2026 *Featured* New "Dark Horse 23" 4/4 Violin | Flamed Back | New Thomastik | New Bow & Case

Q. What other violins is this similar to?

A. Locally in Olympia: RL Ray Atelier: Advancing violin ($2,500) - not including Pernambuco bow & case.

Please note: I have this model violin in my collection. Online: Holstein Workshop Soil Strad Violin ($2,850)

Q: Why am I able to price this so low?

A: I can offer these violins at fair prices because I’m not profit driven. My mission is to provide everyone with quality crafted violins at an affordable price. While I source them through the same channels as many shops outside, but because I finish each one myself, I don’t add labor costs or mark them up 5 -10x. My goal is to break the “price = quality” myth. A higher price doesn’t guarantee a better instrument, just as a lower price doesn’t mean poor craftsmanship. For example, I once played a $100k violin that sounded worse than my own.

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I am extremely happy to feature my brand new "Dark Horse 23" 4/4 violin. This is suitable for intermediate to advanced enthusiast. An expert actually played a similar one and ended up buying it, as she absolutely fell in love with the tone. The lower register is deep and resonant, while the upper notes sing out sweetly with power. It’s truly a standout instrument. Why is it called a "Dark Horse" violin? I called it the "Dark Horse" because it’s the kind of violin that surprises you. The craftsmanship is top-notch, the tone is rich and full, and the overall quality easily matches violins in the $2,000-$3,500 range (even an expert confirmed). My goal has always been to offer great tone, well made violins that don’t cost a fortune, and this one really truly delivers.

This violin is entirely handcrafted using high quality, aged (18 years) Northwestern Asian and European tone-woods. It features a carefully selected, tight-grained European spruce top, a beautiful two piece flamed maple back, flamed maple ribs, maple scroll, and ebony fingerboard and fittings. It is finished with a golden brown hybrid varnish, giving it a warm, classic look.

The setup consists of an quality France Aubert maple bridge, hand carved by me .5mm under standard spec, a natural ebony English style tailpiece with one fine tuner, natural ebony chin rest and heart-shaped pegs, and a quality spruce sound post, which has been readjusted underneath the bridge to increase tonal projection.

It is currently paired with newly strung with Thomastik Dominant strings, known for exceptional dynamic response, rich and complex tone. This violin delivers a rich, broad, and clear tone with powerful projection and beautiful overtones. I spent significant time optimizing the bridge to match the instrument, resulting in a sweet upper register, a warm and expressive midrange, and a refined, resonant bass in the lower register. I've adjusted this further to my comfort so it is ready to be played. This violin is responsive and comfortable--an all around balanced instrument.

The condition is brand new.

This will come with a brand new oblong case with a hygrometer with tan interior, case straps, a new Brazilwood bow of excellent quality, and a new shoulder rest.

*** A final inspection will be thoroughly given prior to shipping. All necessary compounds will be applied to prevent future slippage, stickiness, and reducing strings friction. This is to ensure a peace of mind. All of my instruments have been stored in a controlled room with the right humidity and temperature. Every single instrument is treated with the utmost care.

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🎻 New Violin FAQ: Settling & Tone Development 🎻

1. How long does it take for a new violin’s wood to settle? A brand new violin will begin to “open up” as soon as you start playing it. In general: • Initial settling: A few weeks to a few months of regular playing (30–60 minutes daily) will help the wood start vibrating more freely. • Continued development: Over 1–2 years, the tone will continue to mature, becoming warmer, richer, and more resonant as the instrument adapts to being played. • Long-term growth: Even after decades, a fine violin can continue developing subtle improvements in tone.

2. How long does it take for the bridge to settle? The bridge supports the strings and transfers vibration into the body of the violin. When first fitted and strung up: • Immediate settling: Within the first few days, the bridge will compress slightly under string tension and “seat” itself into the top plate. • Fine adjustment period: Usually 1–2 weeks of regular playing allows the bridge to fully stabilize, after which the tone will become more consistent. • Maintenance tip: The bridge should remain straight (not leaning forward or back). Check regularly, as string tuning can gradually pull it out of position.

3. When will the tone begin to improve? • Right away: You may notice subtle changes after only a few hours of playing. • Short term: After 1–2 weeks, the violin will typically sound freer and more balanced. • Medium term: At 3–6 months, many players notice a clearer, more projecting tone. • Long term: Tone continues to mature with consistent playing, often over several years.

4. Can I speed up the settling process? • Play regularly — the more the violin vibrates, the faster it opens up. • Keep the instrument properly humidified (around 40–60% RH).