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

Editor's picks

• 

  Electric Violin

  Musical Instruments (ViolinSmart)
  

  Rating (49 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  A Guitarist rates it...

  OK, right from the start, for this price you don't expect an Amati in yer mailbox, yes? That being said; this thing comes SOOO close to being a very nice instrument, and if you decide that the price and rather beautiful and intrigueing design make it a "what the hell, why not?" purchase, a few extra bucks spent now will save you a lot of pain and aggrevation when it arrives. Because right out of the box this thing is a BRUTE. I've played guitar, bass and violin for 42-odd years and so brought a certain amout of hand stength and callouses to this project and notwithstanding the difficulty this instrument posed at first I played my callouses off and back on a dozen or more times while adjusting to it and deciding what it needed. I shall try to address the questions and gripes I"ve gathered from chats posted about it and the suggestions I would make. First; go ahead and order fine-tuners for all the strings - the pegs are synthetic and will slip and slip and after you've... 3/5 K. Sweigart "Baldi" (H'ville, Ala.) - See all my reviews, March 13, 2006

  ---

  Stop second-guessing yourself and buy it.

  I was looking for a violin that would be conducive to playing live in a rock/metal band. Naturally, an electric made sense, it's a simple way to get the volume and power without having to fool around with microphones or attaching pick-ups. But I never imagined that I would find one so worthwhile for such an insignificant price. Now, if you're a classical violinist with a good bit of skill, this isn't for you, but then, if that's you, you'd probably never consider a cheapy like this in the first place and therefore, you aren't reading this, so I'll just ignore you.For everyone else: This is the mack truck of the violin world. It's heavy, reliable, and it's tone is strident and powerful. It's perfect for use in rock or old-school country fiddling. And let's face it: it just looks cool as hell. If you're planning to use this in a live performance setting, I hope your bandmates aren't the jealous type. It garners quite a bit of audience attention.All that... 5/5 Professor Murder (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Electric Violin I was looking for a violin that would be conducive to playing live in a rock/metal band. Naturally, an electric made sense, it's a simple way to get the volume and power without having to fool around with microphones or attaching pick-ups. But I never imagined that I would find one so worthwhile for such an insignificant price. Now, if you're a classical violinist with a good bit of skill, this isn't for you, but then, if that's you, you'd probably never consider a cheapy like this in the first place and therefore, you aren't reading this, so I'll just ignore you.For everyone else: This is the mack truck of the violin world. It's heavy, reliable, and it's tone is strident and powerful. It's perfect for use in rock or old-school country fiddling. And let's face it: it just looks cool as hell. If you're planning to use this in a live performance setting, I hope your bandmates aren't the jealous type. It garners quite a bit of audience attention.All that... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 11, 2007

  ---

  Amazing instrument!

  This was a Christmas present, and my favourite one this year! I'm an amateur violinist, having taken lessons from the age of six till I was an adult and now I play on and off. It took a few minutes to set up the bridge and tune the strings, but once properly tuned they don't slip, and the bridge works fine for me. The violin is comfortable to play, doesn't bother my family and friends, and it's such fun playing around with the tone and volume - it sounds like a rock band at high volume, if you can stand it in the headphones... It even comes complete with a reasonable bow, rosin, a little cushion (that I haven't tried), headphones, a cord to connect to an amp, and a surprisingly nice carry case - think electric guitar style.Extremely impressive and a lot of fun - I'm amazed they can do it at this price! 5/5 Jill Walker Rettberg (Bergen, Norway) - See all my reviews This review is from: Electric Violin This was a Christmas present, and my favourite one this year! I'm an amateur violinist, having taken lessons from the age of six till I was an adult and now I play on and off. It took a few minutes to set up the bridge and tune the strings, but once properly tuned they don't slip, and the bridge works fine for me. The violin is comfortable to play, doesn't bother my family and friends, and it's such fun playing around with the tone and volume - it sounds like a rock band at high volume, if you can stand it in the headphones... It even comes complete with a reasonable bow, rosin, a little cushion (that I haven't tried), headphones, a cord to connect to an amp, and a surprisingly nice carry case - think electric guitar style.Extremely impressive and a lot of fun - I'm amazed they can do it at this price! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 25, 2006

  ---

  List Price: $199.00
  Price: $87.00
  You Save: $112.00 (56%)

  Black tuning pegs, chinrest, fingerboard & tailpiece

  9 Volt battery advance amplifier (Other seller might be selling the low end 3 volt amplifier using AA battery)

  Full Size 4/4 Electric Silent Violin

  Great for beginners

  Comes complete with Wooden Bow, Padded Gig Bag, Rosin, EarPhone, 9V Battery & Amplifier Cable

---

• 

  Cecilio 4/4 CEVN-1NA Solid Wood Electric/Silent Violin with Ebony Fittings in Style 1 - Full Size - Mahogany Metallic

  Musical Instruments (Cecilio Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (29 reviews):

  (4.3/5)

  

  I've fallen in love with the violin all over again.

