bing
I bought this for my 7th grader who wanted to learn to play a new instrument this summer. She is playing other instruments but playing the violin is the top of her list. I found this beautiful violin set at a good value. The details of this violin is exquisite. Tuning it was a little bit tricky that I broke one string but thankfully it came with an extra set of string. Changing it was easy. This is a good beginner set for a student.
David
I really love the violin. This is one of the few I ever bought that has all the necessary parts for an old player like myself or a beginner. And the price is reasonable. I would buy from them again
I haven't been able to break it in yet as I still prefer to play my old violin. Once I do, I will upload.
Eren
I got this violin for my niece who is in middle school and was ready to graduate to a 4/4. She's been playing for a few years and this was the perfect value instrument for her. She mentioned the tuning was easier with better sound than her previous violin, and thought the case was going to hold up really well for the back and forth to school on the bus.
Laurentiu
I like the sound of a violin, but I never got the chance to actually try the instrument myself, so when I saw this affordable package, I added it to my wish list. There are even less expensive sets, but this one seemed to offer the best value for its cost. Also, I had a good experience already with some other Eastar instruments. After a while, I decided to stop worrying about how difficult it might be to learn and just get it. And I'm glad I did! It's going to take me a while to figure our how to use my left hand properly, but I can bow some simple tunes on the open chords and this is, frankly, more than i expected to be able to do in such short time.
The violin is, as you expect, the star of this package. It looks and sounds great. The varnish is very nice. It will take some preparation though, before you can play it. Out of the box, you'll need to take care of two things: installing the bridge and tuning the instrument, and preparing the bows by applying rosin to their hair. I'll cover these aspects later. After a couple of months of owning this violin, I have not discovered any issues with it.
The bows are great too. One of them is arched a bit more than the other and requires a bit more tensioning to stretch away the hair, but this doesn't impact its functionality. The bows came in long plastic bags, in which I still store them.
The case is very nice and it's similar to how most cases look like. It's a hard case, so it will offer good protection for travel, as well as for just storage. The cover has spaces for storing the two bows. There is a small compartment in which you can keep a small accessory - I use it for the rosin box. And there is a pocket outside, in which I keep the spare set of strings. One of the bow compartments seems to miss a piece of cover material over a small area and this exposes the sticky material underneath - this another reason why I kept the plastic bags over the bows - so that the bows don't come into contact with that sticky surface. Btw, when you store the bows, they're meant to go with the hair towards the exterior of the box. I also release the tension in the bows before putting them away after each playing session.
The other accessories you get besides the rosin and the spare set of strings are a clip tuner and a shoulder rest. The rest looks really nice - the unpadded side being varnished wood; it looks better than some other third party standalone offerings. That being said, I couldn't find a use for it. Installing it is a bit challenging, but that's not the reason I don't use it: the main reason is that i didn't find a rest to be helpful and then the fact that i cannot store the violin with the rest back in its case made me abandon the thought of using it altogether. For now, at least. The clip tuner works fine, but i did not find it useful for this instrument; I'll tell you more when I'll get to tuning, but my recommendation is to keep this for other instruments (it should work better on a guitar) and invest $10 into a tuner with a microphone. The rosin is fine.
Now let's talk about putting together the violin. There is a YouTube tutorial that i recommend watching. The process is not complicated, but requires paying attention and making small adjustments while tuning, because the bridge can slightly shift position during that process. The general idea is that you align the bridge between the two marks in the middle of those S cuts, with the higher part under the thicker strings, and then you try to keep this alignment as you tune the strings. The tuning itself is quite challenging - I found it to be much more difficult than for a guitar, for example. I couldn't figure out a good place to clip the tuner, so that it would work well. I could clip it to the scroll (the top part), but it didn't seem to sense the vibrations right in that position. I had much better success once I purchased a tuner with a mic, which gave me a wider, more accurate display. These tuners also accept a clip accessory, which could be easier to attach, because it's smaller than a clip tuner, but I did not use one yet. For the tuning, you can either pluck the strings or use the bow on them, which leads us to how to prepare the bows. I also found that using the fine tuning screws was essential for this instrument; even getting close to the right tuning is hard when using just the tuning pegs. Btw, the instrument seems to hold its tuning fine, but you should not expect this to be the case initially, because, with new strings, they'll take some time (weeks) to stretch to a steady state.
