Louis Carpini Violin Review: A Violin Teacher's Opinion

An Intermediate Violin You Can Start With

The Louis Carpini G2 is considered more of an intermediate violin. But you don’t have to be an intermediate player to play an intermediate violin! A nicer instrument can actually make it easier to learn all the basics, so a beginner could absolutely start learning on this violin.

It also has the capability to handle intermediate and advanced techniques, so you won’t have to worry about outgrowing its capabilities anytime soon.

I got the upgraded Dominant strings and the Giuliani Premier bow, and I definitely recommend both of these upgrades. They allow you to get so much more out of this violin.

Sound and Response

First off, the violin is really lovely. It has a lighter finish and some beautiful flaming on the back.

The thing I noticed immediately when I first played this violin was its response. As soon as I put the bow to the string, I got an immediate, clear, crisp response.

The tone is also more focused than what you’ll find on many beginner violins. It has some brightness, which I love, but it isn’t shrill. It still has warmth and sweetness to it. All of that gives it a more complex tone, with more of that homegrown-rose quality of sound.

If terms like complexity of sound or responsiveness don’t make sense to you yet, check out my video on what you get when you spend more money on a violin.

The extreme ranges of the violin play really well, too. The G string isn’t blatty; it’s full and rich, and it sounds balanced with the other strings. The E string isn’t shrill, either. It’s nice and sweet and resonant.

The Giuliani Premier Bow

I was actually pretty impressed with this little bow. It’s the Giuliani Premier bow, and I was surprised by how much control I was able to get with it. It handles advanced strokes like martele pretty well.

I’m always talking about contact and developing that feel between your fingers, the bow, and the string. This bow lets you develop that skill.

It’s a great bow to start with, but when you’re ready, you could upgrade to a better bow and get even more out of this violin.

One Less Thing for Beginners to Worry About

Another thing I love about this outfit is that it comes with a pre-rosined bow. I got in touch with Kennedy Violins, and they told me that all of their bows included in outfits come pre-rosined.

This might not sound like a huge deal, but it really is helpful.

Brand-new bows require a lot of rosin, and understanding how much rosin a bow needs is a skill that takes time and experience to develop. If you put too much rosin on, you can run into problems. If you don’t put enough on, you may constantly wonder whether the problem is you or the bow.

Add in a brand-new cake of rosin, even if you’ve already scratched up the surface, and it can all combine to make a frustrating experience. Especially if you just want to grab the bow and try out your new violin!

I love that the bows come pre-rosined to the right amount. It’s one less thing you have to figure out as a brand-new beginner.

What I Love Most About the Carpini

I think what I love most about the Carpini is the quality I recognized as soon as I first played it. I love how responsive it is.

I notice this especially when playing pieces like Boccherini or the Minuets from Suzuki. These are light, delicate pieces where a little bit of nuance goes a long way, and the Carpini responds really well to those subtle inputs.

It’s honestly very enjoyable to play.

Who Should Consider the Louis Carpini G2?

When would something in the Louis Carpini price range be a good option for you?

I think adult beginners can definitely benefit from a nicer violin right from the start. Adults tend to have more discerning ears, and I’ve found they usually pick up on variations in sound pretty quickly and begin to understand more advanced techniques relatively soon.

Adults also get frustrated when violins buzz, squeak, and scratch—and who wouldn’t? But when you’re playing on a cheaper violin, sometimes it’s hard to know whether the problem is your technique or the instrument.

With something like the Carpini, you don’t have to worry as much about the violin holding you back. It can help you work on intermediate and advanced techniques without running into the limitations you might find with a less capable instrument.

That’s the main reason to consider a more expensive violin right from the start: you don’t have to worry about outgrowing its capabilities anytime soon.

This violin would also be great for young adults who are making regular progress. And if you play in an orchestra or play for church, the Carpini offers more projection and power than your standard beginner violin.

Geared Pegs and Final Thoughts

I also had Kennedy install geared pegs on this violin, which I absolutely love. Kennedy can install geared pegs on any violin you purchase.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of geared pegs, check out my video comparing VSO pegs, traditional pegs, and geared pegs.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, the Louis Carpini G2 is a great option to consider. I’ll include a link below so you can check the current price and read more in-depth reviews.

Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin Review: A Violin Teacher's Opinion

Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin Review

When it comes to buying a violin, I always recommend buying from a good, reputable string shop that specializes in bowed string instruments. If the store you’re buying from also sells things like soap or salt shakers, you probably want to move on!

I’ve heard a lot of great things about Kennedy Violins from members of Meadowlark Violin Studio who have purchased violins from them, so I was really excited to try out some of their instruments.

I ordered two violins from Kennedy: the Antonio Giuliani Etude and the Louis Carpini G2. For this review, I’ll focus on the Giuliani Etude, but if you want to know more about the Louis Carpini, click here.

A Mid-Range Beginner Violin

The Antonio Giuliani Etude is a mid-range beginner violin. It’s not the absolute cheapest beginner violin, and I think it represents that perfect sweet spot for beginners who want a little more in terms of sound and quality.

Adult beginners will especially do well in this price range because the improved sound offers more for a discerning ear.

This mid-level beginner price range is also great because it allows you to learn more advanced techniques. The quality of the wood and varnish is definitely a step up from your most basic beginner violin, and a huge step up from something like a VSO (violin-shaped object).

A Good Set-Up

When we talk about “set-up” we’re talking about making sure the violin is set-up for success. As in, do the pegs work? Do they turn smoothly? Is the bridge the correct height and curvature? Is the nut height and string spacing correct? Is the sound post set-up optimally? These are all things that should be checked over when a violin is shipped to you and it’s one of those things that you WON’T get when purchasing from a random music store on a site like Amazon.

You want a real luthier to check over all of these little details with set-up, and that’s what you get when ordering from a real violin shop like Kennedy.

All that to say, the basic set-up on the Antonio Giuliani Etude violin was great. No issues there!

Upgraded Strings and Bow

I opted for the upgraded Dominant strings, and that’s an upgrade I do recommend.

As a beginner, you’re probably not going to change your strings during that first year unless you’re playing a lot. Having better strings gives you a better start, with improved sound and response. It just allows you to get more out of the violin.

I also got the upgraded Giuliani Premier bow, and I’m really impressed with this little bow. It actually allows me to do some pretty advanced bow techniques.

One thing I love about this violin and bow combination is that it can handle more weight than your standard beginner violin. That means you can start learning the skill of relaxing more weight into the string.

I’m always telling students to add more weight. This is something beginner students can struggle with when they have a cheaply made violin. If they add more weight, the violin just maxes out and gives up. But the Etude and the Premier bow actually handle quite a bit of weight.

It also has good resonance. You can really hear the violin ring when those third fingers are in tune!

One Less Thing for Beginners to Worry About

Another thing I love about this outfit is that it comes with a pre-rosined bow. I got in touch with Kennedy Violins, and they told me that all of their bows included in outfits come pre-rosined.

This might not sound like a huge deal, but it really is helpful for a beginner.

You don’t have to worry about applying too much rosin with a pre-rosined bow!

Brand-new bows require a lot of rosin, and understanding how much rosin a bow needs is a skill that takes time and experience to develop. If you put too much rosin on, you can run into problems. If you don’t put enough on, you may constantly wonder whether the problem is you or the bow.

Add in a brand-new cake of rosin, even if you’ve already scratched up the surface, and it can all combine to make a frustrating experience. Especially when you just want to grab the bow and try out your new violin!

I love that the bows come pre-rosined to the right amount. It’s just one less thing you have to figure out as a brand-new beginner.

Is the Antonio Giuliani Etude a Good Beginner Violin?

I think this is a great violin for starting out. It will allow you to learn all the beginner and intermediate techniques without feeling like your instrument is holding you back.

Should You Upgrade the Pegs?

The Etude violin comes standard with good, working traditional pegs, but Kennedy Violins can install geared pegs on any violin you purchase. If you’re buying this violin for a child, or if you simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of tuning, geared pegs are an upgrade I highly recommend.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of geared pegs, check out my video comparing VSO pegs, traditional pegs, and geared pegs.

And if you’re curious about what you get when you spend more money on a violin, you might be interested in my review of the Louis Carpini violin or my video about what you get when you spend more money on a violin.

How to Change Violin Strings: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

It’s time to change your violin strings! Many beginners may think changing your violin strings is an intimidating process, but don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it so you can confidently change your violin strings on your own. Whether you're a beginner tackling this for the first time or just want a reliable reference, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about changing violin strings safely and correctly.

I also have a separate video answering all your questions about purchasing violin strings and knowing when it's time to change them — check the links below! I also have a free downloadable checklist with easy-to-follow steps you can mark off as you go. Grab that below too.

• The Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Violin Strings

• Changing Strings Checklist

What You'll Need Before You Start Changing Violin Strings

Before you remove a single violin string, gather everything first so you're not hunting for supplies mid-process:

• A new set of violin strings — open the package and confirm you have all four (G, D, A, E) before you begin

• A pencil (mechanical or regular — either works)

• Tweezers — a just-in-case tool that can save you a headache

• A soft cleaning cloth

• A tuner — clip-on, app, or whatever you prefer

• (Optional but highly recommended) A cup of tea :)

Before You Remove Anything: Look First

Take a moment to look at your pegbox and observe how the strings are currently wound. Notice the direction, how they layer, and how they attach. If you're unsure you'll remember it all, take a photo — it's a helpful reference as you work.

The Golden Rule: Change One String at a Time

This is the most important thing to remember when restringing a violin: remove one string, replace it, then move to the next. Never take all the strings off at once. Removing all the strings at the same time releases the tension on the bridge and soundpost, which can cause them to fall or shift.

Step 1: Start with the D String

The D string is the easiest to access, so start there. The recommended order for all four strings is: D → G → A → E.

To unwind the old string, turn the peg toward you to loosen it. Keep the string attached to the tailpiece as long as possible — this prevents the ball end from flopping around and potentially dinging your instrument. Once the string is fully loose, pull it out of the peghole, then unhook it from the tailpiece.

Save your old strings. If a string is still in good condition (winding intact, no fraying), wrap it up and label it with the date and brand. It's a great backup in a pinch.

Step 2: Clean While You Have the Chance

With one string off, you have a bit more room to work. Take your cleaning cloth and gently clean the area that's normally under that string — it's one of the harder spots to reach during regular maintenance.

Step 3: The Pencil Trick (Don't Skip This!)

Before you put the new string on, take your pencil and very gently color the notch on the bridge where that string sits. The graphite acts as a lubricant, helping the string glide smoothly rather than catching and sticking as it's tuned.

Step 4: Attach the New String to the Tailpiece

Make sure you're grabbing the correct string — check that it's labeled correctly and looks like the right gauge.

Without fine tuners: Insert the ball end into the hole and pull the string up into the slot to secure it. With fine tuners: Wedge the string just above the ball end between the little forks of the fine tuner. E string special note: The E string may come with a ball end or a loop. If it's a loop, hook it around the small hook on the fine tuner. Also make sure the little plastic sleeve protector is slid up over the bridge notch — this prevents the thin E string from cutting into the bridge.

Step 5: Winding the String onto the Peg

This is the trickiest part for most people, especially beginners. Take it slowly.

First, rotate the peg so the hole is roughly vertical (straight up and down). This makes it much easier to thread the string straight through. Then push the string through the hole so that about a half inch sticks out the other side. This is important — if you barely thread it through, the string will likely pull out as tension builds, and you'll have to start over with a now-curled string end. That's what the tweezers are for, if it happens.

