Violins & Violas

circular image with green border - violin closeup f-hole

FAQs

Have questions about our violins & violas? You've come to the right place!

If you don't see the answer to your question, kindly submit it below and Rhiannon will answer it as soon as possible.

 

Is a bow and case included with this instrument?

Because there are so many options in instruments, bows and cases we give our customers choice. We sell our instruments alone (shipped in special nested violin/viola shipping boxes) or as an "outfit," which sees the instrument paired with a bow, case and rosin for a combined and discounted "outfit" price. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

What size violin/viola should I buy?

Ours is the most referenced size chart for violins and violas on the web! Symphony violinist and teacher Rhiannon Nachbaur of Fiddleheads Violin Studio has expertly compiled sizing charts with detailed instructions to assist violinists in selecting the correct sized instrument. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

Is paying more to go up to the next level really worth it?

Definitely! At Fiddleheads you can rest assured that spending more for the next model up is always worth it to you. It's not just about aesthetics or higher model numbers, it's about tangible steps up in quality in three key realms: Materials, Makers and Minutes. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

Do your new violins have to be "broken-in" for sound? Does the sound improve with time?

Yes, all our new violins will mature tonally with time, care, and play. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

Is there a significant difference between the cheaper and more expensive violin models?

At Fiddleheads you can rest assured that spending more for the next model up is always worth it to you. It's not just about aesthetics or higher model numbers. It's about tangible steps up in quality in our three key "M" realms: Materials, Makers and Minutes. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

What is "setup"?

Setup is what breathes life into an instrument and makes all the difference in playability and enjoyment of learning and making music. Fiddleheads has the superior-sounding instruments due to many factors, one being our expert setup and diligent testing. Read more about what our setup entails: Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

What is a viola?

A viola is similar to a violin in that it shares three string pitches and is held under the chin. But the instrument is a fair bit larger, sizes are measured in inches rather than fractions, and it tends to play the harmonies, reading from a different clef. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

What's the difference between a Stradivarius and a Guarnerius Violin?

These two most famous models of violins were invented hundreds of years ago! Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

What about 1/32 size violins?

Rhiannon, a seasoned teacher, knows you don’t need a size smaller than 1/16. Kids grow so fast. That said, we can custom order a different size if needed. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

What is the warranty on this instrument?

All my new instruments are sold with the Fiddleheads Lifetime Structural Warranty. I also offer Free Lifetime Adjustments with the Fiddleheads luthier as requested. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

Do you sell the higher model Zhu workshop 912, 914, 916, 918, 920 or 925 instruments?

We can provide any of these models by special order for you, gladly. However, we think your money is better spent on one of our European bench violins. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

Other violin shops didn't know what dangerous chemicals were used on their cheap violins. Are your student violins safe to be handled by children?

Our student level Fiddleheads Edition Sun violins, like most other proper, quality violins, have an oil varnish finish and we are not at all worried about harm coming to those who handle them or any of the violins we sell. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

Is my violin a real Stradivarius worth millions?

We are sorry to say, but it's highly unlikely. There are millions of Strad copies and some are quite convincing. Rhiannon wrote a cited article on the subject. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

What are Fine Tuners?

Unlike the pegs, which are typically utilized for large tuning adjustments, fine tuners or string adjusters are utilized for slight tuning changes. I include fine tuners for free with a violin purchase when requested and see them as training wheels for beginners: you can always take them off later. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

Why are the strings or fittings in the photo different than the description?

Some instruments are photographed before the strings or setup is completed. Rest assured, the info is what is included in the Description and Details tabs. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

How do I special order Zhu instruments in other models, sizes, or with different fittings?

We can gladly bring in these instruments in a variety of configurations via special order. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

A violin I liked is no longer on the site. Is it still available?

If you can't find the instrument you saw during your last visit for sale, it may have found a player. But don't worry, you have other options. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

What's the difference between a violin and a fiddle?

Simply put, they are pretty much one and the same, with the primary difference being the style of music and not the instruments themselves. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

Is there a difference between a 1-piece and a 2-piece back?

There is no tonal difference. It's simply a matter of aesthetics. Fiddleheads makes it easy to narrow down instrument shopping by 1- and 2- piece backs. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

Why don't expensive violins have fine tuners?

Expensive violins tend to be played by more experienced players, who have learned how to tune their violins with the wood pegs. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

How can I make my violin quieter when I practice so I don't annoy my roommates and neighbours?

There are two primary methods I can recommend to temporarily reduce your instrument's volume. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

Why doesn't the neck have any stain?

Violin necks are not finished because a finished surface can become becomes sticky from sweaty hands. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

Do I need acclimate my new violin to a dry climate?

One can use a humidifier, but note that our new violins are cured in a wonderfully dry climate already. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

When will Fiddlestix outfits be back in stock?

These have been discontinued as they were only carried as part of an economic recovery program for our customers. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

Is your instrument wood naturally seasoned or dried in a kiln?

Fiddleheads provides a superior wood seasoning environment than other shops: No kilns and a 100% naturally-dry maturation environment makes all the difference. Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

Do you have photos of previous/sold instruments from this maker?

Check out Fiddleheads' Sold Instruments Gallery which can be found by visiting our Articles section of the website, under the category "Violin Shop & School." Or click here for more info and direct links.

Is it safe to use a high-end violin for my everyday violin?

Certainly! At the end of the day, usually a high end violin (with the exception of fragile antiques) is no more fragile than any other violin. A musical instrument is for making music. But there are ways to be sure your instrument is safe, such as having a backup instrument for risky gigs and a strong case for travel... Click/Tap "Read More" to the bottom right for full details.

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