Old Italian violins are deemed the king of all violins. ... Most of the violinists in the study went in with the notion that old is better than new, according to Giora Schmidt, a solo violinist who played old Italian instruments like Stradivarius for most of his career.

Do older violins sound better?

Overall, listeners preferred the sound of the new violins compared to the old ones. They also found that the new instruments projected their music better. In other words, to the listeners they seemed louder and more powerful.

Why do older violins sound better than new ones?

One thing that might explain why older instruments are perceived to sound better is natural selection. In the case of instruments this means that only the instruments which sounded good in the first place ever made it to old age.

Are violins better with age?

There is widespread belief among players of stringed musical instruments, and experienced listeners, that these instruments improve with age and/or playing. A previous study has reported some measurable changes associated with regular playing of a violin [1].

Should I buy a new or old violin?

the choice is yours. If you can't stand the look of a well used instrument then you should have a new violin. It will probably improve but might be a bit difficult to tame until it settles down whereas a used violin might have a more mellow sound but is unlikely to improve even though it is easier to play now.

Why Stradivarius violins are worth millions

26 related questions found

How do you know if a violin is good quality?

When you look at the seams of the violin, they should be elegantly sealed with no visible glue or rough edges. The more finely carved the scroll, the higher the quality of the violin. On a quality violin, the purfling, or the thin black lines that outline the top of the violin, will be inlaid, rather than painted.

Is it okay to buy a used violin?

While there is no way to accurately compare new and used instruments directly, in most cases, you should pay less for a used violin than for a new one at the same level. Buying a used violin can be a great idea if you're already familiar with violins and can give an accurate assessment of an instrument.

Is an old violin worth anything?

In fact, the vast majority of old violins that people find tucked away in attics and closets are not worth much. Or anything. Even if the label says "Stradivarius". ... So that "valuable" old violin may not be so valuable in a decrepit condition.

How long will a violin last?

A violin lasts over 200 years, sometimes longer, [so] market saturation is reached very quickly – Giorgio Grisales.

Does playing a violin make it sound better?

Actually, yes it does. Although there are a few changes that you can make to improve the sound of an inexpensive beginner instrument, such as changing to a high quality string set or buying a better bow, a quality crafted violin sounds different (and more pleasing) because it is different.

Are old violins better than new violins?

Old Italian violins are deemed the king of all violins. ... Most of the violinists in the study went in with the notion that old is better than new, according to Giora Schmidt, a solo violinist who played old Italian instruments like Stradivarius for most of his career.

What is a valuable violin?

The Dolphin Stradivari

The "Dolphin" Stradivari from 1714, also belongs on the list of the most valuable violins ever made. It is estimated at 4 million euros and is owned by the Nippon Music Foundation. Currently, it is played by the violinist Akiko Suwanei.

What were old violins made of?

Some very old violins were made with maple fingerboards carrying a veneer of ebony. At the peg end of the fingerboard sits a small ebony or ivory nut, infrequently called the upper saddle, with grooves to position the strings as they lead into the pegbox.

How long should violin wood be aged?

Some say three to four years of drying is sufficient, and others argue for wood that has aged for at least ten years. Experts say the difference is seen in quality, which is factored into the material pricing (less-aged wood is priced lower).

Where do the best violins come from?

Cremona, Italy, is the world capital of violin-making, and is the birthplace of the famous Stradivarius violins that can be worth millions of dollars.

How long do student violins last?

Although there really is no set timetable, in general, students are ready for a better violin after three to four years of playing on a beginner violin. However, some students may be ready for an advanced instrument after the first or second year, while it may take others longer.

Should you loosen violin strings when not playing?

If you loosen your bow, should you also loosen the strings of your violin? Answer: Nope! Please don't untune your violin. It is better for your instrument, for your strings and save you a lot of work!

How do you store a violin long term?

So, store your violin in the most stable place possible in terms of temperature and humidity, in a case, loosen a bit your strings (not too much) when storing for a long time, especially if they are of the strong tension type, learn about the hygrometry of your place by reading a hygrometer a different times and ...

What is an old violin called?

The Arabian rabab and the rebec, which came from the orient in the middle ages and was played widely in Spain and France in the fifteenth century, are said to be the ancestors of the violin. Near the end of the middle ages, a bowed stringed instrument called a fiddle appeared in Europe.

Do expensive violins sound better?

Higher end violins have a more desirable look, sound, and ease of playing that will keep you motivated on your journey to learn the violin. A cheaper model violin can easily start to be associated with the difficulty of playability, sound, and more of a hassle than an enjoyment.

Are fake Stradivarius violins worth anything?

And, unfortunately, most of these "fake Stradivarius" are not very valuable. You'll find them all over eBay, Craigslist, other used instruments sites, and tucked away in attics, basements, closets, and barns, for anywhere from free to a few hundred dollars.

Do violins lose value?

Are old violins better than new ones? ... Generally speaking, violins (or violas or cellos) are like almost any other purchase you make: except for certain professional instruments, they are most valuable when they are new and will not increase in value over time. This is especially true for beginner instruments.

Does Yamaha sell violins?

Yamaha Violins | Music & Arts.

How do I know if my violin is second hand?

Inspect the instrument before you purchase it: Look out for any major damage that the instrument may have sustained from its previous owners, e.g. cracks or warping of the timber. Also, make sure that all of the individual parts of the instrument are in good condition.