Finding your perfect 3 to 7k violin

[@zzz7903]

I want to go to Australia just to get a new violin......

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Well, you are always welcome... I'm sure travel will become easier again soon.

[@marcovasconcelos918]

Could you please make a video how to choose a violin bow?

[@mitcherny6965]

@@marcovasconcelos918 The bow chooses the player.

[@segazora]

@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker wouldn't it be a better idea to purchase your instrument from a local violin dealer? traveling to another climate to purchase your instrument, the humidity change could warp the woods of the violin

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

@@segazora the instrument usually settles into your climate quite quickly, so that doesn't really matter.

[@Mal-sg2du]

The player doesn't choose the violin, the violin chooses the player :D That's meaningful Mr Olivander :D

[@deyziel]

Mr. Olafander could work too

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

@@deyziel I might go with that 😀

[@DennisWu-z7c]

Ethan Cole Just like a Harry Potter magic stick

[@maeve3007]

I live in belgium and my luthier also says the voilin shooses you and she maens it.

[@SRVarma1993]

"The violin chooses the playes,That much has always been clear to those who have studied violinlore

[@belladingdong3396]

Ever since TwoSet introduced me to Olaf the Luthier, I've always imagined Olaf as the Ollivander of the violin world. I live for the Ollivander references. Olaf and his slightly whimsical or silly personality and his love for his craft is what reminds me of Ollivander

[@jimjim506]

Olafander?

[@stale.baguette]

Shows how magical the violin is 😉

[@Nagato12]

that's literally how i chose my violin: didnt know a thing, just knew that i loved how it looked and sounded. over the years some people have suggested that i didnt choose well and that there're more important criteria than just liking an instrument, so it's a pleasant surprise to be assured that i did make a good choice after all (: and yes, i still enjoy playing this violin even after 20 years

[@nickcarroll8565]

My teacher and I played for each other blindfolded. We both ended up choosing the one I purchased. Still have it 27 years later.

[@Bekindtopeople]

I agree play many violins. And just because it’s older and a beautiful varnish, doesn’t necessarily mean better. Yesterday I played several violins and one was 240 yrs old and another was between 75-100 yrs old. The sound of the younger one had more resonance, mellowness and “sang” beautifully. 240 yr old violin sounded nice, but it lacked anything special and I would rank it with a decent intermediate level violin. Then there was another 250 yr old French violin that sounded incredible! Each violin is unique and has a different sound.

[@Marguerite-Rouge]

It reminds me when I choose my violin, or rather when my violin chooses me ! I really enjoy this moment. I literally fell in love with my violin ! I also experiment those feelings when my bow chooses my violin and me. It makes a big difference too. So, thank you for this amazing content : it's really fascinating !

[@gaborkorthy8355]

I was fortunate in that when I started to study the instrument (LOL age 50) I befriended a luthier. I got to play many different violins as my skill improved. I found some that were easier to play because they seemed to be more forgiving of poor finger position on intonation . Others had very strong resonance so they would "tell" you when your intonation is correct.

[@nickcarroll8565]

Oh man, yes. My violin is like a cheat code for intonation. It resonates so well when in tune.

[@onemanfran]

It's the same for piano. I went shopping for a piano. Ended up with a £2000 Ronisch piano from the 70s because I loved the way it looked, the keys were nice and heavy but also responsive and the sound was really rich. It beat out all the other more expensive pianos in the workshop for me. It was tucked at the back but I do believe that the instrument chooses you.

[@FiddlerNick]

Really enjoying theses videos. It's so hard shopping for violins as most shops only open by appointment now so you have someone breathing down your neck while you choose and there is often pressure not to leave without a purchase. I've found people in most shops are really nice and helpful but a few are really snobbish and dismissive if you're not a classical player. I had one that described all instrument he was selling at less than 10k GBP as "piles of crap". But that's their loss.

[@nickcarroll8565]

I’m not sure if he’s still around, but when I was a teen in the 90s, a luthier in New York named Tulchinsky mailed me three violins and bows to try. I was amazed someone would do that! I think my teacher and he had a good working relationship of some sort. Anyway, I chose a nice Austrian violin from 1879 by a maker named Josef Bohlinger, a post WW1, German made, counterfeit Sartory bow of exceptional quality. The combination of the two makes a stellar sound. Paid 5500$ for the two in 90s, I think 4k for the violin and 1.5k for the bow. Even at my prime I never was able to be such a great player that the violin couldn’t keep up with what I could do. Haven’t been able to find out much about the maker of the violin. Very little info online.

