*Instrument Pricing: All instruments marked with * are available with a CASH DISCOUNT of 20%.
The discount may be applied if payment is made at one time in the form of currency, credit card, check, or money order. Discount is not available in connection with trade-ins or rental credits. All other policies, warranty and trade value, do apply to your purchase. When an instrument is purchased, bows and cases marked * will receive the same discount. Bows and Cases marked * or otherwise, do not receive the additional discount if an instrument is not purchased at the same time.
A handmade, handvarnished violin made in Beijing, China. Workmanship, wood quality, and usually tone are superior to most entry level violins. The varnish is oil, hand applied. Linings are let into the blocks, a common technique for more expensive violins. These are very nice violins suitable for upper elementary and intermediate grade students. Adjustment includes ebony fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest, Wittner Ultra tailpiece and LVS synthetic core strings.
The Model 107 is offered in full size only because it is in this size that its dark tone potential is at its best. Made in the Czech Republic, this brown, matte finished violin has found favor with many young players looking for a darker sounding violin. The fittings, including chinrest, is ebony, and it is fitted with LVS synthetic core strings.
A beautiful, handmade, handvarnished violin made in Beijing, China. Workmanship, wood quality, and tone are distinctive from the models above. Tone is clear and ringing. The varnish is a red brown oil, evenly hand applied. This traditionally crafted instrument has become our most popular instrument for beginners of all ages. The adjustment includes ebony fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest, Wittner Ultra tailpiece and LVS synthetic core strings. The small instrument sizes are very well done with proportional dimensions.
Available as a complete outfit, we suggest fiberglass bow with horsehair and a shaped thermoplastic case.
Upgrades to bows and/or cases would be appropriate for this model. Select violin only, and then choose other bows or cases from the catalog. The total price will be the same whether selected as an outfit or as separate items.
A beautiful, handmade, handvarnished violin from another Beijing, China workshop. Workmanship and wood quality are comparable to the Model 112 from the models above. Tone tends to be slightly darker than the Model 112 but usually not as loud. and ringing. The varnish is an amber brown oil, evenly hand applied. Also traditionally crafted instrument, we have this model in very limited quantity because we prefer to handpick each body, selecting only the more handsome, in two or three shipments per year.l ages. The adjustment includes ebony fingerboard, datewood pegs and chinrest, Wittner Ultra tailpiece and LVS synthetic core strings. The small instrument sizes do not correspond with common fractional sizing practices so we recommend visiting the shop to measure the child - perhaps this model may be available in a just right size when the other models do not fit well.
Available as a complete outfit, we suggest fiberglass bow with horsehair and a shaped thermoplastic case.
Upgrades to bows and/or cases would be appropriate for this model. Select violin only, and then choose other bows or cases from the catalog. The total price will be the same whether selected as an outfit or as separate items.
From the same workshop as the Model 112, the Model 122 represents a significant upgrade in all respects. With more handsome wood and decorated fittings, it is a very attractive violin. More careful top graduation and bass bar fitting result in a more colorful sounding violin. The varnish color and treatment vary significantly from violin to violin. Both new looking and antique finishes in red-brown, amber-brown colors are available but not all finishes at all time. Model 122 violins arrive a few at a time throughout the year as they are completed. Stock is constantly changing. 3/4 and 1/2 violins are very limited in availability.
A dark color antique finish on handsome wood is attractive to many players. Typically, the tone of this model is darker than the Model 122. Model 126 violins are hand picked from two or three shipments per year and rarely stay in stock more than a few days. In the future, we hope to have a larger number available in full and small sizes.
An amber color antique finish on handsome wood distinguishes the Model 136 form the 126. In general both better wood and cleaner workmanship make this a more attractive model. Model 136 violins are also hand picked from two or three shipments per year and rarely stay in stock more than a few days.
A very cleanly made instrument with a brighter more focused sound than the Model 136. The finish may be new or antique, usually in amber brown. Stock is very selective, limited availability.
From time to time we acquire violins from individuals working in their homes or small workshops in China - Beijing and Shanghai - eastern Europe and Mexico (Cremona trained makers) Some are really excellent instruments at very affordable prices and we do plan to include individual photos and prices here as time permits.
Handmade Violins from Individuals in Eastern Europe, China, and Mexico
Lisle Violin Shop has had a many year long relationship with Frank Lee, a Taiwan born, USA trained maker now in Shanghai. He has continued to improve the materials, workmanship, and tonal characteristics of his violins through a progression of models sold exclusively in the US through Lisle Violin Shop. His passion has been acoustics and until recently, almost all of his efforts have been made in plate tuning through both traditional tap tones and electronic means. He has recently begun a new model, yet unnamed, to introduce more sophisticated plate matching (acoustically matching tops to backs) and a beautiful subtle antique varnish. The materials used in Frank Lee violins are atypical of Chinese workshops. American, Engelmann spruce and Alpine spruce are used for the tops and American eastern maple and Bosnian maple are used for backs, necks, and ribs. The models to date have all been new looking, in various colors, evenly applied. Frank Lee violins have been excellent sounding instruments, even and strong in tone, and very well liked by advancing players. There have been only a few 3/4 sizes made to date, but the forthcoming model will be available in 4/4, 7/8, and 3/4. The current model will be listed below, followed by the previous models, which may be available again, or as used instruments.
