Franz Hoffmann
Franz Hoffmann® Amadeus Violin
Sizes
REVIEW VIDEOS
Franz Hoffmann™ Amadeus Violin - Quality & Affordability for Beginning Players
Product Overview
This is a solid wood beginner violin designed specifically for students seeking quality sound and traditional craftsmanship at an accessible price point.
The Franz Hoffmann Amadeus Violin represents exceptional value for beginning violinists, combining solid tonal wood construction with professional-grade details like hand-carved bridges and genuine ebony fittings. As the entry point for the trusted Franz Hoffmann line, this instrument delivers warm, resonant tone quality that encourages practice and accelerates learning progress.
Ideal for elementary through middle school students, as well as any beginner, the Amadeus violin features a solid spruce top that projects sound beautifully in practice rooms and recital halls alike. Each violin is individually set up and inspected to ensure proper playability, making it an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and students seeking reliable performance without compromise.
Available in multiple sizes from full 4/4 down to 1/32, the Amadeus grows with young musicians throughout their learning journey. Backed by Shar Music's 30-day satisfaction guarantee and trusted by music educators nationwide.
Key Features
- Solid Spruce Top: Hand-selected solid spruce tonewood provides rich, resonant projection and improves with playing over time
- Genuine Ebony Fittings: Professional-grade ebony pegs, fingerboard, and chinrest ensure durability and smooth tuning stability
- Hand-Carved Bridge: Each bridge is individually carved and fitted to optimize string height and enhance tonal response
- Composite Tailpiece: Lightweight composite tailpiece with integrated fine tuners makes accurate tuning effortless for beginners
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Nitrocellulose Varnish: Heavy-duty nitrocellulose varnish creates an almost impermeable barrier to prevent scuffs, dents, and scratches
- Multiple Sizes Available: Complete size range from 4/4 (full size) to 1/32 ensures proper fit for students ages 4 and up
- Professionally Set Up: Each violin arrives fully adjusted and ready to play with proper string height and sound post placement
- Warm, Clear Tone: Balanced acoustic response across all four strings supports true musical expression from the first lesson
- 30-Day Guarantee: Risk-free trial period with full return privileges ensures complete satisfaction
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Franz Hoffmann |
| Model | Amadeus |
| Player Level | Beginner |
| Top Material | Solid Spruce |
| Back & Sides | Solid Maple |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Pegs | Ebony |
| Chinrest | Ebony |
| Tailpiece | Composite with four integrated fine tuners |
| Bridge | Hand-carved maple, individually fitted |
| Varnish | Nitrocellulose |
| Sizes Available | 1/32, 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4 (full size) |
Why Choose This Product?
- Trusted by Music Educators: Franz Hoffmann violins are recommended by teachers nationwide for their consistent quality and reliable performance in student hands.
- Real Solid Wood Construction: Unlike laminated beginner instruments, the Amadeus features solid tonal woods that produce a beautiful sound and actually improve with age.
- Professional Details at Entry-Level Pricing: Hand-carved bridges, genuine ebony fittings, and individual setup are typically found on instruments costing significantly more.
- Risk-Free Trial: Shar Music's 30-day guarantee lets students and families try the instrument at home with complete peace of mind.
- Grows With Your Student: Complete size range means you can stay with the trusted Franz Hoffmann quality as your child grows and progresses.
Care Instructions
- Wipe the violin after each playing session with a soft, dry cloth to remove rosin dust and perspiration
- Store in its case when not in use to protect from dust, bumps, and sudden changes in temperature or humidity
- Use a case blanket when stored in the case to prevent rosin from depositing on the instrument while it is stored
- Check the bridge occasionally and ensure it remains upright and properly positioned, especially after tuning
- Replace strings when needed, typically every 6–12 months depending on playing frequency and use
FAQ
Q: What size violin does my child need?
A: Violin sizing is generally based on arm length, not age. A teacher or luthier can measure from the neck to the center of the palm. Generally: 4/4 (ages 11+), 3/4 (ages 9-11), 1/2 (ages 6-10), 1/4 (ages 4-7), and smaller sizes for younger children. When in doubt, consult with your music teacher.
Size Selection Guide
| Size | Arm Length | Typical Age Range | Body Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 23" or more | Ages 11 to adult | 14" (356mm) |
| 3/4 | 20" - 22" | Ages 9-11 | 13.5" (343mm) |
| 1/2 | 18" - 20" | Ages 6-10 | 12.5" (318mm) |
| 1/4 | 15" - 17" | Ages 4-7 | 11.5" (292mm) |
| 1/8 | 13.5" - 15" | Ages 4-6 | 10.5" (267mm) |
| 1/10 | 12" - 13.5" | Ages 3-5 | 9.5" (241mm) |
| 1/16 | 11" or less | Ages 3-4 | 9" (229mm) |
How to Measure: Extend left arm straight out to the side. Measure from the base of the neck to the center of the palm. Round up if between sizes.
Q: Does this violin come with a bow and case?
A: This listing is for the violin instrument only. For a complete outfit including bow, case, rosin, and shoulder rest, please see the Franz Hoffmann Amadeus Violin Outfit or the Franz Hoffmann Amadeus Violin Deluxe Outfit.
Q: How does the Amadeus compare to the Franz Hoffmann Concert violin?
A: The Amadeus is an excellent entry-level instrument, while the Concert model offers enhanced tonal complexity and projection for advancing students. Both feature solid wood construction, but the Concert includes upgraded varnish and more selective wood grading.
Q: Is the violin ready to play when it arrives?
A: Yes! Every Franz Hoffmann violin is professionally set up at Shar Music's workshop, including bridge fitting, sound post adjustment, and string installation. Simply tune and play!
Q: What is your return policy?
A: Shar Music offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied, you can return the violin within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange.
Due to the handmade nature of these instruments, your violin may have a different visual appearance than what is pictured.
This item comes with Shar's 1 year warranty covering defects of workmanship or materials. General wear and tear or mis-use are not covered. Non-transferable.
30-Day No Hassle Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with this item for any reason, you may return it for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.
If you have any questions about this product's warranty or to make a return, please contact our Customer Service Department at 800.793.4334 or email us at cc@sharmusic.com
Franz Hoffmann®
You can hear the difference!
Beginnings are critical. That is why we are committed to offering the best student instruments to beginning players. We believe this commitment is why Hoffmann instruments have become so popular with teachers, schools, parents, and beginning students of all ages.
We designed Franz Hoffmann instruments to give you the absolute best student violins, violas, cellos, and basses available on the market today. The consistent quality in materials, construction, playability, tone, and visual appeal make them a great value for every beginning string student.
Working closely with workshops, we have carefully designed and crafted each Franz Hoffmann instrument to ensure our specifications are met. These instruments are then sent to our Ann Arbor workshop to receive final adjustments assuring easy playability and polished looks.