[@steveharvey1398]

Really helpful video thank you Olaf! I would only add that it can be really helpful to have someone else with you when you are comparing instruments: have them listen to the sound when you play since the sound under the ear may not reflect the sound you want to produce, and have them play so you can hear what the instrument sounds like from a distance. Of course, take someone who plays at a standard that will help the process!

[@steveharvey1398]

One more suggestion! Compare the violins you are trying with your current violin: you know what that sounds like but not in the room that you are testing instruments in - you need it as a reference, both in sound and in how it feels to play.

[@chrism6209]

I dont play violin but I find learning about it really good

[@walkerpendleton760]

Same here I play guitar and piano I find learning about it cool

[@doliveirajapan]

I like French, German and American violins, specially American violin, but recently I found a Suzuki professional violin, made in Nagoya JP. I love its sound, the work in the wood, the sound and it is very lovely!

[@lunarbutterfly7]

Thank you so much for this video. My current violin is currently selling for $3100 USD and if I ever feel the need to upgrade in the future as an amateur I would prefer to stay under 10k so I found this invaluable. I will try and see if I can find more makers who design violins with their workshop and then finish them themselves. I know of one in the United States who does this but would like to find more.

[@hunterblakely87]

Olaf, Your channel is fantastic. Thanks so much for all you do. I'm relatively new to violin, and have only been playing just over a year. Recently I was given a John Juzek violin that was purchased in 1934, that came with a NURMBERGER SAXONY bow. I can't tell if they're authentic, but they sound leagues better than what I had started with. The violin and bow are in working order, but could definitely use refreshing. I'm curious how to approach restoration, and finding the right shop to do the restoration.

[@nickcarroll8565]

I have a fantastic German-made, post WWI, counterfeit Sartory bow. I knew it was a fake because the selling luthier told me it was, but it was still exceptional quality. It was so good another luthier convinced me to send it to the Smithsonian to be 100% sure it really was a fake! Alas, it was, but my point is, sometimes the “fakes” are of comparable quality.

[@mmartin7483]

When demonstrating how to choose a violin, I wish you would play the exact same melody on each viloin in your demonstrate. This allows us neqbies to compare apples to apples. Tgank you Olof. I love your videos and always appreciate your time.

[@hazelb.6336]

You also can get an instrument from the mittenwald violinschool, if you are happy. They are all handmade by the pupils.

[@irlkaijugroupie7614]

this is a great video and i especially love all the history tidbits thank u ( even though i am a viola player and know to expect the prices but my lower middle class instincts always go insane over instrument prices lmao )

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Thank you. Haha... Yes... I fully understand. It actually takes a little bit longer to make a viola as well as the timber being more expensive... It makes it that much more special 🙂

vibratingstring lol

[@theojunming]

you will be able to feel vibration even @ the scroll with good violin

[@ceasium98]

Love your videos! Are violins in Australia slightly more expensive than elsewhere? I got my violin in Singapore (where SGD is roughly equal to AUD) and violins there suitable for Grade 8 / Diploma were all within $1800-$4000. I don't know anyone who has a violin above $3500, except for teachers playing in the national orchestra. My violin is a relatively new handmade German instrument and it cost ~$2000. It's very loud and very mellow (the way I like it, although my friend says it sounds like a blocked nose). The only catch is its high maintenance cost as it needs shamelessly expensive Larsen strings.

[@carolineleiden]

I have an antique frenchie with Tzigane strings, and she loves them. She sings her heart out and she operates so smooth! But now I need to do a new bridge, because I had much thicker gutstrings on her before, and now they are the wrong height.

[@MiserableLittleDoomGoblin]

Hi Olaf! Great video! I am curious about how one can know that they have the right bow to fairly evaluate the tone of the violin. Do you try the same violin with a few different bows to see which one brings out the best tone? Or do you select the best bow for your playing and discern which violin sounds best with that bow?

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Yes, interesting one... which comes first? the chicken or the egg... I usually recommend getting the violin first, then getting the bow. Bows do change the sound, but should mostly improve the sound of a violin.