Winding direction: G and D strings wind toward the left side of the pegbox. A and E strings wind toward the right.

Tips for keeping the winding straight: Hold the string in place with your free hand the entire time you're winding — do not let go, or the string will unwind and you'll have to start over. For the D string, place your first winding to the right of the hole, then crisscross over to the left so the tail end gets locked under the windings. For the G string, just wind consistently to the left of each previous winding — it will gradually work itself toward the hole on its own. Also make sure the G string goes under the D string, not over it.

If your winding ends up crisscrossed, don't stress — especially your first time. Only rewind if the pegs are actually slipping. Otherwise, it's fine.

Step 6: Tune the String

As you wind, guide the string into its notch on both the bridge and the nut. Bring the string up to pitch, but don't tune it sharp thinking it will settle back down. Strings settle at whatever pitch they've been tuned to most — you want them to settle happily at the correct pitch.

E string caution: The E string is the thinnest and easiest to snap. Go slowly. If you're unsure where you are pitch-wise, tune down, figure out where you are, and work your way up carefully.

Step 7: Check and Straighten the Bridge

Every time you change a string, the tension pulls the bridge slightly toward the pegbox. After each string — and definitely after all four are done — check that your bridge is still straight.

To check, hold the violin in front of you and close one eye. Look at the profile of the bridge, specifically the side facing the tailpiece, and see if it's leaning.

To straighten it, set the violin in your lap and place both thumbs on the side of the bridge closest to you — these are just for light bracing, don't push. Place your index fingers between the strings on the front face of the bridge (left finger between G and D, right finger between A and E) and gently nudge the top of the bridge back toward you until it looks straight.

What to Expect in the First Week

New strings need time to settle, and a few things are completely normal. You'll need to tune frequently — strings will go flat often the first few days as they stretch. Pick up the violin throughout the day and tune it, even if you're not playing. The more you tune, the faster they settle.

New strings also often sound a little bright and metallic at first. After a few days of playing, the tone will warm up and fill out. Keep an eye on the bridge for the first week and straighten it as needed.

While changing your violin strings may seem intimidating, hopefully this helps you realize it’s not that bad!

Happy practicing and happy string-changing!

10 Best Violins for Beginners: A Violin Teacher’s Ultimate Guide [2026]

You want to learn violin and now you’re wondering, “what are the best violins for beginners?” Then you start researching beginner violins and get overwhelmed pretty quickly. Unfortunately, the market is saturated with cheap, poorly made VSOs (violin-shaped-objects). Many of my students show up to their first lesson with these inferior “violins.” They are difficult or impossible to tune, produce an awful tone, and come with low-quality bows, chin rests, and other accessories. 

Students with low quality violins generally take one of two paths. They get frustrated and quit or they get frustrated and buy a better violin. Learning to play the violin or teaching yourself to play violin is hard enough. You shouldn’t have to struggle with a VSO as well. That’s why you want a good quality beginner violin.

Trying to make an informed choice on such an important purchase can be difficult. Reading beginner violin reviews can be misleading and confusing. Everyone has an opinion, so who can you trust?

I’ve been teaching violin for over 20 years to thousands of students- in person, online, and through my studio membership, Meadowlark Violin Studio. I’ve seen an endless number of VSOs and real beginner violins.

To save you time, money and frustration, I’ve created an ultimate guide to helping you choose the best beginner violin. I’ve had experience with every violin I’m about to tell you about. I’ve either played the violins myself or have students who have played or own the violins. In this guide, I’ll answer these questions. Click to skip ahead to each section.

• What makes a good beginner violin?

• What makes a violin “advanced?”

• How much money should I spend on a violin?

• What are the best violin brands under $500?

• Where you purchase a violin matters

• What are geared pegs and why do I need them?

• What are the best violins by price range?

• What are the 10 best beginner and intermediate violins?

• What violin brands to avoid?

• What violin would I buy?

You may also having questions about buying vs. renlfting your first violin. If you are buying a violin for a child or young adult, you’ll also want to measure in order to get the right size.

These other resources may be helpful if you are just starting to learn violin:

• Learn to Play the Violin in 20 Steps

• Can You Teach Yourself to Play Violin? Yes! Here’s 3 Reasons Why

• Am I Too Old to Learn the Violin? A Violin Teacher’s Honest Opinion

If you’re looking for a better bow, check out my recommendations in my article: Best Violin Bow: A Violin Teacher’s Guide to Choosing the Right Bow.

Let’s get started!

Sneak Peak at My Top Recommondations

Keep reading for detailed reviews on my favorite violins and to learn more about why I choose these violins. But if you just want to start playing, here’s my top recommendations!

Most Affordable: Tower Strings

Best Sound: Antonio Giuliani Etude

Won’t Hold You Back: Louis Carpini G2

What Makes a Good Beginner Violin?

Good materials

Real violins are made of quality materials. Many cheap violins come with plastic parts, wood that hasn’t been dried properly, or wood painted to look like real ebony for the fingerboard. Substandard parts means the violin will never function the way it is supposed to.

Proper Set-Up

Any violin you purchase should be correctly “set-up” by a luthier before being sent to you. Many cheap, factory violins lack this important step. A luthier will make sure the bridge is the correct curvature (otherwise you’ll hit other strings no matter how you bow). They will also ensure the strings are the proper tension, so you don’t have to be a weight-lifter just to put a finger down. A luthier will also ensure the pegs are correctly installed and other parts are functioning before shipping the violin to you.

Easy to tune

Why is tuning so important? You must tune every time you play so that your muscle memory develops correctly. Having a violin that won’t stay in tune wastes practice time and lesson time. 

VSOs (violin shaped objects) can be notoriously impossible to tune. A quality beginner violin will have pegs that correctly fit their holes and be relatively easy to tune. I’ve seen some VSOs come with plastic pegs, meaning the pegs will slip no matter what.

Even violins with well-fitted traditional wooden pegs are subject to changes in humidity that can make tuning difficult or downright frustrating sometimes. The answer to the age old problem of tuning is geared pegs, also known as perfection pegs or planetary pegs. Geared pegs look like traditional wooden pegs, but they work like the tuning pegs on guitars, making tuning a breeze. No more stuck or slipping pegs. No more loose strings from changes in weather. Tuning only takes a few seconds. You will rarely, if ever, need to use your fine tuners. I use geared pegs on all of my violins. I will never go back to traditional pegs! Not all violins come with the option for geared pegs, however, Kennedy Violins and Fiddlershop will install geared pegs on any violin before shipping them to you.

What should be included when you buy a beginner violin?

Most beginner violins should come as an outfit, which includes:

• Violin

• Bow

• Case

• Rosin

• Shoulder rest

Many outfits come with a lot of other accessories like tuners and mutes.

If the outfit includes an extra bridge, run away! Replacing the bridge is something you want to leave in the hands of a trained luthier. Don’t worry though. When you buy a good quality violin, you shouldn’t have to replace the bridge unless you drop the violin and damage the bridge!

What makes a violin "advanced?"

Don’t let violin nomenclature confuse you. When looking at any any violin website, violins are divided into beginner, intermediate, advanced, and professional level categories. That doesn’t mean that you have to be an advanced player to handle an advanced level violin. It’s actually quite the opposite. Advanced violins make it EASIER to sound good. Give a beginner an advanced model violin and they will instantly have a better tone. On the other hand, certain beginner violins that are difficult to play will only sound good in the hands of a professional.

Can you buy an intermediate or advanced violin even if you’ve never played violin before? Absolutely!

How much money should I spend on a violin?

This is such an important question and one that people really struggle with (for good reason). You can always spend more on a violin, so where do you set your price limit? If you spend that extra hundred, are you really getting a better sounding violin? Or are you just paying for something that looks fancier?

First off, let’s talk about anything under $250ish which I consider VSO (violin-shaped-object) territory.

If you are unsure if you will stick with the violin and just want to “try it out,” don’t fall for cheap VSOs. I guarantee you, you won’t like it. Skip the hassle, spend $100 more dollars and get a violin you won’t have to keep messing with.

When you spend more money at a reputable violin store, you usually get a better sounding violin. But what’s good enough? I sum it up this way, the more you spend at first, the longer you will have before you need to upgrade.

Wait, you’re already talking about upgrading? Yes! If you stick with violin, trust me, you will want to upgrade. Good quality, beginner violins are great for learning, but eventually your technique will outgrow them.

With that in mind, here’s how I break down cost ranges. This is based on someone practicing 30 minutes to an hour on  average of a few days a week.

$250-$400 Violins in this price range are considered beginner student models. They are great for learning the basics. These violins often have a “student” look. The varnish is very shiny or very dull and the wood is pretty plain. If you start with a violin in this price range and practice regularly, you’ll probably notice you need an upgrade within 1-3 years (the higher the price, the later you’ll want to upgrade).

$500-$700 If you’re a beginner and buy a violin in this price range, you’ll enjoy a more responsive sound (the violin or bow aren’t sluggish or slow to respond to your inputs). The sound is also usually less blatty and more rounded. These violins have a nicer appearance, more tasteful varnish, and wood with interesting markings. If you start in this price range, you probably won’t think about upgrading for 3-5 years.

$1000-$1400 If you’re a beginner and buy a violin in this price range, you’ll enjoy an even more responsive sound. Tonal qualities often get sweeter, less shrill, more focused, less muddled, etc. These violins look more professional. The wood may be more beautiful and the varnish will be even more tasteful. You’ll start to see very unique looks in this price range, some violins may be more blonde, others darker. You may be perfectly happy never upgrading or upgrading in 5-10 years.

$1500+ Violins in this range often have very unique tonal qualities. For instance, one violin may have a very warm sound, while another of equal quality and price is very bright and focused. I usually tell beginner students to buy violins under this price range. As you learn the basics, you’ll understand what tonal qualities you like. Then when you have some skills, you’ll be able to try out violins and pick a violin that truly speaks to you. As violins get more expensive, you’ll notice beautiful wood, lovely antiqued varnishes, or other unique appearances.

TL;DR

If you just want to try violin, $250-$300 will be good enough.

You want something a little nicer sounding than the very basic setup, shoot for violins in the $400-500 range.

You don’t mind spending a little more if it means a significant improvement in sound and appearance. Go for $500-$1000

You want a violin you don’t have to worry about outgrowing anytime soon. $1000-$1500

What does more money get you when buying a violin?

Are more expensive violins worth it? When buying from trusted violin shops, the more you pay, the better violin you’ll get. But what makes a violin better? As you increase price and quality, the following items will improve:

• Clarity of tone: The sound will get more pure and clear without extra scratchiness

• Complexity of tone: Think about the scent of a home grown rose vs. store-bought rose. That’s complexity.

• Better response: When a violin or bow is responsive, it means when you ask it to do something, it responds immediately. Better violins are less sluggish or slow to respond.

• Easier to play. Better response means it’s easier to play. Better violin can also take more weight and more nuance.

• More volume: Better violins aren’t just louder, they have full tones that equate with more volume.

• More projection: The sound will carry more and sound clear to someone further away from the violin

• Better craftsmanship: The better the violin, the better it’s made

• Better wood and more professional appearance: As you increase price, violins will look less and less like a student violin and more like a professional violin. Better wood not only means better tone, it means more beautiful flames (the design in the wood) and more tasteful varnishing.

What are the best violin brands under $500?

To name a few, the best violins for under $500 would be Tower Strings, Bunnel, Fiddlerman OB1 and Apprentice Violins, Antonio Giuliani, Franz Hoffman, Klaus Mueller, and Eastman violins.