A long time favorite in our shop for advanced players, these violins are made by the Raabs family - Gottfried and his daughter Doris - in their Bubenreuth, Germany shop. Using seasoned European woods, Raabs instruments are distinct from other German products in top and back graduation and varnishing. The result is an especially silky, well projected tone, unique to this maker. A limited number instruments are available, delivery time varies as instruments are completed in small groups.
Classmates in violinmaking school, these two fine violinmakers have continued to collaborate. After Mr. Wu came to the USA to work in our shop, Mr. Su began to send his "almost finished" violins to Mr. Wu for final graduation, bass bar tuning, and varnish. The result is a very strong sounding violin for less than half of the price of a commissioned Wen Hua Wu violin.
It is our intention to list individual instruments - currently available to approximately $50,000 - as time permits. Continue to watch this section for new additions.
*Instrument Pricing: All instruments marked with * are available with a CASH DISCOUNT of 20%
The discount may be applied if payment is made at one time in the form of currency, credit card, check, or money order. Discount is not available in connection with trade-ins or rental credits. All other policies, warranty and trade value, do apply to your purchase. When an instrument is purchased, bows and cases marked * will receive the same discount. Bows and Cases marked * or otherwise, do not receive the additional discount if an instrument is not purchased at the same time.
A Note Concerning Small Violas
Mark Lisle, and a significant number of the staff at Lisle Violin Shop are violists. Over the years we have played thousands of small violas, discussed this matter with public and private teachers, and made experimental models to arrive at the conclusion that, in general, small violins - of the quality that we sell and rent - restrung as violas, sound better and play easier than the deep rib models commonly sold as small violas. First, the special viola models were generally only available as lower quality instruments. Second, the deep ribs tend to deaden the sound. For the short string length, the violin depth body gives the best resonance on the A, D, G strings, which violin and viola share, and which is most used by beginning violists. Third, the concept of "viola tone" - a very subjective quality - is not solely achieved by deep ribs. The method by which we carve the thicknesses of the top - called graduation - to achieve "viola tone" is different. Of course, some instruments made as small violas are exceptions, and some violins respond better as small violas. Overall, most players are better served by choosing the appropriate size and quality violin and requesting setup as a viola. The price for sale or rental, will be the same.
Use the chart below to compare the violin fractional sizes to viola sizes (the inches are approximate, not exact, and simply common usage for viola sizing)
for smaller sizes, simply: 1/4 violin, setup as viola, etc.
When stringing small violas, use the appropriate size violin string for A, D, G and a short viola C (such as 720-024S).
A beautiful, handmade, handvarnished violin made in Beijing, China.. The neck and pegbox are violin style to be lighter and more narrow for easy handling. Tone is clear, ringing, and very responsive. The varnish is a red brown oil, evenly hand applied. This traditionally crafted instrument has become our most popular instrument for beginners who need full size instruments and many players upgrading from the smaller sizes. The adjustment includes ebony fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest, Wittner Ultra tailpiece and LVS synthetic core strings.
Available as a complete outfit, we suggest fiberglass bow with horsehair and a shaped thermoplastic case
Upgrades to bows and/or cases would be appropriate for this model. Select viola only, and then choose other bows or cases from the catalog. The total price will be the same whether selected as an outfit or as separate items.
A significant upgrade from the same maker as Model 212. With more handsome wood and decorated fittings, it is a very attractive viola. More careful top graduation and bass bar fitting result in a richer sounding tone. The varnish color and treatment vary significantly from viola to viola. Both new looking and antique finishes in red-brown, amber-brown colors are available but not all finishes at all times.
From time to time we acquire violas from individuals working in their homes or small workshops in China - Beijing and Shanghai - eastern Europe and Mexico (Cremona trained makers) Some are really excellent instruments at very affordable prices and we do plan to include individual photos and prices here as time permits.There are usually violas available at $750, $1100, $1600, and $20
Handmade Violas from Individuals in Eastern Europe, China, and Mexico
Jie Hua Hu was a violinmaking school classmate of Hai Jun Yu, our many year senior violinmaker at the Pasadena shop. Originally he had a larger shop in Beijing making three levels of instruments. He has now reduced staff to only a couple of assistants making only very good violas and cellos. For Lisle Violin Shop, he makes beautiful violas in two sizes to our measurements. The 385mm (15 1/8") is a great for both a fine instrument for a small adult or a quartet viola for a violinist. The 400mm (15 3/4") is ideal for an average size person, and a great replacement for the "just a little too big" 16" viola. Both models are designed to be as easy to play as possible with a lovely deep C and even tone throughout all ranges. Of course, as handmade instruments, there is some delightful variation. The maple is extremely handsome, plus a fine fine spruce top. The varnish color is a lively brown. This is also an instrument that a professional should consider for a second viola. Overall, these are best violas we have ever had at these prices.
