6 Best Violin Accessories Beginner, Intermediate and Professionals

The violin is a magical musical instrument. By playing such a beautiful instrument, comes the need to accessorize it. I believe this is the case for any new or experienced violin player! These accessories have helped me improve as a violin player and have made the learning process exquisitely more fun. While learning violin, you’ll need to acquire some knowledge about various violin accessories. Beginner, intermediate and advanced level performers can use these accessories to their advantage. The right use of these accessories can improve your performance exponentially.

3 Best Violin Accessories for Beginners and Intermediate Players

From beginners to professionals every musician needs to have violin accessories to improve their skills. Here are my favorite picks for beginner and intermediate students – 

1. Violin String Set

Your violin will come with its own string but still, you need to have extra sets of strings. You’ll have to replace these strings from time to time throughout your journey with the violin.

What should you look for while buying a violin string set?

As violin strings are the most crucial part of the violin, you need to be extra careful while choosing a set of violin strings. 

However, as a musician, you should try a couple of string sets to see which one works for you.

Besides, while buying string sets, here’s something that you should keep in mind. 

Initially set a price range that you want to go for. 

After that look for the thickness that you want. Different thicknesses produce different sounds. 

Then it’s time to assess the material.

Normally modern strings are made of synthetic material so try to go for those.
Now let me describe my 3 favorite violin string sets below: –

Super Sensitive Steel core 4/4 Violin Strings: Violin string Set

The brand Super Sensitive manufactures good quality violin string sets on a friendly budget. You’ll get E, A, D, and G these 4 strings in a set. 

However, these strings are made of full steel core along with nickel winding, the red label strings provide outstanding tonal quality and also dependability. 
These are the strings that you surely can rely on. You can expect to hear the same sound each time you play, rather than continuously having to readjust it. Well, I would recommend these excellent strings to be utilized by beginner students. 

Pros	Cons
Super budget-friendly string sets.	Increased warm tone.
Suitable sound.

Why should you choose this product?

This accessory helps to produce amazing sound quality, is dependable, and is reasonably priced.

Thomastik Dominant 4/4: Violin String Set

Dominant strings of this string set are more popular. These were the first strings produced with a synthetic core. However, these strings come with stable pitch and flexibility.  They come with different lengths and gauges or thicknesses, so you will be sure about the size according to your violin. Mainly this set was designed for intermediate students and are highly encouraged to buy this set.

Pros	Cons
Improved sound quality.	Increased warm tone
Long-lasting durability.

Why should you choose this product?

If you’re looking to improve the sound quality, then grab this set right now.

D’Addario Helicore 4/4 Size Violin String set

Giving you optimum playability, the D’Addario Helicore strings are the most versatile strings in the market. Produced with a multi-standard steel core will give your violin a warm sound tone. You’ll have a quick bow because of the smaller string diameter.  And the quality of materials will give you excellent sound pitch stability and durability. However, this string set is highly recommended for advanced students.

Pros	Cons
Versatile strings.	Ring sound issues.
Excellent playability.
Produces a mild tone.

Why should you choose this product?

It’s a versatile string that produces a warm tone sound in a set.

2. Violin pickups

First, you need to know what violin pickups are! So, violin pickups are mainly a kind of device that catches the vibration of the violin and modifies them into electronic signals. However, you can record and amplify the sound through violin pickups. If you want to learn more about violin pickup, You can read our extensive buying guide on our website. Now, let’s dive into 3 violin pickups that I’ve picked for you –

Fishman V-200 Classic Series: Violin pickup

The Fishman company is famous for its expertise in instrumental amplification. The Fishman V-200 series is the incarnation of the V-100 which is another best-selling product. High-quality and piezo-ceramic violin pickup that reproduces sound from your violin. You won’t need any alternation while installing. It uses a Carpenter-style and 1/4 output jack. It doesn’t need any batteries for being a passive pickup. Therefore, I recommend this violin pickup for beginners. As it’s easy to use and the installation process is much easier.

Pros	Cons
High-quality pickups.	Not expert friendly.
Produces an elegant natural tone.
Easy to install.
Lightweight.

Why should you buy this product?

You will get a high-quality violin pickup on a friendly budget. According to the performance, there won’t be any other competitors. 

KNA VV-3 Detachable Passive Piezo Pickup

A budget-friendly lightweight pickup that transmits the sound of your violin and keeps it natural. Hence, this pickup amplifies a clear, transparent, and warm tone. Firstly, to set it up, clip the bridge, and then connect the little ebony jack output box which is connected to the side of your violin. With that being said, I would strongly recommend this product for beginner students for its easy installation and amazing quality.

Pros	Cons
Easy installation.	Durability issues.
No instrument modification is required.

Why should you buy this product?