Where you purchase a violin matters

Some of the violins above are sold exclusively at certain violin stores. However, some brands you will see at various online shops. Be wary when purchasing a violin from any store other than a dedicated string shop or luthier. A good set-up is very important. I do not recommend purchasing violins from big box stores, Amazon, Wal-Mart, Guitar Center, etc. If a store sells everything, it’s not going to specialize in strings (or it sources out its set-up work). Either way, skip that hassle and purchase from a trusted company.

It’s great to start with local luthiers and strings shops. If that’s not possible, I recommend the following online shops (in no particular order): Kennedy Violins, Fiddlershop, Shar Music, and Southwest Strings.

My two top recommendations for online stores are Fiddlershop and Kennedy Violins. These stores ship anywhere, but they also have brick and mortar locations as well if you want to try out violins in person. Fiddlershop is in Pompano Beach, Florida, and Kennedy Violins is located in Vancouver, Washington. There are a few reasons why I recommend these stores.

1. Great return policies. Not that you’ll need it, but it gives you good peace of mind.

2. Trade-up programs. When you’re ready for an upgrade, get a percentage off your new violin when you trade in your old one (the old violin must be from their store).

3. Great customer service. Remember supply shortages 2020-2021 when everyone suddenly had time to play violin? These companies consistently delivered great customer service when other companies were dropping the ball. That says something!

4. In-house set-ups. They make sure your violin is set-up correctly right before it’s shipped to you.

5. Ability to customize your violin before it’s shipped. Both companies will install geared pegs on your violin before it’s shipped (makes tuning so much easier). This is an extra, non-refundable charge.

Those are all things you won’t get when you order on Amazon or any other generic box store!

What are geared pegs and why do I need them?

Learning violin is all about muscle memory and ear training. When you put a finger down, your brain needs to associate that position with a certain pitch. That’s how you learn to play in tune! This means it’s imperative to tune your violin every time before you play.

This isn’t a big deal with quality violins. Most violins will come with well-fitted traditional pegs. Traditional pegs are just a wooden peg that fits into a hole. If you know anything about wood and humidity, you know where this is going. Wood swells and contracts with temperature and humidity changes making those pegs alternatively slip or stick with weather change. This doesn’t mean that they will be slipping and sticking all the time, but traditional pegs can be a little bit tricky when it comes to tuning. They make big adjustments and for beginners, it can be hard to get them in the general range of the pitch.

The solution? Geared pegs! These work like guitar pegs. They turn smoothly with no slipping or sticking. They’re so easy to tune you don't even need fine tuner. And they keep the violin in tune longer!

A geared peg upgrade will add about $200 to the price of your violin (that includes the pegs and the installation). Geared pegs look the same as traditional pegs.

Geared pegs on beginner violins are a great idea if:

• You don’t have a lot of musical experience

• You’ve heard horror stories about tuning and you’re a little nervous

• You’re teaching yourself, or learning via the internet

• You live in an area with wild, sudden changes in weather

• You’re buying the violin for a child

• You just don’t want to bother spending a lot of time tuning everyday.

Don't let this scare you away from traditional pegs. All of the violins I recommend have good working traditional pegs, but if you just want it to be a little easier, geared pegs are amazing.

I have years of tuning experience, but I still put them on all of my violins!

What are the best violins by price range?

• $250-$350—Tower Strings Entertainer and Rockstar, Franz Hoffman 

• $350-$450—Bunnel Pupil, Tower Strings Legend, Tower Strings EasyTune, Fiddlerman OB1

• $450-$550— Bunnel Premier, Bunell G2 and G1, Fiddlerman Apprentice, Antonio Giuliani Etude

• $550-$650—Antonio Giuliani Premier and Primo, Fiddlerman Concert

• $650+—Louis Carpini, Fiddlerman Artist

Top 10 Beginner Violins

If you want a basic overview, here are my top ten picks for the best beginner violins, in order of ascending price.

1. Tower Strings Entertainer Violin

2. Tower Strings Rockstar Violin

3. Bunnel Pupil Violin

4. Bunnel Premier Violin

5. Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin

6. Fiddlerman OB1 Violin

7. Tower Strings EasyTune (an entertainer violin with easy-to-tune geared pegs)

8. Fiddlerman Concert Violin

9. Louis Carpini Violin

10. Nicholas Gand

Best Beginner Violin Reviews

Most Affordable Violin for Beginners: Tower Strings Violins

Tower Strings offer three entry-level violins: The Entertainer, the Rockstar, and the Legend. These violins surpassed all of my expectations for a beginner level violin. They are by far the cheapest non-VSO violin that I would recommend and are great for getting started. They have a beautiful finish and little touches like mother of pearl inlays on the pegs and tailpiece give the violin a high-quality appearance, with a low price. Their wonderful tone and ease of playability make these violins my top pick for beginner violins.

The outfits come with brazilwood bows and standard entry-level strings but I would highly recommend upgrading to the Fiddlerman carbon fiber bow and the Fiddlerman synthetic core strings. The strings were the best beginner strings I have ever played—even tone and bright, complex sound. The bow made playing very easy and forgiving (not always the case with beginner violins). When you click “add to cart” you will have the option to upgrade.

As with all Fiddlershop violins, your violin is inspected and played by a luthier before being shipped so your violin is ready to go when you get it. This is big, and it’s not something you are going to get when ordering a violin form a mega online store.

Which one should you get? With this brand of violins, you can rest assured that the more money you spend, the better violin you will receive. The Entertainer was wonderful and would suit any beginner just violin. I noticed an increase in tone quality with the increase in price of the other violins, as well as more beautiful wood on the back. If you want a little bit better sound, spring for the Rockstar or Legend.

If you want to make tuning really easy on yourself, Fiddlershop now sells the Entertainer EasyTune. The EasyTune comes with geared pegs already installed which makes tuning so much easier. (I have geared pegs installed on my violin and I’ll never go back to traditional pegs.) Fiddlershop is one of the only online retailers that will install geared pegs on any of their violins before they’re shipped to you (you just have to ask for it). But with the EasyTune, you can purchase the violin with geared pegs already installed. Win win!

Want to really save money? Fiddlershop often has discounted B stock violins for sale. They are perfectly playable with minor cosmetic defects. Check out the discounts here!

If you’re practicing consistently, this violin will last you a year or two before you’re ready for an upgrade.

Pros

• Most affordable beginner-level violin that is NOT a VSO

• Easy to tune (especially if you get the EasyTune)

• Nice finish

• Easy to play

• Good tone

• Comes with everything you need to play

• Great customer service

Cons

• I’m not a big fan of the tuner. If fact, it’s really easy change the Hz setting and tune your violin to the wrong pitch (even though the tuner says green).

• Shoulder rest is great for starting. You’ll probably want a different, or more durable one eventually.

Bunnel Pupil Violin: An Upgrade in Appearance and Better Case

If you want to get started for as cheap as possible, Tower Strings is the way to go. But if you’re okay spending about $70, you can invest in the Bunnel Pupil violin and get an upgrade in sound, appearance, and big upgrade in accessories.

I love the dark varnish of the Bunnel Pupil violin. For the price, it’s the least “student” looking violin in that “beginner violin” price range. It’s got a great sound and improved response. For the price, you also get a big upgrade in accessories, like an oblong case which means a place to put your shoulder rest! Okay, I know that doesn’t sound like much, but trust me, it’s a real problem to figure out where to put that shoulder rest when it won’t fit in your case, especially for traveling. It means so much to keep all of your accessories with the violin, especially for kids!

The case also comes with a hygrometer for keeping track of humidity. This is so important when it comes to maintaining the correct humidity level for your violin (ideal humidity is 40%-60%). So I give this outfit a couple of points just for having a good case!

Another plus for this violin, it comes with a pre-rosined bow! Again, that might not sound like a big deal. And yes, you will learn to rosin your own bow. But learning how much rosin to put on your bow to get an optimal sound is a skill. Too much rosin and you run into problems. Not enough rosin and your bow slips all over the place. As a beginner, it’s hard to know if it’s the bow or if it’s you! Plus, brand new bows always take A LOT of rosin. The fact that these bows come pre-rosined by someone who knows what they are doing means you can start playing immediately without the hassle of wondering how much rosin to put on that bow!

With this violin, you won’t need to upgrade for 2-3 years with consistent practice.

Worth investigating: For a nicer wood and appearance, you can upgrade to the Bunnel Premier violin.

Pros

• Responsive

• Full sound

• Pre-rosined bow

• Oblong case with hygrometer and a place to put your shoulder rest

• Comes with everything you need to play

• Great customer service

Cons

• Rosin is fine for starting out, but you’ll probably want something better eventually
  

Best Sound for the Money: Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin

This violin has a mid-range beginner price tag, but an advancing beginner sound. If you want a violin that is a step-up from the very basic level student violin, the Antonio Giuliani Etude violin is a great choice.

This violin has much more volume and power than your standard beginner violin. The sound is also clearer and cleaner without that muddled, or tinny quality you may notice with cheaper violins. The appearance is also very lovely with a dark finish and beautiful wood.

You also get an upgrade in accessories like a better case. This case feels pretty sturdy compared to your standard beginner level outfit. (It’s oblong so there’s a place for your shoulder rest and it has a hygrometer too!)

Overall, this is a fantastic violin if you want something better than the standard beginner violin. The improved sound quality and response means you’ll be able to stay on this violin for longer before you need an upgrade. With consistent practice, it would probably be a good 3-4 years before your skills and your ear are ready for something more.

Pros

• Clear sound

• More volume and power

• Beautiful, more professional finish

• Pre-rosined bow (it makes a big difference if you’re just starting to learn!)

• Nice, sturdy, spacious case

• Correctly set-up and ready to play

• Option to install geared pegs before it’s shipped

Cons

• There really aren’t any. This is a great violin for the price range.

• The bow is fine for starting out, but the Premier Brazilwood bow is definitely worth the upgrade.

Recommended Upgrades

• Giuliani Premier Bow. This is a great little Brazilwood bow that can actually handle quite a bit of bow technique!

• Dominant Strings

• Geared Pegs

The Easiest Violin to Tune: Tower Strings EasyTune

This Tower Strings Entertainer violin is the same violin as the first violin in my list, but it comes with geared pegs already installed! This does bump the price up quite a bit, but if you said yes to any of the bullet point above, it’s a great upgrade.

If you missed the discussion on what geared pegs are why you need them, click here.

*Please note: You can have geared pegs installed on ANY violin you order from Fiddlershop or Kennedy Violins for an additional charge.

Pros

• Easy to tune with geared pegs already installed!

Cons

• The geared pegs do offer a significant price increase. If you’re okay with tuning, you could purchase a better quality violin for this price.

• This violin also comes with fingerboard decals installed. I’m not a huge fan of these, but you can always peel them off!

A Great Sound with Optional Boxwood: Fiddlerman Concert Violin

Fiddlershop has a whole line of Fiddlerman beginner violins. Their Fiddlerman Concert violin is one of my favorite for its improved sound quality, appearance, and optional upgrades. This is a mid-range beginner violin, so if you want to browse less expensive violins in the Fiddlerman lineup, checkout the OB1 and the Apprentice violins.

The COncert Deluxe Violin with Boxwood

I was pleasantly surprised at the rich, powerful tone of the Concert violin. It’s a great choice if you want a better sound that you can grow into. This violin also comes with an upgraded carbon fiber bow, which is a great little bow for starting out! In fact, I would say the Fiddlerman carbon fiber bow is the best student level violin bow I’ve ever tried. With this violin, you probably won’t need an upgrade until 4-6 years of consistent practice.

