Ming-Jiang Zhu | Events

“China can now lay claim to producing a contemporary equivalent to the famed Stradivarius.” – Time Magazine.

Pretty heady stuff, especially when conventional wisdom says otherwise about Chinese-made instruments. But that does not apply to Ming-Jiang Zhu, two-time Gold Medal Winner and two-time Silver Medal Winner at the Violin Society of America (VSA) Competition (plus countless other international awards, nods, and accolades.) Instead, Zhu has been helping pioneer the change in prevailing attitudes towards the label Made in China with instruments that are “haunting and inspiring”. Made with delicate precision, Zhu and his instruments have taken center stage.

Zhu is considered one of the pre-emininent luthiers in the world today and his contribution to the art of violin making goes beyond just his own achievements. His craftmanship and skills have inspired and advocated the growth of quality violin-making in China. In fact, 5 out of the top 10 finalists at the 2008 VSA Competition were Chinese; Silver Medalist, Shao Chen, is his pupil. So it was with great privilege to welcome Mr. Zhu to Antonio Strad Violin on November 12, 2008, for an exhibit of his full line of violin, violas, cellos, and bench instruments.

On-hand to demonstrate the instruments was violin Phenom, Ms. Nancy Zhou, who enjoyed the high playability of his violin and large, booming bottom and sweet yet penetrating top; all this even before breaking-in!

Ming-Jiang Zhu is a world-class Luthier with over 20 international awards to his name, including two gold medals at the Violin Society of America’s  bi-annual competition  He specializes in making Strad copies with beautiful Italian details. Over the year we have been proudly representing the Ming-Jiang Zhu line showcasing all of his offerings.

All the tone wood used in his instruments are well-seasoned with highly flamed Maple and evenly grained Spruce.  He creates an oil antique finish by hand.  After playing his violins for the first time, you will be amazed  by the even and powerful sound they produce even before “breaking in”.  The tone has the quality of violins selling for twice as much.