Violins and other instruments - http://www.theglassviolin.com

Editor's picks

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  Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin, 1/4-Size

  Musical Instruments (Saga Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (7 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Lovely little instrument

  My grand daughter loves her violin, and we adults think it is very pretty. The instrument does not arrive "set up", but we were able to have a musician at a local music shop set it up for $10. Prices for this service may vary, so call for prices before you buy the violin if that additional cost is a concern for you. (Set up includes installing the bridge, which is not attached to the violin but is held in place by the strings; positioning the sound post, which is not attached but is inside the box and held in place by the top and bottom panels; rosining the bow, and tuning the violin.) In closing, may I just say that y'all don't know how difficult it was for me to call this a violin and not a fiddle. 5/5 flibbertigibbet - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin, 1/4-Size (Electronics) My grand daughter loves her violin, and we adults think it is very pretty. The instrument does not arrive "set up", but we were able to have a musician at a local music shop set it up for $10. Prices for this service may vary, so call for prices before you buy the violin if that additional cost is a concern for you. (Set up includes installing the bridge, which is not attached to the violin but is held in place by the strings; positioning the sound post, which is not attached but is inside the box and held in place by the top and bottom panels; rosining the bow, and tuning the violin.) In closing, may I just say that y'all don't know how difficult it was for me to call this a violin and not a fiddle. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 12, 2010

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  .1/4 size fiddle

  We bought this fiddle for our 2 children, ages 4 and 5 to learn the fiddle. It is the perfect size and the quality was good 5/5 Candida Kish "candi386" - See all my reviews, March 13, 2010

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  very satisfied

  i got this for my 7 year old student. the quality and sound are good and the price is right. 5/5 Lorgina L. Doran "music making" (New Orleans, LA USA) - See all my reviews, August 6, 2011

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  List Price: $99.95
  Price: $65.99
  You Save: $33.96 (34%)

  Dyed Rosewood fingerboard and fittings Dyed hardwood chinrest VP-61 tailpiece with (4) built-in finetuners

  Hand-carved solid Spruce top Hand-carved solid Maple neck back and sides

  Warm Brown finish

  Painted purfling

  VP-71 bow: wood stick rosewood frog and unbleached horsehair C-3907 Featherweight arched-top shaped case with blue exterior and light grey interior

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  Palatino Allegro Violin Outfit 1/4 Size, with featherweigt case, Ebony Frog Bow, and Ebony Fittings

  Musical Instruments (The Music Link (AXL))
  

  Rating (4 reviews):

  (2.2/5)

  

  Nice beginner's instrument.

  This review is for the full size 4/4 Palatino NV-450. I'm addressing some unfair negative reviews posted regarding the smaller size (1/4) of this same instrument.Ok the first negative review is by someone who admits to not even having touched one himself. The second, I think isin't being fair.Look, this is a beginners instrument. I bought this with 0 hours of experience playing the violin (at age 26 by the way). I bought this and started lessions with a highly reputed teacher located in the area of Berklee College of Music in Boston. The teacher had nothing but positive comments about the instrument.It's solid spruce and maple and the pegs, fingerboard and chinrest are solid ebony. That's essentially what teachers are looking for in a student instrument. No violin "holds it's tune". That's why there's tuning pegs and fine tuners (this instrument has 4 fine tuners by the way really helping the student get accustomed to tuning). All good accoustic... 3/5 JasonCW (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Palatino Allegro Violin Outfit 1/4 Size, with featherweigt case, Ebony Frog Bow, and Ebony Fittings (Electronics) This review is for the full size 4/4 Palatino NV-450. I'm addressing some unfair negative reviews posted regarding the smaller size (1/4) of this same instrument.Ok the first negative review is by someone who admits to not even having touched one himself. The second, I think isin't being fair.Look, this is a beginners instrument. I bought this with 0 hours of experience playing the violin (at age 26 by the way). I bought this and started lessions with a highly reputed teacher located in the area of Berklee College of Music in Boston. The teacher had nothing but positive comments about the instrument.It's solid spruce and maple and the pegs, fingerboard and chinrest are solid ebony. That's essentially what teachers are looking for in a student instrument. No violin "holds it's tune". That's why there's tuning pegs and fine tuners (this instrument has 4 fine tuners by the way really helping the student get accustomed to tuning). All good accoustic... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 28, 2005

