Our Motto: Really good instruments at an affordable price !
Give us a call: +49 -(0)69- 75089737 (Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. CET Berlin)
Or inquire via email: >>> the.violinproject@yahoo.de <<<proudly presents
Master-Crafted Violins by Bai Li-Xing
Right-click on the "" icon to download the music samples of the individual instruments!
Please note: When you play the sound samples, don't use the QuickTime player embedded in many browsers. Routinely,
this software delivers the worst audio performance imaginable. Better right-click on the link, download the sound file
and play it with Windows Media Player or VLC - or better yet, play them through your quality home stereo !!!
- purely, individually and entirely master-crafted hand-made instruments
- guaranteed: Made entirely by Master Bai Li-Xing without outside assistance (see detailed photos)
- crystal-clear, powerful sound - worlds ahead for clarity!
- different models and combinations of varnishes/parts available (see below)
- every single instrument is a unique piece of art and craftsmanship
- Labeled with model name, year, number and Master Bai's signature
VIDEO: Bai Li-Xing Violin played in a Vivaldi quintet
(Violin II, see above) - just click on the photo!
Released by kind permission (mpg, 25MB)
What our customers say:
"I am very happy with the service you provide and the quality of the instrument.
It's responsive, sounds clean, projects well and has a tone core that is very colorful and flexible." +"The violin is opening up wonderfully. I took it to our master luthier in the area who makes his own
Douglas B.*, Greensburg/PA (21/10/2010), über "Bai Li Xing ex-Kochanski Copy" Bosnian wood)
very fine instruments. He was very impressed with the workmanship and said that
Bai was a fine and excellent maker. He thought the sound was remarkable, even more so
considering the reasonable price! […] I'm so happy with the instrument, it's really wonderful!"
"I have been playing my violin for two months now. I just wanted to let you know, very briefly, about my experience
with the new instrument. Let me tell you right away that I'm still completely satisfied with the purchase.
All my music-making friends have assured me that it sounds wonderfully. Personally, I think it is beautifully
balanced from the lowest to the highest registers. There are no "sound gaps", throughtout the tone is full
of substance, powerful and clear, and never ever edgy nor unpleasant. What excites me most of all is how quickly it
responds to the bow pressure; it is incredibly easy to play - which is especially important in quick passages of the
music. Without a doubt, I could never have found an even remotely competetive instrument at this price!"
Helmut P.*, Steinen (03/08/2010), on "Bai Li Xing Stradivari 1715 Copy" Bosnian wood)
"Terrific-sounding instrument"
Anke S.*, Wernigerode (01/19/2010), on "Bai Li Xing Stradivari 1715 Copy" Bosnian wood)
"Let me thank you first of all for the customer-friendly handling. I am completely happy even
with the sound of the still-new violin. My violin teacher is very happy, too. When he test-played my
new Bai violin he didn't want to put it down again!"
Renate K.*, Konzell (11/10/09, on "Bai Li Xing Stradivari 1715 Copy" Chinese wood, antiqued varnish)
"Only two days after the purchase I notice, every time I'm playing my new violin, that I feel completely at ease.
The instrument has exactly the character and sound I require, even if I myself couldn't have put those
requirements into words before. Now I'd say that the violin is beautifully balanced across the entire GDAE range,
has a full and well-rounded tone and just the right degree of "warmth". Exactly what the doctor prescribed..."
Lars W.*, Berlin (31/10/09, on "Bai Li Xing Stradivari 1715 Copy" Chinese wood, traditional varnish)
In extending our range of high-quality Chinese string instruments - suitable for hobby and professional players alike,
the violin project proudly presents you with violins made by the experienced Beijing-based luthier Bai Li-Xing.
Master Bai has been making instruments for professional use in his own workshop at the Beijing Opera House
for more than three decades. His mature violins possess their own unique character,
both tonally and in terms of design and general craftsmanship.
The sound of Master Bai's instruments is distinguished by their great clarity. In fact, you can hear every little detail
of your own playing - a trademark of fine, professional-level instruments. The clarity is a benefit to the seasoned
pro player as much as it is for the advancing student - because you get to hear your mistakes, too. ;=)
Other tonal features of Master Bai's violins are a powerful, beautifully balanced sound across the entire range
and an easy, immediate response. Both qualities will appeal especially to the capable amateur musician, who needs
an evenly balanced and responsive violin. The pro player will get an extra ounce of power and character out of these beautiful instruments - and we won't work as hard as often has to on old, sometimes "temperamental" violins.
Most importantly, the superb balance of sound is there from the very beginning!
