Do you need a violin made by some old time Italian guy who lived before electricity just to learn how to play?
Can good violins still be made today? Or are the only quality violins from centuries ago? Is it the wood or something, can they not get quality materials in the 21st century? What is a new violin player supposed to do?
If you are just learning to play the violin, can you get by with a modern violin? Do you have to buy a relic from the renaissance?
Fasten your seatbelt because we are hitting all the stops on the modern versus ancient violin express tour.
Asking a violin; What's your age?
The short answer is really old. Some violins displayed in museums are over 500 years old. The golden age for masters of violin craftsmanship is considered to be 300 years ago. Instruments from this time period are still played in concert today. Violins made during the time period of the 1500s to 1700s are the most sought after.
Who was this Stradivarius Guy?
He made more than a thousand musical instruments during his lifetime, but you never heard him complain. Living during the 1600s and 1700s, Antonio Stradivari was a master violin maker. Renowned in his day, his fame stretches even into the modern era. Hundreds of his violin exist as examples of expert construction.
Does this mean antique is better?
At this point, you are probably, thinking, great history lesson, but how does this help me decide what to buy? I won't spoil the end for you, but here's a hint, you won't be buying a 300 year old Stradivarius.
Going bold in the 21st Century
Quick question, would you use a finely crafted toothbrush from 1784? Is that something you would want to put in your mouth? Like toothbrush technology, modern violins are made using machines that have been invented in the last 500 years. Some may even say there have been slight improvements.
When to Choose a modern Violin
Generally, modern instruments cost less. Often significantly less. All violins, regardless of age, need to be maintained. Old violins, especially significantly aged violins require great care and often need restoration work to be played. A good quality modern violin is ready to play and free from the stress ware of time.
The Decision is all Yours
Once you have had an instrument thoroughly inspected and confirmed that it is a fit violin, free from any defects or imperfections, you will have a good instrument whatever your final choice ends up coming down to. Remember, only you have to play this instrument. It must be comfortable to use and fit your size and style properly. A good quality violin brings joy and enchanting music.
If you choose the instruments based on these criteria, whether modern or old, you will find the instrument that fits you best.
Can good violins still be made today? Or are the only quality violins from centuries ago? Is it the wood or something, can they not get quality materials in the 21st century? What is a new violin player supposed to do?
If you are just learning to play the violin, can you get by with a modern violin? Do you have to buy a relic from the renaissance?
Fasten your seatbelt because we are hitting all the stops on the modern versus ancient violin express tour.
Asking a violin; What's your age?
The short answer is really old. Some violins displayed in museums are over 500 years old. The golden age for masters of violin craftsmanship is considered to be 300 years ago. Instruments from this time period are still played in concert today. Violins made during the time period of the 1500s to 1700s are the most sought after.
Who was this Stradivarius Guy?
He made more than a thousand musical instruments during his lifetime, but you never heard him complain. Living during the 1600s and 1700s, Antonio Stradivari was a master violin maker. Renowned in his day, his fame stretches even into the modern era. Hundreds of his violin exist as examples of expert construction.
Does this mean antique is better?
At this point, you are probably, thinking, great history lesson, but how does this help me decide what to buy? I won't spoil the end for you, but here's a hint, you won't be buying a 300 year old Stradivarius.
Going bold in the 21st Century
Quick question, would you use a finely crafted toothbrush from 1784? Is that something you would want to put in your mouth? Like toothbrush technology, modern violins are made using machines that have been invented in the last 500 years. Some may even say there have been slight improvements.
When to Choose a modern Violin
Generally, modern instruments cost less. Often significantly less. All violins, regardless of age, need to be maintained. Old violins, especially significantly aged violins require great care and often need restoration work to be played. A good quality modern violin is ready to play and free from the stress ware of time.
The Decision is all Yours
Once you have had an instrument thoroughly inspected and confirmed that it is a fit violin, free from any defects or imperfections, you will have a good instrument whatever your final choice ends up coming down to. Remember, only you have to play this instrument. It must be comfortable to use and fit your size and style properly. A good quality violin brings joy and enchanting music.
If you choose the instruments based on these criteria, whether modern or old, you will find the instrument that fits you best.
About the Author:
Julian Branington has been selling music instruments at a violin music store for several decades. Visit his music rental stores online to find out more about violins and music lessons.
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