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  Perfect Violin for kids

  We have a Palatino and it has been through 3 kids, starting of the fourth. This was a great purchase for a kid who wants to try out the instrument for a year and then move on to something else. Yes, it is not fit for a professional, but at 1/2 or 1/4 size, they don't sound as good as a full size anyway. How good of a violin does my kid need to play Mary Had a Little Lamb? I am a musician and know when to spend money on a good instrument. A first year violin player is not the time. I have no complaints about this product. 4/5 Band Dad (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews This review is from: Palatino Allegro Violin Outfit 1/4 Size, with featherweigt case, Ebony Frog Bow, and Ebony Fittings (Electronics) We have a Palatino and it has been through 3 kids, starting of the fourth. This was a great purchase for a kid who wants to try out the instrument for a year and then move on to something else. Yes, it is not fit for a professional, but at 1/2 or 1/4 size, they don't sound as good as a full size anyway. How good of a violin does my kid need to play Mary Had a Little Lamb? I am a musician and know when to spend money on a good instrument. A first year violin player is not the time. I have no complaints about this product. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 11, 2007

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  Avoid Palatinos product deserves negative stars less than 0

  In violin circles we talk about violins and VSO's. A VSO is a violin shaped object. The reputation that Palitinos have among violin teachers and players is as VSOs. There are other inexpensive brands that will give you more violin for the money like the Cremonas, but the Palatinos are pretty crummy. I know all about it because I almost bought Palatinos, but got warned against it. Others have not been so lucky. I know what it is like to be poor and not to be able to afford a decent instrument. I know that from having struggled to learn the guitar on 15 buck stellas back in the 1960s. However, if you can possibly wait and save up two or three hundred dollars, you can get a decent enough student violin to be worth it. You will see the difference. For a new person, often the difference might be having an instrument that discourages a beginner from playing and an instrument that will get the fun of playing the fiddle or violin to be a permanent part of your life... 1/5 Tony Thomas (SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Palatino Allegro Violin Outfit 1/4 Size, with featherweigt case, Ebony Frog Bow, and Ebony Fittings (Electronics) In violin circles we talk about violins and VSO's. A VSO is a violin shaped object. The reputation that Palitinos have among violin teachers and players is as VSOs. There are other inexpensive brands that will give you more violin for the money like the Cremonas, but the Palatinos are pretty crummy. I know all about it because I almost bought Palatinos, but got warned against it. Others have not been so lucky. I know what it is like to be poor and not to be able to afford a decent instrument. I know that from having struggled to learn the guitar on 15 buck stellas back in the 1960s. However, if you can possibly wait and save up two or three hundred dollars, you can get a decent enough student violin to be worth it. You will see the difference. For a new person, often the difference might be having an instrument that discourages a beginner from playing and an instrument that will get the fun of playing the fiddle or violin to be a permanent part of your life... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 27, 2005

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  List Price: $179.99
  Price: Too low to display
  

  Solid Hand Carved Maple Back, Sides & Neck

  Solid Hand Carved Spruce Top

  Ebony Fittings

  Ebony Frog Bow & Featherweight Case

  Inlaid Purfling

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  Violinsmart Natural Color Student Violin Size 1/4

  Musical Instruments
  

  Rating (10 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Decent student instrument

  I bought this violin to start my daughter on, and it's been perfectly serviceable. The natural wood and real horsehair bow were a pleasant surprise in an instrument with this price point, and the instrument itself exceeded my (admittedly low) expectations. I grew up a violinist, so I knew I would not be getting the highest quality instrument for this price, but for a child just starting to play, you want an instrument that you won't have weep over if it does happen to get dropped facedown on the floor, or if your child decides to move on to piano or flute instead. This violin fit the bill. It is well-enough put together to learn on, stay in tune, and have passable tone. The only problem I had was that the mass-produced bridge had to be filed down by a luthier to fit the strings properly, but that cost me less than $20 and made all the difference. The case was of higher quality than I expected and my daughter loves the backpack straps. Good starter package. 4/5 A. M. Lighter "renaissance woman" (Utrecht, Netherlands) - See all my reviews, August 6, 2007