As you can see from the pictures below, the great tonal clarity of Master Bai's violins is reflected in a stark,
unostentatious beauty of craftsmanship. No pointless flourishes but a cleanly edged style -
these are violins that tell you: Give me your best shot! The carefully hand-applied varnish is based
on Master Bai's own "recipe", which he tried and tested over and over for many years.
His varnish materials he buys from traditional suppliers in Germany.
All too often, modern violin makers build their instruments so they project a large sound in the beginning -
but then they disintegrate very quickly, because the top and back have been carved out too much.
Violins like those won't stand the test of time. In contrast, Master Bai's craftsmanship is evidenced by its solid,
firm and clean construction - his violins are guaranteed to flower with time, evolve and further solidify in sound.
They're great in the beginning, too, but will honor a firm and steady hand for many, many years to come.
Testimony after testimony from Master Bai's former customers prove that his instruments have great, enduring potential. These really are violins made to last a lifetime!
Many modern luthiers also cheapen their art by letting others do the "ground work" - sometimes all that
these "masters" do is varnish and set-up a white box they bought from another violin maker, even a factory.
These then become "master-crafted" instruments - but in name only.
Master Bai builds every instrument with his own hands, without outside assistance, beginning with the
raw pieces of high-quality, carefully seasoned tonewood from China or Europe which he carefully picks
from among thousands of pieces available. These are real master-crafted violins of the kind that,
if made the same way in Germany or Italy, would cost several times as much. Unlike any other luthier we know
he documents every step of his work meticulously in pictures, some of which you will find below.
Master Bai is a scrupulous and honest craftsman of great integrity,
the kind of which has become rare in modern times.
Only at our shop you can buy your instrument from a representative selection of Master Bai's work -
without having to wait for months, and with different models - and different sounds - to chose from.
Every single one of Master Bai's violins possesses its own unique qualities -
you can come to our place (upon appointment) and pick your Bai violin!
And all this for the same price (incl. customs tariffs & tax) that you'd have to pay if your order from Master Bai directly!
Give us a call: +49 -(0)69- 75089737 (Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. CET Berlin)
Or inquire via email: >>> the.violinproject@yahoo.de <<<
You can also buy a fine violin bow and
case from our shop to complete your "master outfit"
But even if you don't need to buy a new case, you will receive a simple violin-shaped foam-shell case
for free(!) with your Bai instrument. We won't let your precious new violin get hurt. ;=)
I, Bai LiXing, was born in 1950 and have been fascinated with musical instruments and their making since early childhood, especially in the violin. At the age of 20, I began my apprenticeship under a famous violin maker in China. Now, I have worked in the China National Opera House for many years, and enjoy regular opportunities to study many outstanding examples of the luthier's art. I also have regular opportunities to probe into the techniques and requirements of sound production with contemporary violinists. Thus, I obtain violin making inspiration among them. Having hand-crafted hundreds of violins, violas, cellos, and double bass' for over 30 years, my technique is now exquisite, and the sound of my instruments is pure and powerful. I am one of very few genuine luthiers China.
I craft instruments with either a traditional or an antique finish. Though I use modern, updated tools for making, I adhere strictly to traditional Cremonese methods, inheriting the classical luthiers' experience. I sound the instrument to transfer its "feel", and my experience allows me to accurately gauge the wood and refine each gradation. Thus, by utilizing traditional technique and modern scientific findings in synthesis, a superior sound and performance arises that echoes that of antigue works. It is one favoured by most players.
The woods I use are brilliantly flamed maple from Sichuan Province for the back, air-dried for over 15 years [Upon inquiry, Master Bai assured us that as of today, he is using Chinese woods seasoned for at least 30 years!]. For the top, I select from the spruce forests of Himalaya and Xinjiang's Altai mountains, also air-dried for over 15 years. The material is excellent, neither too hard nor too soft, with an elasticity admirably suited to creating a resonant instrument. The finished work often results in a maple back striped like a tiger, and a spruce top of fine even grain. I have personally selected all the materials with great discrimination, often just one from every hundred, then left them to dry for 15 years. As an alternative, you may select European (Bosnian) maple for the back which is more than 20 years old, or aged spruce that is more than 100 years old.
I also offer a selection of varnishes to suit your preferences, all
of which are aesthetically elegant and tastefully applied.
