Yamaha Violins are handcrafted using extensive research alongside traditional methods. Their range of student and intermediate violins are known for their high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, applying methods to lower-priced instruments that are also used for top-level instrument
The Story Behind Yamaha’s String Instruments:
Yamaha’s experience crafting violins began with research in the 1990s. After a decade of work, they presented the first fruits of our efforts, the V-60 and V-30 violins. Moving forward with the knowledge and experience accumulated over that first ten years, they applied newly developed technologies such as 3-D modelling, ultra-precision machining, and precision-controlled seasoning to create the YVN200G/S and YVN100G/S Yamaha violins. While they were making great strides in their pursuit to reproduce legendary instruments they were still not yet fully satisfied. They had set out to create an ideal violin that would be more accessible to all, but achieving this goal would require more time. The breakthrough came with the development of A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) technology. A.R.E. changes the characteristics of the wood, accelerating its maturing process so that an instrument crafted from A.R.E. treated woods sounds and plays when new as if it has been played for years. What’s more, is the instrument continues to mature naturally as it ages. Taking full advantage of this advancement, they went back and redesigned, focusing on the instrument’s shape and thickness. They also developed a new antique finish to bring out the best in its beauty and tone. The fruits of our labour can be witnessed in the flagship YVN500S Yamaha violin—an instrument born out of the desire to recreate a historic instrument, and an instrument that brings an entirely new range of possibilities to modern violin making.
The Woods:
What qualities do vintage violins possess that makes the project so well and play so expressively? This question has challenged luthiers for centuries. Taking on this issue, Yamaha focused on one point in particular, that being the ageing of the materials, and with this in mind, they launched a new project in the late 1990s. The answer came in 2001 when they found how to give the woods over a short period of time, the same characteristic changes that have occurred in woods of antique instruments. Utilising the power of steam, they could promote the crystallisation of cellulose and the breakdown of hemicellulose in the woods. Through this finding, they developed the A.R.E. technology. Before bringing it to their violins, this technology was first applied to several guitar models and on acoustic building materials used in concert hall construction where it has been proven effective and has received great acclaim from around the globe. In applying A.R.E. to violins they found they could create an instrument that delivers wide-ranging musical expression with excellent projection.
The Craftsmanship:
In the process, they tried to remain faithful to tradition while applying the most fitting of modern technologies. Using high precision modelling technology as well as resonance analysis they could accurately model the shape and thickness of a number of vintage violins to determine optimum back and top designs. Modelling technology has been one of Yamaha’s specialities since the development of the V-60/ V-30 Yamaha violins and was used extensively this time, to quantify and reveal just what today’s master violin-makers are thinking and sensing. This process took a great deal of time.
The Finish:
The range of effect that varnish has on an instrument’s tonal quality was demonstrated with the YVN200G/S and YVN100G/S. Advancing their knowledge and know-how in finishes further, they formulated a special antique varnish that gives the instrument a vintage appearance worthy of its mature tone. In order to create this finish, Yamaha carefully analysed the condition of a number of existing vintage violins of different ages and in different countries to better understand the textural characteristics that these vintage instruments possess. They then refined the craftsman’s technique and the texture around the edges of the instrument to develop an original method. The finish is the product of six years of work that involved research into peeling the varnish, creating the gradients, perfecting each process, and finding the optimum balance between each of these aspects. Through their efforts, they have found how to give fine modern violins the classic look and beauty found in fine antique instruments.
Exceptional Quality and Value The V20G is another Guarneri-inspired violin that produces a rich and sweet, yet powerful sound. Each instrument is painstakingly finished with a specially formulated shading oil varnish which gives a beautiful appearance and warmer tone. The wood material has been carefully selected and like the YVN Series violins, the V20G offers excellent sound and playability, with consistent quality in every instrument
An Excellent Step-up Instrument Designed especially with younger performers in mind, the V10G is based on the same Stradivari-inspired design as the YVN200S and YVN100S violins. Each instrument features a hand-carved spruce top, maple sides and back, and a special hand applied shading oil varnish normally found only on higher-priced instruments. The outfit includes a quality bow and case.
The V7SG violin outfit is available in 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full sizes. Fraction sizes come in shaped cases, while the full-size has an oblong case. All come complete with bow, case, and rosin. An excellent choice for beginning to intermediate players, the V7G and V7SG offers fine quality at a very affordable price. It can be an ideal setup instrument for students who have advanced beyond the level of their beginner violins.
The V5SG outfit is perfect for the beginning violinist, featuring a spruce top and maple back and neck made from high-quality materials. Each instrument is handcrafted utilising the same traditional methods as used on high-end violins. Designed, sized, and priced for young students, they are quality instruments that will get any student off to a great start. The V5SG has a fully Hand Brushed Oil Varnish finish.
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