Professional Violin Buying Guide: Choosing a Fine Violin

Investing in a fine violin is a significant decision for any advanced player or professional. Such an instrument isn’t just a purchase – it’s a long-term partner in your musical journey. Choosing the right violin can greatly enhance your performance, allowing you to express your skills to the fullest. However, even experienced violinists can find it challenging to select “the one” instrument that suits them best. There is no single perfect violin; rather, the goal is to find a violin that matches your style, preferences, and needs as a high-level player. This professional guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when upgrading to a fine violin, ensuring you make an informed choice that will bring you joy and value for years to come.

Why Advanced Players Seek Professional Violins

Beginners might start on inexpensive student models, but advanced players and professionals have higher requirements for their instruments. By the time you reach an advanced level, you’ll likely be looking for qualities beyond what a basic violin can offer. As one guide notes, “when it is time for purchasing violins for advanced players, we always have to consider quality above price.” In other words, sound quality and playability become top priorities. Here are some reasons why upgrading to a professional violin is important for seasoned musicians:

Superior Sound and Projection: Professional violins are built to project sound in large halls and deliver rich, nuanced tone. They offer power and clarity across all registers, ensuring your performance is heard with brilliance even at the back of a concert hall. Advanced players need an instrument that can produce a wide dynamic range, from a delicate pianissimo to a robust fortissimo, without losing quality.
Enhanced Responsiveness: A high-quality violin responds immediately to the player’s technique. Professionals look for an instrument that is “malleable” in tone – capable of expressing a variety of tone colors and articulations as the player demands. This means the violin should allow subtle expressive shifts and handle fast, technical passages with ease.
Playability and Comfort: An advanced violinist often plays many hours a day, so the instrument must feel comfortable. Ease of playing in all positions, a smooth fingerboard, and optimal setup (string height, bridge and soundpost position) are crucial. A well-set-up professional violin will feel ergonomic and let the musician execute difficult techniques without excessive strain. Good setup also contributes to even tone across all four strings, another quality seasoned players expect.
Reliability and Build Quality: Professionals depend on their violins for daily use, concerts, and tours. They require an instrument that is reliable and durable over time. Sturdy construction and quality materials mean the violin can handle frequent use and environmental changes with minimal maintenance issues. Unlike cheaper instruments that might need constant adjustments, a well-crafted violin will stay in optimal playing condition and hold its setup longer.
Artistic Inspiration: Finally, an advanced player’s instrument should inspire confidence and artistry. At higher levels, musicians often develop a personal sound. A fine violin can encourage you to play with more confidence, knowing the instrument will respond beautifully. “If the instrument feels right, it’s quite probable that you’ll play with more confidence and sound better on it,” as one expert notedmyluthier.co. In short, the right violin becomes an extension of the artist, enabling greater musical expression.

In summary, professional violins offer the power, nuance, and comfort that advanced players need. Upgrading from an intermediate violin to a professional one can be a game-changer in your performance, allowing you to fully realize your potential.

Sound Quality and Tone: The Heart of a Fine Violin

For any violinist – and especially professionals – sound quality is paramount. The tone of the instrument is often the first thing you’ll evaluate. Every violin has a unique “voice,” so finding one that resonates with your aesthetic preferences is key. When testing a fine violin, pay attention to the following sound aspects:

Rich, Balanced Tone: A professional violin should deliver a rich, full tone across all registers. Listen for a balance between warmth and brilliance. The low strings should sound deep and sonorous, while the high strings sing without being shrill. Clarity is crucial – notes should not sound muffled or fuzzy even at high positions. Many high-end violins are crafted from quality tonewoods (like aged spruce for the top and maple for the back) which contribute to a complex, resonant sound. In fact, instruments made of well-seasoned spruce and maple generally have better sound production than those made with laminate woods.
Projection and Power: Projection is the ability of the violin’s sound to carry in a hall. As an advanced player, test how the violin’s sound fills a room. A fine violin can project to the back of an auditorium without the player having to strain. Even when playing softly (pianissimo), the best instruments maintain presence and clarity that can reach the listener. This projection comes from effective resonance – the violin’s body should amplify the sound efficiently. If you aspire to solo or orchestral performances, projection is especially important so that your playing isn’t lost against accompaniment.
Responsiveness: Responsiveness (or response) refers to how quickly the violin speaks and how easily it produces sound, especially during fast passages or delicate articulations. A top-quality violin will respond immediately to your bowing and fingering, allowing for a wide range of dynamics and articulations without effort. Test this by playing rapid scales, spiccato bows, or soft attacks – the notes should pop out cleanly with minimal pressure. A less responsive violin might feel like there’s a slight delay or that you have to “fight” it to get the sound you want. Advanced techniques (like fast string crossings, ricochet bowings, or subtle vibrato changes) should feel natural on a responsive instrument.
Tone Colors (Timbre Variety): A hallmark of a fine violin is its ability to produce different tone colors. By adjusting your bow speed, pressure, and contact point, you should be able to draw a range of sounds from the instrument – from dark and mellow to bright and penetrating. This flexibility (sometimes called malleability of tone) is what players refer to when they say an instrument has a lot of character. As one professional noted, a great violin “can’t be a one-trick pony” – it should allow the violinist to shape the sound in many ways without the tone becoming bland. When trying violins, use a variety of bowing techniques and musical styles to see how the instrument adapts. Play lyrical passages, aggressive spiccato, and high-position melodies to ensure the violin remains expressive in all cases.

Tip: It’s often useful to have another skilled violinist play the instrument while you listen from a distance. Violins can sound different under the ear versus to an audience. This can help you judge projection and tone objectively. Many advanced players will also try the violin in different acoustics (small room vs. concert hall) if possible, to ensure the sound quality holds up in various settings.

Craftsmanship and Materials: Why They Matter

When it comes to fine violins, build quality and materials dramatically influence sound and playability. Advanced players should pay close attention to how and from what a violin is made:

Handmade vs. Factory-Made: Most professional violins are handcrafted by skilled luthiers rather than mass-produced in factories. A violin made by a renowned maker or workshop typically features fine workmanship: carefully carved arches, well-fitted joints, and meticulous varnishing. These details aren’t just cosmetic – they affect the sound and responsiveness. Factory-made student violins, on the other hand, are often built in assembly lines with less individual adjustment. They may lack the refined setup and graduations that yield the best tone. A handcrafted violin, even by a modern maker, is often superior in quality because of the luthier’s expertise and attention to detail. In short, an artisan violin will usually outperform a factory violin, though exceptions exist. If possible, learn about who made the instrument and their reputation.
Tonewoods and Material Quality: The choice of wood is critical. The top (soundboard) is usually spruce and the back, sides, and neck are maple on quality violins. Advanced players should look for instruments made from aged, high-quality tonewoods. Spruce has excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio for sound production, and maple provides brightness and structural strength. If a violin’s woods are well-seasoned (often decades or even centuries old in the case of antiques), the instrument can produce more resonant and complex tones. Also examine the fittings (fingerboard, pegs, etc.) – ebony fingerboards and quality ebony or rosewood pegs are signs of a well-appointed violin built to last. Lower-quality violins might use composite or inferior woods that can deaden sound or warp over time.
Fine Craftsmanship Details: Inspect the violin’s craftsmanship closely. Check the symmetry of the carving, the smoothness of the scroll, and how neatly the purfling (the decorative inlay around the edges) is executed. High-end violins will exhibit clean workmanship; sloppy details can indicate a lower-quality build. Also look at the varnish: good varnish has a purpose beyond looks – it protects the wood and can even influence tone. Older violins might have a patina and some wear, which is normal, but ensure there are no thick layers of paint-like varnish often found on cheap instruments.
Durability and Condition: If you are considering an antique or older violin (many professionals play instruments that are decades or centuries old), evaluate the instrument’s condition. It’s common for older violins to have some repairs, but they should be done professionally. Look for cracks, especially on the top plate, and see that any repaired cracks are sound and stable. All seams should be well-glued with no separations. Ask if the violin has all original parts (e.g., original scroll, bass bar) or major repairs. A well-maintained older violin can be a gem, but a poorly repaired one can lead to headaches. When buying from a shop or luthier, much of this will be taken care of or disclosed (reputable shops typically ensure their instruments are in top shape). If buying from a private seller or at auction, you may need to hire an independent luthier to inspect the violin’s condition. Remember, a fine violin should not only sound great but also stand up to many years of use.