  I've been playing the violin for almost nine years now, and I thought this would be a good present to myself for the amount of time I've spent on one thing, and I also got this because I've always wondered what it would be like to play an electric violin. I have a lot to say so I'll just lay it out into pros and cons (:Pros:-It's just like playing an electric guitar, but it's a violin. You can use all the amps and distorters you want, and it sounds absolutely awesome.-For the price, this is an excellent instrument. The strings are brand new, the finish on the violin is beautiful (I got mine in black metallic), and it has a great tone.-It's very lightweight. It and the case together weigh less than holding my oboe (whilst cased).-I received it within four-five days of buying it.-The case was much better than I expected. It's actually a hard case (I couldn't tell from the picture) and has a pocket for storing things on top of it and a... 5/5 Adriane Baklava - See all my reviews This review is from: Cecilio 4/4 CEVN-1NA Solid Wood Electric/Silent Violin with Ebony Fittings in Style 1 - Full Size - Mahogany Metallic (Electronics) I've been playing the violin for almost nine years now, and I thought this would be a good present to myself for the amount of time I've spent on one thing, and I also got this because I've always wondered what it would be like to play an electric violin. I have a lot to say so I'll just lay it out into pros and cons (:Pros:-It's just like playing an electric guitar, but it's a violin. You can use all the amps and distorters you want, and it sounds absolutely awesome.-For the price, this is an excellent instrument. The strings are brand new, the finish on the violin is beautiful (I got mine in black metallic), and it has a great tone.-It's very lightweight. It and the case together weigh less than holding my oboe (whilst cased).-I received it within four-five days of buying it.-The case was much better than I expected. It's actually a hard case (I couldn't tell from the picture) and has a pocket for storing things on top of it and a... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 30, 2011

  ---

  Such a beautiful instrument!

  And it's not just the looks, this electric violin sounds surprisingly good when using headphones or amplifier. The bow is nice. It definitely needs a shoulder rest, some better rosin and a better set of strings, but for the price, this is wonderful. The line out jack does not seem to work (or I couldn't figure it out), but the phones jack works just fine for the amp. The price was even better after google'ing it ;) Nice as a gift to my dad. 5/5 master.aXu - See all my reviews This review is from: Cecilio 4/4 CEVN-1NA Solid Wood Electric/Silent Violin with Ebony Fittings in Style 1 - Full Size - Mahogany Metallic (Electronics) And it's not just the looks, this electric violin sounds surprisingly good when using headphones or amplifier. The bow is nice. It definitely needs a shoulder rest, some better rosin and a better set of strings, but for the price, this is wonderful. The line out jack does not seem to work (or I couldn't figure it out), but the phones jack works just fine for the amp. The price was even better after google'ing it ;) Nice as a gift to my dad. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 19, 2010

  ---

  Not a bad practice instrument for the price

  I bought this violin so I could practice quietly in my new apartment, since I have neighbors on both sides. It does the trick! I would never use it for performance, simply because the sound quality isn't awesome, but it is perfect or practicing. The headphones are absolute junk, so I don't use those, but I use my bose headphones. The strings understandably stretched quite a bit at first, so it was hard to keep it in tune, but after about 3 days, we were good to go with just minor adjustments. I like the fact that I can use my regular shoulder rest with it. My fingers did turn a little black from the fingerboard or strings at first, but that is minor and didn't last. Overall, I feel that I got quite a bargain, but again, it is perfect for practice but not at all a performance instrument. 4/5 nathanael - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Cecilio 4/4 CEVN-1BL Solid Wood Electric/Silent Violin with Ebony Fittings in Style 1 - Full Size - Blue Metallic (Electronics) I bought this violin so I could practice quietly in my new apartment, since I have neighbors on both sides. It does the trick! I would never use it for performance, simply because the sound quality isn't awesome, but it is perfect or practicing. The headphones are absolute junk, so I don't use those, but I use my bose headphones. The strings understandably stretched quite a bit at first, so it was hard to keep it in tune, but after about 3 days, we were good to go with just minor adjustments. I like the fact that I can use my regular shoulder rest with it. My fingers did turn a little black from the fingerboard or strings at first, but that is minor and didn't last. Overall, I feel that I got quite a bargain, but again, it is perfect for practice but not at all a performance instrument. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 6, 2010

