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Older vs New: Which Violin Speaks to You?

Posted by Brittens Team on

Looking for a violin with a budget of over £500?

With a spend in excess of about £500 you start to have a choice of well maintained 'older' instruments or well specified modern or new violins, but how do you choose, and what should you consider?

Sound, playability, aesthetics and value are all important when choosing your ideal instrument, but there's something else too...

Buying a violin is an exciting yet sometimes overwhelming decision, especially if you are moving from your ‘familiar’ starter violin or rental instrument. 
One of the first questions musicians ask is whether to invest in a well-maintained older (circa 50 to 125 years old) quality instrument or an equivalent-priced modern violin. Both options offer unique advantages, and understanding the differences in sound, playability, aesthetics and long-term value can help you make a more informed choice. This guide explores some of the key factors to consider when comparing older and modern violins.

  • The Appeal of Older Violins

Older violins are often prized for their rich tonal character and expressive qualities. Over decades, the spruce and maple used in the top and back plates undergo natural aging, stabilising the wood and subtly enhancing resonance. Many players report that older instruments offer warmer, more complex overtones and respond smoothly to nuanced bowing. Creating a mature, expressive sound.
Beyond tone, older violins often carry aesthetic and historical value. Patina from years of use, subtle wear in varnish, and hand-carved details give each instrument a unique visual character. Some may even have connections to previous musicians, which adds to their allure.
Considerations: Older instruments require careful, regular maintenance by string technicians or luthiers. Regular inspections, proper storage, and professional setup are essential to preserve their sound and structural integrity. A poorly maintained older instrument can be challenging to play, so always seek professional guidance when purchasing.

  • The Advantages of Modern or New Violins

Modern violins, especially in this mid-range (~ £500 to £1000) offer consistency, reliability, and immediate playability. Advances in violin-making techniques combine traditional craftmanship with precise workshop standards, producing instruments that are structurally sound and durable. They often have bright, clear tones and even projection across registers, making them suitable for students, intermediate players and performers who need a dependable instrument. 

While they may not have decades of tonal maturity, modern violins can develop richness over time too, as the wood and setup settle with use.

Considerations: Mid-range modern violins may not have the historical patina or the tonal nuance of older instruments, but for many players, the combination of an instrument that is 'yours from new' with a history that you create, its ease of setup and consistent sound quality, outweighs these factors.

  • Comparing Playability and Sound

Playability is highly subjective. Older violins that have been well looked after and regularly maintained are often described as having a responsive, expressive touch, especially for nuanced techniques. On the other hand, modern or new violins, that are checked & prepared by a luthier or string technician, are typically consistent and predictable, which is particularly valuable for students’ learning intonation and bow control or professionals that need a reliable instrument, ready to play.
Sound quality varies widely across both categories. While older instruments may offer complex, layered tones, some modern violins excel in clarity and projection, and there can often be a broad overlap in the feel and performance of both types. Blind listening studies have even shown that many players cannot reliably distinguish between older and new instruments based on sound alone – emphasising the importance of trying instruments personally before making a decision on which violin to buy.

  • Aesthetics and Emotional Value

This is a significant area where personal preference is key; older violins can carry a sense of history, with varnish patina and subtle wear creating visual character. Modern violins, while often sleek and polished, generally lack this ‘story’, although many are beautifully finished and visually stunning. 
Choosing an instrument that resonates emotionally with an individual is just as important as evaluating its tone and playability. If you love the look and feel of your violin, you’re much more likely to pick it up to practice and play or simply appreciate its beauty and design. 

  • Pros and Cons at a Glance

Older Violins - circa 50 to 125 years old ~ £500 to £1,000 Mid-Range New or Modern Violins ~ £500 to £1,000
Tone Tone
Rich, nuanced, complex Clear, bright, consistent
Playability Playability
Expressive, mature Predictable, reliable for beginners and intermediates
Aesthetics Aesthetics
Patina, historical charm, aged Clean finish, modern look
Maintenance Maintenance
Can require careful setup and regular maintenance Low maintenance, stable

  • Making the Right Choice

Selecting between an older and a modern violin depends on skill level, budget, and personal preference. Students may benefit most from a dependable new violin that supports consistent practice and learning. Intermediate or professional players might prefer the tonal richness and expressive capabilities of a well-maintained older instrument.
Above all, the ideal violin is the one that feels right in your hands, connects with your playing style, and motivates you to play. Trying several instruments in both categories is the best way to determine which suits your musical needs.

Summary 

Older violins offer timeless tonal depth, historical charm, and expressive playability, while modern violins provide reliability, clarity, and sometimes more accessible pricing. Both options can be excellent instruments – the key is understanding your priorities and testing instruments to find the one that truly fits your technique and musical goals.

Brittens Music has a wide range of new Sandner violins, violas and cellos plus a constantly changing selection of quality pre-owned and classical 'older' violins and violas for you to explore in store.

When choosing a quality 'older' or higher-level new instrument, bow choice is a very important factor too. If you would like a personal demonstration of instruments and bow options, contact us to book an appointment with one of our specialists and we will help guide you through the choices and explain the differences they make.. 

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