If you’ve been scouring the internet trying to find amazing violins under $5000, I’m happy to say you’ve found the right place.
The problem is, there are hardly any reviews for violins under $5000 or around this price point from any major retailer.
So, I understand how difficult it can be to find the best violin for you.
Luckily, I’ve been in the game for a while, and I know some tips and tricks as to how to find the very best violin that’s not only in your budget but that suits your style of playing as well.
We’ve got this, let’s find you an amazing new violin today!
Snapshot: Top 9 Violins Under $5000 in 2023
- D Z Strad 800
- D Z Strad Maestro 590
- Cremona SV-1400 Maestro Soloist Violin
- D Z Strad 505F Hellier Stradivarius
- D Z Strad Gasparo da Salo, 1590, “Adam” Copy – Best Value
- Ming Jiang Zhu 909 – Highly Rated
- D Z Strad 400
- D Z Strad 700
- D Z Strad 709 – Best Overall
Buying Premium Violins Under $5000
As I said, it’s not easy finding really good quality violins under $5000. I mean, you’d have thought that an expensive violin is just guaranteed to be great. However, with the violins rise in popularity, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to decipher which are actually amazing instruments and which are just not worth the money.
Don’t worry though, this is where I come in!
One top tip that I always give my readers is to buy from a trustworthy company. That way, you already know that amazing craftsmanship and playability is assured.
There are a few other things I always look for, such as details of craftsmanship, how long the tonal wood has been aged for (anything under 20 years isn’t worth more than $1000, in my opinion), and, of course, the violin’s sound.
Now, I also realize that you may be a soloist, orchestral, or a player in a band.
So, don’t worry!
Whatever your style or gig, I’ve got you covered. I’ve found some amazing resonant violins under $5000 with a bit of edge for all you soloists but I’ve also found some gorgeous, mellow ones that blend really well with other instruments.
If you think you are a bit out of your price range we have a couple of great articles on the best violins under $1000 and also some fantastic violins under $500 you may want to check out instead.
So, shall we just get into it?
The Best Violins Under $5000 in 2023
1. D Z Strad 800 Violin Review
- 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;
As I mentioned before, buying from a brand or company you know and trust is your best way forward. In my opinion, D Z Strad has absolutely cracked it when it comes to high-end violins under $5000. So, you should expect a lot more D Z Strad options within this blog but model 800 is absolutely my favorite.
Body & Neck
I love that the 800 has been made from Italian wood. There’s something about European tonal wood that just gives your violin all the character it needs. Anyone who sees this instrument would fall in love instantly (and I’m no exception). It has a gorgeous lightly flamed two-piece back. Now, I know there’s this massive debate about whether a one-piece or two-piece back is better.
I’d say it really doesn’t make a difference to the sound as long as the violin has been crafted properly – which this one definitely has. It really comes down to personal preference at the end of the day. I think a nicely book-matched two-piece back adds a lovely flair to any violin. So, I have to say I absolutely love this one and cannot fault the craftsmanship one bit.
Bow & Hardware
My fellow bargain hunters will love the fact that the Strad 800 comes with two bows. Especially if you play in an orchestra, you’ll know how often those guys just “go missing”. So, having a spare is always a great thing. The bridge is shaped perfectly for intermediate to advanced players, so this violin would be the perfect upgrade for a progressing learner. Although this violin has a really beautiful rosewood tailpiece and chinrest, I love that its tuning pegs are still made from ebony.
Ebony may not be the most beautiful wood but it’s strong enough to hold intonation and that’s what we need, right? Oh, also, for anyone who is a beginner looking to upgrade, you might notice that the Strad 800 only comes with one fine-tuner on the E string. This is to prevent that buzzing noise you sometimes get. The tuning might slip for the first week or so, but that’s just to be expected with new violins! Don’t worry, the strings will settle pretty quickly.
Sound
If you’ve never played a high-end Strad violin before, you are going to notice a massive difference in the tone of your violin. It’s varnished with gorgeous, light oil varnish so it’s free from that tinny sounding glossy varnish you often find on cheaper violins. This allows the beautiful sound of that tonal wood to really shine through. I think the Strad 800 would be the perfect fit for either a soloist or an orchestral player. It has a really powerful, yet smooth tone. It blends lovely with other instrument but it also has the volume and resonance that soloists crave. A winner all round, I’d say!