  ---

  List Price: $499.99
  Price: $124.40
  You Save: $375.59 (75%)

  Hand-carved solid maple wood body with ebony fingerboard, pegs, chin rest and tailpiece with mother of pearl inlay

  1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects

  Includes: lightweight hard case, Brazil wood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, a bridge, an extra set of violin strings, aux cable, and headphones

  Size 4/4, style 1 left-handed electric / silent violin in black metallic varnish (full size)

  Powered by a 9V Alkaline battery (included)

---

• 

  Cecilio 4/4 CEVN-2NA Solid Wood Mahogany Metallic Electric/Silent Violin with Ebony Fittings in Style 2 (Full Size)

  Musical Instruments (Cecilio Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (36 reviews):

  (4.1/5)

  

  Great Quality Instrument!!

  I have been playing violin for three years now and I felt it was time to take the plunge into the electric violin world. I was also looking for something relatively inexpensive since my main violin is on the higher end. This was the perfect choice.Sound - Try as it might, it just can't replicate the sound of an acoustic violin (which I wasn't looking for anyway). It can get pretty close though and all in all the sound is nice. The pickup is good, not the best quality but it does its job pretty well. As for being silent, it is quieter than an acoustic with a mute, but not completely silent.Construction/Look - The body is nice and solid unlike some of the cheap online instruments you can get. The finish is well done and the ebony pieces with mother of pearl inlays look rather nice. The inlays fall flush too, nothing sticking out at all. The pegs don't slip at all. The only thing I could find wrong with the construction was the bridge. It was a bit too high but... 5/5 Mike - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Cecilio 4/4 CEVN-2NA Solid Wood Mahogany Metallic Electric/Silent Violin with Ebony Fittings in Style 2 (Full Size) (Electronics) I have been playing violin for three years now and I felt it was time to take the plunge into the electric violin world. I was also looking for something relatively inexpensive since my main violin is on the higher end. This was the perfect choice.Sound - Try as it might, it just can't replicate the sound of an acoustic violin (which I wasn't looking for anyway). It can get pretty close though and all in all the sound is nice. The pickup is good, not the best quality but it does its job pretty well. As for being silent, it is quieter than an acoustic with a mute, but not completely silent.Construction/Look - The body is nice and solid unlike some of the cheap online instruments you can get. The finish is well done and the ebony pieces with mother of pearl inlays look rather nice. The inlays fall flush too, nothing sticking out at all. The pegs don't slip at all. The only thing I could find wrong with the construction was the bridge. It was a bit too high but... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 18, 2010

  ---

  Totally AMAZING! But I have a question about the bridge...

  I love this violin so much, it sounds great and looks great. I'm not rating the bow. It's a typical cheap bow but it works just fine. My only issue with this thing has to do with the bridge. It is so oddly shaped... It slants upward, making the G string MUCH higher than the E. What I'm used to is a perfect arch for a bridge. The G and E are even, and the D and A are even, both slightly higher than the G and E. From what I understand, this gives a better ability to switch strings. I believe it. My acoustic violin is very easily played, perfect arch, and I love it. This electric I love also, but it's sooo hard not to hit the G string while playing the D, It just feels weird. I'm either gonna shave it down or have it replaced. Bridges only costs a few bucks, that's why I'm giving this instrument a 5 star. I do wonder though if there are any advantages to this Bridge design? Thanks in advance.As for the rest of it, totally amazing!!! It's surprising, the headphones feel really... 5/5 Jessica Hurd "Jessica Hurd" - See all my reviews, January 4, 2011

  ---

  A high quality music instrument.

