Playing the violin can be incredibly rewarding, but advancing skills mean it’s often time to consider a better instrument. If your current violin isn’t keeping up with your progress or producing the sound you need, it’s probably time to look for an upgrade.
Higher tier violins use better materials for superior sound clarity, a wider range of tones, and enhanced playability. With a proper setup, they require less hand tension, allowing you to practice longer without getting tired easily. Improved clarity also helps you spot mistakes faster, speeding up your progress.
Many brands offer violins made from various woods and materials, with different bows and quality of craftsmanship. These factors influence the violin’s characteristics, making the choice challenging.
Don’t worry, I’m here to help! Considering all factors, I’ve selected 5 violins currently on the market that are perfect for professionals.
The Best Violins For Professionals
Now on to the full list.
Hellier 1679, a renowned Stradivarius violin, is on display at the Smithsonian Museum. Its special warmth and full tone, free from excessive treble, make it unique. This is due to its thicker neck, heavier body, and distinct “F” hole design.
A violin as rare as the Hellier 1679 is almost impossible to find on the market, and its price is extremely high. The good news is that Scott Cao offers reproductions in the STV 950 and 1500 models, capturing the unique tone of the Hellier 1679. Scott Cao Violins, founded in 1989, quickly became famous for its craftsmanship. Scott has won tone awards 5 times in the Violin Society of America’s international competition and many other international competitions.
I only use high-quality woods to ensure buyers get the best. The STV 950’s body features aged European maple with a beautiful tiger-striped design. The fingerboard, crafted from Indian Ebony, lets violinists shift smoothly. The chinrest and tailpiece, matching in color, are perfectly carved.
The violin is varnished and set up by professional luthiers in the US. Master maker Scott Cao personally oversees the process to ensure quality. With excellent craftsmanship and materials, Scott Cao Violins can replicate the tone and characteristics of Hellier 1679 at a lower price, making this masterpiece affordable for violinists.
Yamaha, a renowned Japanese company, excels not just in bike manufacturing but also in producing reliable instruments, including violins.
The Model 5 violin is ideal for students. However, the wood, materials, and craftsmanship are superb, making it a top-notch choice for professional violinists at a lower price.
This model offers exceptional value. The violin features a top made of solid carved spruce aged over 5 years and a bottom and side of aged maple. It includes an ebony fingerboard and rosewood tuning pegs, chin rest, and tailpiece. You won’t find this quality of wood in other violins at this price.
Regarding craftsmanship, finding flaws or defects on this violin is tough. Yamaha uses traditional methods from high-tier models, ensuring each piece is handcrafted by professionals, guaranteeing its quality. This violin is smooth to play, offering sweet and mellow sound characteristics.
Yamaha model 5 is a smart choice if you have a lower budget. It’s a great violin offering substantial value at this price. Model 5 includes fine tuners and Prelude strings. You’ll also receive a lightweight Cordura-covered case, rosin, and a Brazilwood bow.
3. Mikhail Vitacek Violin Outfit
Speaking of quality and value, another option is the Mikhail Vitacek from Kennedy Violins. Kennedy Violins operates differently; they deal directly with the makers, cutting costs and lowering prices. This approach lets them maintain high standards of quality and premium construction while offering competitive pricing.
Mikhail Vitacek features an aged Canadian spruce top and a one-piece maple back. The fingerboard, pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece are made of high-grade ebony with pearl inlays, giving the violin a premium look. The bow is crafted from durable Brazilwood and strung with Mongolian horsehair. The violin includes one fine tuner, with the option to add another at no extra cost.
Professional luthiers in Washington State handle the final assembly and setup, ensuring top-notch quality. The outfit includes a hard case, string cloth, extra strings, and rosin. What amazes me most about Mikhail Vitacek’s violins is the lifetime warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee. You can try the violin without any worries, a rare offer in the string instrument market.
Next, I’ve got the One Piece Back Maestro Old Spruce Stradi 4/4 Full-Size Violin D Z Strad Model 509. Crafted by award-winning luthiers at D Z America, this violin stands out for its quality and durability. Model 509 is among their finest, reflecting the dedication and skill invested in its creation.
All the woods in model 509 age naturally. It features an Alpine/Italian spruce top and a maple one-piece back, similar to the maple sides. The violin’s stunning antique look is achieved with a hand-rubbed varnish finish applied by expert luthiers.
The Model 509 produces a warm and deep yet colorful sound, making it a favorite among orchestra violinists. The sound, along with its consistency and playability, suits both on-stage and off-stage performances.
This model comes with a hard case, Brazilwood bow, rosin, and shoulder rest. If you’re an orchestra performer or planning to be, this is the model you need.
Another “high value, low cost” violin I recommend is the D’Luca PROJB44. It’s a professional standard instrument with excellent features, but it won’t break the bank.
PROJB44 showcases a dark brown solid spruce top with a one-piece maple back and striped maple sides resembling tiger stripes. The oil varnish finish makes this violin stunning! It features an ebony fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest. The adonized metal tailpiece is durable and corrosion-resistant, so rust isn’t a worry.
This violin package includes a SKB Professional Case, horsehair bow with silver winding, extra set of D’Luca Perlon strings, D’Luca Chromatic Violin Clip-on tuner, and a 1-year limited factory warranty.
If you’re after a quality violin with top features at a budget-friendly price, check out this model. You’ll be surprised.
Conclusion
Let me summarize the five violins. If you’re aiming to shine as a soloist, the Scott Cao STV 950 is your best choice. For a professional standard violin on a lower budget, consider the Yamaha Model 5, Mikhail Vitacek, or D’Luca PROJB44. Playing in an orchestra? The One Piece Back Maestro Old spruce Stradi is ideal. Your choice depends on your needs and role as a violinist.