[@A.J.K87]

It's amazing. I pretty much give the same set of advices to people wanting to buy their first electric guitar (Or their first nice guitar after their beginner instrument). Even to the point that if the instrument doesn't play as well, but sounds and looks great, I can set it up for them and make it play like a million bucks. Funny how things overlap between different instruments.

[@richard_4675]

I know that you primarily do violin videos, but perhaps could you do a cello video as well. I’m from the United States and will be visiting family in Australia. Are there any nice cellos to purchase in Australia around the 20-30k range?

[@gavrilyaselletheyoungfiddl786]

When I go to Australia, I want to buy an instrument from Olaf.

[@JackLe1127]

Your German vowels definitely help in describing the sounds the violin makes.

[@discomfortzone]

I don’t play violin at all. But totally addicted to Two Set and now all your videos Olaf. Wish I played so I could buy one of your violins. Hehe :)

[@uMpzZ26e03]

The better you play, the better is your estimation of the violin. The years of playing are not important, just the level of playing that you have achieved.

[@johntait491]

The Salvatore Lombardi is not only the nicest looking, but it also sounds fantastic. 😉

[@johntait491]

I live in country Victoria, but next time I'm in Brisbane, I'll try and call in to your shop. Cheers. 😉

[@charisellim3754]

I Highly suggest you should consider selling your artwork online.. your website currently is an amazing platform for booking an appointment or so. Considering your exposure right now from two set's audience from all around the world, there might be people out there wanting to be able to buy your violins either the one you design and made in you workshop in china, or you fully designed and handmade violins. This is an opportunity you don't want to miss Olaf :D Love your videos. Keep it up!

[@wuicheng9452]

q

[@liamnevilleviolist1809]

11:44 - the classic D, A, F# followed by the G, D, B, g!

[@liamnevilleviolist1809]

In my opinion, you need an extra Ab minor and a B major follow-up Olaf!

[@davinogueiraaraujo3298]

These violins are aMaZiNg!!!

[@doliveirajapan]

Chinese handcrafted violins are really good! they sound very good and also beautiful! I like them, I've got one and no issues at all! prices are much affordable compared to made in Europe.

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

It's all about who makes them. Some are amazing, some good, some average and some are really terrible. Some as European instruments or instruments made in other parts of the world. The importance is to know the difference.

[@trajan_x0128]

“Strads go AAAAAAAAAAAAA”

[@Deluge4000]

1:30 That was a D flat, by the way.

[@modularcuriosity]

12:33 if I was a violin player then it's THAT ONE. The moment I heard the tone I thought "That's it, That's the one." Now, could I describe what it was about that instrument's sound? Probably not. I'm a guitar player and there have been archtop guitars, 2 classical guitars (neither of which I bought darn it), and 1 steel string guitar which immediate spoke to me like that. I bought 1 of them, can't afford all the others.

[@osmanmedina1083]

Hi Olaf. What are the differences between the Giuseppe and the Salvatore? I’m very curious about the $1.5K difference between them. Also, how much would it Cost me having one of these models made by you personally? I’m very keen on the Salvatore varnish, it’s outstanding!

[@anikaxmeisel]

What do you know about the name C. Meisel’s Carlo Micelli violins? Did some research on my instrument and found out that Carlo Micelli was a name used by C. Meisel. I recently purchased a 1920s Carlo Micelli violin for $7,000 USD

[@studdude100]

I love the video. Is there any chance that you could make a video similar to this but for an individuals first violin. Im currently looking at different options to start learning and would love any insight that you could provide.

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Definitely. I am in the process of making one about what to avoid with beginner instruments, but I can also do one with what to look for.

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Here is a video I made that can help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIDRZauNjbeCpbc

[@jacksbest7369]

I live in Ohio, USA. But I wish you were my neighbor. I have a few quite good violins that could use your magic.

[@liamnevilleviolist1809]

4:38 ..... that bridge's thickness ...! That A string is AT LEAST 1/3 of the maple it's sitting on.

[@VIM365]

Ah! Was that Instagram post related to this video?

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

No, I do talk about that option among others, but the most importantly thing is getting it right.

[@sheenche392]

7 mins left!I'm ready!

[@jocelynleung9376]

Would a antique violin and a new violin in the same price range have the same quality of sound ? I have heard someone say that to get a antique violin sound as good as a new violin your have to pay more because antique would naturally be more expensive because it’s a piece of history. Is that true?

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

It's hard to say... I usually reccomend trying both and find the one you love.