In summary, advanced players should favor violins with excellent craftsmanship and materials. A violin that is well-built will not only sound better but also maintain its performance over time. Quality craftsmanship is the foundation that allows an instrument to reach its full potential in terms of sound and playability.

Playability and Comfort: Setup Is Key

Even the most expensive violin can frustrate a player if it isn’t properly set up for optimal playability. Playability refers to how easy and comfortable the instrument is to play, which is especially important for professionals who practice and perform for many hours. Key elements to consider include:

Professional Setup: Check that the violin’s setup has been done by an expert. The bridge should be the correct height and curvature for the fingerboard, and it should be precisely fitted to the top of the violin. The soundpost (the small wooden dowel inside the violin) must be correctly positioned to support the top and transmit sound; a misplaced soundpost can choke the tone or even damage the instrument. The nut (at the top of the fingerboard) should have grooves at the right depth so strings aren’t too high or too low in first position. Just because a violin was previously owned by a great player doesn’t mean it’s optimized for you. Sometimes adjusting the setup (bridge, soundpost, strings) can significantly improve playability on a given instrument. When you’re trying instruments, don’t hesitate to ask the luthier or dealer about the setup or request minor adjustments – a good shop will accommodate this.
String Action and Tension: String height (action) plays a big role in comfort. If the strings are too high above the fingerboard, it will require more effort to press them down, slowing you down and causing left-hand fatigue. If they’re too low, you might get buzzes or a loss of dynamic range. A professional violin usually has its strings set to an optimal height that allows strong playing without buzzing. Also consider the strings on the violin – advanced players often use high-quality strings (like Pirastro Evah Pirazzi, Thomastik Dominant or Peter Infeld, etc.) that enhance sound. The wrong strings can make a great violin sound mediocre, so find out what strings are installed and consider if changing them would benefit you. Many advanced players prefer strings that match their playing style; for instance, gut or synthetic core strings for warmer complex tone vs. steel core for brightness and stability.
Neck and Fingerboard Feel: Comfort of the neck is a personal preference but crucial. The thickness and shape of the neck must feel right in your hand. If you have smaller or larger hands, some violins will simply feel more “at home” than others. The fingerboard should be smooth, with a slight scoop (concave curve) along its length to prevent buzzing. Check for any irregularities or worn spots on the fingerboard. Shifting positions should feel seamless, and double-stops should ring true without finger strain. If something feels off (for example, if certain notes buzz or the fingerboard feels too flat/too curved), a luthier may need to dress the fingerboard or adjust the nut/bridge.
Balance and Weight: While violins don’t vary hugely in weight, subtle differences can affect playing comfort. A well-balanced violin (not too heavy in the scroll, for instance) will feel agile. Also consider the chinrest and shoulder rest setup you use – these accessories, though not part of the violin itself, can affect your comfort dramatically. When trialing a violin, use your own shoulder rest/chinrest setup if possible, so you’re evaluating the instrument and not struggling with unfamiliar equipment.
Play-Test for Comfort: The best way to assess playability is to play a variety of repertoire on the instrument. Try rapid passages (to test agility), lyrical sections (to see if you can sustain tone easily), high positions (to judge ease up the neck), and chords/double-stops (checking for even response across strings). The violin should feel like it’s working with you, not against you. If you notice your intonation is worse or you tire faster on a particular violin, it may be a setup issue or simply not the right instrument for you.

