Violin: Learn how to choose the best in 2022

The best product reviews you can find here! And today’s experience will take you to know everything about the violin.

A small instrument, but with great sound potential, it has always been widely used in classical music. Today, several musical genres take advantage of it to enrich their melodies, bringing the instrument to the middle of pop culture.

The smooth sliding of the bow, the precise movements of the musician, all add to the beauty of the instrument. If you want to know more about them, and even buy one, you’ve come to the right place. Models, types, uses, you will be surprised by the violin!

First, the most important

• There are several string instruments available, but the violin has its own characteristics. The main one is its use supported on the musician’s chin.
• It is one of the sharpest musical instruments. The high timbre stands out on any occasion of use, which requires certain care. Missing the bow movement will create very unpleasant squeaks.
• Although there are very old and famous brands on the market (from centuries), many new manufacturers have been bringing violins at a more affordable price, with a pleasant sound even to the most demanding.

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Ranking: The 4 best violins

Researching musical instruments is never easy. You will find an absurd amount of violins in any search, and you will need to be very careful to choose something of quality. We will facilitate this work.

1st – DZ Strad 220 (US)

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An excellent option for the intermediate and advanced user of the instrument, a violin entirely made by hand. Its velvety tones, with gameplay and consistency will thrill any audience during their performances.

Available in several sizes, you can have the ideal for you. Its main woods undergo a treatment and drying process for 10 years, guaranteeing the best possible sound and performances.

The formulation of the varnish itself is made to guarantee the best aged sound for the wood. It’s a violin to buy and never let go of.

2nd – Violin Michael Vnm49

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Violin 4/4 – VNM 49 MichaelRead user reviews

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Instrument specially manufactured for orchestral musicians, with high standard of construction and expressive sound. The well-executed treble brings clarity and high definition to the sound, as well as the very robust and velvety bass, perfect for any musical genre.

In addition to the technology used, its look seeks to refer to the classic, with aged handmade varnish, in addition to the use of fine woods that provides an excellent projection.

3rd – Michael Vnm40 Violin

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Traditional Violin VNM40 4/4 – MichaelRead user reviews

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Violin with excellent cost-benefit ratio, offering an excellent sound pattern thanks to the combination of maple and spruce woods. This combination ensures greater sustain for the sound generated, in addition to producing expressive highs and velvety bass.

The spacing between the strings also allows great precision in the use of the chords. It is one of the violins suitable for beginners who wish to study more deeply, but who also need an instrument for professional use.

4th – Violin Marinos MV-44

Ideal for beginners, it is an instrument that will allow you to obtain quality sounds at a more affordable price. Manufactured with good materials, it is capable of providing good treble and bass, with sound support, in addition to excellent ergonomics for the musician.

 

 

 

Buying Guide

Buying without knowing the product is a difficult task. And a musical instrument needs to be very well chosen, as it should bring joy and comfort. We are going to give you now what we consider essential about violins.

Choosing the violin is not only about price, the ideal size will bring comfort when playing and an even greater sense of well-being. (Source: davorkrajinovic / Pixabay)

What is the violin?

It is difficult for someone not to have heard the sound of a violin at least once. The generally soft melody, accompanied by a sound capable of softening hearts.

His unmistakable timbre is fundamental in most orchestras and bandstands, dictating moments and participating in solos. It is not by chance that some musicians call him “King of instruments”.

But the classic stops there. Although widely known as a classical instrument, its versatility is much greater. You can play any type of music on a violin. The study and your dedication will define what you will learn.

The instrument is so limitless that some musicians use it as the main instrument in their performances. Even creating new songs!

How is the sound produced by a violin?

Being a string instrument, it is necessary for them to exist and be stimulated in some way to vibrate. Then, a speaker captures the vibration and turns it into sound.

In the case of this instrument, the most common method of playing is with the use of an equipment called the bow. A simple piece in metal or wood, which keeps fine and tight threads together. They are the ones who stimulate the strings to produce sound.

That is why, unlike other instruments played with the hands, on the violin the sound seems to be continuous. There are no beats with continuous interruption, the bow creates melody as it dances over the strings, back and forth.

A violin has several very striking characteristics, and is quite different from other more common stringed instruments that we know, such as the guitar. (Source: Pexels / Pixabay)

How is a violin formed?

Going deeper into the subject, we will now introduce you to the parts of a violin. It will be quite common for you to hear about them now that you intend to become a violinist. Imagine a violin upright, and understand it now “from head to toe”.

