I’m back with a fresh new list of fiddler and violinist gifts! I’ve personally tried and enjoyed everything on this list of my 11 favorite violin gift ideas.
Several of these are from small businesses (Yay! Let’s send some Holiday cash their way!), a few are from right here in The Hot Violinist shop, and some link to Amazon. (A portion of sales from Amazon links comes back to help support thehotviolinist.com! Thanks!)
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #1 – 5 Minute Journal
Okay, so this one is not violin-specific, but it’s about being happy and happy is HOT! There’s a page for each day, and it really does just take five minutes, and it really does make me a happier person. I use mine every day! (Almost…)
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA # 2 – Zafu
I love this small company and their meditation cushions! Practicing meditation helps me develop patience and observation skills which apply directly to my violin practice.
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #3 – Bridge and Cross Bows T-Shirt
By violin maker Andrew Caruthers. I’m so geeked about his entire line! Andy is a violin maker based in Santa Rosa CA, and he has started this fun line of violin related shirts. He cuts the designs into linoleum blocks using violin carving tools and hand prints each shirt. So cool…
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA # 4 – Boscia Charcoal Skin Care Kit
I make a lot of my skin care from stuff found in the kitchen, but this is one commercial product I really like. I totally believe in the magic powers of charcoal. It’s great for men or women because it smells good, not girly. My favorite is the cleanser, but the kit makes a fun gift.
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #5 – Bernadel Rosin
Okay, this is a repeat from last years list, but I had to post again because this rosin is the bees knees! A stocking stuffer for smooth full tone- yes!
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #6 – The Hotter Fiddle
I’m featuring this violin because one of my students, Gabs, recently traded in her “Hot Fiddle” beginner model as an upgrade for this one and it reminded me how sweet it is. She is an advancing student and within a couple weeks of getting her new violin, she just happened to land her first professional public gig. Part of it is because the great tone of this fiddle gives a huge confidence boost. This fiddle is equivalent to the violin I am playing in the original “Hot Violinist” video. The Hot Fiddle has a solid good tone, but this one takes it to the level of artistry.
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #7 – JonPaul Bravo Carbon Fiber Bow
I’ve always followed my teacher’s advice to have one wood bow and one carbon fiber bow always in your case. Carbon fiber acts the same no matter what the weather and sounds really good for the price. I was amazed when I first learned that the bow choice is just as important to the sound as the violin and sometimes more! I’ve had this exact bow in my case since around 2006 and sometimes I even choose it over my German-made wood bow that cost me $1600. This one sounds really darn good for under $300!
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #8 – Evah Pirazzi String Set
A luxurious treat! I don’t always use these strings because they are a little more pricey, but I treat myself to them every few string changes, and definitely go to them when it’s time to record. If you put these in your loved one’s stocking they will enjoy about 6 months or more of buttery smooth feel on their violin.
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #9 – D’Addario Helicore String Set
A nicely priced set of great strings! They are bright and responsive, especially good for fiddle music.
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #10 – First Learn to Practice
I consider this a must read for any musician! My mom plays guitar and sings (Janet Darlene Drew, check her out!) and she brought a copy when she came to visit a couple months ago. It has a lot of nuts and bolts tips for happy, fun, productive practicing.
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #11 – Hot Violinist Lessons
And don’t forget Hot Violinist lesson packages are completely giftable! Purchase any of the lesson packages in the Shop and I’ll send you a printable giftable voucher.
What are your ideas for gifts for violinists and fiddlers? Share them in the comments below!
Bookmarked the t-shirt website–for myself, Hee Hee
Please don’t forget Violin purses and gig bags. I designed them especially as string players gig bags. A number of professionals use them. See http://www.ViolettesbyBecky.com. Thanks so much!
Kinda cool that you took time to put these ideas together and sent them out to subscribers. I seen your version of the last of the mohicans on youtube and then watched your how to play it lessons. i got it!! I cant play the 5 note rolls as clean as i want yet but almost there. Thank you for your contribution to violin music. Always remember Mozart is magic, brahms is beautiful, fiddle music is fantastic but only BACH rocks. Wishing you all a merry christmas and A happy new year. Keep up the great vids
YES…..I want one of those T-shirts for camp next Summer. Thanks for posting all this. Fabulous.. as is your music and “giving” that you do.
Diane in SoCal
Ive actually heard a fair bit about the Jon Paul bows lately. Would you recommend them over the Codabows? i have been looking to get a new bow for a while now and am debating between the coda diamond NX or a Jon Paul bow. Perhaps the legacy model if not the bravo? My price range is around 350ish or so.
I personally like the Jon Paul Bravo better than the Legacy even though the Legacy costs more! I know Coda has some very nice bows, but the ones I liked by them are more in the $600 range. Perhaps Jon Paul has better quality for price because the name isn’t as recognizable as Coda.
Awesome. Thanks for the quick reply. I’ve been playing on a budget for 6 years since I was eighteen. Been using a nameless cf bow I got from my luthier for around $100 but its a bit heavy for a cf, and I’m looong overdue fore an upgrade. Ill have to see if i can find somewhere to demo a Bravo.
Your music is amazing by the way. Love your style! Most styles (like mine) tend to be a bit heavy and emotional, but yours is a refreshing change. Thanks again!