The Concert Violin also has an upgrade Concert Deluxe Option. The Concert Deluxe violin is the exact same violin as the Concert violin, but it has a boxwood chinrest, tailpiece, and pegs. This is an aesthetic upgrade, but you will commonly see boxwood on more expensive violins so it definitely gives this violin a nice, classy touch!

The combination of Fiddlerman strings with the carbon fiber bow made playing extremely easy and forgivable. Normally this quality of strings and bow would be an upgrade for other outfits, but it is standard with Fiddlerman violins.

All Fiddlerman violins come with a 10 point inspection so you know your violin is set-up in the best way possible. Every violin that is tested and played by a luthier before being shipped. The violin also comes as an outfit with a case, carbon fiber bow, rosin, a mute, cleaning cloth, and a quality violin shoulder rest, and a digital tuner. Normally I say to watch out for outfits that include so many goodies, but these goodies are actually worth having! You literally need nothing else to start playing.

One thing I love about Fiddlershop is that they can install perfection pegs on any violin you buy. Plan to add about $100 plus the cost of the pegs to the price for this upgrade.

Want to really save money? Fiddlershop often has discounted B stock violins for sale. They are perfectly playable with minor cosmetic defects. Check out the discounts here!

If you are willing to spend a little more, I recently had a student buy a Symphony violin and it sounds phenomenal!

Pros

• Fiddlerman Synthetic Core violin strings (my favorite beginner level string)

• Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Bow (the best beginner bow I’ve ever tried)

• Powerful sound

• Attractive finish

• Upgrade options for boxwood hardware

Cons

• The rosin and shoulder rest iare good for staring out, but you’ll probably want something different as you continue playing.

• This is a great bow for starting out, but with consistent practice, plan to upgrade your bow in a year or two to get even more sound out of this violin.

If you don't want to upgrade anytime soon--Bright, clear, focused and easy to play: Louis Carpini G2 Violin

One of the common questions beginners will often ask themselves is: “is it me or is it the violin?” You’ll make a lot of unwanted noises when learning to play, that’s just part of it! But the violin can definitely make a difference. If all the talk of upgrading after a few years has you scratching your head, then buying a better quality violin from the start is a great decision.

When I first played the Louis Carpini, I instantly fell in love with the sound. I like clear, focused violins and this one delivers. In many ways it’s comparable to another violin I own that is twice the price of the Louis Carpini. Now you may be thinking, I don’t want a bright violin. “Bright” seems like it might be shrill and loud, but that’s not the case with this violin.

Bright means:

• Very resonant (it keeps ringing)

• Clear (the sound isn’t muddled at all)

• Projecting (it projects into big spaces without being too loud)

• Very responsive (as soon as you ask the violin to do something, it does it).

This is very important when it comes to better intonation (the resonance allows you to hear the pitches better), producing a stronger tone (the violin will take it), and creating dynamics. While this violin is bright and resonant, it also has an openness to the sound which I love. And the E string is not too bright. It has a sweetness to the tone that is very lovely.

For the price, this is a phenomenal violin for anyone who wants a great violin from the start and doesn’t want to worry about the violin holding you back.

Because of its projection and its ability to play forte without maxing out, the Louis Carpini is great for anyone thinking about playing in church groups, orchestra, or other performance venues.

This violin doesn’t look “studenty” at all. It’s got a lovely, slightly blonde finish with better quality wood that makes it look more professional.

The Louis Carpini is suitable for intermediate and advancing students. Since it’s capable of handling advanced techniques, that means if you purchase this violin as a beginner it will not hold your technique back at all!

Pros

• Clear focused tone

• Great projection

• Super resonant

• Sweet sound on the higher strings

• Beautiful appearance with lovely wood

• Pre-rosined bow! (Really helpful if you’re just starting out)

• Better Rosin and Better Case

• A violin for intermediate and advanced students with 4 fine tuners (many in this price range only have 1)

Cons

• There really aren’t any. The Premier bow is an upgrade which I definitely recommend to match the quality of the violin.

Recommended Upgrades

• Giuliani Premier Bow. This is a great little Brazilwood bow that can actually handle quite a bit of bow technique!

• Dominant Strings (this violin will last you, so go ahead and put better strings on it. It shines even more with better strings.

• Geared pegs. If you’re purchasing a violin you know you’ll use for a long time, geared pegs is a worthy upgrade.

A violin with a complex, warm sound that will take you into intermediate and advanced playing: The Nicholas Gand Violin

If you like a violin with clarity, but want something a little darker and warmer (in both appearance and sound) the Nicholas Gand is a great choice.

This violin features a tone that is a nice blend between warmth and projection. As you get into violins in this price range, you’ll notice the tone becomes much more complex sounding (and that’s a good thing). It’s rich with overtones, neither too broad nor too focused.

The darker varnish and the wood flame on the back are absolutely gorgeous as well.

I love that this outfit comes with the upgraded Premier bow. This is quite and impressive bow for under $100. Once you learn the basics, upgrade the bow to get even more out of this violin.

This violin is suitable for intermediate and advanced players, which means if you purchase it as a beginner, you won’t need to upgrade for a long time (if you ever upgrade at all!)

Pros

• Warm, complex tone

• Lovely dark varnish

• Better Premier Giuliani brazilwood bow is standard

• Bow is pre-rosined!

• More standard case options

Cons

• This violin definitely deserves better strings, like Dominants, so add those to the upgrade list!

• One fine tuner. This isn’t necessarily a “con” because it’s standard on violins of this price range. However, if you are just starting to learn violin, I do recommend having 4 fine tuners installed or upgrading to geared pegs to make tuning easier.

Recommended Upgrades

• Giuliani Premier Bow. This is a great little Brazilwood bow that can actually handle quite a bit of bow technique!

• Dominant Strings (this violin will last you, so go ahead and put better strings on it. It shines even more with better strings.

• Geared pegs. If you’re purchasing a violin you know you’ll use for a long time, geared pegs is a worthy upgrade.

What violin brands to avoid?

Since there are more BAD “violins” out there than good ones, this list could go on and on. Basically, be wary of buying from big box stores that sell everything. Be wary buying from large music stores that sell every instrument imaginable. In my experience, I’ve found the best violins come from shops that specialize in violins, violas, cellos, and basses. It’s not only about getting a quality instrument, it’s about getting one that’s properly set up by a luthier before it’s shipped to you!

What violin would I buy?

Okay, you probably know I’m going to say one of the most expensive violins. But seriously, I know how good sound production and responsiveness makes such a difference for your playing. If I were an adult buying for myself, I would go for the Louis Carpini G2 (it’s not splurging, it’s ensuring you get the most out of your precious practice time). If I were buying for a student who was playing in orchestra and making regular progress, I’d go for the Antonio Giuliani Etude or the Fiddlerman Concert violin. If I needed a fractional violin for a young child who will be upgrading frequently, Tower Strings will be just fine.

Shop Wisely

One thing I’ve noticed while searching for “the best beginner violins” is a plethora of websites listing what they claim are the best beginner violins. I’ve found that many of these websites recommend violins that I know from experience are atrocious. As you read their pros and cons on a particular violin, you may be able to tell that the writer has no experience with this violin at all, they are simply regurgitating reviews. While many of these websites are legitimate, many exist to make money off of affiliate links. Affiliate links allow website owners to make a small commission on products, at no cost to the person using the link. I also use affiliate links as a way to help support the cost of my website, but I don’t promote products solely for the sake of earning a commission. The whole reason I created my website was to educate students and stop them from wasting money on VSOs. 

Don’t be fooled! Purchase a quality violin and you won’t regret it!

Check out my Step by Step Guide to Starting Violin Lessons and double check that you have everything you need to make learning the violin fun with my checklist on What to Buy for Violin Lessons.

While your violin is on the way, go ahead and sign up for my free course to get you started playing!

You’ll learn the basics to get you started like:

• How to tune the violin (and lots of gotchas)

• How to put on the shoulder rest (and how to adjust it)

• How to hold the bow

• How to play an easy song!

===>Click here to sign up for Learn Violin Or Refresh the Basics for free!

Angels We Have Heard on High Violin Duet (With Free Sheet Music)

Download the free sheet music for Angels We Have Heard on High Violin Duet

===>Download the sheet music for Angels We Have Heard on High here!

More Violin Christmas Resources!

Don’t forget to check out all of my Christmas resources for the violin at my Christmas Carol Central! You’ll find more Christmas violin sheet music, gift guides for violinists, and more Christmas carol tutorials for violin!

Make sure you subscribe to my Youtube channel so you know when I release my next video! Happy Practicing and Merry Christmas!

Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella Violin Duet (With Free Sheet Music)

Download the free sheet music for Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella Violin Duet

Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella is one of my absolute favorite Christmas carols for the violin. It’s not very well known, but is’ simple and lovely. I think it sounds great as a duet!

Download the free sheet music for Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella violin duet below and then play-along with me!

===>Download the sheet music for Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella here!

More Violin Christmas Resources!

Don’t forget to check out all of my Christmas resources for the violin at my Christmas Carol Central! You’ll find more Christmas violin sheet music, gift guides for violinists, and more Christmas carol tutorials for violin!

Make sure you subscribe to my Youtube channel so you know when I release my next video! Happy Practicing and Merry Christmas!

Carol of the Bells Violin Duet (With Free Sheet Music)

Download the free sheet music for Carol of the Bells Violin Duet

Carol of the Bells is a beautiful Christmas carol on the violin. It sounds even better with a violin duet!

Download the free sheet music for Carol of the Bells violin duet below and then play-along with me!

===>Download the sheet music for Carol of the Bells for Violin here!

More Violin Christmas Resources!

Don’t forget to check out all of my Christmas resources for the violin at my Christmas Carol Central! You’ll find more Christmas violin sheet music, gift guides for violinists, and more Christmas carol tutorials for violin!

Make sure you subscribe to my Youtube channel so you know when I release my next video! Happy Practicing and Merry Christmas!

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Violin Duet (With Free Sheet Music)

What’s more fun than playing Christmas carols on the violin? Playing Christmas carol duets on the violin! That extra little violin harmony adds so much to your Christmas songs and carols. So get ready to play a violin duet with me!

Download the free duet sheet music for God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Violin Duet

Download the sheet music for the duet below and then play-along with me!

===>Download the sheet music for God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen for Violin here!

More Violin Christmas Resources!

Don’t forget to check out all of my Christmas resources for the violin at my Christmas Carol Central! You’ll find more Christmas violin sheet music, gift guides for violinists, and more Christmas carol tutorials for violin!

Make sure you subscribe to my Youtube channel so you know when I release my next video! Happy Practicing and Merry Christmas!

JonPaul Carrera Violin Bow: Firm or Flexible? A Violin Teacher's Review

Are you considering purchasing a JonPaul Carrera bow? If so, you may be wondering what the difference is between a firm bow and a flexible bow? Are you confused with the terms like a “soft stick” vs. a “firm stick?” In this article, I’ll be explaining the differences with the JonPaul Firm Carrera and the JonPaul Flexible Carrera.

