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The Best Violin for Professionals: A Review of the Top 6 Options

Best Violins for Professionals 

As a skilled, professional violin player, you must know how important it is to have a high-quality violin.

A first-rate instrument allows you to take your performance to the next level, due to the exceptional clarity, depth, and richness of the sound that it can produce.

From a technical perspective, a high-quality violin will also help you to advance your skills more quickly and naturally.

In this article, we’ll show you what to look for when buying a violin for advanced players.

We’ll also provide you with reviews of six of the best professional violins on the market, so that you can make an informed decision based on your preferences and budget.

Any of the violins on our list below is sure to make a perfect addition to your collection.

Ready to find the best violin for professionals? Let’s get started so you can get playing!

1. D Z Strad Model 509 4/4 Full Size Violin 

This violin is the biggest available size measuring between 23 to 23.5 inches in its entirety. The body of this violin measures 14 inches. With this 509 Model, you will receive a beautiful bow sized at 29.5 inches.

Made of the finest Italian spruce, this model is a visible beauty. It comes with a varnished finish facilitating its lasting sleek look. 

The top of this violin is made with refined alpine spruce. The back and sides of this model are made of maple for a pristine end look. 

This model is explicitly constructed to produce a symphony of sounds with depth and feel. Not only does this make them have the ability to produce such deep sounds but maintains consistency when played. 

The strings produce an amalgamation of the softest and warmest tones that result in a refined and exquisite result when played.

Accompanied with this violin, is a case to store it in and a complimenting bow made of brazilwood. The violin also features a shoulder pad situated at the back of the violin for your comfort. 

Provided by D Z Strad alongside the case and the bow is also rosin to make sure you receive a brand new experience every time you play your instrument.

Specifications

  • Size: 4/4 Size
  • Finish: Varnish
  • Weight: 4.34 pounds 

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Pros
  • Available in a variety of sizes
  • Antique finish 
  • Well-suited for professionals 

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Cons
  • Not a great option for beginners
  • Relatively high price

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2. D Z Strad Model 600 Violin

This model also manufactured by D Z Strad, like the product mentioned above, and comes in a full 4/4 size having a total measurement of 23.5 inches and a body measurement of 14 inches.

This violin is made with the most care and delicacy with Engelmann spruce to give it an antique look. The violin is constructed by hand and is finished with an oil varnish, which is also done by hand. The finish is left to dry naturally over a span of 15 years. 

Like the model above, this violin also has a maple back, which after construction have also been left to dry naturally. 

This is a model choice for professional players. Especially preferable for solo professional performances. 

Beautifully constructed to produce refined tones with the help of the powerful strings attached, this violin is worth your money. 

Included with the violin, is the case to store it, an accompanying bow, and rosin.

Specifications

  • Size: 4/4 Size
  • Finish: Light Antique
  • Weight: 5.5 Pounds 

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Pros
  • Ideal for professionals 
  • Naturally constructed 
  • Slight antique look 
  • Powerful strings

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Cons
  • Not available in many sizes 
  • Most expensive violin on the list

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3. D Z Strad Custom Guarneri Del Gesu Violin Copy

Another violin presented by D Z Strad is almost a similar replica of Guiseppe Antonio Guarneri’s famous violin.

This famous violin, known as the cannon, is famous for formerly belonging to Niccolo Paganini. It is referred to as cannon due to its ability to emit boisterous and powerful sounds. 

This instrument available in full 4/4 size is an exact copy of the famous and carefully constructed violin. 

The replica is made with four strings and gives off a slightly antique finish. Besides this, D Z Strad guarantees the same result of explosive sounds from the replica as from the original. 

Not only is this copy available in full size but a variety of sizes including ½ size, ¾ size, and  ⅞ size.