A professionally made violin that is well set-up will often feel almost effortless to play. As an advanced musician, you have honed techniques that a good instrument should accommodate readily. When you find a violin with great playability, it can actually improve your playing confidence because you’re not fighting the instrument.

Maker Reputation and Authenticity

For fine violins (especially older or antique ones), the maker’s reputation and the instrument’s authenticity are extremely important. These factors influence not only the sound and craftsmanship, but also the instrument’s value and investment potential:

Renowned Luthiers and Workshops: Many advanced players are drawn to instruments by famous makers – whether historical masters like Stradivari and Guarneri, or modern award-winning luthiers. Violins by renowned makers or from prestigious workshops tend to be highly sought after. They often come with a pedigree of quality, since these makers have established track records for producing superb instruments. For example, Cremona in Italy (hometown of Stradivari) and Mirecourt in France are regions known for their legacy of high-quality violin making. Owning a violin by a noted maker can also be a point of pride and a sound investment. However, there are many excellent modern makers whose names might not be as famous but who produce outstanding violins. When evaluating a violin, find out who made it, what school or style it represents, and how instruments by that maker are generally regarded in the professional community.
Authenticity and Certification: If you are shopping for an older or antique violin, proving its authenticity is crucial. The value of a fine violin is heavily dependent on it being a genuine example of the maker’s work. Reproductions, mislabeled instruments, or outright forgeries unfortunately do exist in the violin world. Always insist on a reputable certificate of authenticity for any violin that is claimed to be from a specific famous maker or period. Such a certificate should be from a recognized expert or firm (often specific to the region or maker, as expertise can be niche) and include details like the maker’s name, date of making, location, and any known provenance (history of previous owners, etc.). Authenticity not only gives peace of mind that you’re getting what you pay for, but it significantly impacts the instrument’s value and resale potential. Be wary of deals that seem “too good to be true” on violins purported to be old Italians or other famous types without proper papers.
Provenance and History: A fine violin often comes with a story. Knowing the provenance (previous owners, where it’s been) can add to the instrument’s character. Sometimes instruments previously owned by prominent violinists, or those with interesting histories, carry extra cachet. While provenance in itself doesn’t make a violin sound better, it can contribute to its collectible value. For working musicians, provenance is a secondary consideration to playability and sound, but it’s still worth noting if the instrument has any certificates noting past owners or if it was part of a notable collection.
Modern Makers vs. Antiques: Advanced players often face the choice between buying a newer instrument from a living maker or an antique instrument. Each has pros and cons. Antique violins (over 100 years old, for example) from reputable makers can have a beautiful matured sound and hold their value well, but they are usually more expensive and may require more maintenance (due to their age). Contemporary makers offer the chance to get a freshly made instrument often at a lower cost than an old Italian or French violin, and many modern instruments are outstanding. In fact, some experts point out that “many younger new makers are producing instruments with incredible value” – the quality can be fantastic while their prices are still accessible, compared to older instruments by established names. Additionally, with a new violin you often get the maker’s support for adjustments, and you don’t inherit any wear-and-tear issues. Ultimately, whether old or new, judge the instrument on its own merits. Some soloists play modern violins that sound just as powerful as 18th-century ones, proving that a well-made violin is timeless.

For a professional musician, the maker and authenticity matter not just for bragging rights, but because they often correlate with the instrument’s reliability and quality. Do thorough research or consult an expert if you’re considering investing in a particular maker’s work. Remember, a big name can command a high price, but the right violin for you might come from an unexpected source. What matters most is how the violin sounds and feels in your hands.