Solid ebony and cork-lined ¼ carpenter jack that can produce a clear, warm tone. Also, the installation is super easy.

LR Baggs Violin Pickup with External Jack Mount

This LR Baggs bridge pickup looks very cautious and sounds amazing. With the multi-directional sensor, it can deliver natural sound. This pickup comes with transducers that reject all sorts of unwanted sounds. In this context, I have to add that this device is perfect for classical musicians. So from my experience, I would say that this pickup is for intermediate students.

Pros	Cons
Produces natural sound.	Hard installation process.
Multi-directional sensor produces smoother sound.

Why should you buy this product?

This is a pickup that has a multi-directional sensor and rejects undesirable sounds. It amplifies smooth and natural sound.

3. Violin bridges

Like all the other parts of the violin, the bridge is also an important part. It supports the violin string and helps transmit the vibration created by the strings to the soundboard. Thus, this ensures good sound quality.

What should you look for while buying a Violin Bridges?

There are many factors to look for while hunting for the best violin bridge. And the wood certainly plays an important role.

As the bridge is made of wood, you have to look carefully at which wood is being used.

The maple wood is the best for violin bridges.

Then comes the curvature. It plays a great role in sound-making. It affects the height of your strings and controls how far apart the string can be kept. 

A bridge without a good curvature will not produce good sound. You’ll miss notes and the tones will be deeper.

Now the brands. A good brand will produce great bridges, keeping in mind of the experts. There are a few brand names that stand out in the crowd of competitors. Despiau, Aubert – Joseph Teller, Glaesel are the names of brands that have been making great bridges for a long time now.
Now, among all the best violin bridges in the market, I’ve selected the 3 best violin bridges for you.

Classic Music Genuine Despiau Superieur Violin Bridge

This amazing wooden bridge is 42 mm wide and works very well. The body is made with maple wood which gives it outstanding durability. This bridge holds its reputation by showing its performance. Surprisingly, it gives you outstanding quality and affordability. However, I picked this one for beginner students because of its reasonable price range.

Pros	Cons
Affordable.	Complex installation
Quality sound.
Amazing durability.

Why should you buy this product?

Made with maple wood, that gives amazing durability, affordability, in such an affordable price range.

Aubert VB-7 Select Figured Violin Bridge

So, are you looking for a bridge that would look rich and would give you nice durability? Then Aubert VB-7 is the right bridge for you. Over time this bridge held its glorious reputation as it showed its amazing performance. Moreover, this bridge will work with a 4/4 violin set. The dried maple wood that is used to make this bridge, gives a nice finishing and will make your experience ten times greater. Personally, I’m very impressed by its performance. I would recommend this for intermediate students.

Pros	Cons
Awesome durability.	Complex adjusting.
Quality experience.

Why should you buy this product?

If you need awesome durability with a good reputation of working amazingly then choose this immediately.

Barcus Berry 1320B Electric Violin Bridge

This violin bridge was produced for classical musicians. Its unique style makes it stand out in a crowd. Talking about durability, this bridge will offer you amazing performance and you’ll be amazed by the sound it can produce. However, this violin bridge is simple to set up. So you won’t face many difficulties. As per my research and experience, I would suggest these bridges to intermediate students.

Pros	Cons
Fine durability.	Expensive
Offers remarkable acoustic performance

Why should you buy this product?

It’ll fit for most violins. The wooden craftsmanship gives the bridge more stability and this makes the sound even smoother.

3 Best Violin Accessories for Advanced and Professional Players

People who love to play violin always want to pick up new accessories for their violin. But as a violinist I know sometimes it’s difficult to choose only a few important accessories when there’s a sea of things at your disposal. So, it can be really challenging to find the ones that are best suited for you.

So, based on my years of violin knowledge, I’ve come up with the Top 3 Accessories for Professional Violinists. Moreover, each violin product has its own purpose and advantages.

1. Shoulder Rest

The shoulder rest is attached to the violin’s back and sits on your shoulder and collarbone. Moreover, it helps to move the violin closer so that your other hand does not need to stretch as far. The best part of a shoulder rest is that you would love to enhance the whole experience of playing, and shoulder rest will allow you the opportunity to feel the vibration of the violin. Some of my personal favorites I used from Amazon are – Kun Original 4/4, YMC Deluxe Maple Wood, EVEREST EZ-4A, and Wolf Forte Secondo.

Kun Original 4/4

Kun Original 4/4 has been in the shoulder rest industry for over 40 years. So, a lot of people follow them. Also, it is known for its extraordinary features to attract professional violinists.

Pros	Cons
Affordable price	Screw in problems
Good Design
Easily adjustable feet

Why Should You Choose Kun Original 4/4?

