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Franz Hoffmann violins are typically considered entry level or beginner violins and typically a preferred option to the V.S.O. (violin shaped object).
When exposing young children to the violin for the first time many times they are given a violin shaped object (usually a wood cut out) to help them get a “feel” for the violin.
In some cases, the VSO is crafted to look just like a violin and has strings and tuning pegs but they are just for show. They do not create a violin sound.
There is some expert opinion that a VSO is not the best way to introduce a young child to the violin. Some experts feel that a VSO will actually hinder learning. Using a VSO can mislead a small child.
The 5 Franz Hoffmann violins that we looked at were not VSO’s they were playable violins. The term VSO is actually a sort of tongue and cheek term.
It can be used to describe an object that is cut out into a violin shape but it can also be used in a sarcastic manner to describe a violin that looks like a violin and has all the components of a violin but has such poor quality that it is unplayable.
What’s the Difference Between a VSO and a Beginning or Starter Violin?
You must be able to tune your violin, the pegs have to be stable and the strings have to be playable. Often times beginners (or their parents) make the mistake of buying a VSO when they could get an actual playing violin for the same money.
It can be hard as a parent to invest the money that is needed to be invested on an instrument when you are uncertain as to the level of commitment your child has to learning the violin but if you do not make the investment into the instrument there is a much higher probability that your child will not realize those early successes that will keep them motivated to play.
Let’s Take a Look at 5 Franz Hoffmann Violins!
We looked at 5 different Franz Hoffmann violins so that we could make recommendations and help you find the perfect beginning violin.
One of the things that makes the Franz Hoffmann violins a favorite choice is that they are affordable.
Having an affordable, reliable REAL playing option can help to get a student off to a great start. Of course when it comes to playing a violin SIZE MATTERS.
The Franz Hoffmann violins are typically offered in multiple size options that make them ideal for students of all ages and sizes.
Franz Hoffmann Amadeus Violin
This is a 3/4 violin that is appropriate typically for children from the age of 8-11 and up as long as their size is average and above.
Choosing a violin size is a very important part of the process because if the child or even the adult cannot hold the violin comfortably because the violin is too large it will affect how they play.
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This violin is constructed of spruce, ebony and maple. It has a spruce top, ebony fittings and a maple back. The tailpiece if made from carbon fiber for added durability.
This is a good alternative to a VSO. It offers metal Overture strings (which you can easily upgrade when the time comes). The outfit has to be purchased separately. This model is available in 1/16-4/4 sizes.
Franz Hoffmann Maestro Violin
The Maestro is a step up in quality and cost from the Amadeus. This model is also available from the 1/16-4/4 sizes.
It is crafted from high quality tone woods with a maple back, spruce top and ebony fittings. This student violin produces warm tones and offers great projection.
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It is easily tuned and tested in the Ann Arbor MI shop before it is shipped. All of the violins in the Franz Hoffmann line are crafted in China. As with the Amadeus model an outfit will have to be purchased separately.
Franz Hoffmann Prelude Violin
The Prelude offers enhanced arching to give this violin a warm resonating sound that projects well. This is an excellent option for beginners. It is affordable and available in a full range of sizes.
It is constructed from high quality tone woods that help the young student to affect a wonderful sound. The Overture strings are durable and will work well for the young violinist.
This model offers durable pegs for easier tuning. The Prelude can be purchased as an outfit which includes a horsehair brazil wood bow, soft case and a supply or rosin. The Prelude is available in several different sizes.
Franz Hoffmann Concert Violin
The Concert Violin is a full sized violin that is hand carved and finished with a high quality varnish that brings out the beauty of the tone woods and enhances the sound. This full sized violin is an excellent option for any student.
The top is spruce, the back is maple and all the fittings include the finger board is made of ebony. All of the wood used in the model is aged to perfection.
The outfit comes complete with a brazil wood horsehair bow, soft case and rosin. This model is still easily affordable.
Franz Hoffmann Etude Violin
This is the “step up” instrument from Franz Hoffmann that is ideal for either the beginning player that wants to start off with a great instrument or the intermediate player that is looking for a better instrument.
It offers a solid spruce top with inlaid purfling. It is hand carved in China and tested in the Ann Arbor MI workshop. It offers Ultra Overture strings, a hand rubbed spirit varnish finish with ebony fittings.
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This is a nice looking and sounding violin that is ideal for both the beginner and the intermediate player. This violin is also available as part of an outfit with an upgraded brazil wood horsehair bow, hard case and rosin.
The Beginning Matters!
Choosing the right violin to learn with is very important. Early success will promote a much more serious interest in the instrument. Of course learning the “right” way from the start is also very important.
Any new student responds better when they are able to get the sound that they are aiming for from the violin.
Unfortunately for students that do not have a decent instrument to start off with they often feel like their technique is lacking and they find themselves discouraged from playing.
To avoid the issues of giving up before even getting started it is imperative that the student has access to a reliable instrument.
Reliable does not mean that you have to pay through the nose it just means that it has to be well-made and functional. Franz Hoffmann is a good example of reliable student instrument that are budget friendly.
Once you have decided which Franz Hoffmann violin you will purchase then it is time to make sizing decisions. To be clear if you are an adult (for the purpose of violins age 13 and above) then you should choose a full size (4/4 sized) violin.
This guideline chart is a good approximation of choosing the right sized violin but do keep in mind that if the student is smaller or larger for their age than moving up one size or down a size is of course permissible.
| Violin Size | Arm Length (base of neck to fingertip) |
Approx. Age |
| 4/4 (Full Size) | 23.5+ in | 12+ |
| 3/4 (Three Quarters) | 22 – 23.5 in | 10-11 |
| 1/2 (Half Size) | 20.75 – 22 in | 8-9 |
| 1/4 (Quarter Size) | 19 – 20.75 in | 6-7 |
| 1/8 (Eighth Size) | 17.75 – 19 in | 5-6 |
| 1/10 (Tenth Size) | 16 – 17.75 in | 3-5 |
| 1/16 (Sixteenth Size) | 14.5 – 16 in | 3-5 |
Measure the students left arm from the base of the neck to the finger tip of the pointer finger. If the student is a little longer in this measurement of even right at the measurement you want to move up a size to avoid having to buy a violin a size larger in a couple of months.
Investing in a student violin is one of the best investments you will make for a student. The VSO’s are not even really learning tools. The VSO’s are more props than learning tools.
According to the highly regarded Suzuki method children as young as 3 can easily learn to play the violin so why delay the process with a prop when an instrument will help them to achieve milestone music goals.
The VSO will delay their progress. Making the investment into a reliable instrument is the best way to help your student excel.
Of course as time goes on and your student shows more promise for sticking with the craft you can either upgrade the Franz Hoffmann’s by adding better quality strings, a new bow and changing out the bridge or you can move up the chain to a better quality violin.
In any case the Franz Hoffmann line is a great place to get started on the road to musical expertise.