Why Violin Is So Expensive
Back to BlogI am sure you have asked yourself at some point, why violin is expensive?
Handmade violins are much more expensive than violins that are large-scale produced, but you can’t understand what makes them so valuable? We know, that’s why today we want to show you what makes these instruments worth paying that much. These authentic instruments have an interesting story to tell.
Every piece of art is unique because of its author.
First of all, you must meet the luthiers, the talent behind all handcrafted masterpieces you find. Unlike the large-scale produced violins, a handmade one is carefully made by a maker, who spent much more than the hours constructing the instrument. Think as any other profession, and the maker needs to study, go to violins school, spend years practicing at a workshop and get mentorship, among many other things.
The first time you see a handmade violin is an experience you won’t know what to expect. It’s usually not expected that such a distinctive type of instrument can be made by hand. The craftsmanship is so evident in each detail that it produces a beautiful sound, unlike any other violin.
The luthier must undergo a long time of studies and dedication to earn this quality and artistic knowledge! Luthiers are the people who manufacture violins and other instruments from the violin family—such as violas and cellos. They have been producing these instruments for nearly 500 years. To be an acclaimed luthier means that a person is one of the few masters in existence with such great craftsmanship that the instrument is both aesthetically appealing and superior in sound quality when compared with other violins.
I’m sure you are aware of the age of the violin, so that leaves the question: how and when does it all start?
Violins have been in this world for decades, in Cremona since the 16th Century! The development of the modern violin was gradual and complex, evolving from a variety of other stringed instruments and studies. But its popularity came with the great Master Makers, who were responsible for all the luthiers’ legacy and its valuable work.
Names such as Antonio Stradivari, The Amati family, or Guarneri del Gesù have probably come across you. That’s because these makers had a big role in violin making, historically speaking, they were basically responsible for creating the violin model as it is nowadays.
These luthiers spent years studying and discovering ways to improve the violin, the genius of violin making. Their instruments remain to these days, and if you have the opportunity and the budget, you can definitely own an original one!
As mentioned in the article posted at Pilot Guides, on a walk through Cremona, you can see the elegant curves and scrolls on the brick and terracotta palaces that gave rise to the Baroque violin’s form.
An instrument that has survived centuries is probably a masterpiece, right?
So, why violin is expensive
Hence, experienced craftspeople know exactly what piece of wood is best for each violin, what kind of model, fittings, and varnishing it needs to get your ideal result. When the luthier makes your violin, he/she has a reason for everything he/she does. It’s a timeless treasure.
Handmade violins stand out because of the craftsmanship and expertise they take to build, each of them with a distinct personality that no factory-made violin will ever be able to mimic. There is no denying that owning a handmade violin will not only be an investment into your musical endeavors but a work of art as well.
Just like a painting of a famous artist, violins have their own value. Not to mention that later, a well-looked after and maintained violin can hold its value and increase over time, while at the same time, you are enjoying playing it also. And if you want, you can trade or sell for even a better price.
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. .