I recently had a conundrum that had me needing a new bow…asap. When I first started full-time RVing, I bought a new violin and a new bow for this journey. I’m really glad I decided on this course of action because pretty soon after RVing, I nearly destroyed my violin and bow…

I had originally bought a Fiddlerman Pro Carbon Fiber bow. Now don’t get me wrong, I love this little bow. It’s super light and agile and is a ton of fun to play. But after playing it for about 5 months, it needed a rehair…bad! The only problem, I was RVing and recording in the Rocky Mountains with no luthier within a 7 hour drive. I should have thought about this before I left my home base, but I didn’t.

The Fiddlerman Pro was the only bow I had with me, which was a problem. I think violinists should always have two bows. That way, when you send one off to get rehaired, you have a back-up.

But here I was with some recording venues already scheduled and a bow that needed rehairing so badly, I cringed when I played it. While sending my bow off to get rehaired wouldn’t fit within my timeframe, buying a new bow would!

JonPaul Carrera Violin Bow

I had my eye on the JonPaul Carrera bows for while. I had been wanting to try a higher end carbon fiber violin bow and people had great things to say about the JonPaul Carreras online. I loved that they came in a firm bow option and a flexible bow option. When shopping for bows, people commonly ask me, “what’s the difference between a firm bow and a soft bow?” Or you might hear the terms supple or flexible to describe a soft bow and hard or stiff to describe a firm bow. I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to showcase the differences between a firm violin bow and a soft violin bow.

Ordering the two violin bows for trial from Fiddlershop was fairly easy. Normally, it would be super easy, but since I full-time RV, I was staying at a campground in the middle of nowhere Colorado and my shipping address did not match the address on my driver’s license. A quick call to Fiddlershop cleared everything up and within a few hours I had two JonPaul Carrera bows headed my way!

*Note: The JonPaul Carrera violin bow is an advanced/professional quality bow and it is priced as such. Keep in mind, you don't have to be advanced or professional to use this bow. I think it is stable enough for even a beginner to use. But if you are looking for more affordable bow options for beginner or intermediate students, check out my Best Violin Bows for Beginner and Intermediate Students.

Initial Thoughts on the JonPaul Carrera Bows

Appearance and Craftsmanship

The JonPaul Carrera Bows are beautifully crafted violin bows. You can order the frog in either ebony, black horn, or white horn. I decided to try the firm violin bow in black horn and the flexible bow in white horn, but you can order any bow with any frog combination. The white horn frog was beautiful, but as many people note, it was darker than what you see in the online pictures. That wasn’t a big deal for me as it was still very lovely.

The black horn honestly doesn’t look very different from ebony to me. It has some striations in the material that actually make me think there’s some rosin dust on there I need to wipe off. So if I were to order these again, I’d probably either go with ebony or white horn.

The stick part of the violin bow is brown with a slight sheen to it. While the stick doesn’t necessarily look like wood close up, you can’t tell it’s not wood from a few feet away.

What’s the difference between a firm and flexible violin bow?

Before I tell you my initial thoughts on the JonPaul Carrera bows, let me give you a basic explanation on the differences between a firm and soft violin bow.

Take whatever bow you are using right now. Place the bow on the violin in the upper half of the bow and try to compress the stick down to the hair. With a flexible bow, it’s fairly easy to compress the stick down to the hair. If you were to take a firm bow and tighten the hair the exact same amount, and try to compress it down to the string, it will be much more stiff and resistant to flexing. That amount of flex, or resistance, is not necessarily a bad thing.  It can actually make some bow techniques much easier as you’re going to find out.

The designations firm and flexible can vary across different bows and different makers. In the past, I’ve tried some bows that were described as firm, but they felt pretty flexible to me. But for the JonPaul Carreras, these designations definitely hold true. The firm bow is very firm and the flexible bow is very soft and supple.

Sound and Response

I’m not going to lie, when I first tried the firm bow, I was a little put off. It felt really, really stiff and the flexible bow felt much more like what I was used to. When you’re trying out bows, one thing you have to be aware of is that the amount of ideal hair tension will be different for different bows. I started experimenting and realized the firm bow needed much less hair tension, and when I tried that, I started to understand all the hype about the JonPaul Carrera bows.

At first, I stared at each of these bows and for a moment I thought, “what do I play next?” When you have violins or bows on trial, it can be hard to know how to compare them. But then I remembered I made a complete course on trying out bows! My Better Bow Analysis has multiple exercises to help you analyze different bows.

After spending just a few minutes playing through the exercises in my Better Bow Analysis, I had a pretty clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each bow.

Let’s go through the differences between the JonPaul Carrera firm and flexible bows.

Articulation

When it came to articulation the firm bow definitely won out. It was very crisp with staccato and when I was playing faster passages every note was very clear. And I could hear that distinction and I could also feel the crisp response in my hand.

When it came to bow strokes like spiccato, I got the firm to bounce more easily, BUT the flexible had a softer, rounder-sounding bounce. The firm won out on brush spiccato because it was a little firmer and stiffer and got the string to speak better. The flexible bow won the up-bow staccato because it had a little bit more of a bounce in the stroke. And when it came to double stops, the firm Carrera bow definitely pulled a very clear, rich sound on both strings and I could really tell a difference on double stops in the higher positions where it’s often tricky for the bow to get both strings to speak, but it was very easy and clear with the JonPaul firm bow.

Smoothness

Next is smoothness, as you might expect, the flexible bow won out here. I was always a little bit surprised at how easy it was to do string crossings with the flexible bow. It’s called supple for a reason!

Max Q

Next up is Max Q, now this is a Meadowlarkism borrowed from aerodynamics and you’ll learn all about it in my Finding Your Better Bow course, but basically Max Q is how much force and pressure the bow can take. There was a unique difference here because the flexible Carrera bow didn’t sound badly at Max Q. Even though it was maxing out, it still had softness to the sound. But I actually couldn’t max out the firm bow. No matter how much weight I put into the stick, it still produced a good tone! And that’s pretty impressive! So the firm Carrera bow definitely wins the round for best Max Q!

Firm vs. Flexible Violin Bows: Dynamics

What about playing piano? The JonPaul firm bow produced a much more focused tone during the piano sections. It could handle playing piano very well. However the flexible bow allowed me to get even softer and the piano sound always had more color and more richness. It always reminded me of a palette of pastel colors. Whereas the firm produced a very controlled, clear piano sound. Neither bow is a loser here, but I’m going to give a point to the flexible bow just because it allowed me more options for playing piano.

How did each bow handle forte sections or playing closer to the bridge? The flexible Carrera bow responded really well but I had to be careful not to max it out. The firm bow however, was so crystal clear on strong forte sections. It felt so easy and so enjoyable to play once I got the feel for it. I felt myself pushing the limits more than I ever have before. For me this was a definite point for the firm Carrera bow. This was really where I felt the bow out performed any other bow I’ve ever played, including my pernambuco bows. It handled that contact point close to the bridge so well and the forte sections were so easy and enjoyable to play. But I could also see how someone else might think it sounded a little too focused and sharp-sounding and you might think the flexible bow had a rounder, fuller sound at the forte sections. For me however, I loved this feature of the firm bow.

Extreme Ranges

What about the extreme ranges on the E and the G strings? The firm violin bow drew out a very focused sound on the E string and the flexible bow was much rounder and maybe not quite so harsh on the E string. I liked each characteristic for different pieces and different sections so I’ll give them each a point here. For the G string, the firm Carrera definitely drew out a stronger tone and it gave me more immediate response. So i’ll give the firm violin bow a point there.

How does the tone of firm and flexible bows compare?

What about overall tone? The flexible bow had resonance and warmth, and the firm bow had a more focused, concentrated tone. Again, this one could totally go either way, depending on your preferences and your style of music. Personally for me, I loved the clarity of the firm Carrera bow, so it gets a point here.

How do firm and flexible bows feel different?

Last up, overall feel. This is tricky because at first, I would have given a point to the flexible bow for overall feel. Because it’s more flexible, you can really feel what’s going on between the bow, the hair, and the string. I think if you’re coming from more of a beginner or intermediate bow, the flexible bow will probably feel more familiar to you. You really feel like you can create a connection with the bow and the violin right away. The firm bow on the other hand, feels a little bit reserved and stiff in your hand at first, which is of course what you would expect from a firm violin bow. The flexible Carrera bow just melts into your hand and the firm bow takes a little bit of time to understand exactly how to get what you want out of it. It requires a very light touch and I think that’s something that you have to get used to.

When I first tried both of these bows, I did not like how the firm felt at all. It felt unresponsive and way too stiff. However, when I tried experimenting with the bow hair tension, I found that the firm bow didn’t need very much tension at all and when I realized that, I started to understand what the firm bow was capable of. So the lesson there is, don’t eliminate a bow just because it feels different than what you’re used to. You really need to spend some time with each bow to understand its nuances. Once I better understood how to use the firm bow, I actually preferred the feel of the firm bow over the flexible bow.

Overall Thoughts on JonPaul Carrera Bows

So let’s review how these violin bows stacked up.

Technically when it comes to points, the firm violin bow won. But this could totally go the other direction depending on on your preferences, which is why I definitely recommend doing an in-home trial anytime you’re comparing bows over about the  $300 price range. They are all going to feel and sound much differently to each individual player.

Overall, if you’re wondering what the differences are between a firm and a flexible bow, the firm bow will probably have better articulation, and it will be easier to get good, crisp beginnings and endings to your notes. Firm bows will probably sound cleaner during fast passages or with double stops. A flexible violin bow will feel like it has more give in it and will tend to feel and sound smoother and it might perform better for those really really soft, piano sections.

Which JonPaul Carrera bow did I pick?

I loved how I could craft beautiful piano sections with the flexible bow, but overall the firm JonPaul Carrera bow won me over. I loved its clarity, strength, and articulation. The firm bow still produced a lovely, clear tone with piano sections, but its power during mezzo forte or forte sections is where this bow really shines.

If you’re interested in trying out these bows for yourself, give Fiddlershop a call! You can check out their in-home trial process here.

How do carbon fiber bows compare to pernambuco bows?

This is always hard to say since there are varying levels of both carbon fiber and pernambuco. You can’t really compare a $2000 pernambuco bow to a $1000 carbon fiber bow. You really need to compare across similar price ranges. Fortunately, my German pernambuco bow runs about the same price as the JonPaul Carrera bows. So which one would I pick? While I haven’t done a side-by-side comparison, I think the JonPaul carbon fiber Carrera outplays my pernambuco bow of the same price.

Am I through testing bows?

I’ve been playing my JonPaul Carrera firm bow for a few months now and I’m still as in love with it as I was when I first tried it out.

But can I find a bow that has the power of the firm bow combined with the nuance of the flexible bow? And if it’s out there, how much will it cost?

Stay tuned to find out more!

The First Noel Violin Duet (With Free Sheet Music)

What’s more fun than playing Christmas carols on the violin? Playing Christmas carol duets on the violin! That extra little violin harmony adds so much to your Christmas songs and carols. So have fun playing carols with me!

Download the free duet sheet music for the First Noel Violin Duet

Download the sheet music for the duet below and then play-along with me!

===>Download the sheet music for the First Noel Violin Duet

More Violin Christmas Resources!

Don’t forget to check out all of my Christmas resources for the violin at my Christmas Carol Central! You’ll find more Christmas violin sheet music, gift guides for violinists, and more Christmas carol tutorials for violin!

Make sure you subscribe to my Youtube channel so you know when I release my next video! Happy Practicing and Merry Christmas!

How to Play “Silent Night”: Violin Tutorial and Free Sheet Music

“Silent Night” sounds absolutely beautiful on the violin. But it can be deceptively tricky to get that “Silent Night” sound. In this tutorial I’ll show you how to avoid certain areas of the bow to get that smooth sound you want. We’ll also talk about finger patterns, stretching for those difficult fourth fingers, and how to use your bow to make the beginning and ending notes magical!