You may wonder if you should release the string tension before storing the violin away. That is not necessary.
With the bow, the first thing to do is to stretch the hair away from its frame by twisting a screw at the end from which you hold the bow. Don't overtighten the bow! You want the hair to be just tensioned enough that it will separate itself from the frame and won't give up under a bit of pressure. You will do this operation often if you also follow the recommendation of untightening the bow before storing it away.
The bows you receive will (hopefully) be new and in this state will not be able to grip the strings to make them vibrate. You will need to apply rosin to their hair to prepare them for use. Again, you can watch YouTube videos that show how to do this. I basically uncovered the rosin and lightly scratched its surface with a knife in a criss-cross pattern. Then i held the piece of rosin in my left hand and I bowed on it repeatedly, using a few inches of the bow for a few seconds at a time. After completing the full length of the bow, I'd try it on the violin and if it still didn't play well, I'd repeat the process. Once you get the bow to catch the strings, you're set and you won't have to repeat this process for a good number of sessions. It looks like a piece of rosin will last for a very long time - years, most likely.
In conclusion, this is a very nice violin package that includes a very nice violin. You get almost everything you need to get started. You'll probably want to invest into some learning method and you may also want to look for some type of stand if you plan to keep the violin outside its case for longer. But otherwise, you have all that you need to start learning this amazing instrument. Have fun playing it!
SSP
My son is taking violin in school now. I tuned it myself with the tuning app and not the tuner that came with it and it sounds beautiful. Much better than I thought it would sound. Makes the screech of a beginner bearable.
It came with a case as well and two bows and rosin and some extra strings. We were up and running the same day it was received. It took me a little while to tune it properly, since I’m a perfectionist and had never tuned a string instrument before, but my multiple passes at it paid off. All and all I’m really happy with the purchase.
BarbieLee
My teenage daughter has been trying to find a new hobby to keep her busy during the summer months dabbling with different types of instruments. Since this may be a very temporary hobby, I was looking for a good value.. I am pretty confident that this is probably one of the best violins You can expect at this price point, for beginners, considering the alternative of renting for $20 a month... first off I must say, this violin is absolutely gorgeous!! So much attention to detail, It has a very high quality look and feel to it..
I’ve never seen anything quite like it.. it would make a lovely gift for any beginner violinist.
The storage case is absolutely lovely, with a velvet like lining..very high quality, great zipper quality as well, this violin and case are definitely made to last!!
The first tuning did take a decent amount of time and patience, (we are brand new to this) going back and forth on each string a few times. (Very thankful for online videos) especially since we are planning on self teaching. Surprisingly, it held almost all of its tones the next day, Without having to adjust very much, and it Does require a minor adjustment Here and there after each use.. overall, very pleased and pleasantly surprised with this violin, being proud owners of it for 2 weeks now, would definitely recommend it for a friend .. Will probably purchase one as a gift for my niece... amazing product at an even more amazing price! Highly recommended!
Matimus
Beautiful sound, quality, and look! A great deal for beginners or students, especially coming with the accessories such as an extra bow, extra set of strings, and a tuner. Honestly I feel like I should write a review on the tuner itself because it runs circles around other tuners I've owned. There is minimal assembly required : you have to set the bridge and put on the shoulder rest, but neither is difficult. Set up take just a few moments, then once you tune up, you're ready to learn/play!
Angie
Like the headline says, I don't have much experience with violins, but this sounds beautiful. I ordered this due to having better reviews than other violins in the price range, because I have heard of Eastar before and know that they tend to put out decent and playable instruments at low costs, and because I'm bored out of my mind in quarantine looking for productive and fun things to do. I do have some experience with guitars, and that was very helpful in setting this up and playing my first several notes. The violin is shipped in a zippered hard case with nylon exterior and soft velour interior. It even has shoulder straps and a velcro flap that you can use to keep the sliders on the zipper from flopping around and making noise during transport. There's also two slots for bows up top, and a compartment where you can store some small accessories. 5 stars for the case.
