Gliga II Antique Violin Outfit - 1/8 Size Intermediate Handcrafted Quality & Expert Setup

The Gliga II Antique 1/8 is designed for the advancing younger student who has outgrown their entry-level instrument and is ready for a violin that rewards growing technique with genuine tonal expressiveness. Built to the same superior timber grading and craftsmanship standards as the full size Gliga II range, this 1/8 size instrument gives younger players access to the improved resonance, response and character of a mid-level instrument — at a size that fits their growing frame.

Handcrafted in Romania from independently graded superior tonewoods, the Gliga II Antique features tighter grain spruce and attractively flamed maple finished with a beautiful hand-applied antique oil varnish. The Pirastro Violino strings and quality Aubert bridge complete an instrument of genuine character and musical capability.

Angkor Music Workshop Setup

Every Gliga II Antique 1/8 at Angkor Music undergoes an expert workshop setup before it reaches you. This includes fitting the Aubert bridge, installing Pirastro Violino strings and precisely adjusting the Ebony Swiss-style pegs for smooth, reliable tuning. The Wittner Ultralight tailpiece with built-in adjusters is fitted as standard, making tuning straightforward and precise for a younger player. The instrument arrives ready to play — no further setup required.

Superior Tonewoods — Graded for the Advancing Student

The step up from Gliga III to Gliga II begins in the timber selection. All wood received into the Gliga workshop is independently graded and allocated to each craftsperson before building begins. Wood graded for Gliga II instruments shows tighter grain on the spruce top for better resonance, and the maple begins to exhibit attractive flame. These better grades of timber are allocated to Gliga's more experienced makers, who devote additional care to the carving and tuning of the plates.

The result is a noticeably more responsive and expressive instrument — one that gives the advancing student a new freedom of expression that entry level instruments simply cannot provide.

  • Tighter Grain Spruce Top: Tighter annual rings produce better resonance and a more complex tonal response — a direct acoustic benefit over the wider-grained timber used in entry level instruments.
  • Flamed Maple Back, Neck and Sides: The attractive flame indicates denser, more consistent wood structure that contributes to sustain and projection.
  • Hand Applied Antique Oil Varnish: Applied by hand following traditional methods, the antique finish enhances both the visual character and the acoustic resonance of the instrument.
  • Inlaid Purfling: Meticulously inlaid by hand — not painted — protecting the instrument and contributing to its refined appearance.
  • Stradivari Pattern: Built to the proportions of the world's most famous violin design, accurately scaled to 1/8 size.

Quality Fittings Throughout

The Gliga II Antique fittings reflect the advancing standard of its player — every component is a meaningful step up from entry level.

  • Ebony Swiss-style Pegs: Precisely adjusted for smooth, reliable tuning — a significant improvement over the basic pegs fitted to entry level instruments.
  • Ebony Fingerboard: Genuine ebony for long-lasting durability and a smooth, professional feel under the fingers.
  • Ebony Teka Chinrest: Comfortable, durable and elegantly finished.
  • Wittner Ultralight Tailpiece with Built-in Adjusters: The Wittner Ultralight is a premium tailpiece that provides fine tuning adjustment on all four strings — making precise tuning easy for a younger player and their parents.
  • Aubert No.5 Bridge: A quality bridge that contributes directly to the instrument's tone, response and projection.

Pirastro Violino Strings — A Meaningful Upgrade

The Pirastro Violino strings fitted as standard to the Gliga II Antique are specifically designed for advancing students. Known for their easy playability, the Violino allows players to begin exploring a wider range of tonal colour than entry level strings permit — supporting the development of bow technique, dynamic control and musical expression that marks the transition from beginner to advancing student.

Complete Intermediate Outfit

This violin is supplied as a complete outfit ready for lessons and performance.

  • FPS Brazilwood Bow with Ebony Frog and Horsehair: A reliable, quality student bow correctly sized for 1/8 violin — providing consistent response for the developing bow arm.
  • TG Oblong Hill Style Lightweight Case: A quality, well-structured case in the classic Hill style — protective and suitable for regular transport to lessons and rehearsals.
  • Pirastro Violino Strings: Fitted as standard — no need to immediately upgrade strings as with many outfits at this level.