Let’s get started learning “Silent Night” on the violin! First download your free sheet music below and then watch the tutorial for all of my tips and tricks. Then play-along with me!

Download and Print Your Free Silent Night Violin Sheet Music Here

Click here to download the free sheet music for Silent Night.

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Sign up for my newsletter below and you’ll get updates anytime I upload new song tutorials (plus get some free violin printable goodies as well!)

Now watch the tutorial here and let’s learn “Silent Night” together on the violin!

Advanced Christmas Songs for Violin-(Sheet Music)

Ready for some harder violin Christmas music this holiday? These intermediate and advanced Christmas songs for violin feature tricky rhythms, higher positions, slow bows, and slurs for some advanced Christmas songs that will keep you busy while it’s cold outside!

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy Violin Sheet Music

Let’s start off with this intermediate violin version of this Nutcracker classic. You’ll start off playing pizzicato then quickly transition to Arco (with the bow). Watch out for the accidentals and make sure you circle those runs and practice them!

Gesù Bambino Violin Sheet Music

Gesù Bambino is another lovely, albeit challenging Christmas song for violin. While you can play Gesù Bambino completely in first position, you will need to practice counting in 12/8 time and work on some B flat scales to get comfortable with that middle portion. Need help? My Music Theory for Violinists Course will have you clapping and counting tricky rhythms in any time signature and my Creative Scales for the Experimental Violinist course will get you equally prepared for any of those tricky key signatures!

Violin Christmas Songs in Third Position

Now let’s add some higher notes! Enjoy these resources on third position if you need more help!

• What is Third Position on the Violin (And Why is it Hard?)

• Third Position Scales

• I’ve also got a complete course on How to Play in Third Position on the Violin!

The First Noel Violin Third Position Sheet Music

Download the First Noel pdf for violin here.

The First Noel isn’t too difficult on the violin. To make it a more advanced Christmas song for violin, I transposed it up into the higher positions. This version of the First Noel for violin starts in 3rd position and stays in third position for the entire song to make use of those beautiful high notes!

Joy to the World Violin Sheet Music in Third Position

Start this carol out in third position and stay there for the entire song. You’ll find Joy to the World feels very natural in third position. Remember your half steps and whole steps and you’ll be golden!

O Come All Ye Faithful Violin Sheet Music in Third Position

You can start O Come All Ye Faithful in first position and then shift up to third position in measure three.

O Holy Night Violin Sheet Music Third Position

No collection of intermediate and advanced violin Christmas carols would be complete without O Holy Night. It’s tricky for a number of reasons. #1 Long, slow bows which require a lot of bow control. #2 Tricky time signatures #3 Higher Positions

I start O Holy Night out in third position. You’ll notice in measure 19 we reach an E. You can either stretch for that E and stay in third position, play a harmonic, or follow my fingerings and shift up to 4th position. Or try all three and see which one you like!

I hope you enjoy these slightly more challenging Christmas carols for the violin. While I love writing out these carols, like all of the sheet music I produce on my website, they take a considerable amount of time to arrange, edit, test-play, and upload. If you would like to download any of these easy Christmas violin songs as PDFS, you can (and much more) when you sign up to my online studio. Try it out here!

Enjoy these other violin Christmas resources.

• Best Gift Ideas for Violinists

• Best Violins for Beginner and Intermediate Players (for Christmas gifts!)

• Free Christmas Violin Duet Sheet Music

• Easy Violin Christmas Songs with Sheet Music

• Easy Violin Christmas Songs with TAB-No Note Reading!

25 Best Gifts for Violin Players (+3 to Avoid): A Violin Teacher's Gift Guide for REAL Violinists for 2025

Looking for gifts for violinists, gifts for fiddlers, or gifts for violin teachers? Enough with the worthless knick knacks! Let’s talk about real gifts for violin players—gifts that violinists will actually love. In fact, if you’re a violinist, you might find a gift for yourself on this list!

After years of giving violin gifts to friends and receiving violin gifts from students, I know exactly what gifts musicians love! If you aren’t a string player, your string-player friend will think you are if you purchase them something off this list. Whether you are looking for a gift for an orchestra partner, a fiddler, a music teacher, or a child, or maybe something for yourself, here is my ultimate guide to the top 25 gifts for violin players and violin teachers.

You can also visit the Meadowlark Violin Shop for all of my recommendations for violins, books, and accessories.

*Wait for the end to see my list of what gifts to NOT buy for violinists!

Best Gifts for Violinists

1. Swanky Rosin

Don’t buy your violinists just any rosin. Get them swanky rosin. Expensive rosin. Posh rosin. Trust me. They will love you. Rosin is like candy for violinists. We love trying different kinds and there’s just something about using very nice rosin with a stylish holder as opposed to something cheap. Here are my recommendations for rosin gifts for violinists!

• Jade L’Opera is a good quality rosin that comes in a violin shaped box. Hurry though! This is a great violin gift and it sells out early every Christmas.

• Holstein Reserve Rosin is one of the rosins I use. It produces a wonderful, clear, crisp tone and is relatively affordable.

• Melos Light or Dark Violin Rosin is another great choice and one of the rosins I frequently use. It comes in a stylish cork case.

• Leatherwood Bespoke Rosin which comes in two formulas: Supple and Crisp, is probably the end-all-be-all of rosin gifts for violinists. It’s not cheap, but it’s oh so worth it. I’m using the supple formula right now and it’s quite impressive!

2. Magic Rosin

No one is too young for Magic Rosin! Magic rosin comes in a variety of different styles like sparkles, glow in the dark, dragons, unicorns, and much more. If your child is always losing their rosin, giving the gift of Magic Rosin might just fix that!

Rosin makes for a great stocking stuffer too!

3. Practicing Mugs

These are essential tools for practicing, which is why I call them “practicing” mugs. Fuel your practice time with tea and coffee in a fun violin design. These violin “practicing” mugs will make a great gift for that violinist in your life who loves to drink tea or coffee (even if that violinist is you!).

4. Practicing Tumblers

For chilly mornings, a practicing tumbler will keep your beverage nice and warm. I call these "1 Hour Practice Tumblers” because they’ll last you an hour of practicing.

It’s great gift for violinists who are always on-the-go!

A practice tumbler, a metronome, and a violin is how I start every morning!

5. Violin Strings

Violinists should change their strings at least once a year, more if they play frequently. A good set of violin strings can be pricey, so any violinist will appreciate a gift of strings. Obligatos are great to add warmth to a bright violin and Evah Pirazzis will add brightness to a dark sounding violin.

If you are looking for gifts for violin teachers and you know what type of strings your teacher plays, I’m sure they would love a set of strings! Strings are a meaningful gift for violin teachers that they will use and appreciate!

(Best and Worst Strings for Beginners: A Violin Teacher’s Honest Review)

6. Violin Stands and Wall Mounts

You are much more likely to practice if your violin is out and easily accessible. Encourage your string player to practice more with a violin stand. This violin stand is wooden and velvet-lined, making it a perfect addition to any music room.

Keeping your violin out and visible makes it so much easier to pick up your violin and play. This wall mount keeps your violin away from pets or small children. Your violin can also double as decoration when it’s hanging on your wall. This is one of the handiest violin accessories I have. I can’t believe it took me years to install them. If you want to subtly encourage your child (or yourself) to practice more—this is the gift!

7. A Classy Metronome

All violinists practice with a metronome (or they should!) Make practicing with a metronome fun and classy with the gift of an old fashioned metronome. It’s also a great, sophisticated touch to your violin studio or music room!

8. Geared Pegs

Geared pegs are one the best upgrades you can do for your violin. These geared pegs look like traditional wooden pegs, but they work like the tuning pegs on guitars, making tuning a breeze. No more stuck or slipping pegs. No more loose strings from changes in weather. Once installed, tuning only takes a few seconds. You will rarely, if ever, need to use your fine tuners, even for your E string. A great gift for beginners or advanced players. I use geared pegs on all of my violins. I will never go back to traditional pegs! If you are handy, you can install these yourself. You’ll need this tool and some advice. Or, take your violin to a luthier and have them install the pegs.

Better yet, purchase a violin from Fiddlershop and ask to have Geared Pegs installed before your violin is shipped! Perfect solution.

9. String Cleaner

Keeping your strings clean will elongate the life of your expensive violin strings. No more scrubbing away at that rosin with a handkerchief. Any violinist will be in awe of this nifty little tool to help you clean your strings.

This gift makes a great stocking stuffer for the violinist in your life!

10. Violin Apparel

Everyone loves a little something that is classy and fun that says, “I play violin!” Including me!

I personally love theses shirts because…I designed them.

For years I looked for a t-shirt with a simple violin design and I could never find exactly what I wanted. So I started making my own! I always get a ton of compliments. Especially for my “Not All Who Improvise Are Lost” shirts!

You can also get these with any background color, in long sleeves, short sleeves, or sweaters. If you like soft shirts, I recommend the Bella+Canvas Tri-blend.

11. Stand Light

What a gift to actually be able to see your music! When I practice, I like to create the right atmosphere for creativity. That means a hot cup of tea, no overhead lights, and some soft lamps. While that makes it really cozy, it’s not ideal for reading your music.

That’s where a stand light comes in handy. I use mine every night. It’s also great for orchestras or gigs.

12. Music Book Holder

Most string players have to get creative with holding books open. Paper clips, clothespins, cell phones….This music book holder will keep those pesky pages flat with style! It’s a great stocking stuffer for a violinist or a thoughtful gift.

They also come in a plainer version for you purists.

13. Music Stand Pencil Holder

You might think this is simple, but your violin friend will LOVE this gift. When you need to mark something down, you can never find a pencil. It’s either buried under piles of music, in your case, or in another room. This pencil holder is magnetic so it sticks to any metal stand. A great way to encourage violin students to write down what they’re learning. This is another great stocking stuffer for violinists. I wish all of my students had one of these!

14. Mozart Candies Violin Gift Box

Visit Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg, Austria and you’ll find these delicious candies in every shop window. They are made of almond and pistachio marzipan and hazelnut praline. They come in many boxes and varieties but this violin-shaped gift box is sure to be a hit for any of your violin friends. This would be a great gift for violin teachers—trust me, I know. And a perfect gift for any string player!

15. The Best Cleaning Cloth Ever

Normally microfiber violin cleaning cloths are itty bitty. It seems like in a few weeks of cleaning they’re saturated with rosin and just smudge it around your precious violin.

This cleaning cloth is massive and super soft! It’s by far the best I’ve ever owned. My violin is much cleaner and happier now!

Wrap this cleaning cloth around a nice box of rosin for a great gift!

16. Fiddle Books

For the fiddle players out there, or those violinists looking for something new and exciting to play, fiddle books are a great gift idea for violinists. From French fiddlers, to Appalachia, to Celtic jigs, check out my top picks for beginner and intermediate fiddle books.

17. Violin Case Tag

Violin cases can all start looking the same during orchestra rehearsals or jam sessions. Help your violinist always know where their case is with the gift of a personalized violin case tag.

You can customize these case tags with your name. And they also function as luggage tags for when you're traveling.

Another great stocking stuffer for violinists!

18. Musical Tote

Always lugging around music books? Is your case breaking under the strain? Give your violinist a helping hand with those endless scales and etude books, like this adorable violin tote.