  This violin was my birthday gift. The color is great, and the quality of the voice is awesome! I have been playing Violin, guitar and one other traditional music instrument called Santoor since many years ago. This violin is one of my bests. I plugged it into my guitar mixer and it sounds well. Even if you don't have a mixer or an AMP, don't worry. The violin by itself has a very loud and clear voice.The price used to be around $400 (according to amazon!) but now you can get it for less than $180 (140 + shipping and etc). I also ordered a Violin Shoulder Rest for about $15.00 so that let me play professionally. You cannot easily find a good quality violin electric like this in the market with this range price.Overall, I am happy with it, Thank God. 5/5 Pouria - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Cecilio 4/4 CEVN-2NA Solid Wood Mahogany Metallic Electric/Silent Violin with Ebony Fittings in Style 2 (Full Size) (Electronics) This violin was my birthday gift. The color is great, and the quality of the voice is awesome! I have been playing Violin, guitar and one other traditional music instrument called Santoor since many years ago. This violin is one of my bests. I plugged it into my guitar mixer and it sounds well. Even if you don't have a mixer or an AMP, don't worry. The violin by itself has a very loud and clear voice.The price used to be around $400 (according to amazon!) but now you can get it for less than $180 (140 + shipping and etc). I also ordered a Violin Shoulder Rest for about $15.00 so that let me play professionally. You cannot easily find a good quality violin electric like this in the market with this range price.Overall, I am happy with it, Thank God. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 29, 2010

  ---

  List Price: $499.99
  Price: $128.18
  You Save: $371.81 (74%)

  1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects

  Size 4/4, style 2 left-handed electric / silent violin in yellow maple metallic varnish (full size)

  Hand-carved solid maple wood body with ebony fingerboard, pegs, chin rest and tailpiece with mother of pearl inlay

  Includes: lightweight hard case, Brazil wood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, a bridge, an extra set of violin strings, aux cable, and headphones

  Powered by a 9V Alkaline battery (included)

---

• 

  Full Size 4/4 Electric Violin Set with Case and Accessories - Black

  Musical Instruments (Barcelona)
  

  Rating (16 reviews):

  (3.6/5)

  

  With work, well worth the money

  Lets start by saying the final product has a tonal quality I didn't expect from an electric violin. It has that heavy Jim Hendrix, Star Spangled Banner sound when the bass and volume are cranked. Want to rip up some heavy metal, this baby has no problem. Want some sweet classical stuff, it does that also (less volume, less bass, more treble, if thats what you want). The violin arrived with the used look. Touchup paint and light scratch's. The bridge has sting marks on it like someone had tried to use it. Now for the work it took. Starting at the top. The pegs are made of genuine plastic and the string holes appear to be made with a hot pin punched by a machine. The holes were too shallow, only going half way thru the pegs and the strings wouldn't stay in when I started to wind them. I took a pin size drill bit and hand drilled each hole in all four pegs. Easily done. I order four fine tuners because this package only comes with one fine tuner on the E-string. I also upgraded the... 3/5 D. McKeon (Ma. USA) - See all my reviews, May 8, 2007

  ---

  No better violin for this price, after work

  I have to say I am very happy with how this turned out for me. I decided to pick up the violin after not playing for several years. With a decent violin starting at about $600 minimum, I decided to go a different route, electric.First, let me say, you will not be playing this badboy right out of the package. Mine took a bit of work to get into playable shape. Not a huge problem as nearly every violin usually does. I had to replace the strings as the ones in the package are the saddest sounding things I can imagine. For the beginner, I recommend a set of Prelude's. If you have some experience under your belt and can hear the difference, go for a set of Dominant's. I personally went for the Sensicore Octave's, but then again I like playing an odd violin/chello hybrid.The provided bridge is way to thick, and high. I'm not a master of this but using a bit of sandpaper and a file I was able to cut it down to a serviceable size and shape. You may want to... 3/5 Chutzpuh "The last PC gamer" (Tucson, Az United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Full Size 4/4 Electric Violin Set with Case and Accessories - Black I have to say I am very happy with how this turned out for me. I decided to pick up the violin after not playing for several years. With a decent violin starting at about $600 minimum, I decided to go a different route, electric.First, let me say, you will not be playing this badboy right out of the package. Mine took a bit of work to get into playable shape. Not a huge problem as nearly every violin usually does. I had to replace the strings as the ones in the package are the saddest sounding things I can imagine. For the beginner, I recommend a set of Prelude's. If you have some experience under your belt and can hear the difference, go for a set of Dominant's. I personally went for the Sensicore Octave's, but then again I like playing an odd violin/chello hybrid.The provided bridge is way to thick, and high. I'm not a master of this but using a bit of sandpaper and a file I was able to cut it down to a serviceable size and shape. You may want to... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 19, 2007

