@Strabo Remember, I am not an expert, but have tested a lot of violins, old and new. Usually they place you in a studio with great acoustics. They all sound great. When I get home, I am in my living room. They do not have the same sound qualities. I would suggest you do not try them in a studio that has been made for professionals who will play it in well made auditoriums. Ir you can test them on the store floor, go for it. Just my observation. 

That sound in the studio is great, but when you don't get that at home, you will be disappointed, or wonder why, blame your playing, etc. It is the fact that it was tested in a acoustically studio, not a place replicating where you will be playing, unless you have well made studio.

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What I noticed when I was searching out my violins is that the terms are actually relative to the person. What is bright to one might be considered on the warm side to another. But, it sure is a good place to start. What general overall sound are you looking for? I also consider what types of pieces I generally like. Personally, I always connect fiddle music to a brightish sounding violin, and classical to a warmer. I know you will be playing different types, but if a majority is fiddle, do you want a deep warm sounding violin? The same in reverse for classical music. You can still get the warm sound from a bright, or a bright from a warm, when needed, I believe, but for the most part, you want to match with what you play, if possible. I have heard different opinions in this. But, I thought I would throw it out there.

I have a violin made by my grandfather, I wrote about it a couple years ago. It has a wonderful sound. The antique music shop in Pennsylvania where I saw it advertised said it is a fine example of a fine American Folk Fiddle. I sounds great and I love playing it. I did notice that it does not have the lip around the top to keep chinrests from sliding off the cliff, 😂. It Isn't a problem. It was made in his living room, with tools he had and wood he could get, like they used to do. It is also so thick and heavy, but I think that is what gives it its wonderful sound. This is one of the wonderful things about an old instrument, the history, the fact they are, at times, made with what the person has on hand.

Do classical or pop ballad type songs sound nice in it? Yes, but they don't have the soulful depth they get from my warm violin. Fiddle music sounds great. I hit the jackpot with my Fiddlerman Lord Wilton violin. It sounds great no matter which type of music I am playing, after eliminating my bad playing, overall, all types seem to sound right. I might consider selling my warm violin and just keep the Fiddlerman and the one my grandfather made.

So, based on my own limited experience, I think sound and the type of music you will most often play, if there is a specific type you like to play, may be a factor to consider. If a person is all over the board with types of music, I think I would go more for a sound I like without regard to the sound wanted from a type of music. I hope this makes sense, Im had a shorter version, but could see a lot of comments coming about alternate sides I did not mention to keep it short.

Bring samples of different types of music you play with you, so that you can play them on the violins. Don't go by scales and exercises, alone.

Another thing to consider is the set up, sure it can be changed, but it isn't something I thought of while violin or viola testing. Early on, I remember trying one that had a nice sound, but just didn't feel right. I knew nothing about set up. It was hard to play, Even though I liked the sound, I put it aside because I found it harder to play, If I had said something, which I did not, they probably would have changed it up, as a different store did after I became more aware of setup and went "tasting" again, and spoke up.

Also, if you find one you really like, find out what strings are in it because that makes a difference, too. If you like one but want it to sound a little different, explain it, maybe they will try a different set of strings for you? 

I know you probably know all of this, but many guests reading, may not. 

As stated above, bring your bow, and maybe your rosin, or rosin before you bring it. 

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Mouse, you are so fortunate with your grandfather’s fiddle -- what a great story!

I treasure it.

I prioritize the sound under my ear over what someone else hears. Fiddle for me is a source of personal challenge and enjoyment, not a means to make my living. Some people need to be heard over a full orchestra, but that ain’t me. I’m free to do what makes me feel good. And if my fiddle gets overwhelmed sometimes by loud banjos or guitars, I guess I can live with that.

I completely agree.

I like warm tone over sharp. I’m a fan of the fiddle’s lower register as it complements the brighter treble sound. And I like how those lower frequencies make the entire instrument resonate. It is important, though, that the lower tones come through with definition. Maybe it’s a contradiction, but I think warm tone can be clear, not muddy.

You are so right.

I selected my last fiddle quickly, based largely on tone. That fiddle spoke to me, and continues to speak to me to this day. I’ll be happy if I can do as well this time around!

I am sure you will. Get whats is calling out to you. People have different needs and priorities when selecting one.

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Congratulations, @Strabo! I tend to agree, listening to others play them, really does not help me, but everyone is different.

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