Violin Brands To Avoid | 4 ways to avoid them

Is it worth bagging a cheap alternative to save a few extra bucks, or should you plan for the long run? Even though it is understandable not to want to spend an arm and a leg on unwanted or excessive features, the truth is far beyond this theory. Cheaper violins aren’t necessarily the worst. However, there are quite a few brands that you must avoid.

Obviously, I’m here to address the elephant in the room. You’re intrigued to know which Violin Brands To Avoid, and I have the answers. Keep skimming!

Should you take a chance with your violin’s sound quality and build even if you’re a beginner? The truth is, even though hefty price tags might only seem to suit professional violinists, you can’t really think any different. Even if your goal is to save a few bucks, you must avoid specific violin brands.

How to recognize good and bad violins?

Good Violins	Bad Violins
Made with traditional wood like ebony, especially in the tailpiece, chin rest, and fingerboard section	Made with flimsy materials
One master builder and great craftsmanship	Might be mass-produced in factories
Ready to play	You will have to set them up to play
Good quality control and maintains proper internal carving standards	Doesn’t comply with any standard benchmark hence, they are difficult to repair too
Violin made in European countries or with the luthier label are of high quality	Doesn’t belong to any specific brand or under any logo
Creates distinct rich and deep tones	The tones will come out nasally
The strings will be closer to the fingerboard, thus easier to play	Takes quite an effort to play lower quality violins

Many amateurs starting with violins seem to think that a splurge in violins initially would be a huge miss. Nevertheless, it might come to you as a surprise that not all cheap violins exude poor performance. But, the secret also lies within the brands of the violins. But do violin brands matter? More than you could think! Let me tell you why and how.

The Importance Of Choosing The Best Violin

During the course of learning the violin, users understand that quality overpowers quantity and price tags. Only pure craftsmanship and quality can bring out the best sounds and experience at the end of the day.

Features and price ranges can vary but, the knowledge shared can’t. Therefore, I’m breaking down why it’s vital to grab the best violin.

Right Craftsmanship

Putting all your trust in the build and hands of the luthier seems like a tough pill to swallow. However, luthiers are the sole component that can make or break this entire ordeal.

To gain all your money’s worth through its standard quality and sound, you must focus on its build. The making of designs and styles can vary significantly based on the luthiers’ expertise. Thus, your job is to find the best in town and splurge.

Sound Quality

With the best build comes the best sound quality. Finding an expert who can bring out the exact masterpiece that your ears crave might also need some trial and error. Since you’re learning the violin, you must remember that you’re also training your ears to specific sounds.

If you train your ears with faulty, nasally sounds and tones, you will, unfortunately, operate accordingly. Poor quality craftsmanship and string placement can make a world of difference.

Setting It Up

Best quality violins will arrive with the complete setup and ready to play. If the overall quality of the violin is poor, even a seamless setup can’t do remarkable changes. However, even when the perfect setup is executed on a good quality violin, it will boost your entire practice.

A few things to note about the setup are the bridge, nut, and strings. The nut depth mustn’t be too high or too low. The string quality also depends on its core material. The bridge of the violin must be placed appropriately at the top to avoid ineffective playability.

Tips To Identify Worst Brand And Violin

It’s adequate to say that not one particular brand can deteriorate your experience with violins. Since I want you to have the whole picture, let’s begin with a few red flags that these less-worthy violin brands feature. To start with, the construction, composition, and sound quality – they will all be ineffectively underwhelming, but how? Let’s get into it.

Sales And Price Tags

Did you know that even when infamous brands put up sales and lower prices, it’s because the violins are undervalued? Don’t get tricked, just by the tagline or logo. Do proper research before you jump on the bandwagon.

Chipping Paint

Two words and it should make you scream and run for the hills. Ebony-like paints are a notorious hoax cover used by many sellers. Simply, walk past such painted fingerboards if you, unfortunately, stumble across them.

Composite Wood

Composite wood will crumble under the effect when you apply extensive or even mediocre pressure on the violins. On the contrary, it’s inevitable to apply some force on violins, especially on the fingerboards and chin rest.

Plastic

Plastic violins have never made it near the top, nor will they ever, as they are so easily breakable and fragile. Moreover, plastic constructions require more tuning and frequent pitch fixes which doesn’t bode well with violinists.

Which Violin Brands to Avoid

Obviously, that wasn’t the end of it. Most of the underperforming violins often happen to be Chinese. Therefore it’s only reasonable to ask, are Chinese-made violins good? Whereas some users will force you to steer clear of all Chinese brands, I recommend that you research the ones priced below $400.

Chinese brands are quite unplayable and might cost you a fortune to repair them too, which might I add, will be quite a frequent occurrence. This is because the violins are extremely poorly made with no standard supervision and maintenance. When I posted on Quora “what violin brands should people avoid?” A user named, Ronal Mason replied with this.