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  Great Violin

  Initially I ordered a Violin that was too small and I thought it would be a hassle to get one my size but the person whom I purchased this Violin from gave me no trouble at all and was very helpful with everything. On top of that, the actual Violin is beautiful and plays spectacularly, I am very pleased with this purchase. 5/5 MusicMakesThePeople "Love" - See all my reviews This review is from: Violinsmart Natural Color Student Violin Size 1/4 Initially I ordered a Violin that was too small and I thought it would be a hassle to get one my size but the person whom I purchased this Violin from gave me no trouble at all and was very helpful with everything. On top of that, the actual Violin is beautiful and plays spectacularly, I am very pleased with this purchase. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 2, 2010

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  great to test if there is interest!

  my 3.5 yr old had been asking for a violin. neither me nor my husband has experience with strings. so we had to take it into a shop to have it set up and tuned. the lady at the shop commented that the bow wasnt bent like it should be. (but i didnt care its a toy). otherwise its a beautiful looking violin and my daughter LOVES it. only comment is that the strings on the bow are very fragile and dont really tighten that well. we ve already had to cut off like 12 hairs from the bow. otherwise, as long as you use the resin, you can get some good sounds. great for beginning stages and to see if my kid will actually like it (before buying a VERY expensive one). thanks! 4/5 A. Legittino - See all my reviews, January 11, 2012

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  Kun Collapsible Junior Shoulder Rest for 1/2 - 3/4 Violin

  Musical Instruments (Kun)
  

  Rating (13 reviews):

  (4.4/5)

  

  It Does Fit A 1/2 Size Violin

  Same Kun quality as the full size shoulder rests, this 1/2-3/4 is especially nice because it is collapsible. It is working great for my 7yo who is beginning lessons. 5/5 History Buff - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Kun Collapsible Junior Shoulder Rest for 1/2 - 3/4 Violin Same Kun quality as the full size shoulder rests, this 1/2-3/4 is especially nice because it is collapsible. It is working great for my 7yo who is beginning lessons. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 13, 2007

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  Very practical!

  My daughter loves the collapsible shoulder rest. Her friends have to carry theirs, but hers folds up to fit right in her case. Worth the extra few dollars. 5/5 Northern_grl (Northeast U.S.A.) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Kun Collapsible Junior Shoulder Rest for 1/2 - 3/4 Violin My daughter loves the collapsible shoulder rest. Her friends have to carry theirs, but hers folds up to fit right in her case. Worth the extra few dollars. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 13, 2006

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  So quick !!

  I was so surprised at this shop's quick response to my order. I received the package from this shop in 4 days even though I chose the standard shipping. My son got the shoulder pad and my 4 years old daughter got a complimentary pencil and a name tag for the violin. I would like to check this shop first whenever I need to buy violin things. 5/5 Tomomi Konno (Greenwich, CT USA) - See all my reviews, June 12, 2010

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  List Price: $46.00
  

  Comfortable

  Fits 1/2 - 3/4 Violin

  Kun Quality

  Legs Fold Flat

  Height and Angle Adjustable

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  Mendini 1/4 MV300 Solid Wood Violin in Satin Finish with Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings

  Musical Instruments (Cecilio Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (16 reviews):

  (3.6/5)

  

  I was a bit scared but..

