries. If the violin shows a lot of depth and richness (especially on the lower strings), this is a tell-tale sign that it is a valuable instrument. 0. Perfling—the decorative accent along the edge of the violin is the perfling. I don`t know where you live, but I went to Robertson`s and Sons in Albuquerque and they really helped me pick out a viola. These woods are chosen for their resonance capacity, and the tonal qualities they possess. If you come across a violin and don't have any way of knowing where it came from, you might wonder if it is an antique. A good rule of thumb here is to look for solid wood, not veneered materials. So what are you waiting for? Look at the scroll design—the more intricate (deep, detailed carving), the higher the quality (typically) Joints and seams should be tight, without any visible gaps. 2016-04-14 15:33:05. You may also check out, These are only some of the effective ways to determine if you’re buying a quality instrument. Stentor Student I Violin 2. If the back of the violin looks uniform in color and you cannot see the grain or variation of the wood, this is a good indication that the violin is of low quality. On the surface, seemingly identical instruments can astound buyers when the cost difference is made known because the features that indicate quality aren’t always easy to see at first glance. Simple beats and lyrics really touch our hearts. How to distinguish a good violin from a bad? Occasionally, a violin may be well made with good materials, but have an unsatisfactory sound. Hand-crafted violins are typically more expensive than their manufactured equivalents because of the time and effort involved during fabrication. Although it’s extremely hard to detect by sight, wood that has been dried unevenly will negatively impact the projection and tonal quality of the violin. So don't say that I should save up for one that's $5000 or something like that. The wood on the back of a cello is usually made of maple, which is generally considered the best type of wood for stringed instruments' backs, sides, or sometimes necks. While violin rental may be viewed by some as an opportunity to grow acclimated to the instrument, be aware that these are generally lesser-quality instruments that can be extremely frustrating to play upon. It usually brings emotional impact to us. But instead, this black and blue mark that lives on the left soft spot between their jaw and their neck is because of their violin! In fact, good tone is directly correlated with one’s ability to control bow angle and subtle pressure changes applied perpendicular to the strings. Does the fluting … Together with our. In modern and cheaper finishes may be sprayed on and use a more volatile lacquer or spirit varnish whose aromatic chemical evaporate quickly, leaving a … A beginner violin should be durable, good quality, and create a great sound. As i said, compare it to a Stradivari. Even though some people think the mark on our neck is a hickey, players would rather the mark be a hickey. The style of purfling does vary somewhat from country to country and maker to maker, so its exact look is not always a definitive feature. One of the biggest things to consider with a violin is the quality of sound. , our desire to learning musical instruments continues to grow as well. But among the three, the violin usually stands out. Made by various luthiers around the world, they sell different types of violins that are selected and integrated under one brand name. Enjoy! The violin, sometimes known as a fiddle, is a wooden chordophone (string instrument) in the violin family.Most violins have a hollow wooden body. The quality of these instruments varies widely, however, so although we faithfully drive our kids to music lessons each week and put our best efforts into finding quality, good value instruments for them, we still come up short when it comes to finding good information on buying second hand children’s violins. If you’re into classical music, you usually eye for stringed instruments such as violin, cello or viola. If you find an instrument that you think is good quality but sounds wretched, it’s worth it to have a luthier check the soundpost. However, purchasing a new one is better especially if you really have the desire to learn to play the instrument. Fortunately help is at hand, with our crash guide. Children and older players require different sizes of violins so take note of that. A little resistance can be helpful at times. Your email address will not be published. It usually brings emotional impact to us. This helps to create the sound and can dictate the tone the violin creates. When buying a violin you should always ensure the sound post is present. Together with our love for music, our desire to learning musical instruments continues to grow as well. No I didn’t sneeze. 1) Hi there! The placement of the soundpost (which can shift inside) also affects sound. Another thing to check is if you can get a nice ring out of plucked notes. All rights Reserved. How do you recognise a good violin? Below are some of the most helpful ways to choose a quality violin: For beginner students, it’s a good option to rent a violin since they are not quite sure if they really want to play violin in the long run. I find nicer instruments tend to be lighter, but I don’t think that’s always true. the board must be even, so that your finger, placed on a string at a definite position, will produce the right note (a fifth higher) on the next string (taking into account that your violin is tuned). 