Whether you are an aspiring soloist, professional ensemble member, renowned teacher, or rising student, I can create an instrument to satisfy and exceed your requirements. Please browse at your leisure, share with me what you are looking for in an instrument, and I do hope you'll consider being one of my many customers from all around the world.Bai Li-Xing, violin maker, BeijingBai Li Xing - The Violins
The Models for Bai Li-Xing's Violins
Guarneri Del Gesù 1741 "ex-Kochanski, ex-Rosand" - Joseph Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri (1698-1744) has long been considered the outstanding violin maker of the Guarneri family. He owes his nickname "Del Gesù" to the label "I.E.S.", which you will find inside his violins - it is Latin for "Iesus Hominum Salvator" (Jesus, the Saviour of Men) - this kind of designation was entirely typical among Jesuites in 17th century Italy. Like almost all of Del Gesù's finest specimen, the violin that has come to be known as the "Kochanski" was made very late in his career, approx. three years before his death. In 1924, the
violinist Paul Kochanski acquired the instrument and played it until the end of his professional career. It was later sold to the famous American
virtuoso Aaron Rosand (*1927), who continued to perform on it for more than five decades until the autumn of 2009, when he sold it to a Russisan billionaire for more than USD 10 million, the highest amount ever paid for a vintage violin.
Guarneri Del Gesù 1742 "Lord Wilton" - In 1887 it was Seymour John Grey Egerton, fourth Lord of Wilton and a keen amateur violinist, who purchased this Del Gesù violin, which has since been known as the "(ex-)Lord Wilton". Later, it was owned for a number of years by the London-based violin seller W.E.Hill & Sons before it finally went to the international star violinist Sir Yehudi Menuhin (1916-1999), who played it professionally for more than two decades. This particular violin is characterized by its obviously asymmetrical f-holes, and the special sound quality of the original has sometimes been attributed to this feature. It is not quite clear whether Del Gesù did this deliberately, or simply because he was more or less completely blotto all day every day at the time.
Be that as it may, the "Lord Wilton" has become one of the most celebrated (and, thus, most often copied) of Del Gesù's many violins.
Stradivari 1715 "The Cremonese"/"ex-Joachim" - This fiddle, made during the so-called "golden era" in the career of Antonio Stradivari, is among the most frequently copied of instruments made by the Cremonese master - especially ever since Stradivari has become so wildly popular as a role model for violin makers from the 19th century onwards. The original was played by, among others, the famous Austrian virtuoso of the 1800s, Joseph Joachim, a close friend of Robert Schumann's and of Brahms'. Since 1961, the violin can be seen at the Municipal Museum of Cremona (hence its nick).
Pietro Guarneri of Mantua 1704* "ex-Marquis de Sers" (custom-made for "the violin project"!) - Pietro (Giovanni) Guarneri (1655-1720), eldest son of Andrea Guarneri and uncle to J.B. Giuseppe Guarneri's ("Del Gesù"), was trained at his father's workshop in Cremona but moved to the city of Mantua as early as 1679. There, he worked not only as a violin maker but also as a professional fiddler and viola player in the Count of Mantua's orchestra, which is certainly the reason why he created relatively few instruments. In his career, he focused almost exclusively on violins - today we know only of one cello, and no violas at all. Pietro's mature violins possess an elegance and technical virtuosity rarely found among makers of the Guarneri dynasty. The latest recorded owner of the "ex-Marquis de Sers", which was either made in 1704, or 1708, or 1714 (researchers disagree on the exact time) was Erich Gruenberg, former concertmaster of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, who purchased the violin in 1994. With its slender body, narrow shoulders. and short, rounded f-holes the original violin is clearly modeled on the instruments of Nicolò Amati, who at the time was regarded as the greatest of all violin makers.
Please note: When you play the sound samples, don't use the QuickTime player embedded in many browsers. Routinely,
this software delivers the worst audio performance imaginable. Better right-click on the link, download the sound file
and play it with Windows Media Player or VLC - or better yet, play them through your quality home stereo !!!
Also, please be aware that the colour temperature and level of brightness of the individual images on this page
can vary wildly due to different LCD/LED panels, graphics interfaces or even browsers. If you are unsure about the
exact colour or brightness of varnish of the instrument you require, please feel free to >>> contact us! <<<Bai Li Xing No. 328 
Copy of Guarneri Del Gesù 1741, "ex-Kochanski / ex-Rosand"
Price € 2,400,- (instrument-only, plus shipping & handling)
Woods: selected Himalayan spruce (aged 30+ years) /
selected Sichuan mountain forest maple (aged 30+ years), one-piece back!
Parts: high-grade boxwood, fine Indonesian ebony fingerboard
Varnish: antiqued, yellowish brown oil varnish
Strings: Thomastik "Dominant" (high-grade nylon strings, medium tension)
moderately antiqued and lightly shaded varnish - broad flame - evenly textured spruce
warm, powerful sound with a sweet e-string and a focused g-stringadditional images: 
Sound sample - right-click to download
>>> Dynamic spectrum <<<Bai Li Xing No. 331 
Copy of Antonio Stradivari 1715, "The Cremonese / ex-Joachim"
Price € 2,900,- (instrument-only, plus shipping & handling)
Woods: selected Bosnian "AAAA"-quality spruce (aged 20+ years) /
selected Bosian "AAAA"-quality maple (aged 20+ years), two-piece back!
