Buying a violin online has long since lost its stigma, despite the misgivings that some musicians still have about the topic. Buying an instrument via the Internet offers indisputable advantages. The wide-ranging selection of certain online violin shops alone gives musicians a dazzling spectrum of choices, including not mainly inexpensive mass-produced instruments but some selected shops do also offer antique violins for sale, masterpieces, historic works and rarities. The question today is no longer whether to buy string instruments online, but where or from whom. The overview provided here is intended as a point of orientation about the most important online violin shops of stringed instruments (predominantly violins, violas and cellos). The companies below were chosen by the site’s editors and are listed alphabetically; we would welcome information about other sources we have not yet discovered.
Corilon violins
Online shop for contemporary, antique, and historical string instruments since 2002. Specialist of old stringed instruments and bows in various price ranges – from affordable to very fine masterpieces. Extensive selection: antique violins, violas, and cellos; specialist in high-quality string instruments and bows; also carries affordable antique and new violins. Bonus: Online audio samples for every violin, viola, and cello to listen to online. Detailed photos, professional sound samples, and comprehensive condition descriptions. Operates its own violin-making workshops in Munich and Cremona. Personal consultation in German, English, and French. Free worldwide shipping, 30-day return policy, authenticity guarantees, and a guaranteed trade-in option. Our top recommendation!
Located in: Munich, Germany
Shipping: international
Website: www.corilon.com
Thomann
Online dealer, accessoiries, strings, instrument sets
Located in: Burgebrach, Germany
Shipping: international
Website: www.thomann.de
Cardiff violins
New and used instruments for all levels, but mainly student quality
Located in: Wales, United Kingdom
Shipping: international
Website: www.cardiffviolins.co.uk
Tim Toft violins
Violin maker, old instruments, sets, strings, accessories and new instruments
Located in: Stone, Steffordshire, United Kingdom
Shipping: international
Website: timtoftviolins.com