Knilling 112VN 4/4 Violin - Brazilwood Bow With Horsehair & Case - Shop Adjusted

The Knilling 112VN is a full-size (4/4) violin that is a popular step-up model for students and advancing players. It is typically sold as a complete outfit, which includes a case and a bow, and is distinguished by its "shop adjusted" status, a crucial feature that ensures better playability and sound.

Here is a detailed breakdown of its key features:

Core Concept & Construction

• Solid Hand-Carved Woods: Unlike many entry-level instruments that use laminated woods, the 112VN features a solid, hand-carved spruce top and a solid, carved flamed maple back and sides. The use of flamed maple not only adds to the instrument's visual appeal but also contributes to its tonal quality. This solid wood construction allows the violin to resonate more freely, producing a richer, more complex, and more nuanced tone.

• Knilling "Shop Adjustment": This is a key differentiator for the Knilling brand. A "shop adjusted" violin is one that has been professionally set up by a luthier or a trained technician. This process includes:

  • Proper Bridge Placement: The bridge is correctly carved and positioned for optimal string height and intonation.

  • Peg and Nut Fitting: The tuning pegs are properly fitted and lubricated, making them easier to turn and less likely to slip. The nut grooves are cut to the correct depth and spacing.

  • Soundpost Adjustment: The soundpost inside the violin is correctly positioned to maximize the instrument's tone and projection.This professional setup is vital for a good playing experience and is often more important than the quality of the instrument's raw materials, as a poorly adjusted violin, no matter how good the wood, will play and sound poorly.

• Quality Components: The violin is fitted with genuine ebony for the fingerboard, pegs, nut, and saddle. Ebony is a hard, durable, and stable wood, which is essential for these parts. It also features a composite tailpiece with four built-in fine tuners, which makes it much easier for a beginner to tune accurately.

• Strings: The instrument comes with D'Addario Prelude steelcore strings, a popular choice for student instruments known for their durability and clear tone.

Included Outfit

• Case: The outfit typically includes a durable, lightweight thermoplastic case with an aluminum valance. It is shaped to the violin's form and often features a suspension system to protect the instrument from impacts.

• Bow: A Brazilwood bow with genuine horsehair is included. Brazilwood is a common and reliable material for a student bow. Some versions of the 112VN may include a carbon fiber bow, which is often considered a step up due to its strength and consistent feel.

• Rosin: A cake of rosin is also included, which is necessary for applying to the bow hair to produce sound.

Overall Impression

The Knilling 112VN is an excellent choice for:

• Advancing Students: The combination of solid woods and professional shop adjustment makes it a significant step up from a basic beginner violin, providing a better playing experience and a more refined sound.

• Players on a Budget: It offers a great balance of quality and affordability, providing the benefits of a professionally set-up instrument at a reasonable price.

• Anyone looking for a complete, ready-to-play package: The included case, bow, and rosin mean you have everything you need to start playing right away with the added confidence of a professional setup.