Amidst the world of various violins, you will encounter violins having numerous strings. But have you wondered which one should you try? Well, the popular choice for this seems like 5 strings violin. Knowing about them more would make you fall in love with them. So the question is can a violin have 5 strings?
Yes, a violin can have 5 strings. There are myriads of violins where you will see the extra string attached to help you to tune it more perfectly. Breaking the usual rule of G, D, E, and A, there are lower strings too.
Well, every music-lover is more or less familiar with this majestic 5 string violin. Are you someone too? Then you might be interested to know more about this.
How about gathering some insights about this? Follow us.
A Brief History of 5 string Violin
From the advent of the violin family, the Renaissance era introduced many types of them – ranging from violas, cellos, and basses. But these instruments are often modified for solo use as per the industry demand.
To be precise, though the usual violin can cover a large number of strings including G strings, it failed in the C part. Thus, a major modification was needed.
This was done first by Bobby Hicks and he was the one behind its popularity. He had given a live depiction of the serene music of this violin in the performance of the Las Vegas. And successfully, it shook the entire audience.
What is 5 string violin?
The 5 string violin is nothing but a piece of modified violin having five strings. They are modified and processed in such a way so that they can have the ability to produce sweeter music which the G, A, D, and E strings are not capable to do. Thus, a C string is added to make this dream come true.
This is just an overview of the 5 string violin. If you want to know about them in detail, come with us to go through this segment.
Let’s dive in!
Structure of 5-string violin
The entire body and the neck both have a striking resemblance between them. However, within this similarity, the tune and strings can show some amazing differences.
To illustrate this, let’s consider an example. The string violin has the tunes set typically to G3, C3, A4, D4, and E5. This simple tuning helps the user to deliver the utmost music which the rest lacks.
Except that, there are even a bit of structure amendments. Like the violas tend to have deeper and wider bodies with the larger pegbox. All this creates room for the extra string.
Functions of 5-string violin
One of the most crucial functions of the 5-string violin is how much versatile and diverse it has the tuning quality. Every user wants the complete right over its instrument. And luckily, violas give that.
With the help of this simple modification, the musicians get access to play and train themselves with diversified music types. Whatever you like – jazz, fiddles, and swing – you can try all.
Difference between 4-string and 5-string violin
I know friends how often you find yourself in the dilemma of choosing the right type of violin. Again, most of the time, while weighing their pros and cons and the differences become totally clueless.
There are a handful of differences between the 4-string and the 5-string violin. Ranging from the material, design, spacing, and strings they vary a lot. When the users know these distinct features, it becomes clearer for them to come up with a decision.
Here’s the detailed chart to help you to do that. Swipe down to get the best part.
| Factors | 4 string violin | 5 string violin |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Spruce and ebony | Maple or rosewood |
| Number of strings | 4 (A, D, G, and E) | 5 (A, E, D, G, and C) |
| Shape | Regular | Larger |
| Sound Quality | Normal sound quality and a bit squeaky | Premium and soothing |
| Dimension | Narrower neck | Wider neck |
| Spacing between strings | Wider | Narrower |
| Music types | Classical and country music | Jazz, fiddler and swing |
| Application | Easy to learn for beginners | More user-friendly |
| Functionality | Can try only limited types of musical tunes | Can try several types of musical tunes |
How to choose 4 and 5 strings violin
I know how challenging it becomes to choose between the violins. The main problem arises while deciding what to try – 4 strings or the 5 strings violin. Well, to find the answer, you need to explore a bit more into them.
Knowing the pros and cons of both types of violin is something that can solve this confusion. Both of them have a handful of positive and negative sides. But what matters is to find out what really matters to you at this moment.
Isn’t it sound fun? Let’s jump right into it and decide on our favorite one.
Factors to consider to choose 4 string violin
While choosing the 4-string violin, you need to decide what you need for yourself. Furthermore, it also depends greatly on the type of music you want to play.
A detailed outline of the boons and banes would surely help you to clear your head. How about taking a look?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Perfect for classical and old times songs | Less range of tunes |
| Good for newbies who don’t need C strings | No tune in the lower end |
| Affordable price range | Can’t play all types of music |
| A narrower body makes it easier to carry | |
| Easy to learn |
Factors to consider to choose 5 string violin
Being a popular choice, indeed, 5-string violin seems to have a greater fanbase. But what’s so special about this? Again, every coin has two sides, and thus avoiding the negative sides is impossible.