Blank violins are sold through wholesalers and distributors to suppress the pricing even more.

And that fact alone is quite alarmingly misleading to most users. Amateur users with minimal knowledge might also grab Chinese brands over the internet due to great sales and buying deals. However, they will never fit the users’ purpose or learning goal, whether the learner is a child or an adult.

I posted this on Reddit; “What’s the worst violin brand that everyone should avoid? Share your opinion.” Many users pitched in their views and stated that steering clear of violins priced below $400 is a must.

Let me tell you about a few more brands that you must avoid and why.

Mendini MV300

Mendini comes up with elegant designs which can steer focus in an orchestral setting or even feed into the user’s desires while practicing at home. However, Mendini has a lot of models so users need to be careful which one they need to buy. For example, Mendini MV300 have some fault that creates a lot of problem for the users. There are specific 4 problems I need to mention.

• Will not produce crisp warm sounds.
• The fine tuners are off.
• The build quality is below average.
• The E-string will not hold a tune.

Windsor MI-1008

Some of the best budget-friendly violins are from Windsor. They have something for all expertise levels along with an array of designs and styles but there is a hidden cost of cheap products as well that people ignore. There are four problems I personally found while using it.

• Flimsy string construction.
• Poor build.
• Instrument isn’t tuned appropriately.
• Will not produce a mellow and vibrant sound.

ADM Violin

ADM violins are also popular for their least expensive price range and top-tier quality. They focus on making instruments with the best sound quality within an acceptable price range. At least People like me are hoping for that. When I used it for product testing. I found some problem that totally makes this violin unusable.

• Fragile and prone to scratches.
• Sound isn’t loud enough.
• Inconsistent performance.
• Very difficult to tune.

Cecilio CVN-300

Cecilio’s instruments are intricately handcrafted by some of the most skilled luthiers. This brand is best known for its impeccable sound quality and the physical appeal of violins. However, most buyers suffer from decision fatigue before buying because the brand has a lot of models which makes it difficult for a buyer to choose. As a result, they fail to recognize the poor violin from the best. I don’t personally recommend buying Cecilio CVN-300 because it is not even equal to other Cecilio’s existing model. I have faced a lot of trouble while testing it which I have given below.

• The fine tune is poor.
• The loose string can snap.
• Low quality build, prone to breaking.
• Resonance sound is off.

Crescent Starter Violin

Crescent violins are great for amateurs. For starters, these violins are great in their make and price too. but as an expert, it’s not suitable for professional and expert players I found these five problems while using it.

• Difficult to tune, even by professionals.
• Tone and sound is terrible.
• Strings are prone to tangles.
• Can bend easily.
• Inferior quality build.

Why The Price Of Your Violin Matters

Here’s the real deal, price tags alone can never be the sole factor that can elevate your violin. The quality and features of the violins can be easily persuaded even with a hefty value. Chasing that demand can lead you to your one true masterpiece.

The truth is that higher-end violins have magnificent appeal and sound quality. Cheaper models, on the other hand, will consistently give you a hard time. It might start with playing difficulties, leading to more significant issues.

So, you’re tempted to buy a violin that’s labeled at $200 or even $300. It looks quite a bang for the buck deal, doesn’t it? Don’t do it. Here’s why lucrative discounts as such will come of no use to you.

First off, a cheap violin will only make your journey to learn tougher. You will practice with persisting tension and frustration. Sometimes the tones will be squeaky other times; it will be unbearable to play along with the rest of the band.

Here’s what you can do to improvise this situation. You’re searching for which violin brand is the best, but amidst the internet and local shopping spree, you may have forgotten about pre-loved violins!

Yes, the good news is that second-hand violins are worth the hype and a viable option. Second-hand violins mature over time with proper use and maintenance. Other times you might also get lucky and get better-fitted strings. Violins used previously generate mellow sounds as the age of the wood progress and synchronize with the strings.

How To Identify A Fake Or Duplicate Violin

Fake violins have been on the rise recently. Not so surprisingly, none of them are of superior quality compared to professional luthier violins. These bad practices come in many forms, and some of them are –

• Low-valued Chinese instruments, shockingly, some of them can be made by famous luthiers and sold to deceit.
• Often teachers who operate on commission might opt for such nasty tactics and advice on poor quality violins.
• Merchants sell old, worn-out violins all the time. Needless to say, they are cheap but can never guarantee or work as your desire.
• Some stored feign supreme quality by selling cheaper copies that label the violins to be made in Romania or Poland. Compared to the authentic originals, these will have the lowest sound and performing qualities.

Many online and stores are filled with fake antiques, copies, along with hoax certifications and labels. And as if that wasn’t enough, there are imitative of the famous Stradivarius violins as well. So, how to tell a Stradivarius from a fake? I’ve got it covered.

Once you get the hang of it, you can tell the contrast between a Stradivarius and average, lower-end copies. However, what if you’re only starting as a talented musician? It might seem tricky now but, keep reading to distinguish between the authentic pieces and mere fake copies.