  I was searching for a violin for my 5 year old grand daughter's birthday. Her older brother started taking lessons in school and she wanted to play along with him. I read the reviews for this product and was a bit skeptical with the possibility of having to set it up. I'm not a violin player. My skill level is basically the same as the grandson I'm helping with lessons, maybe a bit more. I had a son take lessons many years ago so this wasn't my first go around with them.I have to say, I wasn't disappointed in this violin. It was just as described. I was a bit intimidated with having to set the bridge but I found a video online that showed how to do it and it was very easy. Since I have experience with tuning the violin, that wasn't an issue for me. I certainly can see if a person has never been around a violin how it could be very scary to see everything apart when it comes out of the box. In those cases I'd definitely recommend taking it to a professional for... 5/5 CarolMat - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Mendini 1/4 MV300 Solid Wood Violin in Satin Finish with Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings (Electronics) I was searching for a violin for my 5 year old grand daughter's birthday. Her older brother started taking lessons in school and she wanted to play along with him. I read the reviews for this product and was a bit skeptical with the possibility of having to set it up. I'm not a violin player. My skill level is basically the same as the grandson I'm helping with lessons, maybe a bit more. I had a son take lessons many years ago so this wasn't my first go around with them.I have to say, I wasn't disappointed in this violin. It was just as described. I was a bit intimidated with having to set the bridge but I found a video online that showed how to do it and it was very easy. Since I have experience with tuning the violin, that wasn't an issue for me. I certainly can see if a person has never been around a violin how it could be very scary to see everything apart when it comes out of the box. In those cases I'd definitely recommend taking it to a professional for... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 8, 2011

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  Excellent Starter Violin

  I purchased this violin for my 7 year old son and 8 year old daughter so they could start learning to play. This violin comes with two identical bridges. Neither of them is installed, but if you center the bridge between the notches in the S's on the top of the violin, that is very close to where the music store would install it. The bridge is not a perfect upside-down "U", but rather slanted slightly. The peak of the bridge goes to the side with the thicker strings - looking at it from the base of the violin, it would be your left. Getting the violin in tune was a challenge, not because of the quality of the violin but rather because violins are just tough to tune initially. The fine tuners are very small but still do fine tuning. Before you use them, get it as close as you can to in-tune with the large tuners. The bow seems to be of good quality as well. It had some lumps in the hair at first but as I applied the rosin, they went away. You do have to apply a lot of rosin... 5/5 kah00na (Topeka, KS USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Mendini 1/4 MV200 Solid Wood Violin in Natural Finish with Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings (Electronics) I purchased this violin for my 7 year old son and 8 year old daughter so they could start learning to play. This violin comes with two identical bridges. Neither of them is installed, but if you center the bridge between the notches in the S's on the top of the violin, that is very close to where the music store would install it. The bridge is not a perfect upside-down "U", but rather slanted slightly. The peak of the bridge goes to the side with the thicker strings - looking at it from the base of the violin, it would be your left. Getting the violin in tune was a challenge, not because of the quality of the violin but rather because violins are just tough to tune initially. The fine tuners are very small but still do fine tuning. Before you use them, get it as close as you can to in-tune with the large tuners. The bow seems to be of good quality as well. It had some lumps in the hair at first but as I applied the rosin, they went away. You do have to apply a lot of rosin... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 31, 2011

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  a good deal

  This was just what we needed for our child they are learning the violin in school and we wanted to keep up on practicing over the summer. The price is good especially since we will need a bigger size soon, sounds good ,the rosin case is really hard to open ,but the case is nice and my daughter loves the color. we are happy with our purchase. 4/5 jandpolson - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Mendini 1/4 MV-Purple Solid Wood Purple Violin + Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings (Electronics) This was just what we needed for our child they are learning the violin in school and we wanted to keep up on practicing over the summer. The price is good especially since we will need a bigger size soon, sounds good ,the rosin case is really hard to open ,but the case is nice and my daughter loves the color. we are happy with our purchase. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 29, 2011

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  List Price: $199.99
  Price: $59.99
  You Save: $140.00 (70%)

  Size 1/4 violin with solid wood spruce top, maple back, neck and sides with beautiful satin varnish finish

  Includes: Lightweight hard case, adjustable shoulder rest, 2 bridges, quality rosin cake, and an extra set of violin strings.

