The violin is one of the most recognized instruments in the world today. It is also one of the most versatile, with its range of tones and sounds.
If you are looking to purchase a violin, you might be wondering what the best violins for under $5000 are. You do not need to spend a grand or more on a good quality instrument that will bring peace to your home and delight your ears with elegant music.
Every violin is designed differently, but all are functional. You can find orchestras that are just as affordable as the best violins, if not more so. So why spend so much money on a violin? The real answer is you will need to spend more money for the best possible sound quality.
Though pianos may have a greater range of tone colors in their keys, there comes a point in time when their sound quality simply starts to deteriorate. With violins, however, the sound only gets better with time and care.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide
There is a wide range of regular and premium violins available. Although regular violins are less expensive, they do not have all the features that premium violins have.
One way to find out is to ask other musicians. Some of them know a lot about instruments and what makes a good one better than others. Another idea is to find reviews from other buyers who have bought the same type of instrument as yourself looking for their opinions on it.
1. Violin Features to Consider when Buying
A violin is not only made out of wood, it is completely crafted out of several individual parts like the endpin, pegs, backplate, and belly button, etc. The main purpose of these parts is to support the violin’s weight evenly across its entire surface; i.e. the soundboard. These parts are therefore critical for the violin’s sound.
2. Violin Finishes to Consider when Buying
The final element to consider when buying an instrument is its finish. A violin’s finish is what determines its brightness, or semi-transparency. A violin looks more beautiful with a good finish. The finish should be carefully selected because it will only showcase the instrument’s beauty once you have attached it to your body.
5 Best Violins Under $5000 Reviewed
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. D Z Strad Violin Model 800 Full Size 4/4 with Dominant Strings, Bow, Case and Rosin (Full Size – 4/4)
- D Z Strad Violin Model 800 Full Size 4/4 with Dominant Strings, Bow, Case and Rosin
- They are made with beautifully aged wood from the Italian Alps and enhanced with a fine varnish that brings out the woods natural character.
- The light varnish allows this model to produce a smooth and powerful tone;
- Making it an ideal instrument for those looking for cutting projection and pure resonance.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Full Size 4/4 violin is a great instrument for players of any age, from professional to beginner. It is a versatile instrument that can be used for ensemble performance, orchestra playing, and solo repertoire.
Pros :
- D Z Strad Violin Model 800 Full Size 4/4 with Dominant Strings, Bow, Case and Rosin (Full Size – 4/4) is a high quality violin that will provide you with all the features you need.
- This instrument has an ideal size for perfect coordination.
- The sound of this violin is impressive, not to mention its angelic appearance.
Cons :
- Initial setup is time consuming and may need some assistance from a professional.
- Tuning can be difficult if not set up by a professional.
- Tightening the strings without assistance from a professional may be difficult.
2. Maestro Old spruce Stradi 4/4 Full Size Violin D Z Strad Model 509 Powerful tone Antique Varnish
- Set up by our luthiers with a Rock Maple bridge and Dominant strings
- Each of these violins are meticulously graduated with a powerful and refined tone
- Features an antique varnish finish which replicates the look, feel, and sound of older instruments
- Made from naturally seasoned tonewood, including Alpine/Italian Spruce top and select Maple back and sides
- Outfit package includes a case, Brazilwood bow, shoulder rest, and rosin. Model 509 instruments are 100% handmade by our prize winning luthiers.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The instrument has been set up to produce a powerful tone with an attractive antique varnish. It was made in 1948 by Maestro Old spruce Strada from Milan, Italy. Four years ago the violin underwent a complete restoration process which entailed cleaning, polishing, and regulating the pegs, bow hair, and chin rest.
Pros :
- Long lasting – You will not have to worry about whether it will last or not!
- Great varnish – the violin has a beautiful flowing varnish that wouldn’t chip away easily
- Solid wood – The violin is made of spruce, which is very resistant
- High quality craftsmanship – The product was made with fine craftsmanship that makes it durable
Cons :
- The wood has been cracked near the bridge, but this does not compromise the structural integrity.