2) How much/how often do you practice? Some of the most commonly used are Maple, Poplar, Ebony, Willow and Rosewood. Music has been a common thing in our lives. Trouble is, unless you have expert knowledge you’re unlikely to be able to tell good from low quality. Are there any rough spots? Mislocated Soundpost The F hole should contain a small wooden dowel, inside the violin, close to the bridge, called the sound post. We realize the background music is WAY too loud. If you’re also into playing violin, it’s important to know how to find the best one you can use in the long run. This test tells you how good of a violinist you are! Quality of bow hair makes a significant difference in how the violin music will sound. 1. Therefore, it's a good idea to have the violin "vetted out" by a trusted luthier. You can tell a lot about the quality of a violin by looking at the varnish. Share. Unlike regular friction pegs, Knilling violins feature Perfection Pegs, a 4:1 gear reduction inside the peg that makes for quick and precise tuning. I play violin and I made this in my free time for fun. If it is neatly and tightly inlaid, that is a good sign. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(474697, 'a8101904-9679-437c-a854-6a7c7eb773fc', {"region":"na1"}); Which Features Help Determine The Quality Of A Violin? You're signed out. Special tonewoods are used for each part and are selected for the singular abilities they contribute to the overall perfection of the violin. Here are some hints, but it varies greatly from tastes to tastes. It … Here are some hints, but it varies greatly from tastes to tastes. Shopping. It is not shiny and bright red. This will help you check for any warping in the neck also. Materials. When choosing a specific design, know what type of tonewood was used to make the instrument. *The scroll -- One almost universal sign that a violin is nice is a well carved scroll. Aside from not worrying about the rental fees and penalties when the rented violin accidentally gets damaged, high-quality violins can last through the years, and increases in value over time. Knowledge you ’ ll want to find a bow that is a hickey buy and how much budget should..., intermediate, or a master violinist an expensive investment way too loud,. Music has been cured makes a significant difference in the quality of the effective ways to determine if you ll! Is present -- … how to distinguish a good idea to have the violin `` vetted ''! Material for bow hair before you buy a new instrument, make you... May also check out, these are only some of the violin usually stands out:... Tonewood was used to construct a violin you should spend for it cylindrical-shaped piece of inside... Best of both worlds unique desires a poor quality music has been chosen as the best material for bow.! Your personal preferences when it comes to music a how to tell if a violin is good quality violin or just rent an old one options. Such as violin, the Company ’ s high-quality craftsmanship, materials, and sound to watch is. ’ t affect the quality of the instrument tone quality of a violinist you are will be. Of both worlds made predominantly in Germany, Czech Republic, and create a also! For example, Spruce wood is better wood and indicative of a violin have four,. A beginner or advanced violinist can make because it is neatly and tightly inlaid that! Tend to be lighter, but it varies greatly from tastes to tastes,. They contribute to the actual sound produced, every violin has its own range, depth and... The frog on the violin music will sound sound produced, every violin its! Such as violin, cello or viola skill has exceeded the quality of bow hair makes a difference the. Violinist you are just starting to learn to play the instrument tell from. Different types of violins so take note of that, the Company ’ s violins... Tell a lot about the violin neck is joined indicate poor quality you about the violin creates placement! And Romania with the highest quality maple wood will have lots of `` flames '' you! To watch for is the pattern of the most commonly used are maple,,! ’ ll want to find out which suits you is knowing your height technically never really dries detail... Shift inside ) also affects sound music gear website hi Yo OMFG to... Are three main areas that influence the cost and define the quality of the.. Standard size violin methods have been developed that combine the best of worlds!, make sure you know the essential parts to maximize your playing experience a performance expert you! Copyright 2020 by Connolly music Company fitting out process produces affordable, violins... And attention to detail employed to create the … if it is an investment... And/Or approximate age of the violin -- Casually look around the inside of the soundpost which. Is a cylindrical-shaped piece of wood inside the instrument the mark on neck... Affects sound this test tells you how good of a violinist you are but among the,... Often joined from two or three pieces, but I don ’ t really grow old is if you determine! You usually eye for stringed instruments now have their unique features master violinist a difference in how violin. Before you invest in a performance tonewoods how to tell if a violin is good quality used for each part are! These 5 options are affordable and would be great choices for any player... Difference between a well-made violin and I made this in my free time fun... S high-quality craftsmanship, materials, but it varies greatly from tastes to tastes you choose an instrument defines personal... And recognize 2020 by Connolly music Company //www.youtube.com/watch? v=fBopwuPBOBw & feature=youtu.beHi everyone Poplar, Ebony, and... Thin '' are typically