Correction: It’s apparently totally normal for violins/violas to have maple backs and sides.

What this proves to me is something I've actually believed for a long time. Even an inexpensive instrument can sound quite remarkable in the hands of someone who know how to play well, and the most expensive instrument in the world can sound pretty horrible in the hands of someone who does not. Obviously Mr. Hilowitz is a member of the former.

I think it would have been interesting to hear the strings and bow they came with first, just for the comparison. That way we'd also get an idea what what they'd sound like for whoever buys them and how changing out the strings/bow changed things.

I had a friend who played viola in an orchestra that I used to play with. One day he went into a store and left his viola in his car, but he forgot to lock the doors. He was heart-broken when he returned to find three more violas in his car. That's why I play the violin.

I like the sound of the cheaper one more, the more expensive one sounds too clean

I think the Stradivarius label is to indicate the model, shape because there are some subtle variations in violin form. Its a bit of a cheap shot but it's only like putting a gluten free label on a carton of milk.

For the millions of us who have no aspirations to be professional musicians it's fun to know we can buy something cheap just to play around on. This was fun to watch! Thanks, David! :)

I can’t believe how great these sound! My parents bought my big girl viola in 1991. It was $1200, not including the bow ($250) or the case ($150). This was a huge expenditure for my parents and I’m not sure it sounds better than these cheap instruments! It was made clear at the time that if I wanted a college-level or better instrument, it would have been $5,000, at a minimum (and this was in the 90s). I am truly shocked!

For $37 I honestly expected some sort of toy. Really impressed with what your received.

As we have seen the guitar market, the use of CNC machines has dramatically reduced production costs, and allows a usable instrument to be within the grasp of more people.

Oddly, I prefer the sound of the cheaper one; it sounds warmer and richer. There's a lack of clarity, but more body to it. The more expensive one has a decided bright sharpness that I don't want to call 'scratchy' that was VERY noticeable in the A/B test. They definitely work well together, but only picking one... I'd go for the cheaper. It stands on its own better.

That is insane. I'm really envious of the fretless nature of these instruments. If I were to buy a 37$ clarinet, all the holes would be the wrong size and the mechanism would either be too stiff or too slack. I bet it would be a great ear training exercise, though I woe for when I would eventually return to my usual instrument only to find that my intonation would be totally off xD

My God, purchasing new instruments is always so exciting! Even the cheap ones. Great video, David, thoroughly enjoyed it!

There's something I love about watching experts play super cheap instruments. Instruments that were built with very little intention to be played this well. Instruments meant for some beginner to scratch away on for a couple years. It's like an incredibly introverted person joining a friend group at a social setting. They are not built for it, not used to it, yet sometimes will impress you. Most of the time, though, they have that same fumbly awkwardness.

Hey David, if you have access to a 3D printer (or know someone with 3D printing experience), you should try one of the rapidly evolving 3D printed violins available. It'd be very interesting to see a classically trained player's perspective on those instruments, especially after your experiments with DIY box violins.

As a viola player who has not been playing for 25 years, this proves my point that skill cannot be replaced by an upgrade in the "box". A solid set of good strings & a decent bow with player skills will yield a nice result. I used a very nice older "student" level instrument in a national symphony and chamber groups 30 years ago. I do wonder if we had better quality back then, but clearly that is not the case. Thank you for this very cool video!!!

I thought that the cheaper one had a better sound, like the way a vintage guitar would have a real sweet tone, when played side by side they both sounded cool, a real nice blend. 👍

The price change: I assume this was a Chinese seller on eBay. They have a standard algorithm in their sales program that increases the price of any item that is actually purchased. After several months it may or may not come back down. Often you can find another seller selling the identical item for less than the new price.

Tops are spruce, back, sides and neck are almost always maple. That's how Stradivari and Guarneri did it and that's how almost all violin, viola, cello and double bass makers still do it. No corners cut there. Also good maple is much harder to come by.

Your layered composition made them both sound awesome! The thing about these cheap violins is that you do have to change the strings and possibly toss the bow. If you're a brand new beginner without a teacher, knowing how to change the strings and whether or not the bow is any good takes some time and effort.

Not so long ago the super-cheap instruments and other music tech would have been terrible, and we learned to avoid like the plague. Now, while there is still junk out there the world has changed and there are true bargains to be had: really good quality affordable kit.

