Zlata’s Violin Gear

Exactly what I use as a professional violinist and recommend to my violin students

Violin, bow, strings, rosin, case and more

My Violin

german violin from 1840

Unfortunately I can’t link where to buy this violin as it’s a unique instrument. It’s a German violin from around 1840. The maker is unknown. In the first half of the 20th century it was played by a first violinist in the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. It was silent for many years, until I purchased it and restored it. Read it’s full story here. Looking to buy your first violin? Check out my violin reviews.

My Bow

Arcus S9 round violin bow

For years this was my dream bow and now I finally have it! It’s light, produces a great sound and does all bowing techniques with ease. Arcus bows come in different types and prices. Click here for my buying guide to carbon fiber violin bows and find a good fit for you.

Buy the bow

My Case

Gewa Air 1.7 shaped violin case

I like my violin case strong and light. I love this beautiful glossy black Gewa case. The only downside is that there’s not much storage space, so I always carry an extra sheet music bag. The pouch of this violin case is quite small. I bought this handy small pencil to fit. Read my buying guide to violin cases to see which case is a good fit for you.

Buy the case

My Strings

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold violin strings

I love the warm and powerful sound of these strings and the feeling under my fingertips. I like to combine them with the No 1 soft E string. Find out which strings are the best fit for you in my violin strings comparison chart. I combine these strings with the Pirastro Evah Pirazzi rosin.

Buy the strings

Shoulder Rest

Viva la Musica Diamond shoulder rest

A shoulder rest should be comfortable and adjustable, but it’s also important that it doesn’t get in the way of the resonance of your violin. This shoulder rest is made of maple and has specially designed feet that don’t mute your violin.

Buy the shoulder rest

Orchestra Mute

Alpine Menuhin

This is an orchestra mute that actually sounds good! It mutes, but it doesn’t change the tonal character of your violin, like most mutes do. This one is for con sordino playing. If you’re looking for a practice mute, choose a heavier violin mute.

Buy the mute

What I also recommend…

For tuning I’d recommend learning to tune with an old fashioned tuning fork. However, as a beginner or if you don’t have a fork at hand, my free online violin tuner is very handy. Another device I recommend all the time is the D’Addario Micro Tuner, which you can also use to correct your intonation while practicing.

I’ve made the ultimate free online metronome with rhythm patterns and more. Despite of it I still have a love/hate relationship with metronomes in general ;).

Also I’d like to point out some scale books I’d recommend, etude books and my list of 107 student concertos and concertinos with free sheet music.

Violin gear questions?

I’d love to answer them in the comments below :).

6 Comments

Martin on November 14, 2023 at 7:24 pm

Thank you for that very interesting information. And, Merry Christmas!
Reply
- Zlata on November 15, 2023 at 10:59 am
  
  You’re welcome and merry Christmas, Martin!
  Reply
Kristina on December 15, 2023 at 9:46 pm

Hi Zlata- I just came across your site while looking for a beginner violin. I want to thank you for posting your lessons. I am trying to gather information about what violin to get, the bow, the strings. I’m looking to purchase a violin “kit” with everything included…but not a $70 kit. Happy Holidays!
Reply
- Zlata on December 16, 2023 at 11:45 am
  
  You’re so welcome. You can find links to my violin reviews right here.
  Reply
Brad Bilhorn on March 5, 2024 at 8:59 pm

Thank you so much for the availability of your free online metronome.
Although I am not a violinist (I’m a drummer), I greatly appreciate having a metronome that sounds so much like a mechanical one (a sound I’m very used to).
I use it most every day and am a very strong believer in being able to play accurately (and musically) with/ to a click. I grew up playing in the California recording studios, and competent click-track playing is a requirement for anyone pursuing a serious recording career, regardless of their instrument.
Many thanks again for your website and its ease of use.
Sincerely,
Brad Bilhorn USA
Reply
- Zlata on March 6, 2024 at 9:08 am
  
  So glad to read that, Brad!
  Reply