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Howard Core

Core Select CS5500 "Ole Bull" Model Violin

$5,223.75

Secure Checkout

Pickup available at 2520 W Main St

Usually ready in 24 hours

14-day returns

Changed your mind? Return it undamaged within 14 days.

Fully insured shipping

Ships from Rapid City, SD. Free on orders over $100.

11,000+ five-star reviews on Reverb

Trusted by players nationwide since 1963.

Ships same or next day

Order confirmed fast. Tracking sent immediately.


This brand new Core Select violin will ship insured, fully set up, and inspected from Rapid City, SD.

Buy risk free with our 14 day - full refund, less shipping, return policy.  Check out our shop policies for more details.

The Core Select CS5500 "Ole Bull" Model Violin draws its inspiration from one of the most celebrated instruments ever created: The legendary 1744 Guarneri del Gesù known as the “Ole Bull.” Crafted during Guarneri’s final year and famously played by the renowned Norwegian virtuoso Ole Bull, the original violin became known for its remarkable combination of refined tonal elegance and boldly individual character. This modern interpretation honors both the master maker and the legendary performer who helped immortalize the instrument.

Built in a small boutique workshop by highly trained master makers, the CS5500 reflects a level of craftsmanship rarely found at its price point. Naturally air-dried Italian spruce and Bosnian maple, aged for a minimum of fifty years, are carefully selected and carved to capture the responsiveness, projection, and complexity associated with the finest historical instruments. The thoughtfully executed arching and graduation work produce a voice that is vibrant, flexible, and highly expressive, allowing the player to move effortlessly between delicate lyrical passages and commanding solo repertoire.

The result is an instrument that feels alive in the hands of the performer. Its lightning-fast response rewards nuanced bow technique, while its broad dynamic range and colorful tonal palette make it equally at home in the practice studio, chamber ensemble, orchestra section, or solo performance setting. Professionally adjusted by the maker and fitted with premium components including an Aubert DeLuxe bridge, boxwood fittings, and Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold strings, the Core Select CS5500 "Ole Bull" delivers boutique-level artistry and performance for serious advancing musicians and professionals alike.

Features / Specs

Highlights

  • Series: Core Select
  • Model: CS5500 "Ole Bull"
  • Instrument Type: Violin
  • Size: 4/4 Full Size
  • Orientation: Right-Handed

 

Body

  • Top Material: Naturally Aged Italian Spruce
  • Back/Sides Material: Naturally Aged Bosnian Maple
  • Body Finish: Hand-Applied Antiqued Varnish
  • Body Style: Guarneri del Gesù "Ole Bull" Pattern
  • Wood Aging: Minimum 50 Years Natural Air Drying
  • Arching: Hand-Carved Traditional Guarneri-Inspired Arching
  • Construction: Handcrafted Solid Tonewoods

 

Neck

  • Neck Material: Bosnian Maple
  • Neck Finish: Hand-Rubbed Varnish
  • Fingerboard Material: Ebony
  • Nut Material: Ebony
  • Neck Profile: Traditional Violin Profile
  • Scale Length: Standard 4/4 Violin Scale

 

Hardware

  • Bridge: Aubert DeLuxe, Maker Adjusted
  • Tailpiece: Boxwood
  • Chin Rest: Boxwood
  • Tuning Machines: Ebony Pegs
  • End Button: Boxwood
  • Hardware Finish: Natural Boxwood

 

Miscellaneous

  • Strings: Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold
  • Setup: Professionally Maker Adjusted
  • Inspired By: 1744 Guarneri del Gesù "Ole Bull"
  • Workshop Type: Small-Batch Master Workshop Production
CS5500-OLEBULL-ADJ

Customer reviews

11,000+ Five-Star Reviews On Reverb

What players say after the guitar arrives

“The guitar was well packed and is set up to my liking! I would definitely do business with this company again!”

Gerald K. – Jun 4th, 2026Reverb
Gibson ES-330

“This is a beautiful guitar…appreciate the free setup and quick ship! Would purchase from this seller again…THANKS!”