The violin itself has its strings stored under the neck, with the bridge uninstalled. The bridge has notches precut for the strings to rest in, and was easy to place in position (centered on the neck and in-line with the notches in the middle of the f-holes). After placing it there, it was easy to put the strings into place and tighten them. I didn't much care for the tuner this came with. It could be great, but I didn't put much effort into it, honestly. I used an app on my phone to tune it. The pegs seem sturdy enough, and so long as I pushed them in they held without slipping. Though it was a bit anxiety-inducing. Fellow guitarists who have snapped a few high E strings will understand my anxiety here. Fine adjustments with the screws at the bottom were easy enough.
I tested the fitment of the violin next. It seemed like I had to pull my shoulder towards me to hold the violin (I am a tall man and have a long neck), so I installed the shoulder rest underneath the violin. I did have some slippage issues at first due to improper placement, but after some Googling I figured it out. I tried it out again and, voila (not viola), it fit pretty well. Notably, there's a non-slip foam surface, which helps it stay in place a bit better. I somewhat doubt the non-skid material will last forever, but that's somewhat to be expected for a free accessory for a violin in this price range.
The rosin seemed fine. The bows (there are two) did not have any loose hairs or anything like that. I tightened the bow slightly (it is shipped loose, and you should store your bows loose in the case in-between playing as well), roughed it up with some sandpaper, and rubbed it back and forth for several minutes. Tightened the bow until it was about a pencil-width away from the bow hair, got into position, pulled it along the strings and... music! It actually wasn't that bad for a first note ever. I played around for a few minutes, checking that all the parts of the bow made sound and that the bow hair wasn't contacting the bow during playing. I even did some hammer-ons, or whatever the equivalent is called on violin, and I thought it sounded pretty cool. As long as I don't make a mistake, I think it sounds fantastic, just like most any other violin I hear in a classical recording or listening to street performers in any European Altstadt.
The violin also came with an extra set of strings, which is nice. There was no mute included though, which I feel is a glaring omission, so you should probably order one of those as well. Supposedly, though, you should try to learn as much as possible without a mute because it can hide mistakes and make them harder to hear.
Overall, an easy five stars. I am just very happy to have a violin in this price range that plays beautifully, and with accessories that are high enough quality that I'm not doing something incredibly wasteful and throwing them away brand new. Look at it this way: if you purchase this violin for ~$100, these days that's about the cost for dinner and a movie for two. Or twenty cappuccinos. I'd rather have the violin. Now, I'm off to the internet and phone apps to brush up on music theory and do some violin lessons. Wish me luck!
Lattelisa
The first time I ever held a violin and I fell in love with it. It came shipped yesterday from UPS, the shipping box was loosly taped and looked a mess but inside was my gem in perfect condition. I was so happy to open the case to see my beautifully polished violin in perfect condition. The case, amazing, the accessories, amazing, the violin, wow!
Beautiful wood, I fell in love looking at the grains of wood. I set up the bridge and slowly tightened the strings. I downloaded an app onto my phone to help tune my new violin since i learned watching videos that the apps are so easy to use. I rosened up my bow and let the screetch begin. Oh how fun! Time to learn Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, so after a couple hours playing, practing, resting, then playing again I got really good at it. I learned to play a song on the violin. So happy.
One of the best purchases I ever made under $100. I'm so happy with this violin.
MamaOf7IDontQuit
Great buy!
I've been wanting to get a violin for myself for years and I finally bought me one.
Last time I played was over 25yrs ago.....yes I forgot how to play and the basics.
It comes in a great carring case, has 2 bows and a great little tunner so I don't have to use an app on my phone to tune it everytime.
It also came with brand new strings that luckily my teen knew how to put the strings on it, ot came with no instructions :-(
Super easy to tighten the hair on the bow.
We got it tuned and ready to play in about 30min from opening the box.
I sorta remembered how to play twinkle twinkle little star on it and shortly after my oldest was almost playing Ave Maria on thi new violin.