Parts: high-grade boxwood parts, fine Indonesian ebony fingerboard
Varnish: antiqued, medium brown oil varnish
Strings: Thomastik "Dominant" (high-grade nylon strings, medium tension)
narrowly, evenly textured spruce - well-flamed maple - slightly shaded varnish
open, focused and brilliant soundweitere Photos 
Sound sample - right-click to download
>>> Dynamic Spectrum <<<Bai Li Xing No. 335 
Copy of Pietro Guarneri of Mantua 1704, "ex-Marquis de Sers"
*** Model custom-made for "the violin project" ***
Price € 2,400,- (instrument-only, plus shipping & handling)
Woods: selected Himalayan spruce (aged 30+ years) /
selected Sichuan mountain forest maple (aged 30+ years)
Parts: made of high-grade Indonesian ebony
Varnish: antiqued, reddish brown oil varnish
Strings: Pirastro "Evah Pirazzi" (high-grade nylon strings, medium tension)
narrowly, evenly textured spruce - broadly flamed maple - shaded varnish
compact, evenly balanced and open sound, very open e-string alreadyadditional images: 
Sound sample - right-click to download
>>> Dynamic spectrum <<<Bai Li Xing No. 336 
Copy of Pietro Guarneri of Mantua 1704, "ex-Marquis de Sers"
*** Model custom-made for "the violin project" ***
Price € 2,400,- (instrument-only, plus shipping & handling)
Woods: selected Himalayan spruce (aged 30+ years) /
selected Sichuan mountain forest maple (aged 30+ years)
Parts: high-grade boxwood parts, fine Indonesian ebony fingerboard
Varnish: antiqued, reddish brown oil varnish
Strings: Pirastro "Evah Pirazzi" (high-grade nylon strings, medium tension)
narrowly, evenly textured spruce - broadly flamed maple - shaded varnish
evenly balanced, compact soundadditional images: 
Sound sample - right-click to download
>>> Dyanmic spectrum <<<Bai Li Xing No. 338 
*** sold ***additional images: 
Sound sample - right-click to download
>>> Dynamic spectrum <<<Bai Li Xing No. 340 
*** sold ***additional images: 
Sound sample - right-click to download
>>> Dynamic spectrum <<<Bai Li Xing No. 349 *new* 
*** sold ***additional images 
Bai Li Xing No. 351 *new* 
Copy of Antonio Stradivari 1715, "The Cremonese / ex-Joachim"
Price € 2,400,- (instrument-only, plus shipping & handling)
Woods: selected Himalayan spruce top (aged 30+ years) /
selected Sichuan mountain forest maple (aged 30+ years), two-piece back
Parts: high-grade Indonesian ebony parts
Varnish: mildly antiqued, reddish brown oil varnish
Strings: D'Addario Kaplan E, Pirastro "Evah Pirazzi" (medium)
narrowly textured spruce top - densely and strongly flamed back
open and brilliant sound, good balance even when new, silvery e-stringadditional images 
Sound samples - right-click to downloadBai Li Xing No. 354 *new* 
Copy of Pietro Guarneri of Mantua 1704, "ex-Marquis de Sers"
*** Model custom-made for "the violin project" ***
Price € 2,500,- (instrument-only, plus shipping & handling)
Woods: selected Himalayan spruce (aged 30+ years) /
selected Sichuan mountain forest maple (aged 30+ years)
Parts: made of high-grade Indonesian ebony
Varnish: mildly antiqued, darker brown oil varnish
Strings: Pirastro "Wondertone Solo" (medium)
narrowly, evenly textured spruce - broadly flamed maple
compact and open sound with good projection, nice upper registers, even balanceadditional images 
Sound sample - right-click to downloadBai Li Xing No. 350 *new* 
Copy of Antonio Stradivari 1715, "The Cremonese / ex-Joachim"
Price € 2,400,- (instrument-only, plus shipping & handling)
Woods: selected Himalayan spruce top (aged 30+ years) /
selected Sichuan mountain forest maple (aged 30+ years), two-piece back
Parts: high-grade Indonesian ebony parts
Varnish: mildly antiqued, reddish brown oil varnish
Strings: Pirastro "Wondertone Solo" (medium)
brilliant and colorful sound, open e-string, good power and projectionadditional images 
Sound sample - right-click to downloadBai Li Xing No. 352 *new* 
Copy of Antonio Stradivari 1715, "The Cremonese / ex-Joachim"
Price € 2,400,- (instrument-only, plus shipping & handling)
Woods: selected Himalayan spruce top (aged 30+ years) /
selected Sichuan mountain forest maple (aged 30+ years), two-piece back
Parts: high-grade Indonesian ebony parts
Varnish: mildly antiqued, reddish brown oil varnish
Strings: Thomastik "Dominant" (high-grade nylon strings, medium tension)
narrowly textured spruce top - broadly flamed back
focused, open and brilliant sound, even balance, good projection and poweradditional images 
Sound sample - right-click to download
*sold* violins by Bai Li-Xing:
future instruments (from fourth quarter, 2011):
(Customer from Fife, United Kingon, 2008, on his "Master Bai Del Gesù Lord Wilton")
"In every phase of construction, starting with the choice of wood and ending with the finished instrument, i have been kept up to date by e-mail and pictures, so that i have a complete documentation of the making process for my own.