  Brazil wood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair

  Rosewood fingerboard, pegs chin rest, and alloy tailpiece with 4 built-in fine tuners

  1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects

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  Kun Original 1/4 Violin Shoulder Rest

  Musical Instruments (U.S. Band & Orchestra Supplies Inc.)
  

  Rating (4 reviews):

  (4.8/5)

  

  How can you not love everything miniature.

  My daughter loves this. It is a great size. If you play the violin or viola you know that Kun is a great shoulder rest and you can't go wrong. I was nervous that this would end up being too large for her, but it has worked out great and gives her much more stability than a sponge. I feel like her posture has improved with it's use. 5/5 Erinboarder "erinboarder" (Lehi, UT) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Kun Original 1/4 Violin Shoulder Rest (Misc. Supplies) My daughter loves this. It is a great size. If you play the violin or viola you know that Kun is a great shoulder rest and you can't go wrong. I was nervous that this would end up being too large for her, but it has worked out great and gives her much more stability than a sponge. I feel like her posture has improved with it's use. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 12, 2011

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  Still the best.

  Kun is still the best shoulder rest. The old prejudices against this type of violin hardware are dying. It saves your neck, it frees your hand and arm, and it doesn't really dampen the tone, notwithstanding the old generation's concerns. There are copies out there that are pretty close; but at this price, why bother looking for a sub? I usedKun for all of my kids. Kids are tender. You can't play well when you're in pain. 5/5 Fiddle-Faddle (Redlands, CA United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Kun Original 1/4 Violin Shoulder Rest (Misc. Supplies) Kun is still the best shoulder rest. The old prejudices against this type of violin hardware are dying. It saves your neck, it frees your hand and arm, and it doesn't really dampen the tone, notwithstanding the old generation's concerns. There are copies out there that are pretty close; but at this price, why bother looking for a sub? I usedKun for all of my kids. Kids are tender. You can't play well when you're in pain. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 16, 2011

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  Perfect

  The product is as describe and very well finished. This is what I was looking for. I recommend. Thank you. 5/5 Janasso (São Paulo, Brazil) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Kun Original 1/4 Violin Shoulder Rest (Misc. Supplies) The product is as describe and very well finished. This is what I was looking for. I recommend. Thank you. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 4, 2011

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  List Price: $38.25
  

  Patented locking mechnism which ensures the rest will not touch the back of the instrument

  Adjustable in three directions for optimum comfort

  Frim yet comfortable frame

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  Kun Collapsible 3/4-1/2 Violin Shoulder Rest

  Musical Instruments (U.S. Band & Orchestra Supplies Inc.)
  

  Rating (5 reviews):

  (4.6/5)

  

  I recommend this product

  My son, age 12, likes this shoulder rest better than any of the others we have tried. The fact that it is collapsible makes it easier to store and keeps it from getting broken at school. 5/5 sandym "sandy" (SUMMERVILLE, SC United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Kun Collapsible 3/4-1/2 Violin Shoulder Rest (Electronics) My son, age 12, likes this shoulder rest better than any of the others we have tried. The fact that it is collapsible makes it easier to store and keeps it from getting broken at school. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 16, 2007

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  Good Shoulder Rest

  I bought this for my 10yr old daughter just getting into violin lessons.I initially bought the Resonans shoulder rest which was just terrible. I bought that one because it was cheap and it was the one that was at our local music store.The Kun one was the one our violin instructor uses so I bought it from Amazon. My daughter finds this one very comfortable. The grips that hold to the violin have a nice rubber to prevent scratches. The curved design and the foam add to the comfort. The best part is that its height adjustable by "unscrewing" the grips some.I would highly recommend this one vs. the Resonans branded one. 5/5 Pitter S. Chi (Herndon, VA) - See all my reviews, October 26, 2009

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  My daughter likes it.

