8 Best Cremona Violins – 2021 Comparison & Reviews

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Cremona Violin + Reviews

 

Whether you’re new to playing violins or you need to replace your current instrument with a better one, we can offer some advice. Based on the results we’ve got after carefully looking at various indicators such as customer reviews and quality, we can say that the choice for the best Cremona violin is the Cremona SV-600. This violin is handcrafted by skilled luthiers and features close-grained solid spruce and flamed durable maple wood. Moreover, due to the neatly inlaid purfling, the edges of the violin are fully protected. The set is completed with a bow manufactured from carbon fiber and an oblong lightweight case for easy transportation. Should you not find the Cremona SV-600 in stock, another great option is the Cremona SV-130.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

8 Best Cremona Violins (Reviews) in 2021

 

In order to help you decide faster, we’ve gone through various reviews and made a list of some of the most highly praised products that are suitable for any musicians. You can take a look and see if you can find the best violin from Cremona among our top suggestions.

 

 

1. Cremona SV-600 Premier Artist Violin Outfit

 

Any violin player wants an instrument that is made from top-notch quality materials because they provide great tonality and plenty of durability. This violin is the ultimate choice because it is handcrafted by one of the best luthiers in the world.

Plus, this piece is made of the finest close-grained solid spruce and flamed solid maple. Each element is carefully shaped and designed in order to enable the finest tone possible.

Moreover, the violin features a neat inlaid purfling that is meant to protect the edges of the instrument as well as a beautiful orange varnish finish applied by hand.  

The best part is that this piece of instrument is able to deliver a rich and even tone all across the four strings. In addition, both the fingerboard and the trimmings are built from sturdy quality Swiss-style ebony.

The product package is completed by the balanced fiber carbon bow. You can easily take the violin with you to your lessons or gigs using the oblong case which is constructed from a lightweight foam.

 

Pros

Providing great durability and sound quality, the materials that this instrument is made of are really strong and carefully picked.

Handcrafted by some of the best luthiers that practice this art today, this violin is sure to impress anybody.

All of the parts the instrument is made of are carefully shaped and assembled together so that the tone is the finest possible.

In terms of looks, it is stunning thanks to the inlaid purfling that also protects the edges but also to the orange varnish finish that is applied carefully by hand.

A quality violin has to deliver a constant and rich tone all-across the four strings, and this one manages to do that.

In the package, you also get a lightweight and well-balanced fiber carbon bow.

 

Cons

You might want to consider replacing the strings as the ones that come with the violin won’t sound that great.

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2. Cremona SV-130 Premier Novice Violin Outfit

 

If you’re in the market for an affordable violin that offers excellent performance, you should consider this model because it is outfitted with properly fitted Swiss-style ebony pegs and lightweight tailpiece with 4 smooth tuners that enable fast and easy tuning.

Each violin comes with special strings that are preferred by the majority of violin professors around the world.

Since mastering the violin requires hours and hours of practice, you need a proper instrument that doesn’t cause your body to suffer from fatigue or back pains. With this violin, you can put aside these issues because this piece is built with a low profile Kaufman type of chin rest that is comfortable to use. Furthermore, the neck is oiled in order to provide a better feel when playing the violin and the bow is incredibly well-balanced so you can get a fast response.

Both the fittings and the fingerboard are made from durable ebony while the body is hand carved from solid maple.

 

Pros

For a beginner, or a professional player looking for a fast and easy tuning, the 4 smooth tuners come in really handy.

Furthermore, the well-fitted Swiss-style ebony pegs and lightweight tailpiece will help you get excellent performances out of this instrument.

The strings that come on this model are some that are recommended by most violin teachers worldwide.

Its low profile Kaufman chin rest will provide you the comfort you need when playing. This will ensure that you won’t get fatigued and you won’t suffer from back pain.

To help you have a good grip and a better feel of the instrument, the neck is oiled.

The bow is also well-balanced and this will help you get a faster response and, of course, play better.

The ebony fretboard is also a big plus of this instrument.

 

Cons

The finishing job could be better, as there are some things like spots of glue painted over.

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3. Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin Outfit

 

One of the most popular violins among beginner and advanced players alike, this piece is simply outstanding and crafted from the finest selection of woods.

As far as the body of the violin goes, it has a clear, transparent varnish that accentuates the grained solid spruce and solid maple. Also, the varnish is a tad shaded so it can give the violin the appearance of an old instrument. It is hand applies, and it has a reddish-brown shade of color that completes the overall look.