[@AlexRiversMusic]

Beautiful ❤️

[@brbbiobreak]

"It's not alaways clear why" *24 carat electric violin*

[@edwingarcia2943]

I have a question. I bought a violin for 65.00 and it turns out to be an original Milan or Milano violin that cost around between 4000 and 6000 violin. I got it repaired because it had cracks on it. But they changed several of the oginal parts. Should I get the original parts or no. Please let me know? Thank you.

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Hi Edwin, If it's the fittings, they sometimes need changing, like pegs, fingerboard, bridge etc

[@driwishramy6246]

oh at first I thought you post it today Hhhh happy 1 year

[@liamnevilleviolist1809]

I really hope the Chinese makers are being treated and paid well. I really do. If I was in your shoes I would be getting the various makers' names/details, (let's say you knew for a fact that 7 workers produced one violin - [because that *does* often happen]), then I would send them each $50 AUD to make sure they were somewhat comfortable. I would assume they were paid *something* for their work in China but I doubt it would be what we call "decent".

[@DavidSanchez-rt6gg]

Great content Olaf, keep going. May I suggest a proper microphone for your videos? sorry, sound tech here....cant´t avoid the matter jajajaja.The reverb of your studio suits the violin good enough but not for your voice. There are some very decent Lavalier microphones for not much money. Not trying to offend you.

[@yyrhehrfuurrjr7608]

Actully i'm oud player but i love your personality

[@Hannah-nq8uu]

Me:Is a beginner and has a 3k violin My Class: Bro why do you have such an expensive instrument? My teacher: Oh your violin always sounds so nice! Me: ;-;

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

@Alan Deutsch there is that famous moment when someone complemented the sound of Heifetz's violin... He is said to have held his violin up to his ear and said: funny... I can't hear anything... A good sounding violin is super important though.

[@niesson9456]

I bought a violin about 2-3 years ago at the mall. and one of those shops. it was worth 5k php. I have no idea why whenever i search for that brand Fernando, i can't find it. I wanted to learn to play the violin and just have my heart poured out into it thanks to some struggles in life. Unfortunately, no violin tutors close enough. A job and lockdown later, still no way to learn. I figured an actual teacher would be best. sighs. i hope i find one. and i hope this violin isn't that bad to start learning with

[@carolineleiden]

So many teachers on KZbin can give you great pointers. And the rest is Practice. Go for the Ling Ling experience! ( 40 hrs a day)

[@authenticbaguette6673]

Hey , olaf ! What's your favourite piece of music ?

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Hardest question ever... there is so much good music... it depends on my mood. I have a wide and eclectic mix of favourites. For violin I love the Bach Patitas, Sibelius and Tchaikovsky violin concertos, "it ain'tnecessarily so" by Gershwin, the Bach double concerto with Stephane Grapelli and Menuhin, Philip Glass and more. I also like Parov Stellar, London Grammar, Beatles, U2 and... so much more. Music just makes the world so much better!

[@authenticbaguette6673]

Ask Olaf the Violinmaker I suppose this is the most reasonable answer to such a question .. apples and oranges ! Glad I got an idea of your preference in music , though ! And I would agree that gershwin is a really interesting composer Music is really medicine for the soul , like one arabic artist said : "If everyone listened to music along their morning coffee , violence wouldn't exist"

[@authenticbaguette6673]

Ask Olaf the Violinmaker for one I actually listen mostly to classics (Rachmaninoff , Scriabin , Shostakovich , Stravinsky , Mahler ..) but I also have a liking for contemporary classical (Penderecki and Sorabji mostly)

[@eriknystrom5839]

So, there is good music and bad music....that’s all. Well I don’t like Rap, Hip-hop, C&W.....

[@worksasintended4997]

Any advice on where to get a decent 1/4th violin? My son wants to learn the violin and all instruments I tried yet are, quite honestly, plain awful. The sound mushy, they have a really bad response and they change pitch with bow pressure way too much. If I cannot get out a good sound, how should my little beginner son like what he is doing on it?

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

The small vivace violins I have sound amazing. You can find some really good sounding instruments, but unfortunately most little violins sound terrible. You just have to look around.

[@anna-katehowell9852]

did you design and/or make Brett and Eddy's violins?