  It is built well. It is compact and simple. It folds to fit in the violin case conveniently. My daughter loves it. I don't go that far because of the price, but it is a whole lot more expensive at the local store! 4/5 Farrokh F. Shoar "NASAman" (La Canada, CA) - See all my reviews, November 8, 2011

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  List Price: $48.00
  

  Frim yet comfortable frame

  Adjustable in three directions for optimum comfort

  Patented locking mechnism which ensures the rest will not touch the back of the instrument

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  Bow-Right for 1/4 - 1/2 Violin

  Musical Instruments (Bow-Right)
  

  Rating (5 reviews):

  (3.4/5)

  

  Good for someone starting out

  In principle this is a very useful product that clearly encourages correct bowing. It suffers from a few less than desirable traits. First, it is not the easiest thing to put on and often doesn't stay put. For this reason I often worried about scratching my violin. You really need to take care putting it on and taking it off to be sure there is no damage. This may be less of a concern for a rented student violin, but I never put this my better violin. Second, it encouraged correct bowing by forcing you to fit between two metal bars. Again this is okay for an inexpensive fiberglass bow, but no way do you want a more expensive bow constantly scraping the metal guides. So my recommendation is that it works great if you are not preoccupied with thinking about potential damage. 3/5 GJC (Houston) - See all my reviews This review is from: Bow-Right for 1/4 - 1/2 Violin In principle this is a very useful product that clearly encourages correct bowing. It suffers from a few less than desirable traits. First, it is not the easiest thing to put on and often doesn't stay put. For this reason I often worried about scratching my violin. You really need to take care putting it on and taking it off to be sure there is no damage. This may be less of a concern for a rented student violin, but I never put this my better violin. Second, it encouraged correct bowing by forcing you to fit between two metal bars. Again this is okay for an inexpensive fiberglass bow, but no way do you want a more expensive bow constantly scraping the metal guides. So my recommendation is that it works great if you are not preoccupied with thinking about potential damage. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 14, 2008

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  helped

  It's OK for a kid, specially at home...as I did not know how to play violin so this one helped.Teacher said it's only good for 6-9 weeks. 3/5 Dr. Mom (Nassau,NY USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Bow-Right for 1/4 - 1/2 Violin It's OK for a kid, specially at home...as I did not know how to play violin so this one helped.Teacher said it's only good for 6-9 weeks. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 18, 2008

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  Works okay when it's on but a pain to use overall

  My daughter takes violin lessons and her violin teacher suggested we purchased a bow guard/guide to help her strenghten her wrist motion and teach her how to keep the bow nice and straight as it was swerving a bit.The idea itself is great...the actual use of it...it is not.For starters, there is no way that a six year old can put this tool on or off by herself. I had to do it for her each time and trust me, there was some frustration on my part associated with the process, which took several minutes. The problem is that you have to open the sides wide enough to fit the width of the instrument by stretching the metal bars yet retaining the same shape. This is very tricky. I don't know how anyone can do this without scratching the violin. Everytime I had to do this I would cringe wondering of the damage this would cause the violin.If that wasn't bad enough, even once it was on it kept moving and sliding proving little worth to what we are actually trying to do: keep... 2/5 Tamara - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Bow-Right for 1/4 - 1/2 Violin My daughter takes violin lessons and her violin teacher suggested we purchased a bow guard/guide to help her strenghten her wrist motion and teach her how to keep the bow nice and straight as it was swerving a bit.The idea itself is great...the actual use of it...it is not.For starters, there is no way that a six year old can put this tool on or off by herself. I had to do it for her each time and trust me, there was some frustration on my part associated with the process, which took several minutes. The problem is that you have to open the sides wide enough to fit the width of the instrument by stretching the metal bars yet retaining the same shape. This is very tricky. I don't know how anyone can do this without scratching the violin. Everytime I had to do this I would cringe wondering of the damage this would cause the violin.If that wasn't bad enough, even once it was on it kept moving and sliding proving little worth to what we are actually trying to do: keep... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 7, 2011

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  List Price: $20.00
  Price: $14.94
  You Save: $5.06 (25%)

  Encourages straight bowing and correct wrist action

  For 1/4 - 1/2 violin

  Helps to develop a sound bow technique

  Metal guides attach easily with PBS plastic fittings

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  Adjustable Violin Shoulder Rest for 1/2 - 1/4 size Violins