19. New Violin Case

Instead of a case tag, how about a brand new violin case? Cases get worn-out quickly, making this a great gift for a violin player. I use a Bobelock case in a beautiful forest green for my travels. It’s heavy duty (trust me I know, it’s saved my violin, Meriwether from destruction more than once).

You can also opt for a budget model like the Fiddlerman’s Oblong Violin Case.

20. A Tuner/Metronome You Can Actually Hear

Using a drone (a pitch that keeps sounding) function on a metronome/tuner can be extremely helpful when learning to play in tune. However, most metronome/tuners and tuners on phone apps can be impossible to hear while you are playing violin. A good metronome/tuner combo like this Dr. Beat will last you forever.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly portable tuner metronome, my pick would be a Korg.

21. Music Stand

If your violinist is using a cheap wire stand (or no stand at all), then this lovely wooden stand would make a perfect gift. Brahms, Beethoven, and Bach deserve to be played on something beautifully crafted! (But please don’t place your violin on the music stand like this…)

For something not quite as decorative, a good quality stand like this will literally last a lifetime. Mine is still going strong after several decades of practice!

Bonus: Save your eyes and stop squinting! Gift your violinist a Mighty Bright Stand Light as well. Well-illuminated music is a gift for violinists that doesn’t get old.

22. A New Violin

If you are wondering what the best gift for a violin player is, well, it’s the best violin! If your violin player is playing on a cheap, budget violin, giving them a better quality violin will help their playing considerably. Whether your violinist is just starting or ready for an upgrade, check out my top picks for beginner and intermediate level violins.

You may also be interested in the violin I am currently using (and no, it’s not as expensive as you may think!)

23. A New Violin Bow

A better bow can make all the difference with playing. It will make difficult bow strokes easier to manage, it will be easier to produce a better tone or create different dynamics and tonal shading. It’s one of those things where you don’t know what you’re missing until you try a better bow. An upgraded bow would make a great gift for a violin student (or for yourself!)

I’ve reviewed several beginner and intermediate bows and you can find my recommendations below.

24. Admission to a Fiddle/Violin Camp

Some of my best musical memories are from musical festivals and camps I’ve attended. I made great friends, wonderful progress, and got motivation to last me the rest of the year. I’ve made a list of camps around the U.S. and the entire world that are great for adults or families. Styles range from fiddle to gypsy jazz and everything in between.

Sign yourself up or give the gift of a violin/fiddle camp to your violinist friend or child and give them memories for a lifetime!

25. Violin Lessons

Give the gift of violin instruction with my online studio membership. No gift compares to knowing how to play your violin well!

1000+ lessons, guided Progress Pathways, live events, monthly challenges, real feedback from me, and an exclusive, fun community where you can get your questions answered and stay motivated!

What Violin Gifts to Avoid

Now that you know what some of the best gifts for violin players are, let’s talk about some gifts to NOT buy.

Cheap, “Starter” Violins

Don’t buy a violin just to see if your special someone will like it. Trust me, no one likes VSOs. Spend a few more dollars and get a real violin instead.

Shoulder Rests

Shoulder rests come in many varieties and styles. This is a very personalized choice that is generally best left up to a violinist themselves. If you are a violinist looking for a better shoulder rest, check out my recommendations here.

Picture Frames and Jewelry

Unless you really, really know the violinist you are buying for, I would recommend steering clear of things like musical picture frames and jewelry. Some people may love these items, but if you’re buying a violin gift for a violin teacher, a child, or violin friend, I would suggest purchasing something that you know they will find useful, like Mozart candy, of course!

Holstein Kreisler Violin Review from Fiddlershop

I recently purchased a Holstein Kreisler violin from Fiddlershop to use as my main violin. Why you might ask? Well, when I started living in an RV full time, I wanted a good, reliable violin that was more durable (and more replaceable) than my really, really nice violin.

I went through the entire process of looking for a violin online, getting two violins sent to me for an in-home trial, and making a final selection. Here’s my review of the whole process!

Deciding on a Price Point

Anytime you are considering buying or upgrading to a new violin, consider how much you want to spend. From my experience, I knew that $1500-$2000 would get me a good violin adequate for the type of playing I would be doing. But it also wouldn’t be so expensive that I would be terrified of actually using it out on the open road.

Choosing Local vs. Online Retailers

Once you have an idea of how much you want to spend, the next decision is where are you going to go to find a violin in that price range? I always suggest trying local shops or luthiers first if you have the option. For me, living in rural Oklahoma at the time, I knew that my local shops didn’t have a lot of selection in that price range, so I decided to use an online retailer.

If you’re shopping online, go with a reputable dealer that specializes in stringed instruments (not a general music store). There are several options that I often recommend including Shar Music, Southwest Strings, Kennedy Violins, and Fiddlershop to name a few. I was attracted to Fiddlershop for a couple of reasons. They had a wide selection of violins in my price range. I’ve done business with them before and was impressed with their customer service. But namely what drew me to them was the videos they put out on YouTube for customers comparing various violins they offer.

Whatever violin you are looking at, type that in to Youtube and you’ll find lots of comparison videos where you can hear the differences between their violins. This is a game changer when picking a violin online. I spent several weeks with my members listening and comparing lots of different violins. By choosing a violin this way, I was able to eliminate a lot of violins that would’t be a good fit for me and identify the ones I wanted for an in-home trial. I eventually narrowed it down to the Holstein Traditional Soil Stradivarius and the Holstein Traditional Kreisler violin.

The In-Home Trial Process

Most violin shops and online companies will allow you to do an in-home trial in which you are sent violins or bows for a period of time. After that period you can return both, or keep the one you like. You are usually only charged a minimal fee to cover the cost of shipping. So don’t worry, your credit card is not charged for both violins!

You can read the details of Fiddlershop’s in-home trial process here.

The violins I selected do not come with a case or bow since Fiddlershop knows if you are selecting a violin in this price range, you’ll probably want to choose your own case and bow. Although if you call and talk to a representative, they’ll be able to give you some suggestions if you want a case and bow as well.

Since the violins don’t have a case, they were shipped in an impressive cardboard box with a nifty little cover to keep the bridges safe.

And then the actual playing trial began…

Holstein Soil Violin vs. Holstein Kreisler Violin

These two violins were very different. The Soil violin had a warm, intimate sound. When playing it, it felt almost as if the sound were making a little cloud around you. The Kreisler had a more brilliant, focused sound.

I loved both of these violins for different reasons. The Soil was cozy, rich, and subtle, but the Kreisler with its sparkling brilliance reminded me of playing my really, really nice violin Maria (the one I was leaving behind). So I decided to keep the Kreisler violin and after playing it for several months, I’m still in love with this instrument. Here are all the details why…

Holstein Traditional Kreisler Violin Review

The Holstein Kreisler is a Guarneri del Gesù replica, patterned off of a 1730 violin that del Gesù made. The violin was played by many masters but became known as the “Kreisler” after the 20th century master, Fritz Kreisler.

The Kreisler came with Thomastik Vision strings, traditional wooden ebony pegs, one fine tuner (standard for this price range), and your standard Guarneri style chinrest.

As soon as I put the bow to the string, I was struck by the responsiveness of this violin. You get an immediate, clear response. It’s hard to describe what responsiveness feels and sounds like. But imagine asking for a certain sound, dynamic, or accent, and immediately it’s right there. You don’t have to ask twice.

The tone itself was a lovely blend of complexity and brilliance, with a touch of warmth to keep it from being overpowering. When I hear a violin tone I really like, I often describe it as a rose blossoming. (Not your standard store-bought rose, I’m talking home-grown roses.) There are many layers to the sound and you can’t quite put your finger on what exactly makes it so alluring. It’s part of that allure that keeps you playing, the same way you’d marvel at a rose and smell it again and again without every quite getting enough. That’s how I know I have a violin I want to keep.

This is often what you get with more expensive violins, a more complex tonal offering. Some violins may look pretty, and they have a decent tone, but they’re like store-bought roses. The sound might be strong, but it’s one-dimensional.

The Kreisler, like my more expensive Maria, is like a favorite book that you enjoy rereading because you always find something you didn’t pick up on the first time. Even when you know how the book ends, you can marvel at the author’s style and word choice and how they can create a certain atmosphere just with words. A good violin can create that same sense of wonder and awe that keep you wanting to play again and again.

A good violin should sound balanced in the upper range and in the lower range. The Kreisler has a clear, strong tone in either range. Here’s an example of me playing a Salut d’Amour Duet where you can hear the upper ranges of the Kreisler in the first violin part on the left and the lower ranges with the violin two part on the right.

Violin Strings

The Kreisler came with Thomastik Vision strings. I hadn’t played on Vision strings in a while, but I felt these were well suited to the Kreisler. They were new strings, so they did give the violin a slightly intense quality of sound at first. But that mellowed out after a week of playing. When it comes to strings, people often ask how much of a difference this makes when comparing violins. For instance, if Violin “A” has Dominants and Violin “B” has Visions, how can you compare the differences between violins? Strings do make a difference in the sound and can highlight certain qualities or downplay other qualities of the violin. Violin shops are aware of this and usually try to match each violin with the strings that fit it best. So don’t worry too much about what kind of violin strings are on the violins you’re comparing, as long as they are a decent set of strings, you should be fine.

While I did enjoy trying out the Vision strings, after a few months I put on my favorite Evah Pirazzi strings. These strings gave the violin a slightly more broader, warmer sound which I love.

Pegs and Fine Tuners

The first upgrade I made to the Kreisler once I purchased it was to change out the chinrest. But the second upgrade was installing geared pegs.

The Kreisler came with one fine tuner on the E string (standard for this price range) and traditional wooden pegs. If you are new to violins or uncomfortable tuning, this combination can make it tricky to get the violin in tune. Since the strings are new and the violin has been in the mail for a few days, there will be some tuning you’ll have to do at first. Fiddlershop will install geared pegs or more fine tuners on all of the strings before shipping. So if you’re worried about tuning, ask about these two options.

Summary

I’ve been playing on the Kreisler exclusively for the last few months. Overall, I’m extremely pleased with this violin. It delivers everything I need and is enjoyable to play. For the price, it’s a great violin.

If you’re considering a violin from Fiddlershop’s Holstein line of violins, I have a few other recommendations since I spent quite a bit of time comparing every violin in this lineup.

The Kreisler is a great blend of brightness with a touch of warmth. If you want something not quite so bright, I would recommend looking at the Holstein David violin. I haven’t played the David, but I have students who own this violin and love it. If you want more warmth, the Soil Stradivarius is a great violin for someone wanting a warmer tone but some projection too.

The Holstein line of violins all come in three options: Traditional, Workshop, and Bench. Each option goes up in price and quality. For instance, you can get a Traditional Kreisler, a Workshop Kreisler, or a Bench Kreisler. With each level, you’ll find better quality woods and craftsmanship. I went with the Traditional because my goal was not to get the absolute best sounding violin I could find (I already had that!) I wanted something that sounded great at an affordable price, and the Traditional Kreisler fit that bill perfectly. While I have not played a Workshop or Bench version, differences in appearance and sound are apparent when listening to comparison videos online. So if you want an even better sound, research the Workshop Kreisler or the Bench version.

If you’re thinking about buying a new violin, I suggest watching my videos on comparing violins so you can feel confident with the decision you make. Or if you’re interested in checking out the Kreisler, click the link below!

The more you write about how violins sound, the more you want to play them. So I’m off to play my Kreisler. Happy Practicing!