[@sheepdotexe7600]

Does the grain width on the spruce top impact the sound? I found wide and tight grained spruce on various cheap and expensive violins. Thanks

[@barbiegamaestan456]

Yes, everything on the violin affects the sound! The short answer is that grain width has to do with the the location where the tree has grown, its size, position of wood cut from the tree, and when it was cut down. The wood in the middle of the tree typically had wider grains and is less stiff, while the wood on the outside has narrow grains and is more stiff. As the tree gets older it gets bigger so the spacing is decreased the further out you get from the center. The combination of different stiffnesses, and a host of other factors, affects the sound. Also the change in spacing from the inside out is important. There is a preferred spacing for high quality instruments, for example trees drom colder climates are preferred due to tighter spacing as they grow slower. But it does not necessarily mean if you have the right wood/spacing the sound will also be good as it relies on the experience of the violin maker to make it all work together. A cheaper instrument may have wider spacing as the wood is cheaper as it is younger and/or has grown faster.

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Tight grain is preferable, however I know some famous antique instruments that sound amazing but have wider grain... Harder wood helps with a clearer sound. Often softer wood will give a less defined deeper sound depending on the thickness of the plates. I would reccomend just trying instruments for sound and finding the best one.

[@mrsmd4616]

Can we do the same for cello lol

[@salottin]

Great video!!

[@axlcrush]

I think bench made chinese violins from reputable makers such as GCV are the best value in this range.

[@tupublicoful]

What’s that instrument hanging from the wall in the last shot ?

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

It's my Ukelele

[@SwitcherRu]

Does anyone know if the Heinrich Gil 62 is any good? I've been looking debating between the 62 and the 68 model...

[@brickfather2222]

Richer Su whichever one sounds better to you! It’s all about the players personal choice, I love my instrument more then ones that are twice it’s price simply because of its unique tone.

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

The Gill violins are definitely well made, but compare them with each other or even other violins.

[@SwitcherRu]

@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker Thank you very much, it's just very hard to get my hands on a 62 model or a 68 model nowadays. I only see there x series being sold 😪.

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

@@SwitcherRu there are lots of wonderful instruments out there.

[@kaunas888]

The varnish on those Chinese violins looks really cheap and shiny. I wonder if they are cutting corners.

[@mariedeziel4004]

Mirecourt is in Eastern France, in the the Vosges., not Western France as stated.

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Thank you Marie, for some reason I always thought it was further west... I will have to visit next time we are in Europe 🙂

[@mariedeziel4004]

It was a strategic place, close to the resources provided by the Vosges forest. A bit like Cremona, close to the Alps!

[@mignuscarlsen5613]

Do you more expensive violins

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Definitely...

[@mignuscarlsen5613]

Ask Olaf the Violinmaker yes! You should do 10k to 20 k !

[@オールマイト-y1f]

I Liked the German one.

[@seanisele9070]

Just go to Cremona Italy...

[@HealsTheTail]

thanks for the video =D

[@adamgc73]

Olaf do you do valuations ?

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Yes

[@trust2030]

Thank you very much ! The german violin sounds good to me :D

[@jensdavidsen4557]

How much would a violin that YOU actually made, start-to-finish, cost?

[@jong9992]

North of 20 grand would be my guess. He has a video on his self made violin that is going to cost 30k+

[@jensdavidsen4557]

@@jong9992 sounds about right. My luthier has two different lines of violins he makes - one that uses CNC and power tools for the bulk of the shaping for around 10-15k and once in a while he makes violins in the traditional way for 30-35k

[@akurei123]

Hello Mr Olaf are instruments by Yamaha Company any good?

[@carywatmore]

Only the top end ones but at those prices you’re better of getting a chinese violin made in a good workshop

[@WCGwkf]

I wish I had the money to buy one of your personally made violins even though I don't play

[@dianawilson13]

Love it. :D Aah! Now this beginner wants one to learn on. LOL!

[@twoblink]

I assume it's better than the $69 violins.. just kidding; those things are JUNK. Olaf; educating people about violin making. Keep it up!

[@markkulyas2418]

I bet if there was 10 violins ranging in price from $5,000 to $50,000 and you could not read the label it would be really hard to guess the price of the violins, or put them in order from cheapest to most expensive. If I'm wrong I would love to learn why.

[@brattingprincess]

Depends on who plays them LITERALLY. If you're not an advanced enough player 1-20k would sound the same. That's why we upgrade as we progress in our studies.

