Best
AFFORDABLE VIOLIN
Violin Outfit,
Full Size High-end Features at an
Entry-level Price
-
Overall:
Fantastic build quality
and a brilliant natural finish -
Best Feature:
Hand-carved
maple and spruce body -
TedScore™:
8.5/10
Best
OVERALL VIOLIN
Model La Companella Soloist
Professional Violin Master Level Violin
-
Overall: Designed by master luthier Thomas Boehme
-
Best Feature: built in and around a finely grained spruce
top for optimal sonic performance -
TedScore™:
9/10
Best
BEGINNER VIOLIN
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Overall: Bold, bright tone, rich sounds with high-standard components of Ebony, Spruce, and Maple
-
Best Feature: No tuning worries with the easy-to-use Wittner adjusters
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Crafting violins is a unique art form that combines intricate construction designs with music.
The role of a violin maker, or luthier if we’re being fancy, is a fascinating blend of craftsman skills and almost alchemical transformation.
But how do they do it? How are the distinguished luthiers able to produce a well-crafted, high-quality instrument?
Have you ever wondered how the violin makers thought of creating an instrument widely recognized today as the violin?
As a professional violinist, I have always been in awe of how my violin was created to produce such beautiful melodies.
From selecting the perfect wood to sculpting the curves that define an instrument’s voice, each step is a testament to the highest quality tradition, innovation, and creativity.
Their hands work to shape not just wood but the very soul of music that will sing out from the finished violin.
History of Violin Making
The craft of violin making has a rich tapestry that spans over four centuries, showcasing a blend of artistry and science.
Embedded in its history are the works of master luthiers whose creations transformed music forever!
Origins and Evolution
The violin’s story began in the early 16th century, emerging from stringed instrument predecessors like the vielle and rebec.
This makes me think of the violin as a refined violin family in an extensive family tree of instruments. HAHA!
By the mid-16th century, Italy became the cauldron of creativity, where the violin’s design was perfected.
Luthiers like Nicolò Amati, Vincenzo Ruggieri, and Andrea Guarneri (the old masters!) tinkered with different woods and shapes, finding the sweet spot for a sublime sound. The Guarneri violin making dynasties, particularly Andrea Guarneri, not only created exceptional violins but also established a family tradition that included his sons, Giuseppe and Pietro, who furthered the Guarneri legacy, thus connecting the past and future of violin making.
Each Italy region’s unique style contributed, but the violin’s true soul emerged from northern Italian workshops.
Famous Violin Makers from Cremona
A little town named Cremona etched its name in violin history like no other.
It’s where the legend Antonio Stradivari honed his craft. His violins are still sought after. Who doesn’t know a Stradivarius Violin?
Another maestro, Andrea Amati, is often honored as the father of the violin. His legacy is in instruments and techniques passed down through generations.
These luthiers put Cremona on the map, making it the heartland of violin craftsmanship.
Development of the Modern Violin
As times changed, so did the violin’s relationship with various musical genres and playing styles.
The 19th century brought innovations in violin-making to suit larger concert halls and robust orchestral music.
Makers like Vuillaume and Guarneri contributed to the modern violin’s evolution, enhancing its power and tonal richness.
Bow design also evolved, adding to the violin’s expressive capabilities and allowing it to sing across eras and genres. Similarly, the modern cello, compared to historical instruments like the viola da gamba, showcases the craftsmanship required for creating and maintaining various stringed instruments.
The Art of Violin Making
Violin making is a meticulous craft that combines precision with artistry.
Let me give you an idea of the fascinating steps of creating a violin, from wood selection to the final setup.
Selecting the Wood
The selected wood sets the stage for the violin’s quality and sound. Maple is the go-to for the back, neck, and ribs, while spruce wins for the top plate due to its superior resonance.
Back, neck, ribs: Maple
Top plate: Spruce
Crafting the Components
Violin makers shape the violin’s neck with the utmost care, ensuring comfort and playability. The F-holes are not just decorative; they’re meticulously carved to enhance the instrument’s voice.
Neck shaping: Comfort, playability
F-holes carving: Sound enhancement
Varnishing and Finishing
They then apply varnish in thin layers to protect the violin and enrich its tone. Every brushstroke is an opportunity to enhance the wood’s natural beauty and character.
Varnish application: Protection, tone enrichment
Brushstrokes: Enhance wood’s beauty
Sound Adjustment and Setup
The bridge and soundpost are the tools for fine-tuning the violin’s voice. Their precise placement can dramatically impact the instrument’s sound and response.
Bridge placement: Sound optimization
Soundpost adjustment: Response improvement
Best Violin Brand and Models
To learn about the finished products of these famous violin makers, I have listed the top violins I am confident in recommending!
GEWA
As a violinist, playing the GEWA Guarneri Model La Companella Soloist Professional Violin has been a revelation. Its exceptional tonal warmth and powerful projection match the storied Guarneri legacy.
