Synth string can sound lifeless, Sample based string can sound repetitive at times and that's why there's nothing quite like the real thing. Chose a musicians from the list and explore there sound.
A Brief history of the violin
It is believed that Andrea Amati of Cremona, built first known form of the violin sometime between 1511-1577 but they where only 3 stringed.
The first four stringed violin as we know it today was invented by Andrea Amati of Cremona in 1555. Find out more from "bartruff.com/history/ "