[@fabiog801]

Man, i am just new to the violin thing. I am an electric guitar guy, and damn i always considered outrageous to spend like 3k for a fender custom shop guitar, which is like super top level. With the violin with those money you just buy something okish. It's outrageous.

[@MM-tn5uk]

Fabio Grimaldi honestly this was a big reason i started playing electric guitar. I have a nice guitar that I paid under $200 for but goes for $400-$600 nowadays-i got really lucky as i wouldn’t even dream of dropping $600 on a guitar considering my level. I can’t even imagine paying thousands for a beginner/intermediate instrument 😶

[@pigalleycatemanresu7321]

You are correct. A telecaster type guitar is a slab of laminated wood with a neck bolted on, assembled in a factory by hundreds of specialized workers. The setup and finition is really the only hand work done. That and the overall quality of components and wood are the only difference between a $200 squire and $3k fender, and the difference can be felt and heard. But the difference between an $800 Japanese made Tokai and a $3k fender you reference is negligible and not worth paying 3 or 4x as much for a fender decal. I won't get into vintage electric guitars, that's a whole other subject. Before 1800, quality violin family instruments were made by master luthiers by hand, with assistance by apprentices, often family members. No power tools, just knives, gouges, maybe a primitive hand drill, and slabs of maple, spruce and ebony. Most violins that have survived from that period have survived over 2 centuries for a reason. Many of them, unfortunately, have lost some sound because of repeated and numerous repairs, but still look nice and can sound ok, but very rare under $10k. A modern luthier made violin is still made entirely by hand, except maybe using a drill press and router for a couple of time saving tasks. $10k-30k and more. For $3k you can get a really nice looking chinese factory fiddle. Almost all the european factories have been closed since WW2. There is no guarantee on how these chinese violins will sound in 10, 20, 50years. Often they are made with new or oven dried wood. If I was looking for a violin in this price range, I would try hundreds of hundred year old (or therabouts) french or german factory violins. Google where they came from, and what quality in that makers line the model is (student to concert to soloist). You can sometimes find an absolutely amazing sounding instrument. But remember, there is more craftsmanship in a hand carved violin scroll than in your fender telecaster.

[@brattingprincess]

I think when you play you will understand. I think all of my violin is handmade. Once you hit about 10 years of practice on a violin, you will need to upgrade to the 3k+. There's literally not much you can do to improve the sound quality at that point in your level. Our violins start at 300 because of the amt of effort and time that it takes to make a violin. At the starter entry price point it is a mix of factory and handmade, but all the acoustic related parts are def handmade. No other way to do it cuz it literally needs to be fit to the violin and each is unique like bridge and soundpost. The pegs can be factorymade, but will need adjusting by hand. The front and back can be factorymade, but rhe bass board is def not for example.

[@fabiog801]

@dianalee yeah, i undesrstand what is that make a violin so expensive. But it also applyes to classical guitar. And still violin is more expensive. It's a pity, right now i am learning with a 200$chinese violin and yeah, it sounds pretty bad. One day 1 could buy a 3k one. Or build one!

[@brattingprincess]

Fabio Grimaldi Would strongly recommend you go into 300. I think you have some plywood. If you cannot afford to renting is good.

[@crystalheart9]

Subscribed and hit the little bell.

2:41 captions “the instrument has to help you with girls” lol

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Haha... sometimes it may 😀

[@anannyosamayel1350]

Mate you might fancy a better microphone as your voice sounds a bit too quiet, love your videos though!

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

I agree... I have a better condensor mike now... I'm first and foremost a violin maker, so making videos is a bit of a learning curve.

[@BzBlade]

I found a 1.5k violin that sounds better than a 6k one

[@agnidas5816]

Same with my cello. got lucky. Czeck instrument, had been damaged but was repaired and set up very well.

[@diegoserrato4016]

I believe it comes down to personal taste. I've always preferred the glass-like yet bassy sound of my $500 Scherl & Roth over most much higher end Strobels I've tried, for example.

[@Fidi987]

I once bought a "China violin" off ebay for 400 € "for fun" and had it set up. Played it a couple of times and then put it away. Now I have re-started to play after a years long hiatus and used a violin I inherited, that was estimated to be worth about 2000 € and struggled some. After a week of practice, I remembered that ebay violin and tried it out and was really shocked that it sounded much better and was much easier to play than the inherited one. I easily hit those overtones, going down the D string was not an effort, the E string sang out beautifully instead of fighting me. I will take both of them to a luthier some time and ask why that is, how my inherited violin can be improved with different strings etc. At the moment, I am playing that cheap violin.... And only for myself at home, I have nobody to impress, there is not reason I should make that up or deceive myself.