This particular shoulder rest provides a delicate curve to sit comfortably on your shoulder and stop your violin from sliding. Also, the leg features extra adjustment holes to accommodate a wealth of body shapes, which is undoubtedly a great feature for professionals.

YMC (Deluxe Maple Wood version)

Now for such a beautiful accessory of violin which is carved with and enclosed in woody boundaries. It also comprises a sophisticated and glazed finish and is crafted employing an elegant natural wood grain. This has been extracted using several different kinds of wood that will compliment your instrument perfectly.

Pros	Cons
Adjustable Tail-End.	Not budget-friendly.
Good height adjustment.

Why Should You Choose YMC Deluxe Maple Wood version?

It has a smoothly worked curve that gives the instrument lift and follows the contour of your shoulder. This particular violin accessory is an established and sustainable one that produces an adequate level of comfort.

EVEREST EZ-4A

Perhaps I might like to consider another accessory with a thin structure. This particular one is extremely reasonable in terms of price and doesn’t wobble at all. This alters with a stature scope of approximately a large portion of an inch. Simultaneously, the feet of this accessory can be situated for about three-fourths of the area of standard size violins. Moreover, each foot has three horizontal holes. So, you can put the left foot in the innermost hole, and the right foot in the outermost hole. This moves the bulge directly over the shoulder. This specific tool has an absorbent bottom half which gives off comfortable padding. Similarly, because the bending isn’t too conspicuous, it’s intended to encourage postural stability.

Pros	Cons
Strong exterior.	Improper curves
Flexible adjusting mechanism.
Glazed stands

Why Should You Choose EVEREST EZ-4A?

This specific violin accessory requires a minimal amount of capital that gives a lengthy remedy. It perpetuates postural stability and can oblige a viola. The tail-end of this attachment is covered to preserve your violin in great condition. This is because its synthetic composition means it is virtually indestructible, although the foam may need replacing from time to time.

Wolf Arched Rest ‘Forte Secondo’ (New Edition)

We have hand-picked another new edition variant which has a bow molded shape and it gives a bigger choice with the exterior area. For front-to-back shoulder alignment, it includes an adjustable slope. However, its sickle structure and positioning imply that this accessory doesn’t need a lot of a curve. This violin accessory changes in size by giving liberal stature adjustment. This varies in length from one or one and a fourth inch to around three inches. In the meanwhile, the stands are simple to adjust and feature an arched form that helps them become gentler. Elevated padding is another useful choice. This feature is rather extensive.

Pros	Cons
Extended bow shape.	Adjustability issues
Liberal stature change.
Padded exterior.

Why Should You Choose Wolf Arched Forte Secondo?

This violin accessory is constructed properly. Additionally, the densely concentrated foam is fairly thick compared to various other accessories. A professional who needs a constant requirement of practicing violin will highly need this because the width diminishes the chance of your accessory skidding and plunging.

2. Rosin

For an advanced level or professional violinist, rosin is a very important accessory. Rosin is a solid form of resin usually made from pines and some other plants. In the beginning, you might not need rosin but with time you will understand the importance of rosin. There are varieties of rosin in the market, each in different colors and styles. So, sometimes it can be pretty hard to find the best rosin for your violin. Now, I will talk about the 3 best Rosins that I personally used as a professional.

Guillaume Rosin

Guillaume rosin is French rosin and Tin Box Rosin is made from 100% natural French resins, each with its particular qualities. It is a darker kind of amber shade rosin. Also, it comes in a box and is attached to the cloth. As a result, it easily goes with different bows. It is something you can buy randomly out of curiosity but trust me it is worth purchasing for a professional who plays violin daily.

Pros	Cons
Easily fits every bow.	Cheap Packaging.
Affordable.

Why Should You Choose Guillaume rosin?

Guillaume rosin gives a very subtle improvement in a tone that can easily please a professional violinist mood. Also, it is recommended by many famous violinists and especially one of my favorites Nicola Benedetti. If you want to soothe your play, then Guillaume is a must-have as a professional.

Original Millant Deroux Rosin

The Original Milliant Deroux is dark rosin for violin. If you are looking for something which gives a clear and subtle sound, then it is a great product. Many professionals use it because of its fantastic grip.

Pros	Cons
Great grip.	Easily breaks.
Not crusty.
Sticks to strings easily.

Why Should You Choose Original Millant Deroux?

 This rosin has 100 years of tradition yet comes at a very cheap price. It gives a good grip which will make your play so much better. Additionally, you want something which will help you to give a spectacular performance with a unique clear sound in professional performance.

Pirastro Violin Rosin

Pirastro Violin Rosin is quality rosin. Professional violinists love to use a harder and dryer rosin; this is why it is the best rosin for professionals.

Pros	Cons
Warm smooth sound.	Poor packaging.
Brighter harmonic tone.

