The Ming Jiang Zhu 905 Violin (also called Model A) is our top recommendation for instruments retailing under $2000. This beautiful violin is handmade in the renowned Noble Heart Workshop, and is set up and tested by our professional luthiers in Fiddlershop's Florida workshop. Specifications Body: Top from excellent Spruce, Maple back & sides from Sichuan ChinaPattern: Guarneri Varnish: Oil varnishFittings: BoxwoodBridge: Professional Level from Aubert MirecourtStrings: Thomastik Dominant Dimensions 4/4 Full Size: Body length ≈ 355mm, Total length ≈ 586mm7/8 Size: Body length ≈ 344mm, Total length ≈ 570mm About the Maker This violin, crafted in the esteemed workshop of Ming Jiang Zhu in Guangzhou, China, is a testament to the masterful art of violin making. Ming Jiang Zhu, a revered modern violin maker, passed away in 2014 but left behind a legacy of excellence. Recognized for their exceptional skills, Zhu received numerous honorary medals from the Violin Society of America (VSA). Today, the workshop continues to be guided by Ming Jiang Zhu’s devoted student and brother-in-law, Wei Xian Zhu, who has been instrumental in preserving and expanding the workshop’s legacy for over three decades. Fiddlershop is honored to offer these fine instruments, which would undoubtedly command a significantly higher price if sourced from any European country. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they are also exceptionally easy to play. These instruments possess all the remarkable qualities of a high-end professional instrument, evoking the enchanting sound of fine Italian old violins.