the best violin
Violin – Opinions, Analysis and Buying Guide in 2022
The sound of the violin is for many one of the most beautiful sounds heard in an orchestra. Its ability to reproduce sounds of great brilliance allows it to frequently take on a leading role and, although it is not generally described as an easy-to-play instrument, many consider becoming performers. If you want to know two good options, we start with the Vangoa 4/4 kit. We are talking about a modern electric violin made with high quality materials and an easy-to-play design. If you’re looking for something more classic, the Stradivarius 1715 features a spruce and maple soundboard, which provides a powerful yet sweet sound.
Comparison chart
Opinions on the best violins on the market
Choosing the best violin is a project that is not easy, because you have to consider different aspects to determine if it is the right one. Below you will be able to know several models that are offered in the market, and could be suitable for different objectives.
electric violin
Vangoa 4/4
When it comes to looking for the best violin of the moment, many users opt for an electric violin. In this segment, we find models like this one offered by Vangoa. A full size electric violin kit with everything you need to play your favorite pieces.
This violin has an elegant design and is made of quality materials, such as the maple wood of the main body or the ebony with which the pegbox is made. It also has efficient electronics, which properly handles sound and offers you first-rate audio.
As if that were not enough, the violin is accompanied by all the accessories you need, such as strings, rosin, headphones or the storage case. Ideal if you do not know which violin to buy and do not want to spend more money on accessories.
Give a different touch to your performance with this interesting, elegant and quality electric violin.
Pros
Materials: The violin is made with classic materials such as maple for the body or ebony for the headstock.
Size: Its 4/4 size does not require adaptation when executing any piece.
Versatile : Due to its design, it is an instrument suitable for different user profiles, from newcomers to the most advanced.
Headphones: Due to its electric character, it is possible to play it with headphones and rehearse without disturbing your surroundings.
Kit : The kit includes the instrument, rosin, spare strings and headphones, plus the storage case.
Cons
Tuning: The headstock is somewhat particular and makes the process of tuning the strings a bit difficult.
Stagg EVN X-4/4 MBL
The Stagg EVN X-4/4 MBL electric violin is another interesting proposal within this segment. We are talking about a violin with a full body and an integral design, so that it can be supported both on the left and on the right, depending on what you need.
Its body is made of solid maple wood, with a nice metallic blue finish, which gives it personality. In the upper part we have a good set of pegs, which make tuning easier and more efficient. The whole piece has a good resistance, supporting the intensive use of the instrument.
Regarding its electronic part, in addition to some quality components, we have a switch, volume and tone controls, input and output of 3.5 Jack type and 9 volt battery. It is accompanied by headphones and a storage case, as befits a firm candidate to be the best violin in its category.
We leave you some more details related to this instrument and everything it offers you to display your art.
Pros
Format : Its format allows you to rest it on your right or left shoulder, depending on your preference.
Finish : Its finish in a nice metallic blue tone gives an elegant touch to the piece.
Kit : The kit includes the headphones, cords and storage case, as well as the battery.
Tuning : The tuning system avoids having to repeat this process more often than is desirable.
Cons
Bow : The quality of the bow can be improved, especially for users with a higher level of performance.
Stradivarius Violin
Stradivarius 1715
The iconic violins made following the techniques of the Stradivari family continue to be of great value and this Stradivarius type violin resembles those that were made in its golden age, that is, in 1715. To talk about it, we will start by saying that it is about a 4/4 violin, so if you’re wondering which is the best adult violin, this one might answer the question. In addition, it stands out from others for its peculiar sound, which can be described as powerful but sweet at the same time, being effective in maintaining balance with both low and high notes.
As for its appearance, due to the varnishing and painting techniques that have been used on it, it offers an antique look. But the materials chosen for its soundboard are also remarkable, as it includes an aged fine-grain spruce top and a maple base with flamed veins.
If you consider that Stradivarius is the best violin brand, we invite you to learn more about this model, which achieves an appearance very similar to that of these famous violins.
Pros
Body Materials: Fine-grained spruce wood and a maple base allow this model to have remarkable sound and durability qualities.
Appearance: Since it has a varnish that allows it to have an antique appearance, it can be attractive to the eye.
Balance: This model is rated positively due to the good balance it offers, both for playing high and low sounds.
Ebony: The parts that involve the most use, such as the fingerboard, chinstrap and pegs, are made of resistant ebony wood, so they offer durability.
Cons
Cost: It may not easily qualify as an affordable model, but the great sound it offers probably makes this detail take a backseat.
baroque violin
Dominique Music Baroque
The period known as baroque continues to have influence to this day and this model can stand out from others for its fine manual work, which allows it to have great aesthetics. This is due in large part to the various details included in its design, such as the pegs, the beautiful inlays on its neck, and the contrast that the wood on the chin and neck offers with the speaker. This is why it may be the best baroque violin offered on the market.
