Why are older violins better?

While aging any wooden stringed instrument generally will make it sound better, playing it over time is what makes the most difference. The vibrations of the strings affects the structure & resonance of the wood more than age itself.

Are old violins better than new violins?

Overall, listeners preferred the sound of the new violins compared to the old ones. They also found that the new instruments projected their music better. In other words, to the listeners they seemed louder and more powerful. (That was true whether or not the violins had been played with an orchestra.)

Why are old violins so valuable?

Geographical origin is the most important thing (Italian violins sell for at least six times the price of a comparable French or English violin, and German violins lag far behind). The other factors would be the quality of the craftsmanship (how well regarded the maker is) and the age of the instrument.

Are violins better with age?

It actually does. The tonal quality of a violin increases by age, as in, the more often it is played. If you just let the instrument gather dust and not play it at all, it wouldn’t make any difference.

Why do older violins sound better than new ones?

One thing that might explain why older instruments are perceived to sound better is natural selection. In the case of instruments this means that only the instruments which sounded good in the first place ever made it to old age.

Is an old violin worth anything?

In fact, the vast majority of old violins that people find tucked away in attics and closets are not worth much. Or anything. Even if the label says “Stradivarius”. So that “valuable” old violin may not be so valuable in a decrepit condition.

Are more expensive violins better?

Higher end violins have a more desirable look, sound, and ease of playing that will keep you motivated on your journey to learn the violin. A cheaper model violin can easily start to be associated with the difficulty of playability, sound, and more of a hassle than an enjoyment.

Why the violin is the best instrument?

Violins are well-suited to playing melody, making them one of the most important instruments in the orchestra. Secondly, they are played with a bow, unlike woodwind or brass instrument which rely on air. This means that players are able to perform longer melodic passages with plenty of fast finger-work.

Why do violins sound so good?

According to a team of MIT engineers and violinmakers at the North Bennet Street School in Boston they key to a violin’s sound is the shape and length of its “f-holes,” the f-shaped openings through which air escapes.

Do violins increase in value?

The value of a violin may increase over time, but this very much depends on the violin. Being old does not necessarily mean the violin will increase in value, nor does the fact that it has been used means it is worth more.