Specifications

  • Size: 4/4 Size
  • Finish: Antique
  • Weight: 9.2 pounds 

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Pros
  • Available in many sizes
  • A beautiful replica 
  • Powerful strings

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Cons
  • Not suited for beginners 
  • Large investment

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4. Mendini’s MV500 Solid Wood Violin

A beautiful, hand-constructed violin made by Mendini by Cecilio, this violin is available in three sizes; respectively ½ size, ¾ size, and 4/4 size. 

This violin is handcrafted and constructed with a spruce front alongside a pristine varnish finish. Additionally, the sides and neck are made of the finest maple, which is also constructed especially by hand. 

Furthermore, being decorated with inlaid purfling the violin ends up with a modern and polished look. The violin has additional features including detachable tuners, a tailpiece, a pegs chin rest, and a sturdy ebony fingerboard. 

Mendini’s provides you with two Brazilian wood bows and a metronome string tuner. Their package includes a light material sturdy case, an extra set of strings, rosin, and a shoulder pad that you can adjust. 

This violin is a commendable choice, especially if you are looking to upgrade your stage from a beginner to becoming a regular. Its construction and manufacturing allow this instrument to produce deeply resonant and engaging sounds that are easy to capture anyone’s attention. 

The result of this violin provides it with an antique varnished look alongside having modern features and constructions. It is a great choice with a dark and beautiful design that emits sensuous tones. 

Specifications

  • Size: 4/4 Size
  • Finish: Varnish
  • Weight: 4.79 pounds

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Pros
  • Available in multiple sizes
  • 1-year warranty
  • Benefitting choice for an upgrade 
  • Extra set of strings provided

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Cons
  • Not suitable for beginners 
  • Prone to damage if not handled with care 
  • Affected by moisture and humidity

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5. D Z Strad Clear Tone Model 220 Violin

D Z Strad has several professional violin options to choose from. Another option is the 220 Model violin. This violin is entirely handmade and varnished beautifully by hand. 

It is made with the finest Engelmann spruce at the top with an ebony fingerboard. The top, since constructed naturally, was left to air dry for over 10 years.

This model is preferable for professionals and performers, especially if purchased in full size. This instrument can produce colorful and open notes that automatically engages you and your audience. 

In addition to having an openness about its tones, the violin performs softly to give you deeply refined and put-together symphonies. 

The D Z Strad model 220 package includes a lightweight violin case, a bow made of brazilwood, a shoulder pad, and rosin. 

The reason for its refinement and sophisticated tones are the four powerful strings. Overall, the violin’s make and finish results in a sleek, polished look that can produce sounds effortlessly, therefore proving a great option for players at almost advanced levels. 

Another bonus to this model is that it is available in four other sizes if you want to purchase a professional model that adjusts to you comfortably. 

Specifications

  • Size: 4/4 Size
  • Finish: Varnish
  • Weight: 4.99 pounds

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Pros
  • Available in other sizes
  • A great option for professionals
  • Constructed naturally

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Cons
  • Bows might have to be purchased separately 
  • Not a good option for beginners 
  • Needs regular maintenance

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6. CECILIO CVN-600 1-Piece Back Solidwood Violin

The Cecilio Solidwood Violin is a full-sized, hand-carved, single-piece wooden violin. The body is made of 7-year aged maple wood, and the top is made of solid spruce. The violin has a hand-rubbed oil finish and features ebony fingerboards and a tailpiece.

With the violin, manufacturers include an oblong case with a hydrometer, two bows made of Brazilwood and unbleached horsehair, a rosin cake, an adjustable shoulder rest, an extra bridge, a chromatic tuner, and a lesson book. The manufacturers also offer a 1-year warranty.

Made of high-quality materials, this Cecilio violin sounds great right out of the case, and looks and feels great. Between the high-quality craftsmanship and the bundle of extras that it comes with, this piece is a great value and sure to please any violinist. It has a rich and sophisticated sound that will please even the most discerning of audiophiles.

The very affordable price point makes this violin a must-have, and customers have great things to say about this model of Cecilio. Simply put, it looks good and it sounds even better.