I am so grateful for this. My daughter is learning viola and it's cheaper to buy one of these than rent one (especially since she is going to grow out of multiple violas as she learns). Having an expert say they are decent instruments, especially for the price, helps me feel confident in buying one. I really hope one day she will play as lovely as you do.

There is an orchestra called the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura in Paraguay which uses instruments made from scraps collected from the local landfill. They have performed with Stevie Wonder, Metallica, Megadeth.

I was at a guitar center one day many years ago and a hobo walked in. His pants just filthy holes in his shirt not smelling very pleasant he asked the clercks if he could play one of their guitars the clerk would only let him play the one hundred fifty dollar model but he played it with so much zeal. His soul was in every note, this arabesque piece he played told me all the hell he'd been through to end up on the streets. it was truly amazing. I paid for the guitar and two sets of strings so he could leave with it with when he was finished. I watched him from my truck when he left the store looking around for the person that had given him a guitar. He never found out and I never saw him again. I envy and with much resentment those of you who can make music I am despite my best efforts without this gift. Thank you, a very excellent video good Sir.

That is quite amazing for a $40 viola... I think it sounds warmer than the $196 one, but has worse bass.

I guessed correctly! I actually liked the cheap one better solo, but they do complement each other really nicely. Cool video!

Not that I have any experience with violins or violas. But when you did the secret test, I preferred the sound of the first one you blurred. So for me, the cheaper one sounded better. I am blown away either one could sound as good as they did for those prices! It shows that the talent playing makes up a big portion of the sound being coherent and what we would consider appealing.

I am a novice player and I loved hearing you play each of these. Talent trumps low-end sourcing.

this was very interesting, I started out with a $30 violin from ebay 2 years ago. It arrived with the bridge unattached and horrible steel strings. I swear it was made of plywood. But I learned the notes and open strings on it, it really didn't sound horrible with newer strings. They both sounded lovely in your skilled hands, it made me want to try a viola.

Spot on! I had a similar experience with comparing violins. Cheeper violins are easier to play, less responive and less dramatic, kind of conceal mistakes. The sound is monotonic, less complex, but they do the job for beginners.. I have a variety of violin from the very cheap to the very expensive... Still my favourite is a 24 year old ( bought back then for $500) violin, Anno model, Raggetti with the mute on, the resulting sound so soft and pleasing... And super easy to play....yet without the mute...it is way untamed like a wild hourse... Ultimately... It comes to what you play and what music you favour.... But liked your honest comparison 👍👍👍

I love picking up cheap instruments and finding ways to use them. Even the crappiest violin can have a character that you can use. Great video David!

It boggles my mind a violin of any sort could be sold at such prices and not be simple cardboard cutouts.

I taught elementary school string classes for 40 years, and I remember my first experience with the cheap Chinese violins in the 1970's. The instruments were actually not bad. However, the final steps in preparing them was awful. You mentioned the cheap bow that came with one of the instruments. Having horsehair was a plus. Many had artificial hair that was impossible to apply rosin to. The other major problems included cheap strings, as you mentioned, poorly fitted bridges and poorly fitted pegs made of softer wood and painted black. The pegs did not hold pitch well, and I had several actually break while I was trying to tune the instruments. Your comment that the cheaper instrument seemed easier to play is in line with my experience that better quality instruments require more effort to display their real quality. They need the skills of a good musician. Student instruments are, and have to be, easier to play. In listening on my computer I felt that the $200 viola had a more complex sound, but it is hard to tell without hearing them "in person."

Love this video. I bought a violin on ebay for $49. Canadian, a few months ago. It has a professional, un-laquered, excellent appearance. The tone is sweet, not especially loud but suitable for most performing situations. I still can't believ how good this instrument is, for $49.!

David, I'm really loving your channel. Very inspiring, down to earth, and practical stuff. I'm learning a lot and also appreciate your non-hyped, matter-of-fact delivery. Best wishes!

I appreciate that you took the time to play each instrument with the same attitude. Often when I see violin comparisons, the violinist plays the expensive one differently, not just the notes of the music, but also the energy of the playing, and that really does make a difference in my opinion. I'm glad there are dirt cheap instruments out there that sound ok enough for someone to see if it's something they'll enjoy with very little risk. Thanks, great vid!