A long time favorite in our shop for advanced players, these viola are made by the Raabs family - Gottfried and his daughter Doris - in their Bubenreuth, Germany shop. Using seasoned European woods, Raabs instruments are distinct from other German products in top and back graduation and varnishing. The result is an especially silky, well projected tone, unique to this maker. A limited number instruments are available, delivery time varies as instruments are completed in small groups. Mr. Raabs is a violist, playing in a community orchestra. Although we have sold several 16 1/2" violas, I believe his 16" Model to be the best choice for most players.
*Instrument Pricing: All instruments marked with * are available with a CASH DISCOUNT of 20%
The discount may be applied if payment is made at one time in the form of currency, credit card, check, or money order. Discount is not available in connection with trade-ins or rental credits. All other policies, warranty and trade value, do apply to your purchase. When an instrument is purchased, bows and cases marked * will receive the same discount. Bows and Cases marked * or otherwise, do not receive the additional discount if an instrument is not purchased at the same time.
A Note about sources for Cellos
All of the cellos listed to this point have been made in China, primarily Beijing. Why? Because in the last several years, for cellos in this price range, we have found these models to be made from the driest, most thoroughly seasoned materials, with the fewest material related problems. In our repair shop, we encounter numerous European cellos with serious distortions in the tops, necks, back, and ribs, due to the use of green or kiln dried woods. Well selected stock from China is more stable and considering the excellent hand workmanship, an excellent value in today's market. We are open minded and wish to remain vigilant for European work. Lower labor costs in eastern Europe should mean lower priced instruments in the USA market, but the problems have been materials, machined parts, synthetic glues, and plastic varnishes. We are pleased to include a rather nice mid price model from Romania, as follows:
Our entry level instrument is carved spruce and maple, not a plywood instrument. Made in China, this model has improved year by year into a very stable instrument with durable varnish and good ebony fittings. Upon request, Perfection Pegs may be fitted at no extra charge. We usually use Wittner Ultra tailpieces, ULSA endpins, and Prelude strings. Spirocore or Prim strings are also no cost options. This has been a solid choice for a beginning student with very nice tone and professional setup.
Available as a complete outfit, we suggest fiberglass bow with horsehair and a padded Mooradian Standard Cover. In Smaller sizes(1/4, 1/8), we suggest a nicely fitted nylon cover
The 312B, the B is for Brown, and the original red-brown model 312, are a major upgrade from the Model 30. This Beijing made cello features figured maple back, ribs, and neck, and good spruce tops. The varnish is a brushed oil deep red-brown varnish. It is both appealing in appearance and warm and open in tone.There is been a great deal of confusion in the actual size of fractional size cellos and there is no standardization among current makers. For smaller sizes, we will list approximate inch lengths for the back.
Available as a complete outfit, we include a fiberglass bow with horsehair and a padded Mooradian Standard Cover. In Smaller sizes(1/4, 21.5", 18", 16", 14"), we suggest a nicely fitted nylon cover.
Upgrades to bows and/or cases would be appropriate for this model. Select cello only, and then choose other bows or cases from the catalog. The total price will be the same whether selected as an outfit or as separate items.
If you prefer a more focused, brighter, more projected tone than the Model 312B, this model cello, made with harder materials, may be just right. The color is usually amber brown, even applied, with Wittner Ultra tailpiece and ULSA endpin. Made in Beijing by a smaller capacity workshop, we usually receive just two shipments per year. We hope that this quantity will increase in the future.
Available as a complete outfit, we include a fiberglass bow with horsehair and a padded Mooradian Standard Cover.
Upgrades to bows and/or cases would be appropriate for this model. Select cello only, and then choose other bows or cases from the catalog. The total price will be the same whether selected as an outfit or as separate items.
In contrast to the Model 321. the Model 326 is dark in tone and color. The antique brown finish, sometimes with a reddish tint, completes a moderately figured maple and good spruce cello. The body is either a Stradivari Model or the wider Montagnana Model, but we rarely have both versions in stock at the same time. We also set up this instrument with a Wittner Ultra Tailpiece and an ULSA endpin. Made in Beijing.