• • Chin : This is where you will position your chin while playing. There are pads for the instrument, if more pressure is needed or to reduce any discomfort.
  • Banner : It is the piece of wood where the strings are attached, to be stretched up there.
  • Easel : It is a very delicate and essential part of the instrument. It is more or less in the middle of the violin’s body, the strings pass over it, which has grooves to keep them in place. They serve to transfer the vibration into the violin.
  • Elves (or openings) : These are the “holes” in the instrument, from where the wood vibrates, the sound is reproduced.
  • Mirror : In other instruments, it is the same as the “arm”. This is where you will position your fingers to type notes. Interesting is that there are no “houses” for placing fingers, this piece is all smooth.
  • Cravelha : It is the place where the strings are tied for tightening or loosening, in other instruments they are called dies. On a violin it is used for “thick tuning”.
  • Micro tuners : They are small screws that are on the standard, this is where you will make the “fine tuning”, giving greater precision to the tuning already performed.

The violin has many peculiarities that make it different from other string instruments. (Source: Bairyna / Pixabay)

What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing the violin?

Playing any instrument only brings great benefits to the musician. Therefore, the violin is also highly positive. Among its greatest advantages, we can highlight that it improves motor coordination and increases auditory perception.

In addition, the musician manages to develop the expressiveness of the body and also improves its logical skills. And of course, as it is a highly complex instrument, it teaches about discipline and patience.

Check out the advantages and disadvantages of playing the violin below:

Benefits

• Improves motor coordination
• Increases auditory perception
• Develops body expressiveness
• Improves logical skills
• Teaches discipline and patience

Disadvantages

• Low availability of learning locations
• High complexity instrument
• Requires constant maintenance

What are the size variations of the violin?

You may have noticed, over the course of some research, the presence of some “mathematical numbers” beside the violin model. These numbers, in fact, indicate the size of the instrument.

The size system has been around for a long time, and varies from number to number as if they were being divided.

When we talk about violins for adults, we usually see the numbers 4/4 or 3/4 next to the instrument. It is an expression of the manufacturers to determine the total length of the violin.

Altogether, there are seven possible sizes of this instrument, which make it possible to use it for children from 3 years old!

But not only age, sizes are also related to the length of the musician’s arm. After all, to play you need a range of movements, and what will dictate that are the arms, not the age.

Next we will present what are the “codes” that exist and what they mean in size:

Violin size	1/16	1/10	1/8	1/4	1/2	3/4	4/4
Suggested age	Up to 3 years	Up to 5 years	Up to 6 years	Up to 7 years	Up to 8 years	Up to 11 years	From 11 years
Arm length	Between 35 and 38 cm	Between 39 and 42 cm	Between 30 and 45 cm	Between 45 and 52 cm	Between 53 and 55 cm	Between 56 and 58 cm	From 58 cm

This measurement of the arm is made from where the shoulder starts to the middle of the palm. Did you notice the size variations? Some are quite small, but this is the recommendation of manufacturers and experts.

What are the different categories of the violin?

Manufactured by hand for centuries (some even today), the violin has been creating quality standards. The application of different woods, use of specific varnishes, ways of drying, all contributed to the instrument’s specialization.

No wonder, an instrument considered by some to be “The King”, needs a certain majesty, created from the evolution in its way of being produced with more and more care and details.

Due to their fame and sound characteristics, violins add up to the largest number of instruments in orchestras. It is the king making itself present in melody and timbre. (Source: Pexels / Pixabay)

For you to have a notion, there are violins today being manufactured with cut wood and destined for this for more than 10 years! During this time, they went through processes to ensure the best possible sound for the instrument, when it was manufactured. So, let’s go to the categories.

Category C

Violins manufactured with the correct woods, however, no longer the “recommended” ones for the violin, which must be with well-streaked woods. It is the simplest category, with an assembly line manufacturing process.

The result is a good instrument (as long as there is quality control), but with variations in measures and finishes. The varnish used is also simpler, usually synthetic, slightly muffling the sound of the instrument.

Category B

Violins already made with more streaked and selected woods, considered class B. With a manufacturing process also on the production line, they may come with some incorrect thickness.

However, they receive greater care during assembly, with a noticeably better and better done finish. The varnish is also synthetic, but in a smaller layer, which affects the distribution of sound to a lesser extent.

Category A

These are professional models, produced only by a few companies, a symbol of factories that do not already exist. Its manufacturing process follows a more artisanal line, although not entirely.

The wood is fully selected, and has a natural streak. The varnish, still synthetic, is refined, ensuring a clean and balanced sound.

Category AA

Violins made from 100% handmade processes. With extremely elastic prices (which vary according to each material placed), they are unique pieces for each buyer.

The finish is impeccable in its measurements, with varnish based on oil or alcohol to affect the sound of the instrument as little as possible. The result is a well-sized violin, beautiful in shape and sound, extremely well balanced. With a hefty price tag.

Watch! Even if there is a categorization, it is very difficult for this information to be available in the instruments. What you should do when you are interested in one, is to research your model and see where it fits.

Electric or acoustic violin?

Even violins have not escaped this technological transition. Currently, there are models designed specifically for the electrical use of the instrument.

Until then, the most common ways to “electrify” a violin were to place a microphone next to the elves, or else to install a cable capture system.