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Aged spruce top and maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Spruce neck with ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Dominant strings, ebony tuning pegs and one fine-tuner on the E string
- Bow: Two unbleached Mongolian horsehair bows
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Handmade by D Z Strad
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Rosewood
A brilliantly crafted, powerful violin – the perfect upgrade for advancing learners
Final Thoughts on the D Z Strad 800
I absolutely love this violin because it’s such an all-rounder. So, if you’re a learner who’s looking to upgrade to a more advanced model and you’re not quite sure what kind of player you’ll be yet, this guy’s your best bet. Strad violins are known for being durable, so it will last you a long time too.
2. D Z Strad Maestro 590 Violin Review
- 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
If you’re a soloists then listen up… The D Z Strad Maestro 590 is going to be your new best friend. This is such a gorgeous violin for solo playing and it’s not a bad price either! That’s always handy, right?
Body & Neck
As I said, Strad is an incredible brand when it comes to craftsmanship. Much like the 800, this violin has also been made from the highest quality aged tonewood. With a classic spruce top and maple sides, its classic look will look gust gorgeous on stage. Here’s another top tip for me – you can usually always tell how well a violin has been crafted by its purflings.
If they’ve been painted on then we’ve got a “no go, close the browser and take a breather” sort of a situation, okay? However, if they’ve been excellently inlaid in ebony like the double purflings on the Maestro 590 we’ve got a “add to basket and select next-day delivery” sort of a situation. You with me?
Bow & Hardware
Now, this violin only comes with one bow. I know right? What the heck! Just kidding, I think we can let them off considering the price. With its ebony chinrest and tailpiece, the maestro 590 doesn’t exactly have the same wow-factor as the 800. Well, unless you’re a lover of the contrast, in that case, you’re probably already in love.
Aside from not being quite so pretty, the ebony fittings are amazing quality and will be really durable if you care for them properly. Again, nothing bad to say about this one!
Sound
Now, when it comes to a soloist violin, I always look for something with a little bit more edge. The Maestro 590 has edge and color by the bucketload. It has a really beautiful tone that will only get better the more you play it. I just love this violin because it sounds so sophisticated. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all edge and color, it’s still incredibly mellow and rounded. However, it’s definitely more suited to soloists than orchestral players. Get ready for a standing ovation!
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Aged spruce top and maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck and ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Dominant strings with ebony tuning pegs and one fine-tuner on the E string
- Bow: Brazilwood, Mongolian horsehair bow
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Ebony
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
A beautiful, affordable soloist violin with a colorful, sophisticated tone
Final Thoughts on the D Z Strad Maestro 590
The D Z Strad is one of the incredible and fairly affordable violins under $5000. It’s packed full of volume and resonance with a beautiful colorful tone. Its sophisticated sound is perfect for soloists. I think this little instrument is a must-have for intermediate to advanced players!
3. Cremona SV-1400 Maestro Soloist Violin Review
- 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
Here’s another great option for soloists. The Cremona 1400 from their solo series is absolutely gorgeous. Plus, it’s on the more affordable side as well! Oh dear, I hope you’re not going to be spoilt for choice now…
Body & Neck
Cremona is another of my most trusted brands. I’ve played their violins for years and absolutely love them. The SV-1400 is no exception, it’s hand-carved and perfectly graduated for more experienced players. If you were shouting at the screen when I was talking about two-piece backs earlier, then you’ll love this violin. It has a one-piece back. There. You’re welcome.
I’m just kidding, but there is an argument that violins with one-piece backs are better for soloists because they tend to have more attack. I mean, I don’t particularly agree but I can see where you folk are coming from. So, I thought I’d add a gorgeous one-piece option for my soloists!
Bow & Hardware
Now, the Cremona SV-1400 comes with a J. LaSalle LB-17 Premium Brazilwood bow. I have to say, I don’t think there’s anything premium about this bow. Yes, it’s a great option for beginners because it does have great stability and balance, considering how affordable it is. However, I’m surprised that a violin of this caliber comes with a bow that’s aimed more towards beginners.