We are all loving this violin and probably need a second one because we don't want to share.
Reahann
Beautiful beginner violin for a great price! Love the sound. Glad it also has an extra set of strings as I have broken the G string while adjusting the peg. Highly recommend this for beginners.
Jerik
I've been using this kit to learn the violin for the past few weeks. Like most violins that are shipped, you will have to learn how to assemble the bridge on arrival (some incorrectly believe this is a defect). The violin itself is the real deal. It didn't have any defects, warping, scratches, or other issues. Tuning the violin using the included electronic tuner was difficult at first, and something you very much need to learn beforehand. However, the tuner is easy to use once you get within a reasonable range of each note and is quick to attach and detach. The included rosin will probably last until you are ready to upgrade. The bows are forgiving, but rosin them up good before playing. There is a shoulder rest that can be a little tricky to work with, but it gets faster with experience. The carrying case is extremely nice for the value and makes it easy to keep everything together.
Eren
I've owned a number or Eastar (and related companies Donner and Moukey) instruments over the years and always found them to be great values for what you spend. This beginner 4/4 violin is no exception. It's an excellent package for everything one needs to start on a violin, seeing that it includes a well constructed case (inside and out), two bows, rosin, tuner, and extra strings. The violin itself is very well made, with nice details, and a beautiful finish.
I got this violin for my niece who is in middle school and was ready to graduate to a 4/4. She's been playing for a few years and this was the perfect value instrument for her. She mentioned the tuning was easier with better sound than her previous violin, and thought the case was going to hold up really well for the back and forth to school on the bus.
In the end, I think this is a great investment once one is ready for a full size violin--especially when compared to ongoing rental prices. I feel very comfortable buying Eastar products due to my long track record with them and highly recommend! Thanks!
David
This is my first violin instrument and it looks very classy. It include two fiddles, rosin for conditioning, a tuner, bridge, and the lovely violin. My daughter likes it but it is too big for her so I will probably get a smaller size. Will start to take lessons to see how the instrument perform. By the way, great case included.
José
I bought this for nephew since he was yes to play an instrument and it well worth it! It came with almost everything double we might need. Sound is really amazing. The wood finish on the violin is amazing looks way more expensive then it was very eye appealing.
Bizhenlin
My daughter was very happy to receive it, because this was bought for her. She couldn't wait to take it out. She learned how to tune it by herself. The teacher used to tune it for her. Once she was tuned, she tried it. The tone was pure and very good. And the price is also very good. My daughter said: Mom, I like it very much.
Liz4t3
My first ever brand new violin perfect for beginners like me! and im so happy with it . Im turning 50 and i believe its never too late to learn violin. Great value for money, great sounds and im enjyoying learning playing my new violin.
Sagar
This set has two bows and a tuner which are life savers for the beginners. It was lot easier for me to set with tuner. Second set of strings also very useful for the beginners. So far loving it, if your a student or buying your first violin I highly recommend it to you
Vincenzo
The price is acceptable. Haven't been tuning yet. I am thinking of searching how to tuning it on Youtube. During Covid-19, I shopping online instead of going to a store. I was worried if it will damage during shipping. When it comes in with a such nice packed package, I can tell it won't damaged easily for sure. I checked everything on the list, it doesn't miss anything. Very good for a beginner like me.
Rldjbd
I got this for my husband as a birthday present. We were music majors in college and have played lots of brass instruments. I knew he had always wanted to try a string instrument from all his years playing French horn in the orchestra. He loves it!! It’s a great violin for beginners. It’s pretentious to talk about sound quality and such with a student starter violin....it sounds good and looks beautiful. We found great videos on YouTube to show us how to set everything up and he was off. No lie...tuning it was a thing! Lol! The new strings will stretch for a while making you have to retune it a bunch of times, but that’s only in the beginning. The price made this purchase even sweeter. I’m very happy!
Miguel
I am very impressed with this violin. It arrived exceptionally well packed which is so important, as violins need to be handled carefully. The shipping packaging helped ensure this and the actual instrument case is much higher quality than I had expected to receive with a violin at this price - it is strong and sturdy with handles and shoulder straps for easy carrying.