* I was not asked nor paid by Fiddlershop to review this violin. I selected and purchased this violin based on my own needs and projects. If you choose to purchase this violin or other equipment and use the links on this page, I make a small commission at no cost to you. I only endorse products that I use or products I believe bring value to you. If you would like to support Meadowlark Violin Studio, clicking through my links to purchase this equipment helps me in my mission to make learning violin easier for everyone!

What Violin Do I Use? A Violin Teacher's Equipment and Accessories

My Current Violin: Holstein Traditional Kreisler

Meriwether, my Holstein Kreisler Violin

I have lots of violins. My main violin, who I call “Maria” is a Kile Hill violin. However, when my husband and I decided to live full-time in an RV, I knew I didn’t want to take Maria with me until I knew what I was getting myself into.

So I started shopping for a violin online, did some in-home trials, and fell in love with this Holstein Traditional Kreisler violin who I’ve named “Meriwether.”

(For my process of picking out a violin online, click here.)

When you see how much this violin costs, you might be surprised. I’m used to playing on much more expensive violins, so is this a downgrade for me? Actually, not really. I’ve been playing Meriwether for a few months now and I truly enjoying playing it and find it suits my needs just fine.

This violin has very similar qualities to my much more expensive Maria. Meriwether has a rich, clear, crisp tone. He’s brilliant without being too bright and complex without being muddled. He has focus, and yet he still has warmth to the sound.

Fiddlershop offers three levels of craftsmanship for their Holstein line of violins: Traditional, Workshop, and Bench. The quality of wood and craftsmanship goes up with each level. I opted for the cheaper Traditional and considering how many times I’ve come close to destroying Meriwether on this adventure, I’m glad I did.

To read my full review of the Holstein Traditional Kreisler violin and to hear some sound samples of Meriwether, click here.

My Current Bow: JonPaul Carrera Firm Violin Bow & Fiddlerman Pro Carbon Fiber

Again, I have lots of bows. My main bow is a nice German pernambuco bow, but for RVing, I wanted something a little more durable and a little more replaceable. I knew I wanted a carbon fiber bow since carbon fiber is less affected by humidity and temperature changes and it’s stronger if it’s accidentally dropped. I ordered the Fiddlerman Pro Carbon Fiber and the Coda Diamond SX to try out. Both bows had wonderful response and control. The Fiddlerman is very light and the Diamond SX was a little more stable. I honestly couldn’t decide between bows and I really wanted both of them. At the time Fiddlershop was running deals on their bows. Since I was torn anyway, the $200 price savings helped me make up my mind.

I recently felt like I needed more from my bow. The Fiddlerman Pro Carbon Fiber can’t be beat for the price, but once I tried out the JonPaul Firm Carrera bow, it made such a difference in my playing, I knew I needed to have it. It brings out so many wonderful qualities of my violin that I didn’t hear with the Fiddlerman bow.

*Note: If you’re shopping for bows, I wouldn’t recommend the Fiddlerman Pro Carbon Fiber for beginner or intermediate students. It’s very light which can mean it’s hard to control. The Coda Diamond SX wasn’t quite so light, so it would be suitable for an intermediate player. I have lots of recommendations for bows for beginner and intermediate students here.

My Case: Bobelock 1063

Now this little case has definitely proven its worth and saved Meriwether from certain destruction. Watch the video on the right to see how this case survived the hydraulic squeeze test and saved Meriwether!

You can find more about this case here.

My Pegs: Wittner Geared Pegs

I’ve been tooting the geared peg horn for a long time now. Geared pegs work similar to guitar pegs. There are gears inside of the pegs that allow the peg to turn much more gradually and more smoothly than traditional wooden pegs. The pegs also aren’t as subject to temperature or humidity changes the way wooden pegs are.

Geared pegs just make it easier to tune. Period. If you’re going to play violin, I strongly suggest upgrading to geared pegs. It was the second thing I did when I got Meriwether (after changing out my chinrest).

Note: Fiddlershop and Kennedy Violins are the two online shops (that I know of) that can install geared pegs before the violin is shipped to you.

My Rosin: Melos and Holstein Reserve

I use both Melos Light and Holstein Reserve rosin interchangeably. They both offer a crips response, smooth playing, and minimal dust to have to wipe off. Light rosin is better for summer and the darker Holstein rosin is better for dry winters.

My Strings: Evah Pirazzi

Alright, you probably know I’m a huge Evah Pirazzi fan. These strings just make everything better. Like my Kreisler violin, they offer a blend of brightness without being shrill, complexity without being muffled, and resonance without being overpowering.

Like just about everything with the violin, strings are a matter of personal preference. However, most of my students who try Evahs always comment on the marked difference and improvement in playing.

Learn more about strings in my article: Best and Worse Violin Strings.

My Shoulder Rest: Wolfe Forte Secondo

When it comes to shoulder rests, there is no one size fits all. It’s a very personal choice and it usually takes some trial and error to find the right one. I use the Wolf Forte Secondo because it’s heavy duty and more durable than your standard shoulder rest. The screws that attach to the feet are large and extend out quite a bit for average or tall necks. And it’s quite customizable with a bendable cushion.

If you’re wondering what that rubber band is for, that provides extra traction. The rubber band helps grip my shirt to prevent the violin from slipping. You can also use that rubber band to add extra cushions, like those little red makeup sponges which are great for adding a little extra cushion or height.

If you’re interested in trying a different shoulder rest, check out my 3 Favorite Styles of Shoulder Rests.

My Chinrest: Supreme Teka Extra Tall 30mm

I have an average to taller neck. This problem can be solved in two ways:

#1: Extend the shoulder rest feet to bring the violin up to the chin or

#2: Buy a taller chinrest to keep the violin lower and closer to the shoulder.

The #2 option is always the way to go. Extending the shoulder rest feet to bring the violin up to your chin can work as you’re figuring things out, but the further the violin gets away from your shoulder, the farther up your hands have to reach. While this doesn’t seem like a big deal, it makes a huge difference with your finger placement and reach, especially with the pinky. If you have trouble reaching your pinky, it could be that the shoulder rest is too high off your shoulder.

All that to say, I use an Extra Tall 30mm chinrest…and at the time of writing this, I’m considering going to a 40mm. We’ll see!

Please don’t go out and buy a Teka just because I use one. The chinrest is probably the most personal choice of all the choices you make when it comes to equipment. If you’re interested in changing your chinrest, I’ve written an extensive guide to help you select the right chinrest for you.

My Accessories: Violin Humidifier and D’Addario Instrument Humidifier

Humidity control is a major factor in violin care. You want to keep your violin in between 40%-60% humidity. You should always be aware of the humidity level, but be especially cognizant if you live in a dry area or during winter months when humidity drops and heaters lower the humidity in your house even more.

When we started RVing, we knew we were going to be spending a lot of time in the Southwest where the humidity is often around 10%, so making sure Meriwether stays nice and comfy is very important. I use both an in-case humidifier and an in-violin humidifier.

For my in-case humidifier I use a D’Addario Instrument Humidifier. This is a pretty basic (and cheap) humidifier option. It’s a sponge and a holder. One thing I like about this simple option is that I can add a few drops of pine essential oil to the sponge. It helps with keeping microbial growth under control and when I open my case I’m always greeted with the subtle scent of pine. The very first “real” violin I received from Shar Music (my Sophia) had a few drops of pine in the humidifier when I received her in the mail. So I associate that scent with the same feeling of awe I experienced the first time I opened the case and held a real, premium quality violin in my hand. It’s a magical moment. I like to relive it every time I open my case.

I also use a humidifier that is inserted into the violin to help maintain humidity levels when I’m playing the violin. Dampit is the standard brand for these types of humidifiers that go inside your violin. However, I’ve experimented with some knock off brands that are a little cheaper and I’ve found I like this humidifier just as well as the Dampits (and it’s half the price!).

Happy Practicing!

~Lora

* I was not asked nor paid by any company to review any of these items. I selected and purchased these items based on my own needs and projects. If you choose to purchase any of this equipment and use the links on this page, I make a small commission at no cost to you. I only endorse products that I use or products that I believe bring value to you. If you would like to support Meadowlark Violin Studio, clicking through my links to purchase products helps me in my mission to make learning violin easier for everyone!

How to Place Your Left Hand Fingers on the Violin (Without Using Fret Decals!)

You don’t have to use finger stickers or fret decals to know where to place your left hand fingers. In this short video, I’ll go over left hand basic finger technique and several songs to help you place your left hand fingers without the use of any stickers or decals!

How to Play Slides on the Violin (With Exercises on Scales for Slides)

Slides are a wonderful, and fairly easy ornament you can add to your fiddling. Although they sound pretty simple, there is a lot going on. So I’ve got some tips and tricks for better slides!

First off, make sure you are practicing slides in your scales and warm-ups. This not only helps your slides, it helps your left hand form and technique. Playing slides as a regular part of your warm up with help you reduce tension in your left hand and get you prepared for more advanced techniques like shifting into higher positions and vibrato.

===>Download your free Scales with Slides Exercise here.

Tips for Better Violin Slides

When playing slides you also want to remember a few other things:

1. Find medium pressure with your left hand. You don’t want to be too heavy, nor too light.

2. Don’t reduce the pressure with your bow. Just because you're sliding with your left hand doesn’t mean you should reduce any pressure with your bow. Keep that weight into your bow for a good, strong sound.

3. Decide whether you need to shift your whole hand back for the slide or if you can just reach a finger back.

4. Don’t over-slide and slide past your target note (resulting in being too sharp).

5. Make sure you start the slide low enough so you have plenty of room to slide up into your target note (aim for about a half step below the target note).

Alright, have fun practicing slides!

Happy Practicing!

Buying Intermediate Violins Online: A Guide to Comparing Violins…With or Without Playing Them!

Recently, I decided I needed yet another violin for a very specific mission. I don’t have a local luthier or string shop within a few hours of my area so I knew I would have to use an online violin retailer. Even though I have some retailers that I trust and enjoy working with, purchasing a good quality, intermediate or advanced violin online can be tricky.

How do you find the best violin for you? How do you know what it will sound like? How does the in-home trial process work? If I can only try two or three violins for an in-home trial, how do I narrow it down to those? Why are some violins called “bright” while others are “warm?” What’s the difference with all of those terms for describing violin sound?

Which all brings us down to a basic question of violin sound production. How can you have two instruments that look more or less the same and yet sound completely different?

Let’s tackle those basics of violin sound production, the overtone series, describing violin sound, and where to purchase a violin online in this first video.

Buying a Violin Online: What Makes Each One Sound Different?

It’s pretty fascinating, isn’t it? Now that you understand a little bit more about sound production, let’s discuss how to understand the differences between violins as you get ready to start comparing violins.

Comparing Violins: Tips to Help You Hear the Differences

Start Listening and Comparing!

Now that you know a little bit about how to compare the differences, start listening and comparing! Remember to go with your gut feeling, take breaks in between listening sessions, and enjoy the process!

How to Play a Slow Version of Bonaparte's Retreat on Violin

Bonaparte’s Retreat is a popular fiddle tune. It’s often played fast like a hoedown, but when I heard this gorgeous slow version, I had to learn it.

While the notes are relatively simple, there’s lots of opportunity for building a strong tone, using lots of bow, and incorporating ornaments!

This is a basic tutorial on the song, but if you’d like to learn how to add all of those ornaments, I’ve got lots of lessons on that inside of my studio!

Enjoy learning this slow version of Bonaparte’s Retreat!

Download the sheet music here.