  Musical Instruments (Elite)
  

  Violin Shoulder Rest

  Fits 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 Violins

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  Mendini 4/4 MV500 Flamed 1-Piece Back Solid Wood Violin with Case, Tuner, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin, Bridge and Strings - Full Size

  Musical Instruments (Cecilio Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (30 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Great instrument

  I am a music major at Indiana State University who plays upright bass in orchestra, and was looking to expand my music knowledge to violin. To my surprise my parents picked this up for me. I attempted to tune it and the high e string broke. Not surprising. As a rule, ALWAYS put new string on an instrument right away. The strings it came with were old and low quality. Also be sure to clean the instrument. I was disturbed by the amount of filth that came off the finger board. When i was done with setting it up and such, the instrument i was left with was astounding. The sound and depth is very nice, and the finish is stunning. I'm very happy with it. The case is nice, but it did need to be cleaned. the bows are passable, the rosin..... buy new rosin. 4/5 bdarr - See all my reviews This review is from: Mendini 4/4 MV500 Flamed 1-Piece Back Solid Wood Violin with Case, Tuner, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin, Bridge and Strings - Full Size (Electronics) I am a music major at Indiana State University who plays upright bass in orchestra, and was looking to expand my music knowledge to violin. To my surprise my parents picked this up for me. I attempted to tune it and the high e string broke. Not surprising. As a rule, ALWAYS put new string on an instrument right away. The strings it came with were old and low quality. Also be sure to clean the instrument. I was disturbed by the amount of filth that came off the finger board. When i was done with setting it up and such, the instrument i was left with was astounding. The sound and depth is very nice, and the finish is stunning. I'm very happy with it. The case is nice, but it did need to be cleaned. the bows are passable, the rosin..... buy new rosin. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 27, 2010

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  A couple minor things

  I am a student, not a professional but this violin has a couple of dings in it apparently from the factory.The bridge was indeed already installed and the strings tight which was a little worrisome but apparently didn't effect either.Ebony must be simply a description of the color because the materials used for the fingerboard, chin rest and tail piece are all different and none appear to be anything other than dyed wood (fingerboard) or nylon (plastic) or plastic for the tail piece and chin rest.That said, I can't comment on the rest of this item yet because I haven't had enough experience with it. I will update this review as needed.Update 5/28/11: My instructor can't keep his hands off this instrument. Not because it needs to be tuned constantly, quite the opposite, it holds it's tune for weeks and has really opened up in sound. He loves it and can't believe it was a cheap Chinese manufacture! Score one for bargain shopping! 5/5 Chad Kovac (Iowa) - See all my reviews, January 18, 2011

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  Great Quality. Lots of Extras!

  I ordered my violin with 1-day shipping and they weren't kidding. I had the violin in my possession and signed for within 24 hours! First off the case is a good quality hard plastic case with secure fasteners on either end to ensure the violin stay protected. When I opened it I was so surprised to see a ton of extra stuff I didn't know came with it! It came with an extra bridge, extra set of strings and two bows! Like previous reviews have stated(and were wrong) the strings were not too tight so when I tune it I hardly doubt the strings will snap. The violin itself seems to be in great condition. I don't see any flaws on it at all. The rosin I will not lie is a cheap quality so your probably better off going to a music store to buy a different rosin. All in all this is a great violin that sounds great and I'm going to have so much fun with it. Hope this was helpful. 5/5 Daniel C. Smith (Fort Polk, LA) - See all my reviews, March 1, 2011

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  List Price: $374.99
  

  Includes: Lightweight hard case, adjustable shoulder rest, 2 bridges, quality rosin cake, and an extra set of violin strings.

  Ebony fingerboard, pegs chin rest, and tailpiece with 4 detachable fine tuners

  Cecilio 92D chromatic / string tuner with metronome, 2 x Brazil wood bows with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair

  4/4 (Full Size) violin with solid hand-carved 1-piece maple back, neck and side, solid hand-carved spruce top with beautiful varnish finish & inlaid purfling

  1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects

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