On the other hand, it also includes a brazilwood bow and case for storage and transport. While regarding the wood, it should be noted that it is made mostly of solid spruce, which is why it is considered an instrument that has good resistance and acoustic qualities, which is why we consider it among the best violins in the world. 2022.
It may be that this violin is not among the cheapest, however, due to its qualities, it is worth analyzing it in detail to find out if it is what you are looking for.
Pros
Design: The aesthetics of this model is remarkable, which could easily make it stand out.
Acoustic: Due to the solid spruce wood from which it is made, it can offer a beautiful and high quality sound.
Accessories: The model includes in its set both the bow and a shoulder cushion and case, which is considered convenient.
Cons
Hardness: Some players will probably miss the ebony in the shaping of this violin, but there are other qualities that make this instrument an attractive choice.
violin accessories
violin tuner
Eno Music ET-33
If you have several string instruments, this violin tuner may be the right one, because it can be useful to keep each one of them in tune without major complications. Regarding its efficiency, it should be mentioned that it uses a standard frequency range of 440 Hz, with a tolerance of 50, in case you want a particular tuning.
Its use is very simple and it is powered by a CR2032 battery, but its energy consumption is very low, so it could last for an acceptable time, before you have to change it.
In terms of comfort, weighing only 38g and being very compact, it’s easy to carry around among your accessories. In addition, to place it includes a useful clip.
Rayzm RMT-1
If you are worried about being able to tune your instrument comfortably, this model could be very useful, since it includes an additional microphone with which the tuner can perceive the sound despite being physically separated from the instrument, so you can have better visibility of your screen.
The tuning range on the other hand is 430-450HZ, and thanks to the fact that it includes a metronome function with a wide range of beats, it is considered a versatile device that can help you in your practices.
As far as practicality is concerned, due to the fact that it includes an automatic shutdown function, better use of its battery is achieved and you do not have to worry about the clip damaging the lacquer of your instrument when placing it, as it includes soft rubber bands that protect it.
violin sheet music
Classical masterpieces for violin
Those who seek to interpret classical pieces on their violin cannot fail to include songs by composers such as Beethoven, Brahms or Hendel in their repertoire, and several of the most representative melodies of these composers are included in this edition of violin scores, which also They have special arrangements that, without losing the main essence, make them easy to interpret.
For this reason, they can be an inspiration to beginning students.
As for the number of musical pieces, you will be able to count on a rich collection of 26 classics, such as Für Elise, Handel’s Hallelujah and Vivaldi’s 4 seasons, so you probably have enough options to choose from and while you master them, you can also improve. your playing skills and techniques on this instrument.
classical violin
Another good option for violin students may be this selection of 18 classical pieces, which you have surely heard and enjoyed more than once.
Among the characteristics that define this edition are the special arrangements with which each of the original violin scores have been modified, thinking that beginning students will not have too much difficulty interpreting them.
Among the authors that are included in the selection, we can find Pachelbel, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Wagner and Brahm among others; Therefore, it is generally a compilation that should not be missing in your selection of options to play classical violin and that could help you enjoy this instrument while you learn more advanced techniques.
Violin bow
octagonal kmise
With a stick of pernambuco wood from Brazil and an ebony frog, the structure with which this violin bow has been made, can provide a very solid and resistant item, which can well tolerate the tension of the bristles when you play bows and bow strikes.
Also, it has an octagonal-type shape, which many musicians can feel comfortable with.
Other qualities that stand out in its design are also its leather grip, which can offer comfort and good support.
Regarding its bristles, these are made of natural Mongolian horse hair, which can prolong its durability, since it has been preserved from bleaching processes that can often make the fibers brittle.
Andoer Carbon
For many players, bows made of carbon fiber are defined as easy to execute different movements, which is achieved due to their great lightness. If you are interested in a violin bow made of this material, you may like the Andoer Carbono, which has an ebony wood frog.
Among other interesting aspects, we can highlight its good balance, which allows stable notes from the tip to its base.
Its size is 75 cm in length, so it is designed for 4/4 violins and has a weight of 60 g, convenient for those who do not require too much weight in their arches. In addition, its appearance is quite good and it offers all this without increasing its cost too much.
violin bridge
Aubert VB-5
Featuring a traditional cutaway, this violin bridge can properly control the string tension on the instrument while transmitting it to the soundboard.
