1. Core Criteria for Violin Grading

1. Material Selection Determines Tonal Foundation

(1) Top Wood

• Spruce: Most common material, provides clear and bright highs
• European Spruce: Professional choice with superior resonance
• Aged Wood (100+ years): Used in premium performance violins for exceptional clarity

(2) Back and Side Wood

• Maple: Standard configuration with balanced tone
• Flamed Maple: Enhances acoustic projection
• Italian Maple: Collector-grade tonal quality

(3) Fittings Material

• Ebony Fingerboard: Standard configuration
• Boxwood Pegs: Premium option
• Ivory Accents: Found on antique instruments

2. Craftsmanship Impacts Performance

• Handcrafted Construction: Top-tier violins are entirely handmade
• Varnish Technique: Oil varnish produces warmer tone than spirit varnish
• Neck Angle: Affects playability comfort
• Soundpost Positioning: Crucial for optimal resonance

3. Tone Evaluation Standards

• High Register: Brilliant yet not piercing
• Midrange: Rich and full-bodied
• Bass: Powerful and deep
• Volume Balance: Even across all registers
• Projection: Capable of cutting through orchestral texture

2. Violin Grade Comparison Table

Grade	Price Range	Target Users	Representative Brands
Beginner	$400-1,400	Students	Red Violin, Seiler
Intermediate	$1,400-7,000	Advancing Students	Yamaha, Eastman
Professional	$7,000-28,000	Performing Musicians	Stradivari Copies
Collector	$28,000+	Collectors	Antique Masterpieces

3. Purchasing Recommendations

1. Beginners should consider 1/2 or 3/4 size instruments
2. Exam candidates should select intermediate-level handcrafted violins
3. Professional players require custom-made instruments
4. Always play-test before purchase

4. Maintenance Essentials

• Maintain 40%-50% humidity environment
• Loosen strings after each use
• Regular string replacement
• Avoid direct sunlight exposure
• Annual professional maintenance recommend