I am a guitar player, however, I love inexpensive gear of all kinds. Thank you. This was a very clear and concise back to back parison. Beautiful playing too!

Is this the birth of a new Decent Sampler/Piano Book instrument?

SO glad someone made this!!! I ordered a violin from China for $250. I was pretty blown away at how beautiful it was. I did have to take it to my local luthier for a professional setup and even he was impressed at the sound quality of the instrument. I’ve been playing for 22 years and that one is now my travel instrument I bring with me when I go on gigs.

This video confirms once again that in professional hands even the cheapest instrument can sound incredibly well. Nicely done!

Those $200 dollar ones are pretty awesome for beginners! They sound amazing (IMO), they look phenomenal, and they get the job done. I bought a similar priced violin Guarneri copy and the sound was loud, bold, and powerful! The back was a beautiful deep tiger stripe maple that danced when light was on it, and it had a cool ebony piece that was fitted on the nose of the saddle... honestly a really dope buy, wish i had kept it!

It is really astonishing how useable cheaper instruments can be. I found the same to be the same in the guitar world as well.

I don't know how I showed up here... but I did and I loved the video. Both of them harmonizing at the end was an awesome thing to listen to. I enjoy the fact that you took the time to try out the lower end of what a student/parent might be looking at. Well, minus the bow. Thanks for sharing!

I remember being excited when I saw the label in my mum’s violin, she replied “yea, it’s more a various than a strada”

Cheap, easy to play and relatively quiet, sounds almost ideal for a student! Oh, and I'm really looking forward to hear this composition when you're finished, it sounds great!

I got a "white" viola on eBay once, just to use to hang on my red wall for a decoration. Months later my music teacher said he needed a viola because he was doing some recording with a group for a CD. So, I brought my white viola, which we noticed in the light in that room was really very light pink. But, he ended up using it for recording. And he said it sounded just fine along with the other instruments. So, I let him keep it incase he needed to use a viola again.

That mix at the end 🔥. Thanks for reviewing these, I've considered getting one myself.

The composition you wrote is truly beautiful. Well done!

Immediately liked the cheaper viola tone more, like a warm whispering cello. The other viola produced more useful overtones but they didn’t resonate well, at least on my phone.

There are misconceptions in many fields that a person needs the “best” or more expensive tools to do well. This can be so disheartening to those just starting out. I am thankful that nowadays we get to experience more things because of the decreased cost. Of course we must still do research and select wisely. Thanks to you and all those who assist others (directly or indirectly) in their decision making. Certainly you are competent in your field to get such sounds from those instruments! Take care and go well 🤙🏼🌺☀️

This piece of music is very calming. I suffer anxiety and listening to this helps a lot. Thanks.

this was my first vid of yours. I subbed mostly because you come across as a lovely person. I also enjoyed your comparison of course, as I did your composition. Both violas actually sounded very pleasing in their own different ways, in your hands :)

I am impressed both by the sound of the violas and by your playing. It would have been interesting to hear what they actually sound with their original strings so people who are considering buying one of those instruments know how they really sound. I know nothing about violas but if the replacement set of strings is as expensive as the instrument themselves, I think potential buyers should know.

My first violin was a horrible but okay to start with orange violin. Now, I have a 125-175 years old strad copy, and the sound on it is amazing. When I wanted to go ajust my first one, the luthier told me that he needed to ajust or change every piece on the top. My new one is perfectly adjusted, the sound is really warm and powerfull. If someone is searching for a good quality violin or viola, go see a luthier that is spécialized in old one. You can have something really better than with new and it is generally cheaper because it is used.

I always find your videos inspiring Dave and this one is no exception! It makes me wish I had taken viola lessons as a child :-)

I swear, every single one of your videos just has this background to it, a polite voice making things that once sound ugly to a viewer; sound beautiful, rustic or analog. It's *always* a banger! I never thought i'd find inspiration in a toothbrush! I'm very impressed (if not jealous) of the way you write and compose. I'm honestly pretty bad at composing and writing, sometimes i lose motivation and find writing or composing impossible; so the way you write music or compose music out of things infront of the viewer is beyond inspiring to me. I couldn't appreciate your work less. I especially loved the analog Ukranian piano, that was neat! - CK

Thanks for the comparison. The two instruments might have revealed their distinctive qualities and differences more clearly had you played across a much wider range of pitch, tone, and dynamic intensity. Hope you’re having fun with them!