That being said, it does the job and most advanced players will already have a bow that they love. So, it’s really not that much of an issue. Just thought I’d mention it! This gorgeous violin also has boxwood fittings. Ebony is stronger than boxwood, but some prefer boxwood as they think it does less-damage to the tuning holes, so it’s really up to you which you prefer!
Sound
I am absolutely in love with how this Cremona Maestro sounds. Compared to the D Z Strad Maestro 590, I’d say it’s a little bit more mellow. This violin has such a gorgeous, silky smooth tone. It’s probably more suited for aspiring soloists, rather than advanced players or professionals. It’s lovely and colorful without too much edge. Students would love this Cremona!
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Solid spruce top with maple sides and back
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck with ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Anton Breton VNS-150 Perlon strings, boxwood tuning begs, and VP-14 fine tuner on the E string
- Bow: J. LaSalle LB-17 Premium Brazilwood bow
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Cremona’s own, hand-carved from aged maple
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Boxwood saconni-style tailpiece and boxwood chinrest
The perfect violin for aspiring soloists with a colorful, yet mellow sound
Final Thoughts on the Cremona SV-1400 Maestro Soloist Violin
This is a really beautiful violin. It has a gorgeous sound and is really well-crafted. It’s definitely more suited to aspiring soloists, rather than experienced soloists. If you’re a student who’s looking to upgrade then you’ll absolutely love the Cremona SV-1400 Maestro Soloist Violin.
4. D Z Strad 505F Hellier Stradivarius Violin Review
- 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)
Seeing as we’re going into some depth about soloist violins, I just had to mention my all-time favorite from Strad. This violin is an absolute show-stopper and is a testament to Strad’s craftsmanship and expertise when it comes to advanced violins under $5000.
Body & Neck
Here’s a bit of history for ya! Antonio Stradivari was the most amazing violin maker of all time and the “Hellier” was one of his greatest masterpieces. The Strad 505 is Stradivarius’ copy of Stridivari’s instrument and is an absolute gem of a violin. This is arguably one of the best-crafted instruments I’ve ever come across. Sometimes violins with this much decorative detail don’t sound so great, as the amount of inlay needed can easily damage the sound quality.
However, this Strad copy of Stridivari’s iconic design does no such thing. You know how I mentioned that the key is in the detail when it comes to craftsmanship? Well, this violin has detail in the bucketload without compromising the tone of the wood. Even the scroll is decorated with gorgeous ebony inlays! I am absolutely in love with this violin.
Bow & Hardware
Like the Cremona SV-1400, the Strad 505 has boxwood fittings. I think boxwood fittings are really beautiful because they don’t distract the eye from the body of the violin. So, I completely understand why they’ve been used for this violin, despite the fact that they’re made from softer wood.
The violin also comes with two bows, one brazilwood, and one carbon fiber. Carbon fiber bows are really popular amongst violinists as it’s almost impossible for the material to warp and they’re incredibly well balanced. I’m a huge fan of carbon fiber bows myself, so I’m really happy that the Strad 505 comes with the option.
Sound
Soloists like to stand out, right? Well, here’s some good news. It’s not just the beautiful craftsmanship that will draw peoples’ attention when you’re on stage. The Strad 505 has a really full, and even tone. It also holds intonation really well despite its boxwood fittings. That combines with the carbon fiber bow gives you such a lovely, precise and sophisticated sound. Can we have a round of applause for this little beauty?
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top with decorative ebony inlaid back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck with an ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Dominant strings with boxwood tuning pegs and one fine-tuner on the E string
- Bow: Two bows – one brazilwood and one carbon fiber
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Hand fitted by D Z Strad
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Boxwood
A work of art with a beautiful tone – the perfect gift or upgrade for a soloist
Final Thoughts on the D Z Strad 505F Hellier Stradivarius
This violin is to die for. I just absolutely love it. I think it would make the perfect gift for a violin enthusiast and an amazing upgrade for a soloist. It’s beautifully rounded tone is quite something. I mean, you kind of have to hear it to believe it!
5. D Z Strad Gasparo da Salo, 1590, “Adam” Copy Violin Review – Best Value
- 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.
If you really fancied the 505F but don’t quite have the budget for it, you’ll probably love this violin. It’s a copy of the violin crafted by Gasparo da Salo in 1590, so it has that gorgeous antique look but it’s just a bit less pricey – yay!