Its design and dimensions are planned for a 4/4 size violin, so if this is the size of yours, it could complement it without much problem. In addition, due to its circular shape at the top, it can be easily adjusted to the type of violin, fingerboard height and player comfort, so it is a model that allows versatility.
On the other hand, we must not ignore the fact that the manufacturer has extensive experience in the manufacture of this type of part and if you need it to another extent, you can also choose it.
B Blesiya Maple
Improving the tone in the sound of your instrument can be simple with this violin bridge made of maple wood by the Blesiya brand.
Its design, in addition to controlling the tension, will also allow you to easily adjust its shape according to your particular needs, both to place the strings along it, and to give it an inclination if you prefer it on the E string. So you can get a comfortable performance.
On the other hand, the vibrations will be transmitted appropriately, thanks to the fact that it has sufficiently large legs and due to the hardness of its wood, it is considered a very durable bridge. In addition, due to its size, it can be placed as a complement for 4/4 violins. While on the other hand it maintains an adjusted cost.
How to choose the best violins
We know that when selecting an instrument there are many aspects that we could consider to finally get the best one, and on many occasions we are not very clear about them. So that you do not overlook the most important thing, we have created this guide to buy the best violin, with which we seek to help you identify the one that best meets your expectations.
Shopping guide
Analyze your needs
Not all people pursue the same goals when it comes to purchasing an instrument. While some just want to see if it suits them, others are serious about pursuing music. In the first case, we could suggest that you opt for a quality instrument, but cheap, in this way, in case the experience is not what you expected, you will not have invested too much money in the project.
But if, on the other hand, your intention is to dedicate yourself to music in a committed way, with the aim of becoming a professional performer, then it is best to allocate a slightly larger budget with the intention of acquiring an instrument that has a higher quality. In this way, you will also have a melodious sound and very surely a greater durability. It can even be an instrument that accompanies you throughout your life as a musician without much problem.
types of wood
Although in today’s market you can find violins made of materials such as plastic, their acoustic qualities are still lower than what you might expect in a wooden violin. Our recommendation is that if possible you choose a violin made of real wood or, failing that, of some derivative of wood, such as agglomerates.
Now, if you want to know more about the woods used in the manufacture of this particular instrument, we will mention that among the most used woods are spruce, maple, mahogany, ash, ebony or rosewood. Spruce is typically used for the top, while maple, mahogany, or ash are used for the back. Finally, ebony and rosewood, due to their hardness, are the ones indicated to make up the fingerboard, pegs and chin.
If one of your goals is to get a violin that offers remarkable acoustics without worrying too much about how much it costs, maple wood can meet your expectations, as it qualifies as one of the most convenient materials for the manufacture of quality violins. In addition to having a pleasant appearance due to the natural grain of the wood, it also has great resistance.
sizes
It is also important that you verify the age of the person who is going to use the violin, since there are different sizes to choose from and they are intended to adapt to the body proportions of those who are going to use them.
The variation of these measurements will depend mainly on the length of the arm of the instrument and they are generally classified into 4 measurements. 4/4, 3/4, 2/4 and 1/4. In the ¼ violin the arm length is between 47-51 cm and it is recommended for children around 6 years old. While a 4/4 will measure more than 60 cm and is the one that is specially designed for an adult. So in your comparison of violins you would have to consider the age of the performer.
To determine the indicated size, a technique that you can use and that is very effective is to go to an instrument store with the person who will use the violin. The next thing you should do is ask him to place the violin on his shoulder, as if he were playing it, and with that same hand try to surround the scroll. If doing this activity does not involve any effort and the arm is comfortably bent, it means that this is the right size for the person.
If, on the other hand, the hand does not manage to surround the scroll or the person’s arm is too extended, then you have to look for a slightly shorter arm for the violin, that is, you should choose the size that precedes it.
Accessories
Unlike the guitar, for example, which could be played without any additional accessories, the violin needs some accessories that are considered basic, such as the bow, the pitch, and generally the cushion. You should also consider these accessories within your budget, or check if they are included in the violin set you have chosen.
Keep in mind that if they are not included, buying them separately can mean a significant increase in the final cost of your violin.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to tune the violin?
As with other string instruments, to tune it, it is necessary to ensure that each of the strings that make it up vibrates with the frequency corresponding to the note assigned to it according to its location on the violin. The violins are tuned with the first string, that is, the thinnest in the note of E, the second will be A, D and Sol for the thickest string. To know if it is in tune, it is necessary to have a tuner at hand.
To achieve tension, two pieces are used, the pegs, which give an approximate pitch, but there are also the tuners, which are small screws on the tailpiece, which help to achieve the precise pitch.
Q2: What family does the violin belong to?