Specifications

Model Gliga II Antique
Size 1/8
Recommended Age Approximately 4 to 6 years (advancing students)
Arm Length Guide 42 to 46cm (approx. 16 to 17 inches)
Top Material Solid Spruce (Tighter Grain)
Back, Neck & Sides Solid Flamed Maple
Varnish Hand Applied Antique Oil
Purfling Inlaid by Hand
Fingerboard Ebony
Pegs Ebony Swiss-style
Chinrest Ebony Teka
Tailpiece Wittner Ultralight with Built-in Adjusters (all 4 strings)
Bridge Aubert No.5
Strings Pirastro Violino
Bow FPS Brazilwood 1/8 with Ebony Frog and Horsehair
Case TG Oblong Hill Style Lightweight Case
Pattern Stradivari
Origin Handcrafted in Romania
SKU 81474

Please Note: As these instruments are handcrafted from natural wood, the colour, grain and flame pattern will vary slightly between individual violins, while maintaining the same high standard of quality.

Expert Advice at Angkor Music

At Angkor Music Melbourne, we work with advancing students, parents and violin teachers to find the right instrument for the next stage of the musical journey. The Gliga II Antique 1/8 is a meaningful step forward from an entry level outfit — if you are considering whether this is the right instrument for your student's current level, or whether the timing of the upgrade is right, our team is happy to advise. You are welcome to visit our Altona showroom to compare instruments in person.

★★★★★ 4.9 Stars — Read Our 1,500+ Google Reviews →

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of student is the Gliga II Antique 1/8 designed for?
The Gliga II Antique is designed for the advancing student who has progressed beyond their entry level instrument and is ready for a violin that responds to developing technique with greater tonal expressiveness. At 1/8 size this typically means a younger student aged approximately 4 to 6 who has been playing for one to two years and whose teacher has recommended an upgrade to support their continued development.

How does the Gliga II differ from the Gliga III at this size?
The key differences are in timber grading, craftsmanship and strings. Gliga II instruments use independently graded wood with tighter grain spruce and more pronounced maple flame — both of which contribute directly to better resonance and tonal complexity. They are made by more experienced Gliga craftspeople with additional time devoted to carving and tuning the plates. The Gliga II also includes Pirastro Violino strings rather than the Opal strings of the Gliga III — a meaningful tonal upgrade for the advancing student. The Wittner Ultralight tailpiece with built-in adjusters on all four strings is also a practical upgrade over the standard Gliga III tailpiece.

What are Pirastro Violino strings and why do they matter for this size?
Pirastro Violino strings are a synthetic core string designed specifically for advancing students. They offer significantly more tonal range and playability than entry level strings — allowing a developing player to begin exploring tone colour, dynamics and expression. Even at 1/8 size, the difference between quality strings and basic strings is clearly audible and clearly felt by both the student and their teacher.

What is the Wittner Ultralight tailpiece?
The Wittner Ultralight is a high quality composite tailpiece with built-in fine tuners on all four strings. This allows very precise tuning adjustments on every string — particularly important for younger students whose ears are still developing and who benefit from an instrument that can be tuned quickly and accurately before and during lessons. It is a significant practical advantage over tailpieces with adjusters on only one or two strings.

Is this suitable for a student following the Suzuki method?
Yes. The Gliga II Antique 1/8 is well suited to Suzuki students at this size who have progressed through the early books and are ready for an instrument that matches their developing musical ear and technique. Many Suzuki teachers specifically recommend upgrading to a Gliga II level instrument at this stage. We are happy to discuss suitability with your child's teacher if needed.

When should my child move up to the next size?
Most students move from 1/8 to 1/4 when their arm length reaches approximately 47cm or above, usually around age 6 to 7. We stock the Gliga II in larger sizes as well as the Gliga III range — so as your child grows they can continue at the same quality level. Contact us for advice on timing the transition.

Can I try this violin in person before purchasing?
Yes. You are welcome to visit our Altona Melbourne showroom. We recommend comparing the Gliga II Antique 1/8 alongside the Gliga III 1/8 in person to appreciate the tonal and playability difference — it is immediately noticeable and helps justify the upgrade decision for both parents and students.

★★★★★ 4.9 Stars — Over 1,500 Google Reviews →     ✓ Happy with your purchase? Leave us a review →

SKU 81474
Brand Gliga
Unit Of Measure ea

Be The First To Review This Product!

Help other Angkor Music users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.

Write a product review