Cost

Stradivariuses will cost you a fortune, and what you’ll spend in cash will shine in its value and sound. Most Czech or German Stradivarius copies are inexpensive and invaluable. Moreover, you can point out the fake ones on online e-commerce sites too. These will cost around a hundred dollars, whereas the original masterpieces are nowhere near that range.

Design & Shape

The Stradivarius instruments follow an age-old narrow shape that has been a tradition since the 1660s. It has a long body length and has specific proportions and designs. Stradivarius combines intricate nicks, widened wings, and diminishing circles.

Color

Post-1700 violins pose a vague red hue. However, as gradually more colors have been introduced, the red vanished almost entirely. You can also spot a fake in this manner.

Labels & Font

Stradivarius makes sure to include their personal labels. In comparison, the fake alternatives use labels that claim the violins to be made in Germany or Czechoslovakia, often even with the makers’ names. Generally, when the brand only includes “Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis 1721”, it’s better to look into it more rather than purchasing it right off the bat. Moreover, Stradivarius’s first digits are always printed, with the rest three being hand-written.

Buying Guide To Choose The Best Violin

As now I’ve explained the fundamentals of the best violin, it’s time to know what is the best violin brand to buy. You might have a bucket full of questions regarding categories, names, budget, and more. Thus, I’m here to set the record straight.

Violin Sizes

Violins can be of nine sizes in total. However, full-size violins can be used by children at the age of 11 or more. The measurements can be taken simply by extending the child’s arm away from their body for children.

Whereas for adults, there’s one standard size of violins, the task could get trickier to choose with children.

Violin Setup

The best violins will arrive without the hassle and with all the necessary equipment adequately stored in their case. It’s always viable to assume that your violin will come with a case. Therefore, as a precaution, you must check if your violin is accompanied by a bow, case, and rosin. 

Budget

It’s obvious to want a lower-end violin if you’re a beginner violinist. For beginners, the best violins lay within the range of $400-$800. This range could go as high as a thousand dollars or even more according to your expertise level. However, I recommend that you start at the base and then gradually move up the ladder when it comes to the pricing of the violins.

Here are a few more tips that can guide you in buying the best violin.

• Take this opportunity as an investment. Rather than being frugal, save up and, if possible, hit the jackpot with good quality and medium-priced violin.
• Research all your options. Even most professionals start with renting or borrowing a violin.
• Opting for a used violin is just the same. An older version will be broken in much efficiently and will save you time and money.
• Purchasing the other accessories precisely is just as important as the violin itself. If you want the best service and sound quality, research well on the bows, rosin, and chin rest before purchasing.

Some Best Violin Brands I recommend for Beginners, Intermediates & Professionals that worth the investment

Not lose hope. I have some recommendations that are worth your money. You don’t want to buy a violin every month because it’s a long-term investment.

SKY 4/4 Full Size Antique Style

What violin is best for beginners? This! Let me tell you why.

The SKY violin is perfect for beginners who want an astonishing model within a bearable price range. The violin will come pre-assembled and ready to play. As a beginner, that must be a top priority for most, as they couldn’t possibly know where to begin.

Moreover, the high-quality wood has been dried for around 30 years to get an optimized finish. The rich and powerful resonating sound comes from its 100% handmade and hand-oiled specifications. Even though you’re a beginner, who says you can’t feel like a professional at any rate, right? Don’t waste any more time, and hop on to secure this magnificent piece!

Cremona SV-1220 Maestro First Violin

The Cremona is made with grade-A maple wood and has been hand-carved and polished to perfection. Intermediate users have raved about its selective woodwork, focused sounds, and Boxwood fitting. Moreover, the high-quality saddle, nuts, and fingerboards are polished with ebony elevating the violin’s overall touch and feel.

If you’re an intermediate player, you must know the importance of violins’ excellent, distinct sound quality. Luckily, with this piece, you will get just that and much more!

D Z Strad Model 365 Violin

Professional users can’t take their minds and eyes off this bad boy. The D Z violin comes in various sizes for your ease but, the catch is that they’re all made with 100% hand-adjusted, hand-varnished and handmade craftsmanship. The ebony fingerboard, chinrest, tailpiece, and pegs are a true wonder when the violin sounds emit and vibrate distinctly.

Are you a professional violinist who loves round, warm tones? If so, this piece will deliver the exact warmth that you crave with proper consistency. And as if that’s not enough, it will also come with a shoulder rest, rosin, bow, and case!

Final Words

Clearly, the best-made violins receive the love, care, and touch of the most famous and talented luthiers. I hope now you have a clear picture of which violin brands to avoid.

The catch is that when you get your hands on the best violins, it will deliver in tenfolds than what you expect. Needless to say, their features and sound quality will motivate you to keep learning and eventually become a violinist!