GEWA Guarneri Model La Companella Soloist Professional Violin
FEATURES: Designed by master luthier Thomas Boehme
OTHER INFO: built in and around a finely grained spruce top for optimal sonic performance
- Hand-applied oil varnish flaunts a head-turning gold-brown-ambered color
- Inlaid purfling, an ebony fingerboard, and boxwood fittings
- Expensive
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
PRIMAVERA
I love recommending this to my students!
The Primavera 90 Violin Outfit in full size has proven to be a fantastic starter instrument for me, offering a surprisingly good tone and playability at a price point that didn’t break the bank.
Primavera 90 Violin Outfit
FEATURES: Fantastic build quality and a brilliant natural finish
OTHER INFO: Hand-carved maple and spruce body
- Rosewood chinrest, pegs, and hardwood fingerboard
- Includes a case, bow, and rosin
- Steel strings that you may want to upgrade to Dominat or other brands you prefer
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
YAMAHA
The Yamaha V3 Student Violin Outfit has been a reliable companion throughout my learning journey. Its consistent quality and resilient build make it ideal for beginners and advancing students alike.
Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit
FEATURES: Bold, bright tone, rich sounds with high-standard components of Ebony, Spruce, and Maple
OTHER INFO: No tuning worries with the easy-to-use Wittner adjusters
- Includes case, bow, and rosin
- Register for a 5-year extended warranty and 3-month Tomplay Premium
- Some users may prefer different strings or accessories
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Choosing a Violin Maker
Choosing a violin maker can be a daunting task, especially for those new to the world of violin making. With so many talented luthiers out there, it’s essential to know what to look for in a violin maker to ensure you find the right one for your needs.
What to Look for in a Violin Maker
When selecting a violin maker, there are several factors to consider.
- Experience: Look for a violin maker with extensive experience in crafting high-quality instruments. A master luthier with years of experience will have honed their skills and developed a keen eye for detail.
- Reputation: Research the violin maker’s reputation online and ask for referrals from other musicians or music professionals. A reputable violin maker will have a track record of producing fine violins that meet the needs of discerning musicians.
- Attention to detail: A good violin maker will pay close attention to every detail, from the selection of high-quality woods to the precise craftsmanship of the instrument.
- Sound quality: The sound quality of a violin is paramount. Look for a violin maker who can produce instruments with rich, powerful tones and a characteristic fullness in the lower registers.
- Customization options: Consider a violin maker who offers customization options to meet your specific needs. This could include choosing the type of wood, the design of the instrument, or the setup of the bridge and strings.
Customization Options
Many violin makers offer customization options to meet the specific needs of their clients
- Wood selection: Choose from a variety of high-quality woods, such as spruce, maple, or ebony, to create a unique and personalized instrument.
- Design: Work with the violin maker to design an instrument that meets your aesthetic preferences. This could include choosing the shape of the body, the style of the scroll, or the color of the varnish.
- Setup: Collaborate with the violin maker to set up the instrument to meet your specific playing needs. This could include adjusting the bridge, the strings, or the tuning pegs.
- Electronics: Consider adding electronic components, such as pickups or amplifiers, to enhance the sound of your instrument.
Beginner-Friendly
Violin Makers
As a beginner, it’s essential to find a violin maker who is approachable, knowledgeable, and willing to guide you through the process of selecting and purchasing a violin.
- Anne Cole: Anne Cole is a renowned violin maker who has been creating custom violins, violas, and cellos since 1970. She is known for her exceptional attention to detail and her ability to produce instruments with rich, powerful tones.
- Joseph Curtin: Joseph Curtin is a highly respected violin maker who has been recognized for his innovative approach to violin making. He is known for his ability to produce instruments with a unique and distinctive sound.
- Francesco Toto: Francesco Toto is a highly skilled violin maker who has been producing high-quality instruments for over 25 years. He is known for his attention to detail and his ability to produce instruments with a powerful and balanced sound.
These violin makers are all highly regarded in the violin making world and are known for their ability to produce high-quality instruments that meet the needs of musicians of all levels.
Violin Maker:
What Not to Forget!
I absolutely enjoyed chatting about the craft of violin making, often termed ‘Lutherie.’
It’s an art form in which the delicate dance of precision and passion comes to life in the hands of a skilled violin maker, or ‘luthier.‘
The materials used are traditionally maple for the back, sides, and neck and spruce for the top.
Each violin takes shape through a series of steps, from the selection of wood to the varnishing of the finished instrument.
Sometimes, the design follows age-old patterns like the grand amati pattern and Giusseppe’s violins, while others innovate with modern twists.
It’s all about crafting a violin that doesn’t just look beautiful but sings beautifully, too! The joy is in every detail, from the perfectly fitted pegs to the hand-carved scroll.
Crafting a violin can take months, but it’s worth every second for the love of music. There’s a magic woven through the wood, the glue, the varnish, all coming together in harmony.
Don’t go yet! There’s more in store…
After knowing who and how violins are made, the next thing you need to know is how much they cost. Read this next one to know the budget you need to prepare to purchase a good violin!