Body & Neck
Gasparo da Salo was one of the earliest creators of the modern violin, so I think we can trust his craftsmanship. Obviously, this guy is a copy, but it’s a good one at that. There are so many details of amazing craftsmanship on the body of this violin. First of all, you’ve got the double ebony inlaid purflings on the top, then you’ve got three gorgeous inlaid flourishes on the back and, just look at those F-holes (that sounded a bit odd, didn’t it…).
F-holes are a great indicator of good craftsmanship because the smaller the hole at the top, the more intricately they’ve been carved. You know it’s a well-crafted F-hole when you start to question whether there’s a hole at all, right? There is though, don’t worry…
Bow & Hardware
They may not be quite as beautiful as the 505F’s lovely boxwood fittings but, as I said, ebony fittings are durable and reliable, and sometimes that’s more important than beauty (I guess). I think the Strad Gasparo da Salo copy is perfect for an adult beginner. I mean, you’re not going to grow out of it, so it’s okay to splash a little cash and get a violin that will last. It comes with a lovely brazilwood bow and everything else you need to get started. So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start learning… Here it is.
Sound
I’m not going to lie and say that this “Adam” copy sounds as good as the Hellier copy but, it does have a gorgeous, rich tone. It actually sounds a little bit similar to the 505F, its tone just isn’t quite as full or as smooth. When you’re a beginner, it can be tempting to go for a cheap violin to learn on with the intention of upgrading later. However, I always advise beginners to get the best quality violin that they can afford. That way you can actually tell the difference between your mistakes and any dodgy violin sounds!
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top with maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck with ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Dominant strings with ebony tuning pegs and one fine-tuner on the E string
- Bow: Brazilwood
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Rock Maple
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
A beautiful violin for progressing students with a gorgeous rich tone
Final Thoughts on the D Z Strad Gasparo da Salo, 1590, “Adam” Copy
Although I’ve been recommending this violin to beginners throughout the review, it would actually be a great fiddle for an intermediate to advanced player. It’s well-crafted and sounds wonderful and mellow after it’s been played for a few weeks.
6. Ming Jiang Zhu 909 Violin Review – Highly Rated
- Made by luthiers at the workshop of Ming Jiang Zhu
- Comes with Certificate of Authenticity
- Satisfaction Guaranteed!
Woah! Controversial… I know that Ming Jiang Zhu has been given a lot of stick, but he won a gold medal at the VSA (Violin Society of America) awards, so he must have been doing something right. Sadly he passed away in 2014, but his violins are now overseen by family. I love a family run business, don’t you?
Body & Neck
When people think of Chinese-made violins, they usually assume the worst, especially if they’re under $5000, probably due to the amount of Chinese mass-made instruments on the market. However, Ming Jiang Zhu violins are an exception as far as I’m concerned. As I said, I only ever buy from brands that I know and trust. I’ve ordered a few Ming Jiang Zhu violins now and I’m always so surprised by the quality of craftsmanship and amazing setup. After all, not only has he won the most awards from the VSA, but he’s also won the highest possible level of awards at the competition. The 909’s beautifully hand-carved body is a testament to his skill and love for the instruments and I’d highly recommend it to any of my readers.
Bow & Hardware
The 909 comes with boxwood fittings, which I’ve decided I now have nothing against. I mean, they’re much prettier than ebony and they hold intonation perfectly as long as they’re fitted correctly – which these ones are. Professionals recommend the 909, so that’s saying something!
Sound
Did you know the VSA does blind sound tests at their competitions? Well, believe it or not, they chose the Ming Jiang Zhu violins over big names like Strad! I can see why. This is probably one of the best sounding violins under $5000 that I have ever played. It’s colorful but not too colorful, mellow but not too mellow for a soloist and has incredible volume and resonance. It’s just an all-round amazing violin.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top with maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck with ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Thomastik Vision strings with boxwood tuning pegs and one fine-tuner on the E string
- Bow: Brazilwood
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Professional level Despiau Three Tree or Aubert
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Boxwood
A VSA award-winning violin with the most beautiful sound you’ll probably ever hear
Final Thoughts on the Ming Jiang Zhu 909
I think the Ming Jiang Zhu 909 is one of the most under-rated violins under $5000 to date. Ming Jiang Zhu’s awards speak for themselves and, if that’s not enough, the craftsmanship tells you the rest. This is an amazing violin for any type of player but I think soloists especially would love it.
