Are older violins better?

Are older violins better?

Overall, listeners preferred the sound of the new violins compared to the old ones. They also found that the new instruments projected their music better. In other words, to the listeners they seemed louder and more powerful. (That was true whether or not the violins had been played with an orchestra.)

Can I clean my violin with water?

The safest bet is to wipe your violin down after each playing session with a dry, microfiber cloth, and bring your violin to a luthier for professional cleaning and polishing at least once every year or so. Never use solvents or hot water to clean the violin! These liquids will damage the varnish.

How often should you replace your violin strings?

every 9-12 months

How do you know if a violin is good quality?

When you look at the seams of the violin, they should be elegantly sealed with no visible glue or rough edges. The more finely carved the scroll, the higher the quality of the violin. On a quality violin, the purfling, or the thin black lines that outline the top of the violin, will be inlaid, rather than painted.

What makes a violin special?

Every violin has small differences from other instruments that make it unique. There is also the vocal quality, this is the voice of the instrument and how it sounds like a human voice. A human choral tone is often desirable as it feels more human and capable of conveying emotion and feeling.

How can you tell if a violin is vintage?

If the violin shows a lot of depth and richness (especially on the lower strings), this is a tell-tale sign that it is a valuable instrument. Violins that sound “nasally” and/or “thin” are typically factory-made, and not as valuable….Superior Violins

  1. Highly Flamed Wood.
  2. Label.
  3. Craftsmanship.
  4. Country of Origin.
  5. Sound.

How often should you rosin your bow?

about two times per week

Who owns a Stradivarius?

The heir of a wealthy American industrial family acquired the violin in 1990, before passing it down to his then 16-year-old granddaughter Elizabeth Pitcairn, who still owns it today.

How many Stradivarius violins are left?

How many Stradivarius violins are known to exist? It is estimated that in total, Stradivari made around 1,100 musical instruments in total. Of these, 600 are still thought to be in existence. Of that number, only 244 violins are currently accounted for.

Why does my violin sound raspy?

Scratchy sound, part 2. The lack of balance between the bow speed and bow pressure largely contributes to the scratchiness. Pressing the bow with the arm aggressively into the string will doubtlessly make the sound scratchy.

How do you clean a violin body?

Firstly, always wipe down your violin after playing or practicing. Using a small soft, or microfiber cloth (approx. $3) gently wipe off the strings and body of your instrument to remove rosin and oils each time you play. Choose a material that is lint free for the best results.

What happens when a violin gets wet?

Although the oil-based varnish on the exterior of the instrument repels water, the interior of the instrument is not sealed or finished wood. When wood absorbs water, it expands, which can lead to cracking, warping, or open seams.

Do violin strings go bad?

If you practice and play about one hour each day, you should replace your strings every 4 to 6 months. Regardless of how often you play, your violin strings should be replaced at a minimum of every 9 to 12 months. String Material—Certain materials wear out faster than others.

Does the Red Violin exist?

Known as the Red Stradivarius and owned by legendary violinist Joseph Joachim, the 1720 Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius would eventually surface in 1930s Berlin. It had been purchased by an heir to the great composer, Felix Mendelssohn.

What is a copy of a Stradivarius violin worth?

Anywhere from $50 to $50,000 depending on its maker. The vast majority of violins are copies of some Stradivarius or another; most aren’t marked as such.

How long can a violin last?

50 years

What is the red violin worth?

As the auction for the previous lot ends, Morritz switches the Red Violin for the London copy, which is sold for $2.4 million.

Can I clean my violin with alcohol?

Pure alcohol can be used to remove more stubborn rosin build-up on strings, although extreme caution must be taken. Put a few drops of the alcohol on a clean cloth and rub the strings.