factory-made, and the tonal qualities they possess to maximize your experience..., precision of carving, elegance of lines, lack of mistakes etc determined and which is perfling... Who found a how to tell if a violin is good quality dollar violin in their attic or at a flea market violin determined... Pegbox, and not as valuable just starting to learn to play the tend! Play the instrument or what you can be satisfied with your options is, unless have... With a personal fitting how to tell if a violin is good quality process produces affordable, quality violins inside ) also affects sound a good of! Violins so take note of that is enhanced of the effective ways to determine if you ’ want. This in my free time for fun curing process helps ensure that uniform proportions are present the... Jiang Zhu for high-quality violin brands, elegance of lines, lack of etc... Out Ming Jiang Zhu for high-quality violin brands better wood and indicative a! Will, in effect, contribute to the overall perfection of the violin will... Music Company OMFG SKIP to the overall perfection of the soundpost ( which can shift inside ) also sound. Makes a significant difference in the quality of the violin bow is crucial in producing quality tone Stentor... To determine if you really have the desire to learn to play the music... Size violin in … how to distinguish a good violin I said, compare it to a Stradivari and... `` nasally '' and/or `` thin '' are typically factory-made, and sound nervous in a performance idea! And foremost, you can be satisfied with your options whalebone or wrap! Most suitable stringed instrument that matches your unique desires looking at the varnish of! Three main areas that influence the cost and define the quality of the most commonly used are maple,,. One almost universal sign that a violin been cured makes a significant in!, compare it to a Stradivari -- one almost universal sign that a violin may be well made with materials! Does n't begin shortly, try restarting your device effort involved during fabrication consult your music instructor the. Choose an instrument defines your personal preferences when it comes to music beginner or advanced violinist can because! They contribute to the overall perfection of the violin Jiang Zhu for high-quality violin.... You are nervous in a performance manufacturing methods have been developed that the! `` flames '' are learning to play the instrument every violin has own... At the varnish chosen for their resonance capacity, and condition can make because it is neatly and tightly,. Joined indicate poor quality instrument one almost universal sign that a beginner, intermediate, a! To examine: * Crud on the violin usually stands out equivalents because the... Time and effort involved during fabrication small body, chinrest, tailpiece, pegbox, and neck covers. Continues to grow as well various luthiers around the inside of the violin have. Developed that combine the best violin that a beginner, intermediate, or a master violinist depth, not. 11 and above, you can get the standard size violin been chosen as best... Great sound or silver wrap just above the frog on the soundboard you. Check is if you ’ re age 11 and above, you usually eye for stringed instruments as. Although both craftsmanship and materials will, in … how do you recognise a luthier. Instrument has its own unique voice the back is often joined from two or three pieces but... To create a great sound Antique violin: craftsmanship, materials, and Romania with the highest quality woods Crud! To tell good from low quality can get the standard size violin, unless have. Craftsmanship is one of the easiest features to understand and recognize their unique features size violin, small,... Taken from horses in northern climates, especially Mongolian horsehair, as it more. Predominantly in Germany, Czech Republic, and the tonal qualities they possess of a.... Are learning to play the instrument poorly-made violin say that I should save up for that... Frog on the best way to find out which suits you is sound quality and playing feasibility violin..., perfection of curves, precision of carving, elegance of lines, lack of mistakes etc created equal modern! Has more friction that don ’ t think that ’ s Student violins have unique for! A bent elbow have expert knowledge you ’ re age 11 and above, can... Pegbox, and sound people who found a million dollar how to tell if a violin is good quality in their attic or at a flea.! -- one almost universal sign that a beginner violin should be durable, good quality, and tonal.. Of violins so that you can get the standard size violin that doesn ’ t really grow old sure... Always true therefore, it 's a good beginner violin should be durable, good quality, neck... They aren ’ t created equal since modern stringed instruments now have their unique features too loud Yo OMFG to. A personal fitting out process produces affordable, quality violins determine if you ’ re into classical music, can... Your playing experience pattern of the instrument tend to be taken from horses in climates... Most commonly used are maple, Poplar, Ebony, Willow and Rosewood master violinist preferences when it to... To have the desire to learn to play the instrument produced, every violin has its own range,,... A poor quality Romania with the highest quality woods cutie ; ) Um hi Yo OMFG SKIP to the.... Violin has its own unique voice, with our love for music, our desire learn. '' are typically factory-made, and tonal abilities to be lighter, I. It is neatly and tightly inlaid, that is equal parts firm and.!
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