Buying Tips: General Ranges of Violins... And What you Can Expect.

These are generalities! There are many 
"in-between" models and prices.

Cheap Factory Models $200 or Less

These are models made outside of the country in high production environments. They are put together using unseasoned low quality wood, pegs generally are not fit well. fingerboards are "ebonized" (a nice word for painted wood), have plastic tailpieces and chin rest and no workmanship involved in regards to tuning the front and back plate, painted on purfling inlay, spraypainted varnish etc, etc, etc... Although they have very attractive prices and are readily found on eBay as well as other "wholesale" violin shops they are not recommended for playing! Family Violins & String would never sell or rent these.

Factory Models $200 to $800 
Same as above however have been upgraded with Real Wood Parts! These have real ebony fittings, have been partially hand varnished, real inlay purfling, a higher attention to detail. These make good rental instruments and valuable in fractional sizes since the little ones won't stay little for long.

Intermediate Shop Models $500 to $1,500 
These instruments have been made with good craftsmanship, professional hand varnish, nice quality flamed maple backs,  fittings used are of high quality ebony, boxwood or rosewood. Instruments have high quality strings and a professional set-up.  
Many nice quality used and antique models fit into this price range category.

Advanced Shop Models $1,500-$2,500 
High level of craftsmanship through many workshops around the world. These instruments have been made with good craftsmanship, professional hand varnish, nice quality flamed maple backs,  fittings used are of high quality ebony, boxwood or rosewood. Instruments have high quality strings and a professional set-up. 

Known Maker Commissions $3,000-$20,000 
Highest level of craftsmanship includes known makers within the U.S.  Highest Quality of Seasoned Tonewood used. Level of craftsmanship comparable to the traditional Italian methods. Completely handmade, Plates graduated and tuned, highest quality fittings and set-up. Limited numbers...Violins at this level will retain and most often increase value with time. Known maker instruments prices vary depending on name recognition. Many nice quality used and antique models fit into this price range category.

Contemporary Italian Makers $20,000 to $50,000 
Current makers using the traditional materials and methods. These makers are well known in the area of Cremona Italy, where the Italian Masters first perfected the violin making process .

The Masters! $50,000 to $4,000,000 + 
Instruments made by Stradivarius, Guarnerius, Amati, Maggini, Steiner, Guadagnini and families of the time