Are Chinese-made violins better than German?
On One Hand: China Produces Affordable, High-Quality ViolinsAlthough China was once known for its poorly made violins, access to cheap labor has recently allowed the nation to produce violins that can compete alongside European instruments. While violins produced in Europe may still be preferred by advanced musicians, the low cost of Chinese violins makes them a popular option for beginners.On the Other: Advanced Musicians May Prefer German InstrumentsGermany has long been a leader in the production of stringed instruments, especially violins. Because of the rigorous training required for German violin makers, these instruments are prized for the beauty of their sound and their high-quality construction. However, German labels on some violins may be a bit misleading. Rising numbers of German violin makers are purchasing unfinished violins from China and doing the remaining 40 percent of the work, allowing the product to still be labeled as German.Bottom LineMost violins produced in bot
