Discover the best professional violins for musicians in 2024. As antique violin prices rise, new instruments from established luthiers are becoming the norm!
As the prices of antique violins continue to soar, professional musicians are increasingly turning to contemporary instruments crafted by established luthiers. The allure of a Stradivarius or Guarneri may remain timeless, but the practicality and affordability of modern violins are reshaping the landscape of classical music. These contemporary masterpieces offer exceptional sound quality, playability, and durability, making them a popular choice among discerning artists.
At MyLuthier, we pride ourselves on curating a selection of the best professional violins available for sale. Our collection features instruments from some of the most respected modern luthiers, each piece handpicked for its superior craftsmanship and tonal excellence. Whether you're a soloist seeking a robust, resonant instrument or an orchestral player in need of a violin that can blend seamlessly with an ensemble, our recommendations cater to a wide range of professional needs.
In this article, we highlight our top picks from the MyLuthier collection, showcasing the best violins for professionals. These instruments not only offer remarkable sound quality but also provide the reliability and performance that professional musicians demand. Join us as we explore the best professional violins available today, each one a testament to the enduring art of lutherie.
Since 1762, the Hill name has represented a combination of craftsmanship and the highest standards of expertise. Today, under the supervision of Peter Greiner and Robert Brewer Young, the company carries on with its great legacy of violin making, with its latest instruments continuing where the old Hill instruments left off. The name Hill is synonymous with English violin making and this violins is no different, being fully crafted in their beautiful Hampstead studio. This Guarneri is a charming and balanced instrument. The E string sings beautifully and the whole range of the violin offers depth and resonance. It is a very versatile violin and will enable the player to seamlessly transition between settings.
Since 1762, the name Hill has represented a combination of craftsmanship and the highest standards of expertise that the firm continues to offer, with a long and distinguished history of instrument and bow making.
In continuing the tradition of W. E. Hill & Sons, they assembled a talented team to produce instruments, bows, and accessories to exacting standards for contemporary concert artists.
Every instrument and bow is made entirely in their Hampstead workshop.
The construction of W. E. Hill & Sons instruments is continuing under the direction of Stefan-Peter Greiner and Robert Brewer Young. The instruments are modelled after golden-period Stradivari, including the Messiah of 1716, notable Bergonzis and the Rode Guarneri del Gesu of 1734. These instruments all have historical connections to the W. E. Hill & Sons firm.
This violin, made in Cremona in 2023 by prize winner Kazune Nemoto was possibly the most beautiful straight varnish violin we saw in Cremona this year. Kazune Nemoto is famously the winner of the Gold medal in the last "Triennale" competition in Cremona which is one of the biggest violin competitions in the world. He is an absolutely expert craftsman and makes stunning instruments. This violin is bright, powerful and very even. It is very easy to play and projects very well with a powerful high end.
Possibly the best-known maker in France, Frédéric Chaudière is consistently making instruments of very high quality. This violin is no different, boasting his signature style with a deep red and honey-brown colour that enhances the natural grain of the wood. The two piece back exhibits a strong, flamed maple with a distinct, flowing pattern, perfect for aesthetic and acoustic qualities. In terms of sound, it has a characteristic dark Guarneri sound with emphasis on the G string. The natural fullness of the instrument allows it to resonate freely and gives the musician a lot of flexibility. In addition to this, it has very impressive brilliance and projection, particularly on the E string, making it a very enjoyable instrument to play. Its power and wide range of colours makes this one of the most versatile violins we have.
The Parma-based duo, Elisa Scrollavezza and Andrea Zanrè, are widely recognized as leading experts in the world of violinmaking. They have published countless books and research articles on various aspects of Italian luthiery. We are particularly pleased with their latest violin, which is based on Andrea's personal model, representing the culmination of the pair's expertise and innovation. The sound is dark and warm, yet powerful—a rare combination that is certain to appeal to players seeking a sweet tone without compromising projection. It is bound to be a crowd-pleaser!
Scrollavezza & Zanrè, founded in 2002 in Parma by Elisa Scrollavezza and Andrea Zanrè, is active in the making, restoring and dealing of fine string instruments.
The aim of the workshop is to continue the artistic tradition transmitted through the teaching and the work of Renato Scrollavezza, which for over half a century has been, and still is, a synonym of personality, warmth and delicate equilibrium. In making new instruments, as well as in the preservation of antique ones, Scrollavezza & Zanrè strive to attain an ideal of excellence which is constantly pursued in the field of sound, and in the artistic essence of traditional craftsmanship.
We first met Sing Him when he came to one of our events in London. He showed us this violin and we were immediately taken aback with how impressive it was. Both the craftsmanship and the sound were superb, especially for such a young maker. Sing Him is now our in-house restorer and luthier. The violin sounds powerful, yet sweet and balanced. The player will seamlessly change strings and registers with ease and the response is fantastic! A stunning sound reminiscent of the old Cremonese masters. Very hard to beat at this price range.
Sing Him Wong, born in 1993 in Belgium, is a skilled violin maker at MyLuthier in London. He started as a violin and cello player but his pursuit of the perfect sound led him to violin-making. A graduate with merit from ILSA Antwerpen, where he studied under Anton Sommer and Erick Buys, Sing Him combines his musicianship with expert craftsmanship to create instruments that truly resonate. At MyLuthier, he continues his dedication to excellence in both sound design & restoration.
MyLuthier was started by two friends while they were studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London. The idea was to provide musicians with exceptional instruments at a price they can afford. We travelled Europe in search for the best contemporary makers and we’re proud of our selection and the partnerships we’ve developed.
Rare antique instruments, representing both historical significance and unparalleled craftsmanship.
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