Today, holding the instrument in my arms, it's funny to see, what has been come up into being out of some parts of raw wood. It was possible to discuss every detail during making and i've also got suggestions for a better solution than in my proposition. Mr. Bai is a very experienced maker and you can trust him for hundred percent. He really knows what he is talking about. Since some weeks i'm trying out my new instrument and up to now i can say that it is an instrument with a big projective sound, a bit dark and rich but not dull on the lower strings and on the upper strings it has a full nasal sound, exactly as required and desired. Also in the upper positions it sounds clear and never hollow. The instrument is very even on all strings and has a beautiful response. Playing piano you get response with a minimum of bow pressure and with a forte you could fill a concert hall. The instrument has been shown to a local master luthier and he stated that i have acquired an example of an instrument which is on a very high level of craftsmanship. This makes me very proud."
(Customer from Munich, Germany, 2008, on his "Master Bai Viola after G.B. Guadagnini")
"The violin you made for me is simply beautiful. Your workmanship and artistry is perfect. The sound of the violin is brilliant. Very focused and with a lovely sweet tone. I am so pleased with my decision to commission a violin from you.
Your regular email updates and pictures allowed me to "watch" my violin being made and then being able to meet you and pick it up while travelling in your incredible country makes the violin extra special. It is a work of art that I shall always cherish. I know that I have invested in an instrument that was lovingly handcrafted and the quality of the sound is equal to that of other more expensive violins I have played on."
(Customer from Toronto, Canada, 2008, on his "Master Bai Del Gesù Lord Wilton")
" I contracted Mr Bai Li Xing to make me a violin in January 2006. It was finished in August 2006. I happened to be in Beijing during August to adopt a little girl (Halle) and had the great pleasure of meeting Mr. Xing and taking delivery of my new violin. I was in awe. The violin was beautifully made and the sound was exceptional. A true God-given tallent Mr. Xing possesses. When I returned home I had My sons violin teacher examine the violin and he was impressed with the warm, bright sound it exhibited as well as the easy playability. I also had a friend who has been making violins for 40 years for the Charlotte Symphony (who's violins start at $12,000) and he was equally empressed with the workmanship, playability, and sound. I will order 2 more violins in the future for "my little violin players in the making" and will hope they will enjoy them for a lifetime Thank you Mr. Bai Li Xing for creating such a wonderful instrument. I look forward to doing business with you in the near future. God bless you."
(Customer from Charlotte N.C., United States, 2006, on his "Master Bai Stradivari 1715")
"The detailed work is very impressive, the violin has a very pleasant look, the antique technique is never overridden, it is kept in a modest and natural way which I am very happy with. The sound from this instrument is clear and rich, it is extravert, with overtones and response which is very much appreciated when playing. It is good and smooth to hold
and play, and my youngest daughter plays it with great enthusiasm. The fittings are of top quality,
choice of strings seems also to be very good."
(Customer from Sola, Norway, 2004, on his "Master Bai Stradivari 1715")
"His dedication to perfection is apparent in their construction, the superb quality of the violins an indication of his artistry. The dynamics of Bai Li Xing Violins feature clear high and rich low tones. Each violin has a sweet mellow timbre giving it a full and sonorous quality. As well, the four strings sound clear, strong and unobstructed.
The Bai Li Xing violins can be held and played with comfort. Undoubtedly these violins reflect a high standard of craftsmanship that will be appreciated by the professional musician."
(Cao Huan, former concertmaster at the Beijing National Opera, 1993)for the violin project
>>> Fred Günther <<<
Frankfurt Municipal Opera Orchestra
*** artistic advisor to the violin project ***