[@segazora]

why don't violinists have a choice of different woods to choose from if they want different sound qualities from their instrument? guitars have so many different body sizes, fingerboard radiuses, different woods.... all violins look the same, just better or worse build and different laquers

[@Yokeniku]

Form must truly be an important factor at the middle of the curve. Your instrument may sound angelic but for someone still improving in skill, having a bad looking instrument will give you a sense of disappointment deep inside. It's a difference in perspective but if you grow beyond that even as a beginner or an amateur, you're good to go.

[@nickthequick2011]

Rudimentary violin picture = mine😔 It makes sound i cant be 2 sad

[@snowf6307]

i'm definitely in the ooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuu camp :' )

[@achyuthavm]

Olafanders, where students of Voilwarts get there istruments.

[@nikkivanzanen]

I don't even play violin.. but this is so interesting

[@longlivegarybusey6409]

After 20 years playing guitar I've recently decided to try my hand at learning violin and found your channel. With guitars the general consensus is that you start paying more for aesthetics and branding when you get above around $1000 USD rather than features, build quality, tone, and playability. Slightly higher for acoustics. In your opinion what is that diminishing returns price point for violins?

[@chrishamada]

Curious to know what Olaf thinks too! I’ve heard professional violinists say that you can get a top instrument from a modern violin maker for around 30k that would be quite competitive with rarer antique violins. What you’d be looking for at this price is a unique tone with lots of different “colours”, lots of responsiveness, great resonance and projection. The quality of the bow can make a huge difference too. None of this matters if you don’t have the skill to play... a well set-up factory violin is perfectly fine for a beginner, once you’re in the intermediate level, this 2-7k price range is great for an instrument that has a nice tone and is rewarding to play, and can handle a lot (if you get into advanced repertoire then you might feel the limits... but many students make do in university, etc). So I think for diminishing returns, it depends mostly on the player.

[@brattingprincess]

It depends on the player. We have tiers essentially for what works based on level. We need more responsive and expressive instruments as we advance. So if you're not going to spend say 10 years of private lessons the sub 1k will serve you well. You literally won't outgrow them. Remember the ones that people have that go to music university/college/conservatory are 20-30k+. The next step up after 1k is the 3k+ instruments.

[@mcj87]

Warning: do not play a drinking game involving the word "instrument(s)", it'll be your last. xP Really interesting insights!

[@hemathkumar8345]

And then theres me, happy with a 100$ violin

[@lotsabirds]

They say that about parrots ! You don't pick a parrot....a parrot picks you !

[@popitoto]

They look like not hand made to me..

[@karmaqueen9477]

I am german and I learned a bit german history from an australian 😄😄😄

[@AskOlaftheViolinmaker]

Australian German 😜

[@karmaqueen9477]

@@AskOlaftheViolinmaker I sat there like "what is he talking about German Violins" 😂 I always realized, you can buy a lot of violiins from those regions, but now I know why :) I was looking for a new "upgrade" recently but nothing was able to beat my 599€ beginner Violin 😀 I think this is one of the best violins in this price range in the world. Up to 4.000€ I found nothing better.

[@constanzaaltamirano9269]

Yoda agrees

[@davidsongsong1513]

Better invite a violinist and play a piece on those violins to see what comes out of it

[@egmusic7219]

Fourth

[@authenticbaguette6673]

E&G music major third :P

[@comicstone6564]

If you can spend $3,000, you can spend $100.

[@taste9530]

$4200. "You can see they had to cut costs". Better not. I paid $4000

[@cmlyn77]

I dont even have 1 dollar why am i watching this

[@The_YouTube_Critic]

Really crazy to me. I come from the guitar world. I couldn't imagine paying 3-5 grand for a Chinese instrument. I will claim ignorance, but I still don't understand why a violin costs so much more than a quality acoustic guitar (which uses much more wood) and is still hand made.

[@befosocial]

It is about what the buyer is willing to pay not what the material or abilities of the maker are worth. Also violins are produced in much lower numbers with much less people buying them and still the violin maker has to pay rents, food and stuff.

[@Tubluer]

voice mike has low audio levels