Getting Started in Early Music
How does the violin bridge affect timbre
Bridge Geometry Explained: Why Tiny Measurements Matter So Much Music and mathematics often go hand-in-hand. One number in the wrong place can make or break the end result. When it comes to instrument making, how you put together an instrument can often require more precision than it takes to play one. Everything in an instrument [...]
How Climate Affects Cellos Differently
How Seasonal Climate Shifts Affect Cellos Differently Than Violins and Violas Everyone knows that instruments are delicate pieces affected by weather and moisture, but how do different climates affect different instruments? Seasonal shifts in temperature may send your guitar out of tune or tighten the pegs of a fine violin, but what about cellos? Known [...]
How to Restring Your Violin
Restringing your violin is a basic skill all avid players should know. It keeps your playing clear and crisp while also being part of your instrument’s basic care and maintenance. For professional players and collectors, however, restringing is also a matter of preserving setup, protecting tone, and avoiding unnecessary wear on a fine instrument. When [...]
How Instruments Gain Value Over Time
How Some Instruments Go Up in Value Over Time — And Others Don’t An instrument’s value is never accidental. For fine violins, violas, cellos, and bows, long-term value depends on history, craftsmanship, condition, sound quality, documentation, and care. A rare Italian violin by a recognized maker may appreciate because of its provenance and scarcity, while [...]
The New Performance Season is Here- Learn How Givens Violins Can Help You Prepare
The New Performance Season is Here- Learn How Givens Violins Can Help You Prepare All of us at Givens Violins want you to sound and play your best as you start the season after a complicated year and a half. Now is the time to take care of this before becoming “super busy”. Here […]
Survive the cold: 5 winter care tips for protecting your string instrument
Winter brings a drastic decrease in humidity in the northern states, requiring extra winter care for our instruments. Splits along the grain, as well as open bouts are common damage seen during the winter months. There are many ways to protect your instrument and prevent costly repairs: Keep your instrument in a closed case. Your […]
Preparing for Back-to-School Music Lessons and Orchestra
As the new school year nears, it’s time to gear up for music lessons and orchestra. Don’t miss a beat and prepare beforehand to help ensure your violin, viola or cello sounds its best. Givens Violins has some savvy tips to help kickstart this upcoming journey back into melody making — so sharpen […]
Renting Vs. Buying Your First Violin, Viola, or Cello
Ready to begin a musical adventure with your child? Exciting times await as you enter the world of stringed instruments. But first you must find a violin, viola or cello that fits your child’s size, abilities, and budget. Don’t worry! Givens Violins is here to help. We understand the importance of choosing the right instrument […]
How to Maintain Your Instrument’s Value Over Time
In the world of fine violins, violas, and cellos, value comes and goes for many reasons. History, sound, and craftsmanship can all add or detract from an instrument's value. Whether you play professionally, maintain a collection, or just admire workmanship, your instrument is an investment, and how you preserve that investment's value depends on a [...]
Dom Nicolo Amati: A Revered Master of Bologna’s Violin-Making Heritage
Dom Nicolo Amati (1662-1752) is not from the Cremona Amati family. He established his own distinguished reputation in Bologna. His given name was Nicola Marchioni, a Bolognese priest and associate of the Tononi family. He was known for his meticulous craftsmanship and the warmth of his tonal palette, Dom Nicolo Amati’s instruments are celebrated for [...]