7. D Z Strad 400 Violin Review
Okay, back to our comfort zone with another D Z Strad model. I wanted to add in an option for beginners because I know you might be shopping for a gift for someone who’s just starting out, or maybe you’re a beginner yourself. Either way, the Strad 400 is an amazing choice.
Body & Neck
I love the antique finish of this violin, it makes it look so much more expensive than it is. We all know how much I love that! What a cheapskate… Just kidding, the Strad 400 certainly isn’t cheap, it’s just more on the affordable side of the spectrum. I’m a huge fan of vintage looking instruments, I think they’re just gorgeous.
Of course, looks aren’t everything, as I always say. Another thing I love about this fiddle is its almost satin finish. I’ve spoken regularly about my sweaty hand stress when playing the violin. Have you ever had the fear of dropping your fiddle when the sweating starts? Well, I certainly have, so I love a satin finish because it’s not quite so slippy! A bit of a gross point, but I’m sure you know where I’m coming from.
Bow & Hardware
The one thing I’m not to keen on about this fiddle is its fixed fine-tuners. They can sometimes cause a little bit of buzzing, so I prefer to have a single fine-tuner on my E string. However, they’re not an issue at all for beginners who tend to enjoy the security of all four fine-tuners! Plus, Strad tailpieces are always really nice and you probably won’t even notice any buzzing if you’re a beginner. Aside from that, its boxwood fittings are all amazing quality.
Sound
I think this violin would be perfect for an orchestral player. Its sound is incredibly warm and mellow, so it would blend perfectly with other instruments. The great thing about the Strad 400 is that it’s actually made for more advanced players, so you won’t need to upgrade so quickly. That’s the good thing about buying a bit of a more pricey instrument as a beginner. Its sound is sophisticated and malleable enough to give you some really incredible projection as you progress.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top with maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck with an ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Dominant strings with boxwood tuning pegs and fixed fine-tuners
- Bow: Brazilwood
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: hand-carved Rock Maple
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Boxwood
An antique-looking violin with a warm, mellow sound – perfect for progressing orchestral players
Final Thoughts on the D Z Strad 400
This is the perfect violin for a progressing or beginner student. Although it’s set up for an intermediate to advanced student, I think it would really suit a beginner. Plus, there’s something really beautiful about how your violin begins to sound better as you progress. I used to get so attached to my fiddles and I’d never want to upgrade. So, getting a great quality violin from the get-go means you’ll have a best friend for life!
8. D Z Strad 700 Violin Review
- Selected seasoned Engelmann Spruce top, naturally air dried (over 15 years)
- Ideal for professional solo performances
- 100% Handmade, 100% hand oil-varnished
I know there’s a lot of Strad violins under $5000 on this list but they’re just incredible. Plus, I know a lot of teachers recommend Strads to their students, so I thought it would be helpful to give you a rundown on the best models. The 700 is ideal for professional solo performances.
Body & Neck
Okay, get ready for a bit of good ol’ ranting and raving because I absolutely love this violin. The tight grain of its spruce top is really pretty and (just FYI) that’s always a sign of an instrument with a colorful sound that soloists love! The spruce has been naturally aged for over 30 years which makes for an incredibly light instrument.
Nobody wants to be holding up a fiddle that weighs a tonne for their whole set, so the lighter the better when it comes to professional instruments. I find the Strad 700 so easy to play, as well. That’s down to the string spacing and the nicely carved skinny neck. Don’t worry, a skinny neck is a good thing when it comes to violins!
Bow & Hardware
I love the classic ebony fittings on this violin. When it comes to a violin that I’d take on the road with me, I want assured durability. I mean, you really can’t go wrong with some classic ebony tuning pegs. On top of that, it comes with Dominant strings which are my all-time favorite. You know, sometimes you just want a really amazing reliable fiddle and that’s exactly what the DZ 700 is.
