Why Upgrade to an Intermediate Violin?
As you progress beyond the beginner stage, you'll notice that your technique has advanced but your instrument may be holding you back. An intermediate violin offers significant improvements in tone quality, projection, and responsiveness that allow you to express yourself more fully and tackle more challenging repertoire with confidence.
Our intermediate violins range from $895 to $1,495 and feature premium hand-carved tonewoods, often from European workshops known for their superior craftsmanship. The difference is immediately apparent—these instruments produce richer harmonics, more complex overtones, better projection across all registers, and a more responsive feel under the bow.
Whether you're preparing for youth orchestra auditions, all-state ensembles, or college music programs, an intermediate violin provides the tonal sophistication and playability needed to compete at higher levels. The investment in a properly made instrument pays dividends in your musical development.
What to Look for in an Intermediate Violin
When selecting an intermediate violin, several factors distinguish these instruments from beginner models:
- Wood Selection: Premium aged tonewoods with straight, even grain patterns that produce more complex tonal characteristics
- Craftsmanship: Superior carving, graduation, and varnish work from experienced luthiers
- Tonal Complexity: Richer harmonics, better sustain, and more "ring" in the sound
- Projection: Ability to fill a room or cut through an ensemble without forcing
- Responsiveness: Quick response to bow strokes and dynamic changes
- Setup Quality: Professional setup that maximizes the instrument's acoustic potential
At StringWorks, every intermediate violin undergoes our comprehensive 3-5 hour setup process. Our luthiers assess each instrument for tone, balance, and playability, making dozens of precise adjustments before the violin enters our collection. We work closely with advancing violinists to find instruments that match their current skill level while providing room to grow.
Finding Your Intermediate Violin
We understand that choosing an intermediate violin is a significant decision. That's why we offer free 14-day home trials on all our instruments. Take your violin to lessons, rehearsals, and performances to experience how it responds in real musical situations. Many of our customers also bring their teacher or a trusted musician to help evaluate potential instruments.
Our staff includes experienced violinists and teachers who can guide you through the selection process. We'll discuss your musical goals, playing style, and budget to help you find the perfect match. If you're trading in your beginner violin, our lifetime trade-in program ensures you receive maximum value toward your upgrade—we'll apply the full value of your original purchase.
When you're ready to explore even higher levels of craftsmanship, browse our collection of professional violins.







