Weight
86.5g
Thickness
5.3mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
156x149
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Violin
Nittaku Violin is a 5-ply all-wood table tennis blade celebrated for its masterful craftsmanship and unique construction inspired by string instrument making. This design philosophy preserves the wood's natural elasticity, delivering a distinctive soft feel and outstanding control. Crafted in Japan, it acts as a finely tuned instrument for offensive players who value natural ball contact and precise execution. The blade excels for players operating close to mid-distance, offering superb spin generation, powerful looping, and controlled attacks, making it a versatile choice for various playing styles.
Nittaku Violin features a 5-ply all-wood construction, with Kiri as the core and White Ash for the outer plies. This combination, along with Nittaku's special binding technique inspired by string instrument manufacturing, aims to preserve natural wood elasticity, resulting in a soft feel and good control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Nittaku Violin is considered a mid-slow to OFF- blade. It offers good speed for its class, particularly effective for close-to-mid distance play and looping, but it isn't a top-tier speed blade. The speed is well-balanced with control, making it ideal for players who rely on spin and precise placement rather than pure power.
Violin excels in control thanks to its soft feel, flexibility, and long dwell time. This allows players to execute precise shots, engage in effective short game exchanges, and generate high amounts of spin with confidence. Even when paired with harder rubbers, the blade maintains a high level of control.
The blade offers a very soft and elastic feel with significant dwell time. This natural wood sensation is a hallmark, allowing players to deeply sense the ball and fine-tune their strokes. It provides a deep, ringing feedback on impact.
Violin's flexibility and dwell time tend to produce a medium-high throw angle on powerful shots like loops, which can be advantageous for clearing the net and keeping the ball in play with heavy spin.
Nittaku Violin is known for its extended dwell time, which is crucial for generating heavy spin on loops and serves. This prolonged contact with the ball also contributes to its excellent control and feel, allowing players to impart more rotation effectively.
This blade is notably flexible, contributing to its superior dwell time and spin-generating capabilities. The flexibility allows for a good amount of flex during powerful strokes, especially loops, while still maintaining control and consistency.
Violin exhibits a noticeable level of vibration, associated with its soft feel and elasticity. While some players find this vibration enhances the feeling of the ball, others might prefer a stiffer blade with less vibration for more direct feedback.
Nittaku Violin is consistently praised for its superb build quality, with craftsmanship often compared to fine string instruments. Materials are carefully selected, and the manufacturing process receives meticulous attention, resulting in a durable, aesthetically pleasing blade that feels impeccable in hand.
Technology
Nittaku Violin is manufactured using a proprietary String Instrument Manufacturing Technology, inspired by the precise craftsmanship of creating fine string instruments like violins. This special binding technique preserves the natural elasticity of the wood veneers, ensuring a unique, soft feel and excellent ball control. Each ply and production stage undergoes meticulous handling, mirroring the dedication to quality found in luthiery. The result is a high-performance blade that stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Malong
While Malong is most famously associated with blades like the Nittaku Acoustic and later Butterfly models, TTSensei experts note he used the Nittaku Violin during his junior career. This suggests the blade's exceptional feel and control were conducive to developing his foundational offensive game, allowing him to hone his spin-oriented techniques.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Acoustic
Nittaku Acoustic is part of the same 'instrument series' as the Violin and is considered its sibling blade. While both offer excellent feel and control, our testing shows the Acoustic is generally slightly faster, stiffer, and has less dwell time than the Violin. Violin is typically perceived as softer and more flexible, making it better for spin-focused play close to the table, whereas the Acoustic might suit players looking for a bit more speed and directness.
Victas Koji Matsushita Offensive
Victas Koji Matsushita Offensive is a blade known for its excellent control and feel, particularly in chopping and counter-blocking. Like the Nittaku Violin, it offers significant dwell time, allowing for good spin generation and precise ball placement. Players who appreciate Violin's soft feel and control for defensive or controlled offensive play might find the Koji Matsushita Offensive a comparable option, though it is often categorized as more defensive-oriented.