Opening the case showed that the violin was shipped with the strings loosened and the bridge removed. This is sensible as it is less likely the bridge will be damaged in transport but does then require some assembly before being payable. The bridge must be placed correctly, which is not tricky, but can require a little care and concentration to do properly. If you have not done this before there are plenty of easy to follow tutorials online (or any music shop should be able to set this up and tune the violin for you without any problems).
Violins are considered one of the toughest instruments to tune, but I found assembling the bridge and tuning very simple with this violin - the pegs stay in place well and using the included electronic tuner with the fine tuning pegs makes it very easy to keep the violin in tune.
I am no professional, but even with my less than perfect playing the sound is clear and crisp and the violin has a great rich resonance. This is a perfect violin for me - as someone returning to this instrument with only some limited memory of the way to play - and also for someone starting out (I handed this to my nine year old daughter and she seems to have fallen in love with it already).
This is a complete package with everything needed to get going.
The electronic tuner is a great addition in the kit and a very important item to have.
The included shoulder rest will be very useful for many people, although I prefer to use a simple cloth over my shoulder (I have not played the violin for many years and did not have such luxuries back then, so using a cloth is probably more out of habit than anything else, but having the rest as an option is a great bonus).
Including two bows is also really useful. It is so easy to catch the bow on the violin body when starting out that having a ‘spare’ - in case one needs to be repaired - will be indispensable to me over the next few months I am sure. The bows are definitely new as there is no rosin on them when they arrive. This meant they required a good rubbing on the rosin block to achieve any sound. The rosin block provided is a light rosin - perfect for violins - and required only light scratching to adhere well to the bow hair.
This kit even contains a set of spare strings which meant I was a lot less worried when tuning the violin (should I have broken a string at least I had a spare available immediately).
Each of these items would have required buying anyway, so it is great to have them all together at no additional cost.
This is a very well made violin with great sound and everything needed to get going. I don’t think I could have asked for anything more at such a reasonable price.
K
I'm a beginner and wanted to get into playing the violin. My girlfriend plays and decided to get one for us to play around with during the pandemic.
I use to play the cello as a kid so a lot of the pieces were familiar to me. It comes with everything you need to get started. We spent about 2hrs playing songs off of youtube that show the fret positions. We managed to get the hang of it after 30 minutes.
One thing I would say that could improve is to add the fret lines on the bridge. We just put tape on the bridge where the fingers should go. Other than that, this violin set is a solid choice for any beginner.
Andrew
I was pleasantly surprised to see the quality and playability of this entry level violin for what you pay. It wasn't too long ago that you had to spend 2 to 3 times this amount to get a student quality violin.
Package comes with TWO bows (which Is nice, because the cost to re-string a bow is about half the cost of this violin, which is nuts), rosin, tuner, spare strings, bridge (which you have to install), and a shoulder rest.
Frankly, the case alone is nice enough to almost justify the purchase price of this even if you don't use the violin.
If you're looking for a concert-quality violin, this isn't it.. but it doesn't pretend to be either. This is a great model to learn violin and figure out the basics while figuring out if you want to upgrade to something down the line. I've been using it for a few weeks to pick up the basics and it seems like a great place to start.
Tony
I was excited to pickup an entry level violin for a little over $100. I have no experience with string instruments but do play the clarinet. Always wanted to give the violin a try.
The violin came with shoulder pad, rosin, bow and strings. Everything needed to get started.
The extra pack of strings was handy as I snapped 2 strings in the process of setup. It didn’t come with any instructions, so I followed YouTube on how to setup the violin for the first time. I learnt the rosin should be scratched before applying to the bow, so it you find the rosin is not sticking to the bow, scratch with the end of the bow or a coin before applying.
After following the tutorials, I have successfully played sounds on the violin. Wish I can say I can play a song, but that day will come.
AC
Our child expressed interest in learning to play the violin so we decided to look for an inexpensive option for her to start with. This seemed like a good deal as it included pretty much everything she would need to get started. We had to attach the strings ourselves and they aren't labeled correctly but that's the only real negative. The tuner is incredibly helpful. She hasn't started lessons yet but does play around with it. Overall I'd say it's a good value for what's included.