Those of you that appreciate art and fine musical instruments will be glad to notice that both the edgework and the purfling are clear and the scroll is carefully cut. Plus, the violin is equipped with quality swiss-style ebony fittings and fingerboard. The tailpiece is manufactured from lightweight composite to ensure easy tuning.

Comfortable and easy to use, the violin is set up from the very beginning, and the chinrest is low profile and specially designed using the Stradivarius-style.

 

Pros

Created from the best-quality and handpicked tonewoods available, this instrument is built with care.

The solid maple and grained solid spruce that the violin is made of are accentuated thanks to the transparent varnish.

Given what you have to invest to get it, this is a great instrument for a beginner.

The nice and open sound that it provides will be pleasant to the ears, and won’t make you feel like you are playing a toy instrument like it is often the case with such violins.

It also comes with a quality case that looks great and it does a great job at keeping the instrument protected.

Because the instrument is hand-painted, it has the appearance of an old violin and the reddish-brown color that it has gives it a nice overall look.

 

Cons

You will find that the pegs will sometimes slip while you tune the violin.

There might be small spots where the finishing job looks hasted.

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4. Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin Outfit

 

This violin is recommended by many musicians because of its properly fitted pegs and high-quality tailpiece that comes with four fine tuners for fast and easy tuning operations.

Even if you need to use this violin for numerous hours of practice or long music concerts, you’ll still feel great, and your body won’t get tired due to the low-profile Kaufman-style chinrest and oiled neck that increase your level of comfort. Not to mention the violin bow that is specially balanced so you can play the violin without putting too much pressure on the strings.

On top of that, the instrument features the ideal string height and spacing that ensure an accurate finger position and boosts the level of intonation.

Made from an excellent wood selection, this violin comes with hardwood fittings, and a solid hand carved spruce and solid maple body.  The piece benefits from a sparkling color finish that is warm translucent brown or red, depending on your choice.

 

Pros

Coming with four fine tuners, you can change the pitch of each of the strings ina swift and fast operation.

The tailpiece is of great quality and the pegs are properly fitted and that is what makes this violin a good one.

The low-profile Kaufman chinrest will help you during those long hours of practice, and it won’t let you get tired, as it makes playing more comfortable for you.

An oiled neck will also make things easier for you; holding and playing on this neck is easier than you would expect.

Thanks to the well-balanced bow that the violin comes with, you won’t need to put too much pressure on the strings, and thus you will play the instrument effortlessly.

Precise string height and spacing will ensure great tonality but will also make things easier for any beginner.

 

Cons

The strings that the instrument initially comes with seem cheap and you will need to replace them.

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5. Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin Outfit

 

You won’t find a better violin like this one because it looks incredibly sleek and stylish. Also, its manufacturing material is a genuine proof of excellent performance.

One important feature worth mentioning is properly fitted pegs made from a sturdy hardwood. The tailpiece is manufactured from a lightweight composite material and features four smooth fine tuners that come in handy for the tuning process.

Besides the vivid color, the violin is incredibly easy to handle. No matter how many playing sessions you use it for, this instrument will feel like a feather in your arms. Thanks to the low-profile Kaufman-style chinrest as well as the silky neck, you won’t feel the pressure of holding the violin while playing.

Because the violin is intended to ensure an excellent finger position and proper intonation, this instrument is built with the perfect string height and spacing in mind.

Quite durable, this piece of violin comes with hardwood fittings and a solid maple body construction.

 

Pros

What is really impressive about this violin is the way it looks, the finishing and the sleek design.

The materials it is made of are high-quality and that is proof of excellence from the manufacturers.

Made of sturdy hardwood, the properly fitted pegs won’t cause you any issues.

Four fine tuners that are smooth to operate will help you greatly when you want to tune the instrument on the fly.

The tuners also sit on a tailpiece made of a lightweight composite material that keeps the violin’s weight down.

This is a great violin for younger students, partly because it has a vivid color that will surely be what they like, but also because it is easy to handle.

Its low-profile Kaufman chinrest won’t put too much pressure on the player’s body, keeping things comfortable.

 

Cons

The violin won’t stay in tune for too much, but fortunately, you have those fine tuners to help you with that.

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6. Cremona SV-175 Premier Student Violin Outfit

 

If you are in the market looking for a good student violin, then you won’t regret picking this one since, for the last 30 years, the SV-175 has been the brand’s best-selling violin for beginning and advancing students. The front of the violin is made from spruce, the back and side from maple, and all the fittings except for the tailpiece are made from genuine ebony.

