Viola Bow Prices – Quality & Cost Considerations
Moses Sedler 24.10.2022
You’ve committed so much attention to the purchase of the right viola and now you have to make a decision on a suitable bow to
Our Featured Selection of the Best 7/8 Violins
Finding the Right 7/8 Violin or Small Pattern Violin For You
The 7/8 violin is not produced by many makers, and this model can be hard to find. At Dolce Violins, we enjoy the challenge of curating well-crafted 7/8 violins and small pattern 4/4 violins that produce a beautiful tone. We seek out both antique violins and modern violins to provide our customers with as many options as possible for this unique violin type.
Due to their slightly smaller proportions and shorter string length, it takes an exceptional 7/8 violin to produce a sound that matches a larger 4/4 violin. Therefore, we go to great lengths to acquire the best sounding 7/8 violins for our customers.
Is a 7/8 Violin Right For You?
7/8 violins are a perfect choice for professional players of a smaller stature or younger players who are still growing. Anyone who feels over-stretched by a full-size violin but also feels cramped on a 3/4 size instrument should consider a 7/8 model.
7/8 violins are designed for player comfort. Playing an instrument tailored to your size will free you from unnecessary discomfort and allow for greater musicality. Generally, the back length of a 7/8 violin measures between 345 to 349mm. If your arm length is between 23 and 24 inches, the 7/8 size violin may be the optimal size for you.
Small Pattern Full Size Violins
Another great option for petite violinists is a violin built on a smaller pattern. In the early days of violin making, many proportions weren’t standardized, and there are fabulous violin models by master makers like Guarneri Del Gesu and Giovanni Battista Guadagnini that are perfect for players with shorter arms.
With a back length of around 350mm, small pattern violins provide violinists with a manageably sized instrument without sacrificing timbre or power. Dolce Violins works with award-winning modern violin makers to select small pattern violins for professionals and serious students alike.
Historical Small Pattern “Full Size” Violins by the Great Masters
If you need a 7/8 violin, you can still enjoy a fantastic antique instrument by a legendary master luthier. Many famed Cremonese makers created violins that are considered smaller than the modern standard “full size” violins.
Some examples include:
- the 1666 Stradivarius “Aranyi” violin by Antonio Stradivarius (1644-1737) with a back length of 348 mm
- the 1667 Stradivarius “Jenkins Thompson” violin by Antonio Stradivarius with a back length of 350mm
- the 1735 Guarneri “Plowden” violin by Guarneri ‘del Gesù (1698 – 1744) with a back length of 351mm
- the 1741 Guarneri ‘Kochánski’violin by Guarneri ‘del Gesù with a back length of 351.5mm
- a 1750 violin from Milan by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini (1711 – 1786) with a back length of 350mm
- a 1771 violin from Turin by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini with a back length of 350mm
While these antique small pattern violins are rare, they can be reproduced by the best modern luthiers for a contemporary instrument with antique flair and a comfortable size!
Four featured small pattern professional violins
- American Violin
Raymond J. Melanson Violin – Rochester, MA 2022
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