- The varnish is worn and bubbling in places, but it is still intact.
3. Cremona SV-1400 Maestro Soloist Violin Outfit – 4/4 Size
- Clarity and volume come with a handcarved, properly graduated, select solid spruce top
- Handcarved and graduated select solid maple sides and neck along with highly flamed one piece back, assure a focused sound and attack
- Hill style boxwood fittings, Cremona aged maple bridge, Anton Breton VNS-150 Perlon strings and VP-14 finetuner, Sacconi-style tailpiece hanger
- High quality, polished ebony fingerboard, nut and saddle
- Includes Travelite TL-35 deluxe suspension case for ultra-lightweight protection and exceptionally well balanced J. LaSalle LB-17 brazilwood bow
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
We offer the Cremona SV-1400 Maestro Soloist Violin Outfit – 4/4 Size in stock and for sale. The Cremona SV-1400 Maestro Soloist violin outfit is a set of instruments and equipment that has been handcrafted in Italy.
Pros :
- The back of this violin is hand-carved with an iconic, must-see series of parallel lines
- The spruce top has a subtle satin varnish finish
- It features an ebony fingerboard; ebony pegs; and 4 nickel tuners that are designed for durability
Cons :
- It’s difficult to find a violin that is easily playable, and affordable
- It only includes the necessary pieces to make a good start with the Cremona SV-1400 Maestro Soloist Violin Outfit
4. D Z Strad Violin – Model 505F – Hellier Stradivarius Advanced Masterpiece Copy – Full Size (4/4)
- 100% Handmade, 100% hand oil-varnished
- Selected Russian Spruce Top, naturally air dried (over 20 years)
- Selected Maple Back, Ribs & Scroll, naturally air dried ( Over 10 years)
- Hard-carved pegs, tailpiece and chin-rest
- Golden plated fine tuners
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The violin has been an important instrument in music for hundreds of years. In the 18th century, it became a part of many musicians’ collections. One of the most famous violin makers from this era is Antonio Stradivari. His instruments are prized by musicians and collectors alike for their beauty and craftsmanship.
Pros :
- String tension and bow response can be adjusted to suit the player
- Stradivarius copied by Hellier offers a more modern solution for performance
- Tone quality is excellent with a broad dynamic range
- Cost effective solution for intermediate players and advancing professionals alike.
Cons :
- The construction is quite different than the originals, primarily because it has a painted exterior finish.
- The f-holes are not cut to true Stradivari patterns, and there is no ‘Strads’ etching on back of instrument.
5. D Z Strad Violin – Gasparo da Salo, 1590, “Adam” Copy
- Gasparo Da Salo Violin Full Size-D Z Strad Model 326. Set up by our luthiers with a Rock Maple bridge and Dominant strings.
- Beautifully inlayed double purfling on top and back plates with three inlayed flourishes on back plate
- This beautifully hand carved violin is finished with a quality spirit varnish to bring out the best sound from the aged maple.
- Consistent quality.The outfit includes case, bow, dominant strings, and rosin, all of which are needed to begin playing.
- 100% handmade, 100% hand varnished.
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gasparo da Salo was one of the most influential Italian violin makers in his day. He is considered to be the best maker of violins and violas in Stradivari’s workshop and was described as having “all that can be desired.”
Pros :
- The best example of Gasparo da Salo’s work
- A fine instrument with an illustrious pedigree
- The original Adam copy, the first known copy of Antonio Stradivari’s violin designs
Cons :
- It looks terrible
- It sounds terrible
- Less than half of the strings are left on the instrument
- The violin is not playable at all anymore due to the repairs made by various people over time.
Conclusion :
The high-grade instruments that cost from $5,000 to even as much as $15,000 can be easily be purchased today. These machines pack a lot of punch and have been proven to deliver superior performance. They are built better and have more features than low-end instruments, which can suffer from cheap workmanship. Though the higher price tag might seem daunting at first glance, keep in mind that these instruments are made with better materials and craftsmanship.