  ---

  Excelent... Yet needs work

  The violin came in with headphones, strings, rosin, battery, sponge, bow, bridge, pegs, single fine tunerNow here's what needs attention, the Bridge: it either needs to be sanded lower or you can make deeper notches on the curve of the bridge. Then the Rosin: Sand the rosin so the glare is gone. Headphones: Not built good enough to withstand the sounds and vibrations of the violin (in my case). Pegs: You need strength to shove the pegs in so they don't slip and additionally use Peg Drops. The STRINGS: They are the worst thing out there, they break to 1/4 the normal strength of Red Tag Violin Strings .Highly recommend replacements since my G and D Strings Broke because the braid failed.Here's the upsRigid and very beautiful when it comes to colors ( don't scratch it because it reveals spots of white plastic)Great electronics.Light and good quality Bow (hairs exceptional)Now Even the work is not that bad But it is... 4/5 J. V. Virrey (Chula Vista , CA US) - See all my reviews, February 20, 2009

  ---

  List Price: $199.95
  Price: $70.99
  You Save: $128.96 (64%)

  Ebony Pegs, chinrest, fingerboard & tailpiece

  Comes complete with padded gig bag, rosin, headphones and batteries

  Full Brazil wood Bows with unbleached horsehair

  Full Size 4/4 Electric Silent Violin

  Ideal for the beginning student

---

• 

  VIOLINSMART Full Size 4/4 White Electric Violin - Complete Set

  Musical Instruments (VIOLINSMART.com)
  

  Rating (16 reviews):

  (3.8/5)

  

  Great violin for the money

  I used to play violin 20 years ago. I wanted something to play around on. Was a little wary of something so "cheap" price wise. When I received my violin I was pleasently supprised. I think the quality of this product is equivelant to one that you would pay 200-300 dollars for. Very nice. Can't go wrong. Would highly recommend. 5/5 Freddie Thronson - See all my reviews, April 24, 2006

  ---

  It's Electrifyin'!

  As a more classical violinist, I have always played on an accoustic. Recently, I have been doing more "band" and "rock" performances, so I decided to invest in an electric. This is a great violin, not stellar enough for recording probably but good enough for fun stage shows. The unique body style attracts lots of attention from audience members and the ability to use it as a practice violin while my daughter is sleeping (you can still hear it when "un-plugged", just very soft) has been an added bonus. As for quality of sound, well, I guess I'm just spoiled to the nice robust tone of my accoustic. Maybe with more amplifier experience, I may be able to achieve a better quality?!? This violin does come with a terrific soft case, all the cords needed, a set of headphones and a bow. I will note that the bow is pretty cheap (fiberglass I think) - not the worst bow ever made but you may want to replace it with a better quality one. Also, you will probably need to take it to a music... 4/5 Modern Mommy (Texas) - See all my reviews This review is from: VIOLINSMART Full Size 4/4 White Electric Violin - Complete Set As a more classical violinist, I have always played on an accoustic. Recently, I have been doing more "band" and "rock" performances, so I decided to invest in an electric. This is a great violin, not stellar enough for recording probably but good enough for fun stage shows. The unique body style attracts lots of attention from audience members and the ability to use it as a practice violin while my daughter is sleeping (you can still hear it when "un-plugged", just very soft) has been an added bonus. As for quality of sound, well, I guess I'm just spoiled to the nice robust tone of my accoustic. Maybe with more amplifier experience, I may be able to achieve a better quality?!? This violin does come with a terrific soft case, all the cords needed, a set of headphones and a bow. I will note that the bow is pretty cheap (fiberglass I think) - not the worst bow ever made but you may want to replace it with a better quality one. Also, you will probably need to take it to a music... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 22, 2007

  ---

  great product for the price!

  i bought this violin and an amp recently. i am an experienced violin player, so i fixed the bridge, but when i tried to tune the e string, it snapped. i happened to have an extra for my acoustic, so i put that on and it has worked great! i LOVE the earphone plugin, because it gives me the normal sound, and it is quieter for anyone else in the house. this violin also has pretty good tone without earphones or an amp. i had to replace the shoulder rest, though, because it was pretty cheapy and to flat for me. ( i unscrewed it and now use a normal shoulder rest.) the bow is made of fiberglass, and is very cheapy,so i use my bow from my acoustic. i really like this violin, but if you're not willing to put alot of effort into "customizing" it, then this might not be for you. 4/5 C. Patton (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews, June 12, 2008

  ---

  List Price: $199.00
  Price: $73.99
  You Save: $125.01 (63%)

  Comes complete with Wooden Bow, Padded Gig Bag, Rosin, EarPhone, Battery & Amplifier Cable

  Full Size 4/4 Electric Silent Violin complete

  Black Hardwood Pegs, chinrest, fingerboard & tailpiece

  Built-In Should Rest for extra comfort

---

• 

  VIOLINSMART Full Size 4/4 Blue Silent Electric Violin with Accessory Complete Set

  Musical Instruments (ViolinSmart)
  

  Rating (8 reviews):

  (3.0/5)

  

  A little 'fine-tuning', and wala!!!