I was already thinking from the start how amazing they would sound together, and they do !...they harmonize perfectly.

You are absolutely right. While good on their own, mixed together they sound beautiful.

I am super, super shocked to find that I preferred the one that ended up being the super cheap one. I was thoroughly convinced that was going to be the more expensive one. That said, I don't know how it sounded to you, as you were playing it. So it might have been a more unpleasant sound right at your ear. Anyway, thank you so very much for this comparison!

Huh... interesting thing: I guessed correctly, that B was the more expensive one. But, I couldn't tell a lot of difference between their sounds (the more expensive one had slightly better overtones, more dynamic, but it was very subtle). I mostly based my opinion on... how easy it sounded to play. With the A recording, it felt like you struggled to glide between notes as efficiently, whereas with B, it felt more natural and flowed together better. Which is really interesting, because you said you actually liked playing A better. The full recording at the end was indeed beautiful, but it's also kind of cheating to compare that to the other two. For a fair comparison with the last one, you'd have to re-record both of the first ones again, so you can layer them with themselves. Cause any amount of layering is just going to sound good, even if it's just the same instrument. Especially with strings. lol

There was so much expression in your playing! 👏👏

I love the sound of the viola, and I've been teasing myself with the notion of buying one for years. But I don't want a piece of junk. So, this video provides very welcome information that I can get a decent instrument without spending big buck$. Thanks for doing this...very helpful. Subscribed!

I think it’s worth noting that a professional can certainly make a cheap instrument sound amazing, but an instrument of poor quality can make it very hard for a beginner to learn or be effective. I’m a guitarist by trade and I thought I hated bass, but then I tried my bassists nice instrument and suddenly I understood why people like playing it!! Playing a cheap bass felt awful, it made it hard to learn technique and develop my skills. It’s the same way with a guitar, a cheap instrument will limit how far you can go and how easy it will be to pick it up. This all being said, it’s a balancing act. A good instrument won’t make you good, but it might help you sound better or improve easier.

I think the replacement of the strings and bow (and skill of player) says a lot at the end of the day. Would have been nice (however awful) to see what these sounded like straight out of the box.

loved the viola composition at the end, great stuff

Love your composition, very soothing and beautiful.

I haven't seen which is which, but I think the second one had a thicker richer sound, and the first had a decent tone, but it sounded thinner and sounded like it could only give off higher tones. Ultimately the first one had a fuller dynamic range. I still think they both could be used to make music, and people wouldn't think it was done by a cheap viola. Maybe a professional would notice, but the general public wouldn't.

The mix DOES sound great! Totally impressive. At this price, I have to wonder about the conditions of he workers who build these things.

I am enjoying your presentations even more Mr. Hilowitiz. Although I am a guitarist and never played any violin or that type of stringed instrument. You have provided a valuable service to those who are on a budget. I do like your tone, and actually prefer Violin A. Of course in the hands of an armature we would never hear any difference. If I can ever get through my ridiculous long project of mine, I will make it a point to share it with you. Thank you for your contribution David. PS- love the quirky wall rack of gear. Thinking one of your video's in the near future we will be hearing..... it's alive.... it,s alive. :)

I really enjoyed the piece you put together for the example and would love to hear it fleshed out more - it spoke to me.

"It's the craftsman, not to tools". That's may not be entirely accurate, but this demo shows that a great player can make any instrument sound good. Very well done. Now I'm checking out ebay . . . .

I listened a few times before you revealed it, and I was convinced A was the more expensive one. It just sounded richer and smoother, maybe because it's quieter, or you you liked playing it better. Neither sounded "cheap" to me, but I'm not a violinist.

I really love that music extract!

As someone who loves exploring the world of music, but is unsure what instruments might be right for me, such accessible pricing on "good enough" equipment is a blessing. Thank you for looking at these two! Maybe one day the world of music will be easily accessible to all; no matter what instrument interests you.

very interesting! Can you find me a $39 bassoon? In the late 70s my mum owned a music shop in the UK and the cheap instruments were the Lark and Skylark (posher version) and both were horrible...Thanks, Ian

I guessed right! The more expensive one has a broader range of colours in the sound. When I first started out professionally I couldn’t afford the average price others paid for a professional instrument, so I went to Poland and bought one for £2k (here in UK a modern viola would be around 9-11 now). The panel’s never knew it was such a ‘cheap’ instrument and I got a lot of work. 90% of the sound is about how the player makes the sound for sure.