Finding them out sooner can help you to decide if you want to try the hardness too along with the comfort zones.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extra C string | Wider neck hampers usability |
| Enhanced music quality | Adjusting can be harder |
| Musicians can explore greater music types | Can’t play all types of music |
| Perfect for the improviser | Beginners may find it challenging |
| Can try guitar solo music |
Why you should not choose 5 string violin as a beginner
Well if you have made up your mind to start your journey with the 5 strings violin, hats off to you. However, before coming to a conclusion, you should also get familiar with the points that might not satisfy all your needs.
Ever thought about why so many people decided not to go with the trend and avoid the 5-string violin? There must be some valid reasons! From functionality and design factors, there are a few factors.
Why not know them one by one?
Lots of people tend to stick to 4 string violins. This might be their sole preference, but if you are a musician you will know there are some factors that might disappoint you. Moreover, they can prove not so much helpful on the first try.
Here are some tips for you. If these are relatable avoid 5 string violin-like plague:
- You are a beginner and don’t know all the nitty-gritty of violin
- Price can be out of your budget
- Not interested to try lower end music
- Interested in classical music and country music
- A wider neck can be disturbing for the new learners
- The spacing of the string is narrower
How to learn 5-string violin
After learning about the opinions from both sides when you have decided to learn the 5 strings of a violin, several questions might pop out in your mind. Some of the common confusions that we observed are how hard it is to learn it and how much time it needs.
To be honest, ease and hardship totally vary from person to person. But according to the reviews of most of the musicians, they seemed to be pleased with the learning phase. Plus, it is easy to learn in a couple of months if you are trained right.
Is it hard to learn 5-string violin?
Learning to play 5 string violin is not challenging. It might look hard at first glance, but it will adapt to your type quite easily.
The wider neck and the narrow spacing might seem problematic, but with the proper training, you will ace it for sure.
I know someone who has been used to playing 4 strings may find it hard on the first try. But, dear, hang on and keep trying. Believe me, it’s not that hard.
How much time do you need to learn?
To learn with daily 2 hours of practice, you might need 5 years to become the master of the 5-string violin. But of course, with better endeavor and practice, it is possible to learn it within a couple of months.
So our suggestion would be to find someone who has been professionally trained and join them. Learning faster is guaranteed if you learn and practice consistently.
Where to find the 5 string violins
There are plenty of options if you are going to buy 5-string violins. But the main priority should be to find out where can you find the 5-string violins.
Actually, there are several places to find that. The list starts from a local market to the online stores, and you can simply visit them to have the best ones there.
Why not have an overview of the popular places to find the violins?
Local Market
The local market has plenty of aesthetic violins in stock for you. They are a great way to have a complete watch over the types, sizes, and brands. Plus, nothing beats the opportunity to experience the violins by hand and then buy it.
Online Stores
The online store gives you the flexibility to choose the 5 string violins without much hassle. However, there remains some confusion regarding the product, as we don’t know actually how good it is.
For these reasons, let’s consider some of the popular picks that we might try.
Electric 5-string violin
One of the most important and favorite electric 5 string violins is the Yinfente 4/4 violin 5 string Electric violin. It works magically in the hands of the musician. A top-class product, indeed.
Hybrid 5 string Violin
If you are into hybrid types, GLASSER CARBON COMPOSITE ACOUSTIC 5 STRING VIOLIN may be the one for you. In the world of amazing reviews, this seems the greater option out there. You can easily rely on this. Other than these, Mendini by Cecilio Violin Instrument, Vangoa Electric Violin, and Bunnel G1 Violin are also some of the all-time favorite products for musicians out there.
Final thoughts
All in all 5 strings and violins not only exist but also have a prominent effect on the users. They produce greater sound quality and allow the user to explore more music types. However, the size may sometimes upset the user.
Stay with my blog for more wonderful daily musician insights. Take care!
Frequently Ask Questions
Is 4 string or 5-string violin better?
The answer depends on what type of music you want to play. If you want to try a wide variety of music like jazz and fiddler go for 5 strings. Otherwise, for classical tunes, we would recommend you to try the traditional 4 strings.
Does a violin have 6 strings?
If you’re looking for acoustic violins 6 string is extremely rare. But in the endless world of electric violins, you have strings up to 10 or even more.
What does a violin with 5 strings call?
A violin with 5 strings is known as voila. A very common and easy name which you have heard in the mouths of the musicians time and again.