Guitar D. – Jun 4th, 2026Reverb
Yamaha RSS02T

“Thank you too for a wonderful experience and an amazing guitar. I appreciate the quick shipment and great customer service.”

Eddie R. – Jun 4th, 2026Reverb
Epiphone 1957 SJ-200

“Very fast shipping, arrived in perfect condition, extremely well set up, no adjustments needed at all! Plays and looks great, exactly as advertised.”

Duncan K. – Jun 3rd, 2026Reverb
PRS SE CE 24

“Fast shipping, and great communication from the seller. Pedal arrived quickly and was packaged really well. Would not hesitate to buy again.”

Mark G. – Jun 3rd, 2026Reverb
JHS The Clover Preamp

Very well packed! Would be happy to do business again! Thanks!

Mark B. – Jun 2nd, 2026Reverb
Stevens Steel Lap Steel Bar

“Another masterpiece from Taylor. Great service and communication from Haggerty’s crew. Thanks!!!”

James S. – Jun 2nd, 2026Reverb
Taylor Custom Shop C14ce

“Beautiful guitar, easy txn! Thank you so much! Looking forward to playing this guitar far into the future.”

Josh H. – May 31st, 2026Reverb
Powers Electric A-Type FF42

“Fast shipping, great pedal. Buy with confidence these guys are great to work with!”

Carter M. – May 30th, 2026Reverb
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“Great shop! Awesome price, super fast shipping, and great packaging of an awesome new pedal! Thanks!”

Craig C. – May 30th, 2026Reverb
JHS 3 Series

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you set up every guitar before it ships?

Yes. Every guitar that leaves our store has been professionally inspected, set up, and signed off by the technician who worked on it. You will find a signed checklist inside the box when your order arrives.

How accurate are your condition descriptions?

We treat condition grading as a contractual promise, not an approximation. When we list something as excellent, that reflects a specific, consistent standard we apply across every instrument. We encourage you to call us before purchasing if you want a detailed in-hand description of any specific guitar.

Can I call and speak to someone about a guitar before I buy?

Yes, and we encourage it. Our team are working musicians, not order-takers. Call us at 605-348-6737 and ask about any instrument in our inventory. We will physically pull it off the wall and describe it to you in detail.

What is your return policy?

We offer a 14-day return policy if you change your mind and the item is returned undamaged. You are responsible for return shipping costs.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. Financing options are available at checkout. Monthly payment options are designed to make high-ticket purchases more accessible without requiring full payment upfront.

How do you ship instruments?

Every instrument ships fully insured from our store in Rapid City, South Dakota. We offer free shipping on all website orders over $100. Guitars are packaged to survive transit, properly cased, braced, and protected.

Are you an authorized dealer?

Yes. We are an authorized dealer for Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Fender, and many other brands. We are currently the number one independent Taylor Guitars dealer in the world, an award we have received two years running for 2024 and 2025. We are also a Top 10 premium dealer for Martin, Gibson, and Fender.

Do you sell on Reverb and Amazon as well as your own site?

Yes. We are one of the top 15 resellers globally on Reverb, where we have accumulated over 11,000 five-star reviews. We are also one of the only independent premium dealers in the world authorized to sell Taylor and Martin on Amazon.

How long have you been in business?

Haggerty's Music has been open since 1963. Our store is located at 515 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, South Dakota.

Do you offer instrument repair?

Yes. Our certified technicians handle everything from routine setups to full restorations across fretted, orchestral, and band instruments. Our team holds certifications from Taylor Guitars, Yamaha, and other leading brands. Learn more HERE.

What brands do you carry?

Our core guitar brands include Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Fender, PRS, Epiphone, Suhr, Eastman, Gretsch, Luxxtone, Novo, Jackson, Charvel, Legator, and Yamaha among others. These are also the most searched brands on our site, so each has a dedicated collection page.

Do you offer music lessons?

Yes. We offer music lessons. You can find out more HERE.