  Replace the strings with better ones, bridge to a medium one, install the fine tuners (yes, replace the one that's there too), and maybe get some better pegs..........and you've got a really inexpensive, cool-looking, great-sounding electric violin!!! Seriously! I have the pink one, and am going to buy the silent black one very soon. I'm not ready to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a violin yet, and I really like these. 4/5 Tina-Marie (Colorado) - See all my reviews This review is from: VIOLINSMART Full Size 4/4 Blue Silent Electric Violin with Accessory Complete Set Replace the strings with better ones, bridge to a medium one, install the fine tuners (yes, replace the one that's there too), and maybe get some better pegs..........and you've got a really inexpensive, cool-looking, great-sounding electric violin!!! Seriously! I have the pink one, and am going to buy the silent black one very soon. I'm not ready to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a violin yet, and I really like these. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 5, 2006

  ---

  good electronics, but needs adjustment to be playable

  I bought this inexpensive electric violin as a practice instrument and to keep my kids away from my good violin. Here's the verdict:PROs -- It is reasonably well made (sturdy) with pretty good electronics. The bow is surprisingly well made and nicely balanced. I use it with my good acoustic violin.CONs -- The set-up is awful. The bridge was not even notched to accept the strings, nor was it well shaped. I took care of that pretty quickly. It comes pre-strung with really poor quality strings. The E string could not even be brought up to pitch before the ball-end popped off the windings. The tailpiece is cheap and not well placed. The tuners are cheap, but usable with fine tuners. Worst of all, the nut (molded into the fingerboard) is notched unevenly, such that the strings are unevenly spaced and too close together for double notes with one string open (especially between the G and D strings). Plus, the string height at the nut is unacceptable... 3/5 T. Ransom "BanjoFreak" (Woodstock, GA USA) - See all my reviews, June 6, 2007

  ---

  huge help

  Ok so this is what you do: 1. get some planetary geared pegs, they exist 2. get a real tailpiece not plastic, you will not need fine tuners with the geared pegs, (by the way these geared pegs are for violins and they drop the weight of adding fine tuners, plus slipping pegs suck) 3. you get a nice bridge and sand it down to a medium height 4. this is optional, you either sport for a luthier to add frets to a real fretboard or you add a "fiddle fretter"Then you will have a fairly awesome/cheap electric fiddle. I play the bass and crossed over not too long ago with this setup, you want to get into those screaming octaves with some serious hoorah this is the way to start. Of course for me the bass is still my first love, but even an electric guitar I've passed over numerous times..... this thing fits the bill. 4/5 Robert S. Rising "MBFT" (TEXAS) - See all my reviews, February 21, 2007

  ---

  List Price: $199.00
  Price: $74.95
  You Save: $124.05 (62%)

  Full Size 4/4 Electric Silent Violin

  Built-In Should Rest for extra comfort

  9 Volt battery advance amplifier (Other seller might be selling the low end 3 volt amplifier using AA battery)

  Comes complete with Wooden Bow, Padded Gig Bag, Rosin, EarPhone, 9V Battery & Amplifier Cable

---

• 

  Barcelona Beginner Series Electric Violin with Hardshell Case and Accessories - Black

  Musical Instruments (Barcelona)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Brand New Beginner 4/4 Violin

  I purchased this model for the low cost and manufacturer. Overall a nice piece with the fine tuning a brand new model needs. This is a powerful and light Violin with a couple pieces added on. I think anyone looking to train up or have a decent instrument for the jam might be interested in this. It will need to be worked on at a local music shop if you don't have the means to fine tune your new instrument. I had to file out the peg box to allow the pegs full depth. Small holes had to be drilled back on the peg so the string ends would not hit the peg box.You will want to purchase "Peg Drops" to hold the plastic pegs in the fiberglass peg box. I followed some advice on lowering my bridge height, and sanding the bridge feet to contact the pickup perfectly using a flashlight to check for gaps. After a few hours the chin rest worked itself off the end. The string post applies upward pressure on the chin rest, and the only way I found to hold it still was to:1.Drill... 4/5 S. Weir - See all my reviews, February 22, 2012

  ---

  List Price: $199.95
  Price: $79.95
  You Save: $120.00 (60%)

