Early Violin Making in Mirecourt The origin of violin-making in the northeastern French city of Mirecourt is debated, but a vibrant picture emerges from 17th century records. As many as 50 luthiers were operating in Mirecourt in the 1600s, and the oldest surviving apprenticeship contracts date as far back as 1629. The Mirecourt Guild and Expanded Economy In 1732, …
Mirecourt – A Storied History of French Violin Making Read More »
How Much Do Violins Cost? If you are wondering how much violins cost, the answer depends on the level of the player, how the instrument was made, and its condition. Violins range from approximately $400 for beginner instruments to $25,000 or more for professional and historically significant examples. Understanding the violin price range helps clarify …
How Much Do Violins Cost? A Practical Guide for Buyers Read More »
In 1945, Fred Wilfer, a violin maker, found himself engaged in international espionage. Using a borrowed US Army truck, he was smuggling goods from the Czech region of Bohemia and his hometown of Markneukirchen, both of which had fallen behind the Iron Curtain, to West Germany. As he reached the border, Czech officials called for …
It happened: you’ve been practicing faithfully, the squeaky sound is gone, and finally, your teacher pauses your lesson. “Your sound is coming along,” they say. “I think it’s time to get a real instrument.” Beginning students often start with an entry-level cello to build their skills and decide whether they want to continue playing. But …
Intermediate’s Guide to Buying a Cello – Dolce Violins Read More »
What’s the difference between a fiddle and a violin? It’s a question many people have…
For classical musicians, Europe is full of must-visit cities, like Vienna, Paris, Berlin, and Florence. String players, however, make a pilgrimage to a small Bavarian town. Nestled at the foot of the Karwendel Mountains, Mittenwald has been a vibrant center of violin-making for nearly four centuries. Mittenwald’s high forest mountains yield beautiful tonewood, and its …
Many cognitive benefits can result from playing a musical instrument. It’s common to take music lessons through grade school and up to high school graduation, but making music is worthwhile for all ages. If you love listening to the sweet expression of violin music, consider giving the violin a try. Your first step is to …
9 Things to Consider Before You Purchase a Violin for the First Time Read More »
How does wood from several different kinds of trees, hair from a horses tail, sap from trees, and metals to make the strings combine to make the rich and varied sounds of the bowed string family? In the post below we explore some of the basic attributes of the bowed string family. You’ll see the …
Manoel Francisco Silver Special Cello Bow $1,850 Manoel Francisco Silver Elite Cello Bow $1,900 R. Zucolotto Nickel Mounted Cello Bow $840 Choosing a cello bow is a highly personal process, influenced by both the instrument and the player. This guide outlines the four most important characteristics to consider when comparing cello bows, along with an …
How to Choose a Cello Bow – Four Attributes to Consider When Trying Bows Read More »
Many beginning and intermediate violin students underestimate the importance of the violin bow they choose. It is the key to unlocking the potential of your violin, and so it is vital to choose with care. If you have already done a little bit of digging online, you will see that choices differ in terms …
How To Buy A Violin Bow – 4 important factors to consider Read More »