Because it violates the aesthetics and body of the violin, the pickup system has always been little used. The most common alternative has always been to attach a microphone for recording and playback, but it needs to be a good microphone.

Over the years the violin has evolved into the electric model. (Source: HeungSoon / Pixabay)

However, in the last few decades other violin options have appeared on the market. Benefiting mainly from aesthetics, electric violins tend to have a solid body, or even designs and details impossible to have in a classic. After all, any change in design implies some sound change.

If you intend to follow the classical line, without fear of making a mistake you can buy an acoustic violin. But, if you intend to give the instrument as a gift to a child or adolescent, it is interesting to understand their tastes.

Perhaps an instrument that can be electrified falls more in favor of them, facilitating the motivation to learn. To facilitate understanding, we have prepared a table with some of the most distinguishable characteristics.

	Acoustic	Electric
Body	Hollow	Solid
Feature	Can be amplified	Zero or extremely low acoustics
Sound	Clean	Can be modified
Audible	In any situation	Electric only

How much?

Violins, as you have noticed, can vary in size, categories, manufacturing processes … the list is quite long. And each feature will directly affect its price. The differences are so important that if you buy on impulse, you may regret it bitterly.

Generally speaking, you don’t need to spend a lot to buy your first violin. There are study models with great sound quality starting at R $ 250. A small sum, if we consider that a well-maintained musical instrument, lasts for years.

As the learning progresses, you can invest in a more robust and more loud instrument. There are many professionals who stop ”in the categories up to R $ 1,500, even though there are instruments for more than R $ 4,000.

Who will define what you need is yourself. If the sound of a more affordable product seems the best, choose it. The most expensive is not always the most pleasant.

Where to buy?

At this point, violins have an advantage: they are known to almost everyone. For this reason, practically every musical instrument store will have some models to offer you.

Department stores with an instrument sector will also provide you with the opportunity to see some models. Of course, just a few models. For you to have access to a large amount, you will need to go to specialized stores, which do not exist in every city or region.

At this point, the most practical solution is online commerce, several reliable websites Amazon will offer you a large number of options. With fair prices and guaranteed delivery to your home.

Purchasing criteria: Factors to compare the different violin models

You can already consider yourself a connoisseur of violins, no doubt. However, if you are really thinking about purchasing one, you need to pay attention to some features more than others.

For now, when researching the best instrument for you (or to give away), focus on:

• Price
• Wood quality
• Size
• Use

Knowing the factors in detail will make it easier to make the right choice, see:

Price

A determining factor for purchasing any musical instrument is the price. In order to bring joy, good vibes and calm, having a huge bill to pay follows a totally different direction from this idea.

You will find violins with really striking price differences, which can confuse you a little before making the purchase. There are options at very affordable prices, with a great sound and quality of the instrument.

Don’t be too picky when you start, the rope path is never as easy as it looks, and it gets more difficult as you follow it.

A violin can cost between R $ 250 to more than R $ 5,000. (Source: LaPorte / Pixabay)

It is possible that, depending on where you live, there are some places that provide the violin rental service. Although it seems like a good option, consider values ​​well.

A well-maintained violin loses little resale value, and you will have it available daily. Not to mention that rents usually pay the value of the violin in less than a year.

Wood quality

Well, certainly the subject reminds us of categories of violin that we have already mentioned. There are several types of wood (and even other elements) that are used to manufacture the instrument.

But for a good violinist (and all musicians), nothing can compare to the quality of the wood. That is why guitars, double basses, violins, cellos and others continue to follow the traditional manufacturing process.

Research the types of wood used in making that model you liked. Escape anything considered below category C.

The quality of the material will allow less effort to hide imperfections or correct flaws, making the instrument clean and beautiful.

Size

Violins require continuous movements of both arms to form the chords and move the bow (or strum). Having an instrument whose size fits your arm will make the experience more pleasurable.

With an instrument of the right size, children and teenagers can dedicate themselves to learning. (Source: Pexels / Pixabay)

Playing a violin that is too small will force the arms into shorter movements or even make them difficult at the necessary angles. It may even seem easy to handle that bow, but there is a whole technique with angle and speed.

Since you have access to the sizes through the table that we brought in the Guide, identify your arm length before researching. From there, proceed to violins that support this size.

Use

This is where we concentrate the other aspects. If you intend to play in recitals or places where amplification is not necessary, choose an acoustic model. In addition to being extremely classic, drawing attention wherever you use it, it can still be “electrified”. It is a very versatile instrument in this respect.

In the same way, depending on the musical genre you intend to venture into, or if you have a band involved, this will give you an instrument path. Playing along with amplified instruments will require you to amplify the violin.

It is quite common for members of bands with more modern genres to choose electric violins instead of acoustic ones. Direct capture on the instrument will allow volume and tone controls on the instrument itself, as well as a variety of later effects.