These days Strunal violas?

January 31, 2009 at 02:56 AM ·

Ahoj Jakub,

I don't know about their violas but I tried some Strunal violins last year, in particular the top model which sells here in Japan under the brand name Jan Dvorak. I found them to be comparable to other Eastern European factory/workshop violins, such as the Gliga Maestro and Sofia, although the Sofias seem to have an edge over both the Gligas and the Strunals.

The workmanship of the Strunals I tried was excellent, but here in Japan where customers are very picky on the condition of goods of any kind, it may well be that the shops pick out only the very best specimens and send the others back to the factory. The tone was balanced across all strings, overall pleasing. My impression is that those Strunals are good value for money. I would definitely recommend them as a first buy, quite possibly even over the more recognised and more expensive Gligas, but as always, that would depend on the individual instrument.

As for other Czech made instruments, there is a company called Akkord Kvint and they make good quality instruments, too, albeit generally more expensive than the Strunals.

If you tell us what your budget is, I might be able to give you some more pointers.

January 31, 2009 at 10:10 AM ·

Hey.

Thanks a lot - very useful informations. My budget is, so to speak, varying. ;-) Generally, I'd like to stay in the range of middle-class Strunals which here, in Poland, stands for about 220-320EUR. I'm fairly convinced that Czech-made instruments will be my choice, as they seem to get very positive reviews and are, at the same time, quite easy to get here.

But I've never heard about Sofias. Could you elaborate a little?

Thanks.

January 31, 2009 at 11:43 AM ·

As I understand it, Sofia violins are made in Bulgaria in the white (without varnish and fittings), then sent to the US where they are finished. Not surprisingly this makes them more expensive than Gligas and Strunals.

Within your budget range of 200-300 EUR I would say that the Strunals may well be your best choice. If they are very common in Poland and have a good reputation, you will likely be able to trade it in when you want to purchase a better one.

One thing you may want to watch out for is what kind of bridge is fitted on the Strunals where you are. Here in Japan, the ones I tried had Aubert bridges fitted (= good bridges). I don't know if they come that way ex-factory, it is possible that the Japanese shops fitted them afterwards. The Gligas which are sold here come with Gliga branded bridges which are no good and the first thing you have to do if you buy such an instrument is change the bridge, which can cost 100-150 USD (here in Japan) for labour and material. So, if the Strunals sold in Poland don't come with a good quality bridge, you may want to ask the shop how much extra they will charge if they fit a better bridge before you buy.

February 1, 2009 at 10:44 AM ·

Oh, yes, I recognize all the problems regarding set-up, and certain parts of factory-made instrument, therefore first thing I'll do after the purchase will be visiting my local, known luthier who usually corrects such instruments. So most likely, he'll fit something better, if needed.

Thanks for help!