When to upgrade your violin – the signs to look out for.
Back to BlogAre you not sure if it’s already the time to change your violin? Learn when it is the right time and how to go about deciding to upgrade your violin!
Violins are magnificent musical instruments with their rich history and impressive design. The overwhelming majority of violinists love their first violin even more than any other instrument they own, but when is the right time to upgrade your violin? This is an excellent question because everyone has different goals and budget constraints. What are the signs that show it is time to upgrade your violin? Take a look at our list here, and you will know!
Some people will say that age is a factor, but I think it only affects the player’s demeanor. If you are passionate about the violin early on in life, you’ll be passionate about it well into old age. It all depends on what you’re looking for. There is no specific age when it comes to wanting a new instrument. Some wait until they are older; others may replace their violin as soon as they feel they need a better one.
Many factors need to be considered before upgrading your violin. Do you have the time and motivation to invest in a new and better instrument? A typical student will only upgrade once every 3-4 years, but an ambitious, motivated one may wish to upgrade more frequently. Upgrading to a better violin can be expensive, so make sure you know when is the right time to help you prepare for the costs.
Check your current condition and decide if it’s time to upgrade your violin.
Do you feel like your instrument doesn’t respond back to you? Do your teacher/colleagues say you are no longer evolving? Do you think your instrument does not sound right? First, make sure your instrument has a good setup with all the correct measurements. A perfect adjustment can make your instrument sound even better than before. Then if you still feel the same, I would suggest you analyze the following factors:
- Make sure it responds fast when you play.
- Have you ever thought if its ‘voice’ is your dream-like sound? Remember that the timbre has to do with the number of harmonics that the instrument produces.
- Is its volume enough for your playing requirements?
- Make sure your instrument has easy playability and allows you to achieve the ability to move quickly without it stopping you from evolving. The instrument shouldn’t eliminate your agility.
- The instrument should sound good in all registers, bass, mid and treble.
- It is vital that the instrument does not have so many wolf notes and that the notes come out clear.
- The sound of your instrument should come out easily; it shouldn’t have a closed sound. A good instrument is one that you can easily extract the sound from.
- Does your instrument have a good dynamic? It should sound as good in the playing of strong notes as in the piano/pianissimo.
If you agree with some of the points above, maybe it’s time for you to upgrade your violin and not let it hold you back. I know how musicians have a greater affection for their first instrument; however, if somehow it is not helping you to evolve, maybe you should let it rest, check that you have already mastered it, and move on to your next challenge!
Consider your unique needs when upgrading your violin
If you are looking to upgrade your violin, consider your unique needs. There are three different string classifications: soloing, orchestral, and chamber music. Each has specific qualities that will determine an appropriate model.
Soloists have the freedom to play louder – an instrument with a big volume will allow you to survive in a big concert hall, even with an orchestra behind you.
Orchestral and chamber musicians don’t need an instrument with the largest volume but one that will have a flexible sound, rich in overtones to match other instruments. They will need a focus on projection for ensemble playing since they are likely to be more affected by other instruments on stage or in rehearsal rooms.
When you’re learning stuff faster than your violin’s response time
You start to realize that however good you are, your violin is holding you back. When you are getting smoother and faster with your violin, the only thing preventing you from making a song out of your practice sessions would be how fast the violin can play what you are playing.
This may be a sign that you need to upgrade your violin to adjust to your playing style.
If you are no longer able to improve your skills on a particular instrument
It might be time to move on and upgrade your violin to an instrument with more ‘character’ or a higher finish quality to go beyond the level where you are currently on. That’s why many people like to upgrade their instrument once they’ve ‘mastered it. So, it actually comes down to the moment that you are ready and feel like your violin can’t handle the music you want to play.
A quality violin is more than just an object — it’s a musical tool that can inspire and bring joy to those who play it.
If you are not completely sure yet, get the right guidance before upgrading. Talk to someone with experience. If you are a student, most of the time, teachers will let you know once your instrument is limiting you to improve. In case you are a professional, your colleagues are a good source of feedback. The luthier will also let you know once they have changed all of what was possible.
Take good care of your violin so it will treat you well for years to come
If you’re a violin player, you know the importance of investing in a high-quality instrument. After all, good instruments can last your whole life. It is more than just a musical instrument—it’s your life partner. This is the reason why you should treat your violin right because one day, it might just treat you back.
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The Workshop
Amorim Fine Violins is a violin, viola, and cello workshop based in Cremona. Our mission is to provide musicians with instruments so they can uniquely express themselves. We are a family business, just like the workshops of Stradivari and Guarneri. Founded in 2001 by the renowned violin maker Luiz Amorim and his wife, Betina Schreiner. We bring our fine arts experience into the violin-making field. .
