Sabtu, 04 Mei 2013

Do I need a 300 year old violin?

By Julian Branington


Another antique violin just sold for 2 million dollars. Is playing violin only for rich people?

Many people believe that the older a violin, the more magnificent it's sound. That somehow the knowledge of making great instruments was lost centuries ago and only violins made by ancient masters are worth using.

This article will be a guide to people just getting started playing the violin. We are going to learn just what the fuss is about those violins and if you need one to learn.

Let's discuss the virtues and vices of historic violins.

Show me some id, Mr. Instrument.

Where were you during the renaissance? Partying with the Medici, I bet. Not these old world musical masterpieces. They were hard at work performing when Leonardo was painting the wall of some old Italian building. Many of these violins have been at it for more than three centuries. How is that for work ethic? They always party like it's 1699.

What's Strad got to do with it?

That's Mr. Antonio Stradivari to you. A master artisan, he is perhaps the most well-known and publicly recognized violin maker of the last thousand years. He lived from 1644 to 1737. He produced over 1000 instruments in his lifetime, of which nearly 500 violins still exist in modern times. In public consciousness, a Stradivarius is considered the pinnacle of musical instruments.

Does this mean antique is better?

It is hard not to be impressed by the history and legacy of violins made in bygone centuries. That doesn't mean that an old world violin the best or even right choice for you. Let's talk about the modern violins now.

Going bold in the 21st Century

Yes, it is really true. Despite the impression that all the violin makers died when the renaissance needed, plenty of people still make violins today. In fact new technologies and advanced manufacturing techniques produce millions of quality violins for people all over the world.

That New violin smell

You know that a brand new compact car requires a lot less maintenance than a classic 60's muscle car. Violins are the same way. The maintain sound and playability, older violins need constant care and sometimes repair. Modern violins free you from the worry of old damage and take less effort to keep in good shape.

The Right Violin for You

When purchasing a violin, especially your first violin, the most important factors are comfort, sound, and condition. You want to make sure that the violin is the correct size and that it fits comfortably in your arms and when placed at your chin. Is the instrument in good condition? A worn instrument with cracks or other damage will not play properly. When the instrument is played, you also want to make sure that it produces good quality sound.

Regardless of your final choice, you will receive countless rewards from embarking on a lifelong love of classic music with the violin.




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