  Idea for beginning students

  Full-size 4/4 silent electric violin

  Brazilwood bow with unbleached horsehair

  Ebony Pegs, chinrest, fingerboard & tailpiece

  Includes hardshell case, headphones, bow, and rosin

---

• 

  VIOLINSMART BLACK Solid Wood Advance Electric Violin crescent shape

  Musical Instruments (ViolinSmart)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Bang for the buck but not for beginner

  I am a veteran violin player who have been playing violin for more than ten years. Decided to pick an silent violin up as a practice violin in the middle of night with earphone. I already spent too much on my acoustic violin and that one is still going to stay as my primary violin so was not planning to put big money in and that's why I choose this one, before I order it I think at least it pleases my eyes.It arrived very quickly and was well packaged. The moment I got it I took out the no-brand string and put on Helicore strings that I ordered at the same time with this violin,paired with my own headphone it actually sounds pretty good, but do note the combined price of my headphone and strings already cost almost twice of this violin, and of course it doesn't produce sound any close to a Stradivari, but it is definitely not just a saw either.The build in preamp does got the job done but I do notice some distortion if I jack the volume and tone to max, but... 4/5 Y. Lei "Greenteac" (Vancouver, BC, Canada) - See all my reviews, February 29, 2012

  ---

  List Price: $219.99
  Price: $159.59
  You Save: $30.00 (19%)

  Made of selected solid Spruce top, Maple Side and Back

  Hook-up with amplifier/HiFi or headphone. Includes 8 foot amp cable and earpiece

  Full Brazil wood Bows with unbleached horsehair

  Advance 9 V battery amplifier (compare with low end 3 Volt Amplifier elsewhere)

  Full Size 4/4 Advance Electric Silent Violin with Triangular Light Weight Hardshell Case

---

• 

  Cecilio 4/4CEVN-4BK Solid Wood Black Metallic Electric/Silent Violin with Ebony Fittings in Style 4 (Full Size)

  Musical Instruments (Cecilio Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (6 reviews):

  (3.7/5)

  

  Fun starter violin.

  I bought this violin six months ago just to see if I could learn to play, never touched a violin before and I'm almost 45 yrs old. The sound is good but not great. Putting it though a guitar affects box (cost almost as much as the violin!) helps a lot, you can really tweak the sound to whatever you want. I have actually learned to play, only lessons being online youtube lessons and student study books. You can really learn to play and have fun at home with this one. I changed to 'better' strings but I can't tell a difference, save your money for your next violin. I bought a 15W practice amp, wish I'd gotten one a little bigger but it is ok. I also like that you can plug in headphones and practice in 'silent' mode. My only complaint is that the electronic module is pretty cheap and the headphone jack is now intermittant and takes some fiddling to get it to work now but a minor fault. Also, buy a cheap tuner so you can get it tuned correctly. If it is out of tune even slightly... 4/5 Tony Stevens (PA, USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Cecilio 4/4CEVN-4BK Solid Wood Black Metallic Electric/Silent Violin with Ebony Fittings in Style 4 (Full Size) (Electronics) I bought this violin six months ago just to see if I could learn to play, never touched a violin before and I'm almost 45 yrs old. The sound is good but not great. Putting it though a guitar affects box (cost almost as much as the violin!) helps a lot, you can really tweak the sound to whatever you want. I have actually learned to play, only lessons being online youtube lessons and student study books. You can really learn to play and have fun at home with this one. I changed to 'better' strings but I can't tell a difference, save your money for your next violin. I bought a 15W practice amp, wish I'd gotten one a little bigger but it is ok. I also like that you can plug in headphones and practice in 'silent' mode. My only complaint is that the electronic module is pretty cheap and the headphone jack is now intermittant and takes some fiddling to get it to work now but a minor fault. Also, buy a cheap tuner so you can get it tuned correctly. If it is out of tune even slightly... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 9, 2011

  ---

  Nice violin

  I was pleased with the nice sound and durable construction of this instrument. The electronics aren't really high quality. Comes with a good case which is more than adequate for the instrument and an "ok" bow (I prefer to use a different one). With the power off, it still sounds like a very heavily muted violin which might be adequate for practice for some players. 5/5 James M. Pearce "James" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews, January 22, 2011