The spruce will deliver the finest possible tone, while the maple and ebony will keep the instrument looking beautiful and capable of standing up to constant use for years to come. Another detail that makes a big difference is the fact that the instrument comes with the improved Prelude strings made by D’Addario, which is a preferred choice for students.

Details such as the hand carving and the inlaid purfling don’t just add to the beauty of the instrument but also help improve its tone so that novices and intermediates alike can feel proud to play this gorgeous violin.

 

Pros

The instrument comes bundled with a brazilwood bow that is fitted with an ebony frog and unbleached white horsehair.

The violin comes with a durable case that is paired with bow holders, convenient backpack straps, a built-in hygrometer, and storage for other accessories.

Novices looking for a student violin can get this model without having to upgrade down the line since the instrument is designed to accommodate the needs of both beginning and advancing students.

Tuning the violin is a breeze since the instrument is fitted with Swiss-style ebony pegs, and it uses a lightweight composite tailpiece with four fine tuners that are very smooth.

 

Cons

The rosin that the instrument comes with is not of good quality, so if you want to get the best sound out of the violin, you will need to invest in higher quality rosin.

The packaging doesn’t protect the instrument very well, and some models can arrive with the bridge in the wrong position due to it.

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7. Cremona SV-200 Premier Student Violin Outfit

 

If your biggest desire is to find a violin that has a traditional and elegant look, you don’t have to search further because this option right here has everything you could possibly need.

In order to ensure that unique classical look, the violin has a flamed maple body with a translucent red finish. Also, the instrument is suitable for all types of musicians, from beginners to advanced.

The violin meets all the necessary quality requirements, and the manufacturing includes high-grade ebony fittings and four great tuners. Plus, the ebony pegs feature an excellent fitting according to Swiss rules.

Not only does this violin looks great but it also sounds incredibly clear. The instrument is completely hand carved, and the body is made of a solid maple.

The product package contains an oblong violin case that comes with a built-in hygrometer. This way, you can easily carry and store your violin in complete safety.

 

Pros

Without covering it in unnecessary layers of paint, the manufacturers managed to create this beautiful violin that has a traditional yet elegant look.

The translucent finish coupled with the flamed maple body gives the violin its vintage look.

Thanks to its characteristics, the instrument is a good choice for beginners and more experienced musicians as well.

With the help of the four smooth fine tuners, you will be able to adjust the tune of your violin in a second.

The high-grade ebony fittings are part of an instrument that is put together well.

The pegs are also made of ebony and that gives the instrument a unique feel.

Made of solid maple, the body of this instrument is hand-crafted by professional luthiers.

Coming in a case that automatically checks the humidity inside, you’re sure that this instrument will be well-protected.

 

Cons

The build is a solid one, but that also means that the instrument is heavier than you might prefer.

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8. Cremona SV-150 Premier Student Violin Outfit

 

The SV-150 model is hand-carved from scratch using select solid tonewoods and the quality workmanship that Cremona is known for. With so much care and time going into the instrument, the most surprising aspect of this model isn’t the exquisite sound or the beautiful design but rather the low price tag.

If you’re looking for an instrument that delivers excellent value and quality, few other models can rival what the SV-150 brings to the table. The tailpiece, chin rest, and bridge are carefully implemented to help the instrument not only sound remarkable but also give it a look of elegance that is usually reserved for far more expensive models.

As part of the outfit, the violin comes protected in a case that has been designed specifically to meet the specifications of the instrument. The case is lightweight yet durable enough to protect the sensitive violin against impacts, drops, or other damage.

 

Pros

As is the case with all instruments that are part of Cremona’s Premier Student series, this one too comes equipped with high-quality D’Addario Prelude strings that are designed to bring the best possible tone.

The violin comes with its own case that’s built to be lightweight yet durable enough to ensure the protection of your instrument in most road conditions.

Another nifty bonus included in the package is the J. LaSalle octagonal brazilwood bow that’s made with an ebony frog and unbleached white horsehair.

The violin can get a novice started, but it can accommodate students well into the intermediate stage, which means that it will take some time before a beginner will need to upgrade to a more expensive instrument.

 

Cons

The picture used on the product page is not representative of the actual look of the product, which appears much darker in color.

The bridge needs to be installed by the user, and the package doesn’t include directions.

