Ifshin Violins is proud to offer our Jay Haide line of violins, violas, cellos & basses.
Ifshin Violins was founded in 1981 in Berkeley, CA, establishing a workshop to craft fine string instruments based on the model of the great French workshops of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Like other violin shops, we were buying new violins from a variety of sources and felt we could produce higher quality instruments ourselves offered at reasonable prices. Out of this idea, the “Jay Haide” line was born. “Jay Haide” violins, violas, cellos, and basses have become a far greater success than we ever anticipated. Today they are sold through select violin shops all over the world, making the joys of playing a well made stringed instrument more accessible.
Jay Haide instruments are hand-made of quality seasoned maple and spruce and have a tone quality and workmanship normally found in more expensive instruments.
Our Models
Violins, violas and cellos are available in four models. The Model 101, 104, is an excellent choice for beginning players. The Model 104 would be an excellent choice for the intermediate player. The à l'ancienne and à l'ancienne European wood models are made by more senior violin makers with finer quality aged wood for musicians requiring the best tone quality.
101 & 104 Models: These violins are a great choice for the beginning or intermediate student. Since 1992, the Jay Haide 101 has been our most popular model, both for students and as second or "picnic" violins for the more advanced player. Attractively priced, these instruments offer real value for the money. They are beautifully made and have a lovely uniform golden red varnish similar to some of the contemporary Cremona makers. The Model 104 would also be a good choice for a "second" or "picnic" violin. For the advancing musician, the model 104 was created using beautifully flamed aged maple and an attractively shaded golden orange varnish of a softer texture. The tone is full and warm. Our Jay Haide 101 and 104 models are fully handmade and represent an excellent value for a beginners, promising students, and intermediate players.
L'ancienne Models: The Jay Haide à l'ancienne violins, violas, cellos and basses are brought to you after years of development with the collaboration of master European luthiers known for their fine varnish technique. 
The varnish is a new formulation, carefully applied and beautifully antiqued giving each instrument the patina of age, so desired by both musicians and connoisseurs. And, they are as beautiful tonally as they are visually. The Jay Haide à l'ancienne has been designed for the advanced student and professional who needs an instrument that will complement and enhance their artistic style.
The latest reproduction in the distinguished Jay Haide à l'ancienne series of fine violins is a copy of a fine Tommaso Balestrieri from the Ifshin Collection. In this marvelous reproduction we have endeavored to copy every feature and nuance of the original, from the characteristic f-holes to the arching, scroll and even the wear patterns of the varnish. Tommaso Balestrieri worked from about 1720 to 1772 in both Cremona and Mantua and is considered one of the finest Italian makers of the Golden Era. The Balestrieri model joins our Guarneri, Guadagnini and Strad models.
Ifshin Violins offers an authentic Maggini model viola that perfectly recreates the dark, rich tone of the Old Brescian Masters. It is available in the straight finish and the à l'ancienne model with its imitation-old varnish where all the marks of age and wear are skillfully reproduced. These superb instruments are available in body lengths from 15 1/2" to 16 3/4" and each one features the characteristic Maggini f-holes, double lines of top and back purfling and above all the legendary Brescian tone that is so desired by professionals for solo, quartet and orchestra work.
Bass Models: Our line of Jay Haide professional quality string basses offer what we believe to be the greatest value to be found anywhere. Available in limited supply, they are offered at a surprisingly affordable price. They are fully carved and graduated solid wood basses with highly flamed tonewoods and a lovely translucent varnish, available in either straight or imitation-old finish. The two models available include a modern French style with narrow, sloping shoulders and a full lower bout, and the classical Italian model with full upper and lower bouts. Both models are set up to exacting professional standards to ensure a full tone and easy response. Beauty, tone and dependability are notable features of every Jay Haide string bass.
Baroque Models: To meet the needs of musicians performing early music, we offer the Jay Haide à l'ancienne Baroque violins, violas, and cellos including piccolo cellos. These instruments are handcrafted and set up to exact Baroque specifications providing the musician an opportunity to own a fine Baroque instrument at a reasonable price. We feel sure that our Jay Haide Baroque line will be popular with professional Baroque musicians as well as any musician who wants to experience the joy of playing the music of Bach, Vivaldi and Handel as it was originally performed.
A musician who purchases a Jay Haide from us will be owning an instrument set up to the highest professional standards by our luthiers here at Ifshin Violins.
Smaller Sizes: The model 101 violin is available in sizes from 1/8 to full. The model 101 viola is available in sizes starting at 12". The model 101 cello is available in sizes from 1/4 to full. Please call for availability in small sizes of viola and cello.
We also now have fractional violin sizes (3/4 - 1/8) available in our à l'ancienne model and 3/4 and 7/8th 104 model violins. Please call or email for availability, as quantities are limited.
Violins
Model 101: 4/4 - 7/8 sizes: $899.00
Model 101: 3/4 - 1/8 sizes: $825.00
Model 104: 4/4 - 7/8 sizes: $1,300.00
Model 104: 3/4 - 1/4 sizes: $1,250.00
à l'ancienne 4/4 - 7/8 size: $2,499.00
à l'ancienne 3/4 - 1/8 size: $1,735.00
à l'ancienne "Statue" light flamed European wood (4/4 - 7/8 size): $2,895.00
à l'ancienne "Statue" light flamed European wood (3/4 - 1/2 size): $1,975.00
à l'ancienne European wood (4/4 - 7/8 size): $3,500.00
à l'ancienne European wood (3/4 - 1/4 size): $2,495.00
à l'ancienne European wood Vuillaume model: $3,995.00
à l'ancienne Baroque: $2,599.00
Violas
Model 101: $1,085.00
Model 104 $1,895.00
à l'ancienne $3,350.00
à l'ancienne "Maggini" $3,550.00
à l'ancienne "Statue" European wood $3,645.00
à l'ancienne "Statue" European wood "Maggini" or "Bajoni" $3,850.00
à l'ancienne European wood $4,250.00
à l'ancienne European wood - "Maggini" or "Bajoni" $4,475.00
Cellos
J.H. $2,095.00
Model 101 3/4 - 1/8 sizes: $2,300.00
Model 101 4/4 size: $3,095.00
Model 104 (3/4 - 4/4 size): $3,800.00
à l'ancienne 1/4-3/4 size: $3,995.00
à l'ancienne 4/4 size: $5,200.00
à l'ancienne "Statue" 4/4 size: $5,995.00
l'ancienne European wood 7/8th and 4/4 size: $6,995.00
Vuillaume Model with European wood (4/4 size only): $9,650.00
Basses
We have a are very limited number of Jay Haide basses at $7,975 to $11,000.
Looking for more info?
You may visit the Jay Haide website to learn more or find a dealer near you.