Again, we return to a brighter cello, with new looking evenly applied varnish or a more subtle antique version. The maple is very handsome and this very responsive cello is a popular choice. This models arrives one or two at a time throughout the year. Wittner Ultra tailpiece and ULSA endpin are included in the setup.
This amber brown oil varnished model has been a popular cello for advancing players for the last several years. Tone is usually open and even on this responsive, easy to play cello. The maple is moderately figured, but always well seasoned and very stable. These cellos arrive several at a time throughout the year. Wittner Ultra tailpiece and ULSA endpin are included in the setup. Made in Beijing.
This model is a nice, well balanced, and attractive looking cello, using good woods throughout. The antique style is rather subtle, primarily through color shading and a matte finish. Professionally setup, of course, this is well worth a trial. Usually one or two of these cellos is in stock.
A long time favorite in our shop for advanced players, these cellos are made by the Raabs family - Gottfried and his daughter Doris - in their Bubenreuth, Germany shop. Using seasoned European woods, Raabs instruments are distinct from other German products in top and back graduation and varnishing. The result is an especially silky, well projected tone, unique to this maker. A limited number instruments are available, delivery time varies as instruments are completed in small groups. Note that the 7/8 size model is very well done, and usually available on order. If completed, the cello only takes a week to arrive.
Jie Hua Hu was a violinmaking school classmate of Hai Jun Yu, our many year senior violinmaker at the Pasadena shop. Originally he had a larger shop in Beijing making three levels of instruments. He has now reduced staff to only a couple of assistants making only very good violas and cellos. The cello is striking in its lively brown varnish and intensely figured woods. Even and strong in tone, this is an extraordinary cello for its price.
It is our intention to list individual instruments - currently we have a 7/8 Cello from William Whedbee at $24,000 and a beautiful Italian style cello from Xia Hua Wu at $20,000. Continue to watch this section for new additions. . For now, please Call for availability and price
*Instrument Pricing: instruments marked with * are available with a CASH DISCOUNT of 20%
The discount may be applied if payment is made at one time in the form of currency, credit card, check, or money order. Discount is not available in connection with trade-ins or rental credits. All other policies, warranty and trade value, do apply to your purchase. When an instrument is purchased, bows and cases marked * will receive the same discount. Bows and Cases marked * or otherwise, do not receive the additional discount if an instrument is not purchased at the same time.
Notes About Basses
Shipping and Delivery:
Because careful adjustment is a critical part of the preparation of any bass for sale, it is not our usual practice to ship basses. We will deliver basses at no charge in our regular service area: Houston, Southeast and East Texas, Austin, San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, and we will make arrangements for free delivery in Louisiana and North Texas. We will also coordinate delivery to anywhere that would be possible in conjunction with one of our convention or sales trips. Otherwise, we can only ship via truck, at the customers expense, with the soundpost and bridge down. Customers would need to make local arrangements to have these reset before playing.
Construction:
For student basses, we believe that it is practical to consider laminated construction simply due to the cost of good, fully carved instruments. Many lower cost basses have serious problems with materials and design. Therefore after many years of work with rental and school basses, we present products that have proven to be dependable.
Laminated figured maple for back and ribs, maple neck, and laminated spruce top make this a very nice looking bass. The solid construction and good design make it a good sounding bass as well. Available in three body types - gamba, Busetto, and "violin." The violin shape has violin type corners but retains the favored sloping shoulders for ease of playing. Our choice for stock is the violin style model but we would be happy to order any model not in stock. Setup is exceptional - with Helicore strings, adjustable bridge, properly planed fingerboard, and ULSA endpin assembly.
Replacing a laminated top with a fully carved spruce top is a tonal upgrade with the same sturdy construction as the other Christopher models This model is available on order in the violin style model. Professional setup is exceptional - with Helicore strings, adjustable bridge, properly planed fingerboard, and ULSA endpin assembly.
The Model 406 is a fully carved bass with an open, responsive tone. The varnish is antique style - usually in deep red-brown. Tonally this is a very good bass. As a lower cost carved bass, we do not expect perfect materials, so sap lines in the maple or small inserts in the spruce are expected. This is only a compromise of appearance, not tone. Materials in the size required for double basses is in very limited supply and rarely, if ever, is there material without any anomaly. Professional setup is exceptional - with Helicore strings, adjustable bridge, properly planed fingerboard, and ULSA endpin assembly. Model 406 is usually gamba shape.
The Model 426, usually available in violin shape, is an excellent value for a well made, resonant, open sounding instrument. Antique style oil varnish is usually amber brown in color, with occasional deep browns, and red-browns. Professional setup is exceptional - with Helicore strings, adjustable bridge, properly planed fingerboard, and ULSA endpin assembly. Model 406 is usually gamba shape. 3/4 size is usually available, 1/2 size, sometimes, the 7/8 would be a special order