The violin belongs to the great family of string instruments, where the guitar, mandolin, ukulele, etc. are also found. But within this family, we can classify them within the category of bowed string instruments, to which the viola, cello and double bass also belong.
Q3: How to put the violin bridge?
To perform this delicate task, you must loosen the strings enough so that the tension is released on the bridge and it is possible to knock it down, that is, that it leans either towards the fingerboard or towards the tailpiece. When removing it, it is normal for the strings to lose all their tension.
Check that the soul does not fall inside the instrument, due to the lack of pressure in this area and place the new bridge, placing it right in the middle of the small holes that are in the F of the violin. Now, vertically adjust the bridge, and to do it more easily, it is best to place your fingers between each of the strings and pull evenly, always checking that the base of the bridge is in place.
Q4: When to change violin strings?
In general, a string can last around 6 months if the violin is played frequently. Expert musicians, however, prefer to change the strings on their violins more frequently, because this gives them a clearer sound and less ups and downs in playing. Especially on the E string, which is the one with the highest tension. The recommendation in this regard could be that if you play about an hour a day, it is best to change the complete set every 3 to 4 months or when you begin to notice changes in the sound of your violin.
Q5: What is a four-quarter violin?
This violin size corresponds to an instrument that has a full arm, so you can get the full range of sounds that you could play with a violin. They are generally the ones used by adults. Violins ¾ or smaller, are generally indicated for children.
Q6: Why is the violin fretless?
Many connoisseurs affirm that it is because the violin is not in itself an instrument of chords, as is the case with the guitar, but of linear melodies. In such a way that not having frets offers greater freedom of movement, to play half tones and allow the musician to perform effects that enhance the melody.
Q7: What violin does Ara Malikian use?
The same performer has commented that his favorite violin, the one he plays most often in his presentations and with which he feels most comfortable, does not come from a prestigious brand. However, for him it has a great value, because he has remained in his family for a long time. While on the other hand, he too has history and has belonged to peculiar violinists before being bestowed upon him. Likewise, he affirms that he has been his company during difficult moments throughout his life.
Q8: Who invented the electric violin?
As with the guitar, the need for the violin to be heard louder, especially in open venue performances where sound is easily lost, led Stuff Smith, a jazz violinist, to seek adapt a pickup to transmit the sound of your instrument directly into an amplifier. Later, between the 1930s and 1940s, The Electro Stringed Instrument Corporation dedicated itself to making violins that can now be considered electric and not simply an acoustic instrument with an adaptation.
How to use a violin
The violin is in general a delicate instrument, which can generate a range of very varied and striking sounds. For this reason, we find many musical pieces composed especially for him. If you have a violin at home and you are looking for more information on its use, here we provide you with some that may be of interest to you.
Always check the status of the violin before playing
Because there are several pieces that make up the violin, it is advisable that before proceeding to tune or play it, always have the habit of reviewing it. Among the aspects that you can verify are the condition of the bow. Avoid playing with a bow that has few bristles. Also check that the curb is firmly in place, that no screws are missing from the tuner, that the bridge is fully vertical, and that it has not moved out of place.
Keep the instrument clean
Since it is necessary to apply pitch to the bow so that the strings can vibrate, it is normal for a fine dust to settle on the instrument. If this is not removed every time the violin is used, it often creates deposits that are difficult to remove. Therefore, it is better that you spend a few minutes to remove them with a dry cloth after each practice.
In the event that this pitch has inevitably adhered to the instrument, you can wipe it with a cotton ball dipped in a little alcohol, but make sure that this is something you rarely resort to, as it can damage the finish of the violin.
Reduce string tension and take care of your bow
If it happens that you have not used your violin for a while, it is best to reduce the tension of the strings a little. It is not necessary to loosen them too much, just a tone or two less than they should be in tune may be enough, because if you release all the tension, the fretboard could fragment or crack, in addition to the bridge losing its position or the guitar falling off. soul.
Another piece that you must loosen every time you play is the bow. This will allow the bristles to remain in good condition for longer. In addition, you should use a quality pitch according to the material of the bristles, which you should choose depending on whether it is a synthetic or natural material.
Keep it in its case
So that your violin is not affected by climatic conditions such as sudden changes in temperature or humidity, it is best that you always have a case for it, in which you can store it properly. This will also prevent it from getting damaged when you have to transport it. In addition, it will allow you to have all your accessories to play organized and at hand.
Always acquire adequate techniques in your practice
As with any instrument, the best thing to do when learning to play it is to make sure you get the basics right. Aspects such as properly holding the violin or the bow will prevent you from acquiring vices that are later difficult to correct. This way, you’ll have a better chance of becoming a good player and progressing more quickly in your studies on the instrument.