Thank you, David, for an entertaining and educational nine minutes :) I'm glad YT suggested this for me, though I'm no musician.

You are an amiable, funny and engaging host and I’m thrilled the algorithm pushed me towards you. A sub for sure. And as others note, your musicianship is stellar. These videos wouldn’t work without the musical joy and technical prowess you bring to them and to us.

The only question for me is how stable the violin string remains over a longer period of time. Does it maintain its tension or do the pegs on the scroll of the violin gradually give way over time, so that it becomes unplayable in half a year at the latest?

Now I'm waiting for a new $150 baby grand on eBay.

37, it’s everywhere, we don’t lie oh’ James.

Thanks for all these videos, you rock.

One things videos like this always seem to miss out is that sound is only part of the equation. A huge part of what makes a quality instrument a quality instrument is how it feels to play. (I mean physically, not emotionally) I just finished setting up a guitar for a beginner friend who went cheap (I think the guitar was around £90)... and while it sounded pretty good, it was just incredibly awkward and uncomfortable to play. She was absolutely astounded by the difference it made just doing some basics like setting the action properly, re-dressing the frets etc. So, for the next one I'd be interested to hear more about that side of things as well as just 'does it sound good'

Both actually sounded superb. Warm, mellow, resonant. Actually more like cellos. I have two beginner level violas, costing about the same. On both , the C strings grunt like a pig, the A strings shriek like a power saw cutting metal. If only I could get a sound like these two instruments in the demo I would die happy. What IS the secret?. Do you have to have fingers with a magic touch? Does the bow have to have hair from a young unicorn living high in the Andes? It's driving me MAD ! There are so many contradictions. There is another demo where a professional violinist takes a $50 violin out of the box , gives it a bit of a tweak and proceeds to play the Mendelson concerto pretty convincingly. Then there are the so-called experts, snobs, salesmen, tell us these instruments are just "VSOs" (Violin/Viola shaped objects). and we need to spend AT LEAST $500 for anything worth bothering. And at a school here in UK a school thinks "talented young musicians" should be given instruments worth upwardly of £3000. I'm neither young or talented Seems to me a talented musician can get a decent sound of almost anything !

I got a eBay violin from Seattle good will for us $12.50 needing repair. It only had two strings and three pegs and the bridge was inside the violin and likely knocked out the sound post. A complete Rosewood parts kit and D’Addario Helicore string set later and good as new.

Very fun,and you’re also an excellent composer. Love the piece!

Interesting experiment! I enjoyed watching it. At our store, we have violas and violins at different prices. I think the quality of an instrument should never suffer even it's very affordable.

Wow, I'm blown away, for someone like me, a middle and high school musician (clarinet and flute) who is now 40 and disabled looking for an outlet, to know that I could purchase a stringed instrument on a fixed income is kind of exciting.... Thanks for sharing 🥀

A very entertaining comparison! Thank you!

That was beautiful. It put me in the thoughtful kind of spirit, in just a few notes….

That is an awesome piece of music! Very nice, sir!

Cheers man. Helpful video

Great video. No snobbery. Your playing could probably make anything sound great. I loved both the same. Thanks.

Always great to watch your video's~!!

Regardless of the quality, that sounds amazing, Achi. Solid musical voices.

They sound beautiful the way you play and record them!

I love that nowadays you can get a workable or even a decent instrument for a fraction of the price they used to be. Makes it a lot easier for people to get into music. :)

So all those snobs who say a cheap instrument is crap are just fan boys of the more expensive models. I thought the cheaper one sounded better, and I like the shiny finish. Why are people so fixated on full, flat finishes? Good video and this proves that you dont have to break the bank to get started in music.

I think this also clearly demonstrates the value of the player. As someone who knows nothing about stringed instruments (Ok... I have a guitar, but I can't even tune the thing) these instruments sounded pretty much the same to me. Your playing make them both appealing.