Sound
It generates a strong yet subtle tone that is rich, warm, and resonant. The instrument is well-known for its smooth sound projection, making it an excellent option for solo and ensemble performances.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top with spruce wood back
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck with an ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Dominant D’addario Helicore strings, and one fine-tuner
- Bow: Two awesome bows
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Handmade by D Z Strad
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
The perfect affordable, professional violin with a versatile sound
Final Thoughts on the D Z Strad 700
The D Z Strad 700 is an incredibly affordable professional violin. I mean, for the price it is 100% worth it. It’s got a really lovely versatile sound that works amazingly for solo and performances. What more could you ask for?
9. D Z Strad 709 Violin Review – Best Overall
- One Piece Back Maestro Old spruce Stradi 4/4 Full Size Violin D Z Strad Model 709 Powerful tone Antique Varnish
- It produces a malleable, sophisticated sound with openness and ring with color and depth.
- Naturally seasoned spruce (picea excelsa) from Italian Alps.
Okay, I’m going to round this list up with an absolute belter (pardon the Scottish slang, that means it’s a good one). The Strad 709 and the Ming Jiang Zhu 909 are pretty close rivals in my mind. They’re both amazing violins for soloists and they’re both undeniably beautiful.
Body & Neck
This violin genuinely looks like an antique. Its the light-colored body is just beautiful, not to mention it’s one-piece, highly flamed maple back (business in the front, party in the back…). This is my favorite Strad violin in terms of how it looks. I mean, it’s so pretty. Anyway, that’s not the point. It may look a little basic compared to the 505F, for example, but when you see it in person you can tell just how well-crafted it is. Its purflings are perfect and its F-holes are carved beautifully too. It actually looks pretty ornate in real life.
Bow & Hardware
You’ll be well aware of my dislike of fixed fine-tuners by now. However, I’m sure if you give them a nicely worded email they’d switch them out for independent-style tuners, most companies will! It also comes with a lovely, balanced brazilwood bow and some amazing dominant strings (my favorite).
Sound
Okay, this is my favorite part. If you’re looking for the perfect soloist violin, then you have found it. This is the violin I always take on stage with me. Yup, I saved the best until last! It has such an amazing sound. It rings with such an open tone, perfect for playing in front of crowds. Personally, I like quite a colorful sounding violin with a little bit of edge and, in my opinion the Strad 709 is absolutely perfect. It has wonderful volume and resonance. It’s just an amazing violin all-round.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top with maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck with an ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Dominant strings with ebony tuning pegs and one fine-tuner on the E string
- Bow: Brazilwood
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: D Z Strad
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
An amazing colorful soloist violin that has amazing resonance and volume
Final Thoughts on the D Z Strad 709
This is one, if not the best D Z Strad Soloist violin. It’s got wonderful resonance and volume to carry its beautiful colorful tone. I love violins with a bit of edge and it has definitely got that. I’d say this is the perfect instrument for intermediate to advanced players, or even professionals. It’s definitely a winner in my book!
Trying a New High-End Violin Might be the Best Thing You’ve Ever Done
I know that buying a high-end violin online can be incredibly daunting, especially now that there are so many options. However, trying a new violin might be the best thing you’ve ever done, especially if you’re a learner.
I remember the first time I upgraded to a more expensive model and the difference in tone was incredible. Finally upgrading your violin as a beginner is an incredibly exciting time, so I know that choosing your next model is a giant decision. So, I hope this list of the best violins under $5000 has made it a little bit easier for you.
As for the advanced players and professionals reading, it might not be such a big decision, but I know you’re going to love your new violin. All of the advanced models I mentioned in this blog are absolutely amazing and I can’t wait for you to try one of them.
It’s very easy to get comfortable playing the same instrument, but switching it up can really make you progress as a player. So, I hope you have the best time as you get to know your new violin.
Happy music making!
Further Reading:
- Best Gifts for Violinists In 2022 – 24 Unique Ideas They Will Love
- Violin Sizes – Find Out What The Perfect Size Violin For You Or Your Child
- Violin Anatomy – What Are The Different Parts Of A Violin?
- Which Wood Is Best For Violin?
- 4 Best Amps For Electric Violins In 2022
Fiona is a musician and writer. When she’s not working, she’s either playing the ukulele or finding another instrument to add to her collection.