European Violins

European violins have a timeless, highly regarded appeal. They carry a legacy of artistry, craftsmanship, and musicality that has shaped centuries of performance. At Simply for Strings, we celebrate this heritage through our carefully curated collection of European violins. Each one has been handmade by an experienced violin maker in Europe using only the best tonewood.

Crafted with time-honoured techniques by devoted luthiers, our violins deliver rich resonance and great playability. They invite modern violin players to embrace the masterful artistry that has inspired great musicians of the past.

Why Musicians Embrace European Violins

European violins possess a unique character you won't find in instruments from other origins. Premium materials, refined techniques, and unmatched tonal excellence make this collection of violins stand out.

The foundation of every exceptional European violin is found in its carefully selected tonewoods. From the resonant spruce of the Alpine regions to the flamed maple of the Carpathians, luthiers source only the best timber for their work. This has made European violins the gold standard for centuries and they are highly regarded today.

The beauty of these violins is in the details: the precise shaping, elegant purfling work, hand-applied varnish, and subtle antiquing. When you're holding such a violin in your hands, you can see how every aesthetic refinement actually works for sound quality.

Yet, the main feature that captivates violin players the most is the instrument’s sophisticated tonal palette. Old European violins offer warmth, complexity, and remarkable projection. They have a more nuanced sound spectrum, carrying multiple layers of harmonic richness with each note.

Playing one of these violins is an invitation to explore a world of rich tone, subtle nuance, and the centuries of artistry they carry.

Our Exclusive European Violin Collection

At Simply for Strings, you'll find a selection of advanced European violins from makers and manufacturers in Germany, France, Italy, England, Belgium, and more. We have some of the best instruments in Australia, old and new, chosen for their exceptional quality.

German Violins

German violin making is internationally celebrated for meticulous craftsmanship, acoustic innovation and engineering precision. The Helmut Illner B Model is a good example. This German violin delivers exceptional brightness and clarity in the upper registers while maintaining a sonorous, easily responsive bass. Created by one of the most influential luthiers, it represents the excellence of modern German craftsmanship.

French Violins

French violins offer a lyrical, colourful tone and elegant aesthetics. Our instrument collection allows you to fully immerse yourself in the country’s artistic heritage and experience the tonal vibrancy characteristic of legendary Parisian instruments. Their bright, colourful sound brings energy and nuance to every performance, offering advanced students the perfect platform for exploring greater musical expression.

Italian Violins

Italian violins are often regarded as the pinnacle of violin making. Legendary masters from the renowned Cremona families of Amati, Stradivarius, and Guarneri created instruments that remain the ultimate aspiration for musicians worldwide.

Simply for Strings brings these iconic instruments to Australia. Our violin collection features both modern and antique instruments, each chosen for their exceptional quality and character. The antique violins are particularly special as they are unique, one-of-a-kind pieces with rich histories and stories to tell. Get in touch to explore the antiques we currently have on offer.

European Violins Guide: Choosing Your Instrument

Purchasing a European violin is a meaningful milestone in your musical journey. It’s a serious financial investment, so you’ll need to consider many factors to ensure your instrument aligns with your needs and musical aspirations. This guide explains the most important aspects:

Violin Material

The choice of tonewoods directly impacts sound quality, projection, and visual appeal. Premium European violins feature aged timber, often seasoned for decades. The longer the wood has been aged, the more stable and resonant your instrument will be. Some of our finest violins are made of wood seasoned for 20-50 years.

Origin

If you don't have particular preferences for the maker or the workshop, you can choose a violin from any European country. They all provide exceptional quality with some nuances to luthier techniques and sound tone.

However, the difference would be significant if you're comparing European violins with instruments from other parts of the world. For example, Chinese-made violins offer bright, powerful sound and reliable construction but don't have those complex, nuanced tonal qualities of traditional European violins. They are suitable for beginners or intermediate players who want great quality at a competitive price. For advanced and professional violinists, we recommend considering European violins or premium Chinese instruments.

Varnish

The quality of varnish work often indicates the overall attention to detail invested in the instrument. Our European violins showcase the masterful handwork that enhances the instrument's appearance and acoustic properties. Subtle shading, antiquing effects, and multiple layers create visual depth and allow the wood to breathe naturally.

Violin Setup

A professional setup transforms a violin into a truly playable instrument. At Simply for Strings, we perform all setups in-house using premium European components and ensure optimal string spacing, perfect bridge positioning, and precise soundpost placement. We adapt your instrument to your playing style and challenging Australian climate conditions to guarantee your European violin delivers its finest sound and responsiveness from the moment you begin playing.

Skill Level

If you're looking for a beginner or intermediate violin, you may not need the complexity of a high-end European instrument. Check out our specialised ranges of student violins. Our European violin collection suits advanced players who appreciate the tonal depth and responsiveness these instruments offer. They support more sophisticated techniques and provide the nuanced expression needed for an advancing repertoire.

Violin Cost

European violin pricing depends on materials, craftsmanship, age, and maker reputation. At Simply for Strings, the price range varies from around AUD$2,000 for a European trade violin to AUD$35,000+ for a Master made violin.

Choose what suits your skill level and inspires your playing. The most expensive violin isn't necessarily the right choice for you. You may also consider second-hand violins to purchase a top-quality instrument at a lower price.

Advanced European Violins with Australia-Wide Shipping

At Simply for Strings, we’re passionate about helping every player across Australia find a violin that sparks inspiration and supports their musical journey. We've curated a collection of the best instruments, and each of them is individually assembled and set up by our professional luthiers in Brisbane, then thoroughly checked by our team of players and teachers. We ship securely anywhere in Australia, so whether you’re looking for a European violin in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, or beyond, you can access the same care and expertise.

Shop our online collection today to experience the artistry of European violins. Your perfect instrument is waiting.