Specifications

  • Size: 4/4 (Full) Size
  • Finish: Oil-Rubbed
  • Weight: 6.74 pounds

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Pros
  • Comes with Chromatic Tuner, Lesson Book, Travel Case, and 2 Bows
  • Made with high-quality aged wood
  • 1-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
  • Extremely Affordable

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Cons
  • Strings may need to be replaced to achieve ultra-high-quality sound.
  • Bridge may need adjustment.
  • Professionals recommend buying higher-quality bows.

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Buyer’s Guide to the Best Violin for Professionals

Most Suitable for Advanced Professional Users 

The D Z Strad Model 600 Violin is a perfect choice if you are looking for a professional violin experience with top-quality features. This violin has an excellent make most preferable and suited for advanced players. It is composed of the greatest quality of materials. 

Besides this, it also makes for a great choice because of its handmade manufacturing. This violin would especially be the best choice for solo performances by professional violinists. 

Best “Out-of-the-Case” Violin

Professionals recommend upgrading the strings, bridges, and bows on several of these violins in order to get the best sound. But the D Z Strad Custom Guarneri Del Gesu Violin is the best choice for people who don’t want to worry about swapping out a bunch of parts.

This violin is a work of art, and all of its pieces are expertly-crafted, high-quality, and reliable. It is awesome right out of the case. In addition to owning a piece of history, you can play it too, and it sounds phenomenal without needing to make adjustments.

If you don’t want to worry about swapping out strings and bridges and other pieces in order to realize your violin’s full potential, then this is the right choice for you. Even the case it comes in and the bows included are finely crafted and reliable, and they meet the high standards of professional violinists.

The Best D Z Strad Model Violin

D Z Strad has a plethora of options to choose from but the D Z Strad Clear Tone 220 Violin is one of the top picks to choose. Not only is each part of this model constructed manually, but it also has a smooth varnish finish with an antique look. 

This D Z Strad model provides a shoulder pad, bow, and rosin for your beginner or professional needs and produces deeply satisfactory sounds that are well worth the purchase. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: How Much Should a Good Professional Violin Cost? 

A: There is no set price anywhere since different brands produce different makes and models according to which they price good quality violins. 

A professional violin can cost you up to $1,500 or more. A beginner’s violins should cost around $600 and up. 

Q: Are Violins Likely to Hold Their Value for a Long Time?

A: Violins are more likely to hold their value for a greater period if they are hand-constructed. Violins that are mass constructed are less likely to maintain themselves and can lose their value.

As compared to a handmade violin, even years later, depending on their model, they could be worth a good amount. 

Q: What Are the Best Violin Brands Available?

A: There is a lot of variety for you to search from. However, some of the most reasonable brands that are worth your money include Cecilio, D Z Strad, Franz Hoffmann, Kennedy Violins, Mendini, Stentor, and Carlo Lamberti. 

Q: Do Violins Get Better With Time?

A: Generally, violins do get better over time and are like wine in that context. 

However, to know why that is and how you can maintain your instrument comes down to two things; the quality of the violin you initially purchased, and how you use it. 

Q: Is There a Difference Between Violins and Fiddles?

A: Both violins and fiddles share the same appearance and therefore can be mistaken to have no difference. They both have the same components and are played with the help of a bow or are plucked. 

The main difference, however, lies in the style of playing. Fiddles are generally used for a different musical style that involves folk music, such as country music, cajun music, and some types of Celtic songs. 

Conclusion 

All the information mentioned above will help you make an informed choice when you look for the best violin for professionals. We hope that the above summarization and frequently asked questions have addressed any concerns that you may have had prior. 

Make sure to check out some of the violins’ reviews on Amazon. Not only will you be able to purchase your first-rate violin, but you’ll also be able to read what other violin players have to say about these options. 

As always, please take a look at some of our other buying guides and product reviews for more help on your violin journey.

Good luck!

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