Quality is not defined by age. If an object or item is old, then it does not follow that it is automatically superior to a similar item that is more recently made. However, it can definitely be argued that there is an existing perception that objects manufactured or created long ago are superior in quality than those that are created today. In such cases, we all know that there is most probably a solid basis for this belief and that it does not come to exist without such solid ground. Indeed, many of the objects created back in the past have exhibited great quality throughout. It is even more impressive to note that such objects have withstood wear and tear very well, even relative to much newer objects.
A good case in point is the violin. And it is usually the old violins that generate most if not all the attention. The old violins have a very solid reputation for its quality and longevity. Such reputation is deserved, of that there is no doubt, but that does not mean that there are no good manufacturers of violin these days. Part of that could no doubt be attributed to the advances in the technology involved in making violins, which has resulted in much better quality of violins. There could be no denying this, and the presence of good violin manufacturers is a testament to that.
Listing the Best
It would definitely be helpful for anyone who is interested in learning to play the violin and purchase a sound musical instrument to know where to get one. The following is a short list of the best violin makers around:
• Gainesville Violins (www.gviolins.com) 4240 NW 129th Street, Gainesville, FL 32606 – Jan Van Rooyen is the master violin creator behind Gainesville Violins. He is responsible for producing exceptional hand crafted violins at very reasonable prices.
• Philippe Girardin (www.phillippe-girardin.net) 11 Rue de Port – Roulant, 2000 Neuchatel Switzerland – Considered experts in making old Italian varnishes as each was originally formulated. Varnishes are highly prized in violins, so this is the place to go if you want a great finish as well.
• Peter Zaret and Sons Violins (www.zaretandsonsviolins.com) 5767 Mayfield Rd. Cleveland OH – Not really a violin maker in the traditional sense, the company offers bass bar modification that could pretty much revolutionize the violin making process. They focus on an often overlooked aspect of the violin that actually improve the tone of the instrument considerably.