Budget and Investment Considerations

High-quality violins for advanced players can range widely in price, so setting a realistic budget is an important early step. Professional-level violins often start in the five figures. For instance, a truly professional violin (one suitable for orchestral or solo career use) often costs $10,000 or more, extending into the hundreds of thousands for top-tier antique instruments. Here’s how to approach the budget and value question:

Determining Your Price Range: Evaluate how much you are willing and able to invest in an instrument. It’s wise to set a budget range before you start seriously trying violins, as this will help narrow your options. As one luthier advises, “have a clear budget and be honest about it. You’ll only end up disappointed if you find your perfect instrument that costs 10 times more than what you can afford.”. Fine violins can be very expensive, so knowing your limit prevents falling in love with an instrument outside your range. That said, be prepared that you might need to spend a bit more than a student instrument; you are paying for quality materials and expert craftsmanship.
Value vs. Price: Price alone doesn’t guarantee the perfect violin for you. An instrument’s value is a combination of its tone, condition, maker, and how well it suits your needs. Sometimes a lesser-known maker’s violin at $15,000 might sound and play better to you than a more famous maker’s instrument at $50,000. It’s important to judge each violin on its individual merits. When testing instruments, try some both below and above your budget if possible – you might find a hidden gem at a lower price, or realize it’s worth stretching a bit for a significantly better instrument. Keep in mind also that dealers often have some flexibility in price or trade-in options, so it never hurts to communicate what you love and what your budget constraints are.
Investment Potential: Some advanced players also consider the investment aspect of buying a fine violin. Certain instruments (especially by famous deceased makers) tend to appreciate in value over time, or at least hold their value, making them not just musical tools but financial assets. If this is important to you, do note that instruments with certification, rare pedigree, or historical significance are more likely to appreciate. However, the market can be unpredictable. A good piece of advice from experts is that the primary “investment” in a violin should be the quality of sound and performance you get for the price, rather than banking on monetary appreciation. It is possible to achieve both – a wonderful sounding violin that also gains value – but never buy an instrument you don’t love playing simply because you hope it will be worth more later. There is always some risk in treating a violin as an investment, especially if you are not intimately familiar with the market. If investment is a major consideration, consult dealers or experts who specialize in fine instruments for guidance.
Total Cost of Ownership: When budgeting, factor in additional costs that might come with a fine violin. These include insurance (a must for a valuable instrument), bow upgrades (a better violin may reveal limitations in your current bow; advanced bows can cost thousands as well), and regular maintenance (like bow rehairs, string replacements, and check-ups with a luthier). If you’re upgrading from a student instrument, you might also consider a better case to protect your new investment. It’s better to be prepared for these expenses as part of owning a professional violin.
Resale and Trade-in: Ask about trade-in policies if you’re buying from a violin shop. Some shops will allow you to trade up your instrument in the future, crediting a portion of the purchase towards a more expensive violin later on. This can be valuable if you think you might upgrade again down the line. Also, inquire about the violin’s resale liquidity – well-known models or makers might be easier to resell if needed. However, if you choose wisely, you may keep this instrument for a lifetime.

In essence, buying a professional violin is as much an investment in your artistry as it is a financial transaction. Spend what you need to get an instrument that inspires you, but do so wisely and within your means. A bit of research and planning on the budget front will ensure you end up with a violin that is worth every penny in terms of the musical satisfaction it provides.

Trial and Selection Process: Tips for Finding “The One”

Once you’ve done your homework on what to look for and set your budget, the actual process of trialing violins begins. This can be one of the most enjoyable parts of upgrading – playing many beautiful instruments – but it can also be overwhelming. Here are some tips to navigate the selection process effectively:

Plan Your Visits: Visit reputable violin shops, dealers, or exhibitions where you can try multiple professional violins in your price range. It might help to call ahead and let them know what you’re looking for (price range, any preferences) so they can have a selection ready. When you arrive, start by briefly playing each violin to get a first impression. “Keep the very first few tries short, so you don’t use too much time on instruments that are not right for you,” one luthier advises. You can typically tell within a minute or two if a violin has potential for you.
Use Consistent Testing Pieces: Prepare a few excerpts of music that cover a range of techniques to play on each violin. Many players use a scale or open strings first to listen to basic sound quality. Then have a fast passage (to test clarity and response), a lyrical piece (to test tone and sustain), and perhaps a few double-stops or chords (for resonance and evenness). By using the same pieces on each violin, you’ll more easily compare how they handle the material. Avoid jumping straight into extremely difficult repertoire when testing a violin you’ve never played – if you do, you might focus more on your playing accuracy than the instrument’s sound. Start simple, then increase complexity as needed.
Bring a Good Bow: Use the best bow you have access to when testing violins. A quality bow will draw out the instrument’s capabilities, whereas a subpar bow might limit the sound and make comparisons unfair. If you don’t own a high-level bow, see if you can borrow one from your teacher or a colleague while shopping for violins. The bow and violin work as a team; a great violin might not shine with a weak bow. Conversely, a great bow can sometimes make a decent violin sound better. Ideally, once you find a violin you like, you might later also invest in a bow that complements it, but one step at a time.
Compare and Narrow Down: As you try instruments, narrow the field methodically. It’s easy to lose track if you play too many violins in one day. Eliminate any violin that clearly doesn’t “speak” to you or that has obvious shortcomings. Don’t spend too long on a violin that you know isn’t right (out of politeness to the shop or hoping it will grow on you). Focus your energy on the top contenders. It might help to take notes for each instrument, or even have someone video or audio record short snippets of your playing for later reference (just ask the shop if they’re okay with recordings for personal review).
Home Trials: Whenever possible, see if you can take the top one or two violins home on trial for a week or so. Most violin dealers allow short-term trials, especially for expensive instruments, because they know you need to test the violin in environments where you’ll actually use it. Playing in your home, in a lesson, or in a concert hall you can access will give you a deeper sense of the instrument. If you have the time, it’s a good idea to keep the instruments that you like for a few days. During a home trial, play the instrument each day and see if your initial love for it grows or fades. Also, check how it feels on different days (sometimes an instrument might feel different day to day based on climate, your mood, etc.—consistency is a good sign).
Get Second Opinions (Selectively): It’s wise to have another trusted violinist or teacher listen to you play the instrument, or have them play it so you can listen. A second pair of ears can provide valuable feedback on projection and tonal character from the audience perspective. However, be cautious about soliciting too many opinions. As the Sydney String Centre guide notes, “too many opinions may actually make the process more complicated. Only consult those who you trust.”. Everyone has personal taste; one person might love the bright sound of a violin that another finds harsh. Ultimately, you need to love the instrument. Use outside input to gather observations (e.g., “Violin A projects more, but Violin B has a warmer G string”), not final judgments.
Trust Your Instincts: After evaluating all the technical factors, it often comes down to a personal connection. Which violin do you find yourself most excited to play again? Which one inspires you to keep exploring new musical ideas? That emotional pull is important. A violin might check all the boxes on paper, but if it doesn’t inspire you, you might keep searching. Conversely, you might fall in love with an instrument that has a quirk or two – if those can be adjusted or lived with, that’s fine. In the end, choose the violin that feels like “home” when you play it. As one expert put it, an instrument that feels right will boost your confidence and let you sound your best.

By approaching the selection process with a mix of practical testing and personal reflection, you’ll increase the chances of finding the violin that’s meant for you. It’s a significant effort, but remember that the outcome is an instrument you may be playing for decades. Taking the time to choose carefully is well worth it.

Conclusion

Choosing a fine violin as an advanced player or professional is a journey that blends knowledge, patience, and intuition. This professional violin buying guide covered the essential factors – from evaluating sound quality, craftsmanship, and playability to considering maker reputation and investment value – that come into play when selecting a top-tier instrument. By focusing on the aspects that matter most (authenticity, condition, sound, comfort, and personal connection), you can make an informed purchase that will serve you musically for years to come.

Remember that the best violin for you is one that elevates your playing and inspires you every time you pick it up. Take your time, seek advice from trusted experts, and trust your own ears and hands in the process. Whether it’s a modern masterpiece or a centuries-old treasure, the right violin will feel like a true partner in your artistic journey. Happy playing and good luck finding that exceptional instrument that resonates with your soul and allows your artistry to flourish!