  ---

  Nice fiddle, but electronics and bow are junk

  The violin is okay; not the greatest tone, but plays fine. Very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the peg work, though the bridge is probably too thick and needs to be lowered unless you like the action really high. Replacing the low quality strings would also be advisable. There was a slight cosmetic blemish on the finish, but entirely acceptable in my opinion.The bow that came with the violin is warped beyond playability and would cost hundreds of dollars to straighten, so putting it in the trash is the best option.The major problem is the output jacks, which only function intermittently. It's very annoying when you're playing and then all of a sudden there's no sound. Extraneous clicks and pops were improved by using a well shielded monster cable, but that didn't solve the drop out problem from the main output.I really like the look and feel of this particular model and wish the electronics could be upgraded. Am checking around to see if... 2/5 janie - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Cecilio 4/4 CEVN-4Y Solid Wood Electric/Silent Violin with Ebony Fittings in Style 4 - Full Size - Yellow Maple Metallic (Electronics) The violin is okay; not the greatest tone, but plays fine. Very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the peg work, though the bridge is probably too thick and needs to be lowered unless you like the action really high. Replacing the low quality strings would also be advisable. There was a slight cosmetic blemish on the finish, but entirely acceptable in my opinion.The bow that came with the violin is warped beyond playability and would cost hundreds of dollars to straighten, so putting it in the trash is the best option.The major problem is the output jacks, which only function intermittently. It's very annoying when you're playing and then all of a sudden there's no sound. Extraneous clicks and pops were improved by using a well shielded monster cable, but that didn't solve the drop out problem from the main output.I really like the look and feel of this particular model and wish the electronics could be upgraded. Am checking around to see if... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 26, 2011

  ---

  List Price: $499.99
  Price: $127.39
  You Save: $372.60 (75%)

  Hand-carved solid maple wood body with ebony fingerboard, pegs, chin rest and tailpiece with mother of pearl inlay

  Size 4/4, style 4 right-handed electric / silent violin in black metallic varnish (full size)

  Includes: lightweight hard case, Brazil wood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, a bridge, an extra set of violin strings, aux cable, and headphones

  1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects

  Powered by a 9V Alkaline battery (included)

---

• 

  ViolinSmart Solid Wood Electric Silent Violin - Black

  Musical Instruments (ViolinSmart)
  

  Rating (3 reviews):

  (3.3/5)

  

  Cheap and frustrating, but okay sound quality.

  For the price, I wasn't expecting much. But this violin is of worse quality than others I've bought for half the price.The materials are obviously extremely cheap; glitter paint and plastic. There are even blotches of bare surface where the paint wasn't fully applied! The peg holes are too small, and the pegs either stick tight or slip horribly. By the time you finish tuning your fourth string, the first you tuned will already be flat!The bow is also of low quality. The wood I can not identify, but it's roughly carved, too flimsy, and the hairs are too loose. The accessories are also bare-bones, including dried out and cracked rosin, and the cheapest disposable ear buds imaginable.I bought this to be a "silent" practice violin. I realized it wouldn't be completely silent, but I'm disappointed to find it's nearly as loud unplugged as my acoustic violins are with a heavy mute. I won't be using this to practice late at night as I had hoped... 2/5 John Garrison - See all my reviews, February 2, 2010

  ---

  Nice feature of the amplifier

  I like the design and color. But the reason I gave it 5 star is for the capability of the tuning feature of the pre-amplifier. I can adjust the high/low tone directly on the instrument. This is a feature which is not available on most other electric violin.Someone mention about the paint job and there is room for improvement. Most color violin are not painted in the neck area. The shop technician told me it's because it's a high traffic area (your thumb slides up and down) and paints might easily fade out. 5/5 cheerychum - See all my reviews This review is from: ViolinSmart Solid Wood Electric Silent Violin - Black I like the design and color. But the reason I gave it 5 star is for the capability of the tuning feature of the pre-amplifier. I can adjust the high/low tone directly on the instrument. This is a feature which is not available on most other electric violin.Someone mention about the paint job and there is room for improvement. Most color violin are not painted in the neck area. The shop technician told me it's because it's a high traffic area (your thumb slides up and down) and paints might easily fade out. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 20, 2011

  ---

  electric violin

  i thought the strings it came with were too short, when u have to turn the pegs to tighten it, eventually they all snapped and were hard to put back on cause the pegs are so fragile, also the bridge wasnt cut , you have to do that yourself. if youre willing to buy new strings and cut the peg then id give it 4 stars at best. i did prefer this design to many other however 3/5 Heidi L. Brown - See all my reviews, March 12, 2010

  ---

  Solid Wood Full Size 4/4 Electric Violin

  Built-In Should Rest for extra comfort

  Comes complete with Wooden Bow, Padded Gig Bag

  9 Volt battery advance amplifier (Other seller might be selling the low end 3 volt amplifier using AA battery)

  Black Hardwood Pegs, chinrest, fingerboard & tailpiece

---