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Yearly Guide & Report

 

Many people face a difficult decision when having to choose between several models of violins. It’s quite difficult to determine which one sounds better, whether it suits your style, and if it is comfortable to use for long sessions. If you’re in the market for a good Cremona violin, you should first learn first the basics of this type of instrument and what matters most in terms of quality and features. Depending on your skill level, you have a great shot at finding a Cremona violin for sale that looks and sounds that way you’ve always dreamed of. Just read the following buying guide, and your job could get a tad easier.

Size

When you’re a student, you need to determine the type of violin that will suit as a guiding path for the years to come because you’ll be learning different techniques that need to be thoroughly developed. If you’re already an advanced violin player, you probably know the drill, and you’re in the game for a quality Cremona violin that you can use for music gigs.

No matter the model you decide to get, get the proper size because if the size doesn’t fit you well, you’re risking your health. You should take into account the age factor, the size of the body along with the hand shape and strength.

According to the majority of the Cremona violins reviews, violins can be purchased in nine sizes. Starting from the age of 11 and older you need standard or full-sized violins or 4/4 size. Children, on the other hand, use other numbers such as ¾, ½, 1/16, and so on.

If you’ve got no clue about your violin size, there is a simple way to find out. All you have to do is to measure yourself starting with the base of your neck and ending either with your wrist or center of the palm. Then, you can consult a chart provided by the manufacturer, or you can look for more information using the online resources.

 

Craftsmanship

Another crucial aspect is related to the craftsmanship and the materials used in the process. Although violins were perfected more than 300 years ago, there haven’t been major changes ever since. Even today, violins go through the same procedures and stages of manufacturing.

However, if you’re budget is somehow limited, and you need to choose a cheap Cremona violin, you should search for intermediate and beginner instruments that are known to be less costly but of good quality materials.

Typically, violins are crafted from certain tonewoods like spruce and maple. This, along with the depth of the carving located on the scroll, indicates the level of quality and price tag for a violin. It’s important to be aware of this indicator because they make a difference between a top-notch violin and a mid-budget one. The deeper the carving is, the superior the craftsmanship will be.

Apart from this feature, try to get a clear view of the joining areas around the body of the violin. Several reviews of Cremona violins point out that these areas must fit tightly. Otherwise, you’ll stumble upon different issues in terms of sound and comfort while playing the violin.

In addition, the violin must feature a perfect symmetrical alignment. If you’re certain about what fine details to look for in a violin, it’s best to consult the experts on this matter. You can either speak to your violin teacher or consult someone that works at a violin shop. Or, you can always ask for information to that person that repairs music instruments. The reason why you should take their opinion and advice into consideration is that these craftsmen or luthiers, as they like being called, really love and appreciate violins. So, they are eager to share their knowledge with someone that has the same interest.

Instead of giving your advice as a salesman would do, they can guide you towards a violin that suits your body and style of playing music.

 

Setup

The setup process has a huge impact on the level of playability as well as the tonal quality, especially if you’re new to playing the violin. Even though you purchase a violin made from a standard material, the setup is crucial, and if not executed properly, the violin won’t provide the level of excellence you’re looking for.

Among a few elements, you need to pay attention to we should name the nut which tells how hard you need to push the strings until they reach the fingerboard. If it’s too low, the strings make a buzz, and if it’s too high, you’ll have to apply too much pressure.

As far as the bridge goes, just like the effect produced by the nut, it affects the way you play the violin and how fast it ensures a response. It must be fitted accurately right to the top of the instrument.

 

Skill level

When buying any type of instrument, you should take into account your skill level as well since if you are just starting out, it is certainly not worth it to fork out thousands of dollars for a 16th century instrument that you would barely know how to use.

Instead, you should get a product that’s been designed for beginners and, usually, this means going for an affordable option. It’s best to get a starter violin that plays well, and the few shortcomings it comes with can be ignored by beginner players. 

For these instruments, the bow is usually made of fiberglass and, instead of ebony fittings, plastic is a much more common material.

As a beginner, it is also recommended to get an all-in-one bundle so that you can get all the items in a single swoop, saving you time and money. Such a bundle will feature the violin, bow, and a case.

Your violin teacher will certainly recommend starting on a cheaper instrument before moving on to professional options. You also won’t have to worry that it will be difficult to transition from a starter violin since Cremona uses the same traditional violin making process for their cheaper options, and this helps guarantee you’ll get a quality instrument.

A good rule to follow as a beginner is to avoid products that are cheaper than $100 since something so cheap will certainly cause a few problems down the road.

 

Is rental worth it?