AmethystStar18
I played the violin as a young child. When my family moved to a new state, my new school didn’t offer lessons and private lessons were too expensive. It’s been my dream for almost 30 years to buy a violin and try again.
I’m so glad I chose this one!! The price was good and it came with everything I needed to get started. I googled how to set it up (there are a TON of videos out there) and witching 24 hours, I was playing Mary had a little lamb.
If you’re just starting out, this is a great buy!!
M
I bought it as a gift to my wife which was one of her dreams to play on violin in our 5th anniversary she was really surprised and so happy for that gift as she wished one day she opened it as it comes in very good package and high quality bag she tried to set it up by herself it’s easy with YouTube video not hard and it comes with a lot of accessories also there’s barcode for an app to join group for people who Interested in music instruments and learning music as a group for the warranty we just opened and used it for one week now but Eastar provides 3 year warranty for that product and I trust Eastar warranty and also there’s a card inside the backpack for customer service but I didn’t contact them as I don’t have any issues with the product for now I hope that review helps people who are welling to buy a violin to choose their best one thanks
Sunshine
This is a good beginner violin. My daughter has expressed a desire to learn more about music and string instruments so I decided this would be a good way for her to get started. It comes in a very nice hard case that protects it when in storage or traveling. There is enough room for two boys and the violin as well as a rosin box. The outside pocket is helpful for storing strings or a tuner. The varnish on the violin is nice. I do recommend watching an installation video on youtube or something to learn how to install the bridge and tune it though - it's not hard to do but just to make sure you get it on right. The bows need rosin applied to the hair. The violin and bows together can produce a really nice sound with some practice. My daughter is very excited to learn the violin and this one will help her tremendously.
NY NC
WOW! This violin came equipped with everything you need to begin playing. The rosin is excellent quality, there is a full set of extra strings. Two bows and a tuner!
Jeffrey G.
Hi there, yes the violin was a great purchase, brilliant very smart case, and a very fast delivery. Thank you.
M
I bought it as a gift to my wife which was one of her dreams to play on violin in our 5th anniversary she was really surprised and so happy for that gift as she wished one day she opened it as it comes in very good package and high quality bag she tried to set it up by herself it’s easy with YouTube video not hard and it comes with a lot of accessories also there’s barcode for an app to join group for people who Interested in music instruments and learning music as a group for the warranty we just opened and used it for one week now but Eastar provides 3 year warranty for that product and I trust Eastar warranty and also there’s a card inside the backpack for customer service but I didn’t contact them as I don’t have any issues with the product for now I hope that review helps people who are welling to buy a violin to choose their best one thanks
L
I purchased it for my girl who is a beginner.
It is well packaging and comes with a complete kit for a starter: a beautiful case, 2 bows, and rosin, tuner, shoulder rest, and an extra set of strings. When we open it, one string fells off and we were upset and I was thinking to return it but my husband tries to follow some guide on youtube and..wow it's much easier than we think. We also try to tune it by our self :). Her teacher said it's a really good violin for a beginner like her and I'm pleased :)
Judie
Great build quality especially at this price point! It was easy to setup, and I did not have a problem with any of the parts being broken. The bag was pretty standard, but the violin itself and the bows were pretty good. I really like how there are two included since kids especially can be a little rough on them. The hairs were perfect, and although I won't use them for this violin, the extra strings are nice and the tuner will be great for my ukelele and guitar. For those that want to start learning the violin and don't know if it'll be for them, this is a great investment!
Natalye
Wow. So impressed with this violin. My kids took away from me! They love it. It looks just like the picture, love the solid wood feel. It is very sturdy, and comes with a durable travel case!
It also came with extra strings and a tuner.
Love it. Donner offer as usual unmatched quality/service!
Mar
Great for beginners. Has everything needed to start. Starting to learn how to use a violin so I am glad it has everything and the case is amazing: it has all the compartments for the the items, it's sturdy and the zipper is smooth.
