Our top student violin, the Bistrita is Bulgarian with a flamed maple two-piece back, solid two-piece spruce top, maple sides and inlaid purfling. The Bistrita is made according to the Guarneri pattern that is preferred by many string players in that it is slightly smaller than the Stradivari pattern. The Nicolae Bistrita outfit also includes pernambuco or carbon fiber bow, an oblong case and is available in all sizes.