Beginner players have two options when looking to get their first stringed instruments, they can either make a purchase or rent the violin. While renting may seem like a better deal in the short term, it is worth mentioning that the instruments that you get are usually of a lesser quality, which can make it frustrating to play on them.

There is also the fact that if you keep renting a musical instrument for more than a year, you may end up paying the same amount of money that you would by getting your own violin. Some shops can indeed let you apply a part of your rental fees towards the purchase of an instrument, but you need to ask beforehand since it is not the case with all shops.

With that said, if you are looking for a child’s sized instrument, then it might be better to rent a violin instead of getting a new violin that is too large for your kid in the hopes that he or she will grow into it. This will also make things easier for the violin teacher since it is much more convenient to learn to play on an instrument that is custom-fit for the child.

Since kids grow out of their violin sizes at a rapid pace, renting is a much more economical approach than buying a new violin each year. The decision is, of course, up to you, and the violin craftsmanship in Cremona will provide an excellent experience for both children and adults.

Tone and feel

Since a violin is made of different pieces of wood, this means that each instrument will sound a little different because it is impossible to make each one the same. This is not a bad thing since having an instrument that doesn’t sound like all the stringed instruments on the market is something that musicians love since it makes their instrument stand out.

Some violins will sound louder than others, and the tone will vary across the four strings. This is why it is important to try different instruments before picking one since you can never know which one you’ll prefer just by looking at it.

The same is true for the feel of the instrument since, while the size of it can help you decide on the one that will feel best in your hands, there are tiny differences between instruments that the musician can still feel.

The chin rest might be a little longer, higher, or shaped differently, or you might prefer ebony fittings over other materials. People who have small hands, for example, may prefer a thinner-feeling neck, which is why for them, older instruments might be better since their neck tends to feel smaller.

It is hard to know what the best feel is for you since you can only learn it through experience. The more that you play and the more attention that you pay to your body and the instrument while playing, the easier it will become to solve this puzzle and find what parts of your instrument could be improved.

 

Tuning pegs and accessories

When deciding on a violin, it is important to make sure that it is fitted with quality tuning pegs. The pegs should be easy to turn, but they shouldn’t slip easily since this could make your string go out of tune. Good tuning pegs will also make your violin teacher’s job easier since the constant need to tune the instrument may discourage beginner students.

Similarly, pegs that are made from ebony are recommended. Ebony fittings turn smoothly and are much more durable than other materials. If you can’t get ebony fittings, you should get an option made of boxwood.

A high-quality instrument that features traditional violin craftsmanship will undoubtedly come with all the accessories needed to assist the player. Still, if you can’t get a bundle or you are a beginner and you’re wondering what accessories you’ll need to get started, we’ll tell you all about it.

To perform comfortably, you will need to get the correct shoulder and chin rest for your instrument. A violin tuner and a good metronome can also make playing the violin easier, and the sooner that you learn to use them, the better.

Lastly, you should make sure to invest in a high-quality bow since this accessory is just as essential as the violin. If you have a good violin but a bad bow, then the tone and dynamics of the stringed instruments that you use will be affected.

The bow should be firm yet flexible, and you can ask your violin teacher or your local luthier to teach you how to tighten or loosen the bow screw to get the best results. 

 

 

Frequently asked questions about Cremona violins

 

Q: Are Cremona violins any good?

This award-winning company is internationally renowned for its high-quality stringed musical instruments and other accessories. Plus, everything you need for your Cremona violin you’ll find among their selection of products. Even though they are so affordable, the violins are made from top quality wood, and the majority of instruments feature flamed maple. This increases the quality of the violin. Cremona instruments are quite popular among student and intermediate players. Also, each piece comes with a beautiful case, bow, and professional strings. They have stylish designs, and you can choose between different sizes of violins, according to your body.

Q: How come Cremona violins are so cheap?

The Cremona violins are manufactured with the intention of being used by any violin player, no matter the skill level. They are made from excellent materials, and the wood is durable as well as the fingerboard, pegs, and bow. If you decide to get a Cremona violin, you won’t be disappointed because the quality is obvious even at first glance. Their appearance is incredibly stylish due to the great varnish finish that imitates the traditional violin look. Also, if you’re a beginner or you’re just recently started to develop your playing technique, you shouldn’t spend your entire budget on an expensive violin. It’s wise to invest in several violins until you’ve reached the ultimate professional level.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) Traditional violin craftsmanship in Cremona

2) How are Cremona violins made?

3) The Master Luthiers OF Cremona

4) What you need to know about Buying a Violin