Eren
I've owned a number or Eastar (and related companies Donner and Moukey) instruments over the years and always found them to be great values for what you spend. This beginner 4/4 violin is no exception. It's an excellent package for everything one needs to start on a violin, seeing that it includes a well constructed case (inside and out), two bows, rosin, tuner, and extra strings. The violin itself is very well made, with nice details, and a beautiful finish.
I got this violin for my niece who is in middle school and was ready to graduate to a 4/4. She's been playing for a few years and this was the perfect value instrument for her. She mentioned the tuning was easier with better sound than her previous violin, and thought the case was going to hold up really well for the back and forth to school on the bus.
In the end, I think this is a great investment once one is ready for a full size violin--especially when compared to ongoing rental prices. I feel very comfortable buying Eastar products due to my long track record with them and highly recommend! Thanks!
FT
Got this violin expecting a beginners instrument but the quality is better then other beginners violins. This is a great value for the money! The case is amazing I feel like I could drop it down stairs and the violin would be just fine!
After playing a while i took it to my fiddle teacher an had them set it up for me. All he had to do was move the bridge as I placed it in the wrong place. After he tuned it up he played it for a while and asked what I paid. He couldn't believe how little I paid.
Overall a great instrument for an awesome price.
Royal B.
Vwery well priced for the value.
Great beginners item
Naythan Smith
Having been without a violin for many years, I decided to purchase this set. It's a complete kit-- it comes with the violin and a custom cloth-covered hard case, two bows, rosin, a digital tuner, a padded wood shoulder rest, and two sets of strings, (one of which was already installed on the violin).
I was definitely impressed with the violin itself. There's an ample amount of lacquer over the wood with no drips or missing sections and the f-holes were cut and sanded correctly - an issue that I've had with previous purchases from other companies. It has a warm, rich sound and I have no complaints about its sonic qualities or craftsmanship.
The bridge was neatly tucked behind the tailpiece and wrapped in paper, likely to prevent damage to the finish during shipping. It's an easy installation but if you're looking for perfect tuning, you'll want to take it into a shop anyway. The shoulder rest installs easily and I appreciate the support from the wood base, having used a sponge rest previously. The ends are covered in rubber to prevent scratching the finish and the part of the rest that touches your shoulder is padded. It won't fit in the case with the rest installed so I leave it in the outer pocket along with the extra strings. It has two thumbscrews that allow for quick installation and removal.
There's a small compartment above the violin that easily stores rosin and the tuner with some room to spare. It has an internal spring so it will easily remain shut during transit and closes automatically. The violin itself fits within a molded section in the shape of the body and the interior lining is all faux velvet. There's room for both bows in the lid of the case and they fit securely with a plastic anchor that turns out of the way when you want to retrieve one-- they're manufactured in a manner that allows the mechanism to lock in place when the bow is stored. For removal, they lift easily then turn, allowing the bow to be retrieved. I particularly like this design because they won't come loose as the case moves. I also appreciate the second bow as a bonus! No issues with the bows themselves; they were ergonomically constructed as one would expect, held tension adequately and played just fine.
The tuner supports several instruments and includes a violin-specific mode. There's a single button on it to change modes that can be held to turn it on and off, as well as a backlight in the display. It recognizes the proper notes for standard tuning with a number to indicate the string, which is a handy feature. There's also rubber on the clamp rather than being hard plastic, preventing finish scratches.
This is a complete violin kit plus an extra set of strings and an extra bow, which is a great value for the money. It's as easy as placing the bridge, tuning the strings, getting some rosin on that bow and you're in business!
Helen Murray
Fast delivery. Great violin for my daughter. Her teacher says it's very good quality.
Ashley J.
I'm a beginner and wanted to get into playing the violin. My girlfriend plays and decided to get one for us to play around with during the pandemic.
I use to play the cello as a kid so a lot of the pieces were familiar to me. It comes with everything you need to get started. We spent about 2hrs playing songs off of youtube that show the fret positions. We managed to get the hang of it after 30 minutes.
One thing I would say that could improve is to add the fret lines on the bridge. We just put tape on the bridge where the fingers should go. Other than that, this violin set is a solid choice for any beginner.