Why Should You Choose Pirastro Violin Rosin?

It is one of the nicest playable rosins for professionals. As a result, it goes with bows and gives an extraordinary sound. So, if you are on a budget and still need rosin for your next show then do not lose your grip on this particular rosin.

3. Violin Mute

For an advanced or professional violinist, practicing every day is necessary. But the violin is not like the usual instruments. It gives a sharp tone which often becomes a reason for loud volume. And, here violin mutes come for rescue. Violin mutes not only reduce the sound of your play but also produce more color. Is there any professional who does not want to create more vivid color by dampening the vibrations? There are plenty of violin mutes made of rubber, leather, wood and you just need to find the best for your use. Finally, I will discuss the top 4 violin mutes from Amazon which I generally love to use for my late-night practice.

Otto Musica Artino Practice Mute

Otto Musica Artino Practice mute is a rubber mute. Also, it is very flexible and does a very nice job of dampening the volume. So, if as a professional you are looking for something small and orchestral you can go for this one.

Pros	Cons
Does not affect sound quality.	Hard to fit in some violins.
Comparatively cheaper.
Small in size so easily can be carried.

Why Should You Choose Otto Musica Artino’s Practice Mutes? 

This violin mute gives a warm and mellow sound which certainly does the job of reducing sound without affecting your neighbors. Many professionals use it as it is very nice to play. Nonetheless, not every mute can dampen the volume as well as keep the sound quality intact like the Otto Musica Artino Practice Mute.

Unxuey Metal Violin Mute

The Unxuey Metal Violin Mute is one of the most durable violin mutes. It is made of metal. This one easily fits in and helps to cancel more sound.

Pros	Cons
Fits all violin sizes from 1/2-4/4.	Can easily damage your instrument as it is made of wood.
Easily portable.

Why Should You Choose the Unxuey Metal Violin Mute?

The Unxuey Metal Violin Mute is a metal mute and it provides maximum damping power. It does not break easily like other mutes.

Menushin Shield Type Mute

Menushin Shield Type Mute is another metal mute. It does not rattle at all and gives off a very soothing sound.

Pros	Cons
Dampens the higher pitch.	Quite Expensive
Perfect for normal use

Why Should you choose Menushin Shield Type?

Sometimes professionals put a lot of pressure while playing the violin which easily breaks the mute. Firstly, the Menushin Shield Type Violin mute does not break easily. Secondly, it creates beautiful music along with reducing the volume. Therefore, do not hesitate to buy it.

Pros & Cons of Using Violin Accessories

When I had just started out on the violin, I used to wonder – what do I need, other than the violin and the bow? I soon realized I’d need something to keep my violin and bow safely. I figured a violin case is probably the first thing I need in terms of violin accessories. A broad range of instruments goes perfectly with the violin, for instance, a viola, woodwind, and harps.

Violinists carry the violin case around to rehearsals, lessons, and performances. So, there are a few items that are essential to carry like a violin, bow, orchestra mute, cleaning cloth, shoulder rest, tuning fork, and most importantly a spare set of strings for an emergency. Although it does make my violin heavier, I still prefer it to be safe in this case. 

Once I got my case, I realized it comes with many small compartments inside. I soon got to know those compartments are for things like a humidifier and a thermometer. Having a humidifier is very helpful during dry weather. However, I have to constantly make sure the strings don’t lose tension and the humidifier is at the correct setting. Similarly, a thermometer also looks pretty neat inside my case. But since I did not buy a very expensive case, the thermometer wasn’t functioning properly. Thus, it was giving me the wrong readings for quite some time.

History of Violin Accessories

History’s most ancient stringed musical instrument could’ve been a hunting weapon back in the day. There were cave paintings in France which are thought to be from 13,000 BC. These paintings showed some sort of a hunting bow that had a single string to make music. As time went on, stringed instruments were modified with some added features. This led to the discovery of many more stringed instruments. If you go through history, you’ll see that in the sixteenth century the violin was invented. 

With the violin, you can play a variety of songs in different genres. You can perform with violin in orchestras, bands, or even do solo performances. I used to wonder – where did rosin come into play among so many possibilities? It was widely used to create bow friction on stringed instruments. Rosin is also commonly known as colophony, named after the Greek-Turkish city – Colophon. 

This just depicts that there is a historical interconnection between music and war. These incidents point to a strong link between musical instruments and their rich history.

Relevant FAQ

Conclusion

To sum up, “Violin Playing” is an art. Proper maintenance and accessories can enhance the beauty of your violin. In this article, I have tried my best to provide all the necessary information about the accessories one should buy for their professional use. Moreover, I have also described the Top 3 violin accessories I love to use and talked about their advantages and disadvantages. Hope this article will help you to find the best accessories. Happy playing!