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Editor's picks

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  Glaesel Violin Ultra Practice Mute

  Musical Instruments (Glaesel)
  

  Rating (81 reviews):

  (4.4/5)

  

  Good and comfortable mute

  I am a beginner, and this mute seems to do a fine job in decreasing the volume of my mistakes :) It is very easy to use. The material is firm but very soft so I do not have to worry about damaging the bridge ( I was a bit apprehensive about using a nickel or gold plated mute). The mute fits very well on a 4/4 violin and does will not fall off even if you shake the instrument upside down (not sure why anyone would but isn't it nice to know?). Since it seems over-sized I am sure it would fit on any smaller violin as well.I only wish it would mute to an even lower volume. 5/5 Boruta Di Lira (NJ, US) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Glaesel Violin Ultra Practice Mute I am a beginner, and this mute seems to do a fine job in decreasing the volume of my mistakes :) It is very easy to use. The material is firm but very soft so I do not have to worry about damaging the bridge ( I was a bit apprehensive about using a nickel or gold plated mute). The mute fits very well on a 4/4 violin and does will not fall off even if you shake the instrument upside down (not sure why anyone would but isn't it nice to know?). Since it seems over-sized I am sure it would fit on any smaller violin as well.I only wish it would mute to an even lower volume. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 19, 2007

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  Nice!

  This mute works great! It cuts the loudness down by well over half. My husband said he could barely hear me in the next room. Perfect for practicing, late night playing, or people that live with room mates or in apartments. Easy to put on and take off. The rubber won't hurt your violin, bridge or strings. I love it! 5/5 Charlene Thompson "Forever Learning New Things" (Virginia Beach, VA United States) - See all my reviews, January 4, 2008

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  Great tonal qualities!

  This mute is great! It mutes a lot too! You can actually control how much the mute actually mutes your violin by raising it a little bit above the bridge. I usually put it a little over half way on when I am in a concert and it is Con Sordini because I prefer the tonal qualities of this rather than my "two holed mute". A lot better sound than those metal ones, put less stress on your bridge and are a lot cheaper too! 5/5 R. Hellinger (Upstate NY) - See all my reviews, July 17, 2007

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  List Price: $5.50
  Price: $3.00
  You Save: $2.50 (45%)

  5 prong

  For Violin

  Heavy rubber

  Practice anywhere

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  Razer Lycosa Programmable Backlit Gaming Keyboard

  CE (Razer USA)
  

  Rating (310 reviews):

  (3.0/5)

  

  Nice keyboard...and not just for gamers.

  First, I'm not a gamer. I enjoy a good FPS but generally get pwned by kids 30 years younger than me. I didn't buy this keyboard for it's gaming features. I needed to replace my Logitech MX5000 BT keyboard because it was driving me crazy with it's connection issues. The criteria I had for the replacement was that it be wired (I've tried too many flaky wireless solutions); that it preferably have laptop style keys; that it be relatively quiet (so my wife can sleep in the next room); and that the keys have a switchable backlight (more on that later). The Lycosa met these requirements for me.The keyboard itself is really nice looking, not too big, and very low profile. The high gloss body finish does show finger prints and dust. The keys have a matte rubber finish that feels good under the finger tips.I'm almost a touch typist and I have been intrigued by the Das Keyboard II but I just wasn't really ready to commit to a completely unmarked keyboard. The... 4/5 Kevin Mills (Sherwood, OR United States) - See all my reviews, January 3, 2008

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  Overall a good keyboard.

  This is a good keyboard, in most ways. The color is a nice glossy black, somewhat sleek, back lit in a nice cold blue. I only have one real issue with it:The rubberized coating on the keys. More thought should have been put into this, as it seems to be easy to erode. My W, A, and D keys are seriously worn through on the top, to the point that there are no recognizable characters on those keys anymore.You just see the transparent key underneath, along with the "X" shape on the underside of the keys. This was a keyboard for gamers, eh? Considering that I've had the keyboard for 7 months now , and that the erosion started after about three months, are any of the keys going to be legible in another 7 months? This coating is really substandard. I still have 10 and 15 year old keyboards in use with all the keys legible. 3/5 A. Millar - See all my reviews, June 19, 2009

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  Supernice!

  After doing a lot of research I finally decided on this keyboard (instead of the G15 or a game pa). I'm used to just using 13 dollar microsoft keyboards, so it was a lot of money for 'just' a keyboard, but so worth it!Just the keyboard alone, minus the programmable aspects, have been great. I love how it looks when lit up (which I've had no trouble with it seeming too dim), and when my computer is off it looks good too with it's dull black look instead of a shiny plastic like most keyboards.I also love that it's a very economic design, and especially small for a programmable keyboard. One of my concerns was that some of the other programmable keybards simply seemed huge, and I felt like they were investing too much desk space both for normal computer use and especially for gaming where I have the bad habit of shoving the keyboard to the far left to use mostly the right side.On that note, because I'm a 'goofy footed' gamer that doesn't use the... 5/5 Popsicledeath (Boise, ID) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Razer Lycosa Programmable Backlit Gaming Keyboard (Personal Computers) After doing a lot of research I finally decided on this keyboard (instead of the G15 or a game pa). I'm used to just using 13 dollar microsoft keyboards, so it was a lot of money for 'just' a keyboard, but so worth it!Just the keyboard alone, minus the programmable aspects, have been great. I love how it looks when lit up (which I've had no trouble with it seeming too dim), and when my computer is off it looks good too with it's dull black look instead of a shiny plastic like most keyboards.I also love that it's a very economic design, and especially small for a programmable keyboard. One of my concerns was that some of the other programmable keybards simply seemed huge, and I felt like they were investing too much desk space both for normal computer use and especially for gaming where I have the bad habit of shoving the keyboard to the far left to use mostly the right side.On that note, because I'm a 'goofy footed' gamer that doesn't use the... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 16, 2009

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  List Price: $79.99
  

  Backlight Illumination with WASD cluster lighting option - Make darkness your ally. While your enemies fiddle in the shadows, command precision.

  Keytop with non-slip rubber finish - optimum tactile comfort and makes slipping up in the heat of action a thing of the past

  Keytop with non-slip rubber finish

  Fully programmable keys with macro capability - enables instantaneous command executions.

  Backlight illumination with WASD cluster lighting option

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• 

  Tangle Therapy by Tangle

  Toy (Tangle Creations)
  

  Rating (36 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  very nice

  my son has cerebral palsy and limited in right hand uses left before I would give him rope to tie or a thera band .he loves this therapy toy and takes it everywere even to school,I will add when he takes to school there another classmate with severe disbilities and cannot speak and loved it so much he wanted to keep it (haha)so I will get him one to .I have nothing negative to say its great 5/5 Andrea Mcafee (arcata ca) - See all my reviews, January 11, 2008

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  great therapy tool

  The twistable hand therapy toy has been helpful for my son, who has autism. It gives him something to do with his hands so that he may be redirected from his stims or inappropriate behaviors. 5/5 cjw (Phila., PA) - See all my reviews = Durability:, June 18, 2008

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  Pefect for quiting smokin

  I bought this product to help sooth my nerves when I was quitting smoking. I ended up with a whole collection of tangles because it is just so relaxing. I work in an office and before you know it my whole office was at their desk playing with a tangle (even the non smokers). It somehow releases any tension you might feel, it's hard to explain. You pick it up and can't put it down. You just have to try it for yourself. If you need help kicking the nicotine habit you really should give this a try! Keep on in you car, at you desk, on the coffee table!!! 5/5 L. Carrington - See all my reviews, July 16, 2008

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  List Price: $12.99
  Price: $4.75
  You Save: $8.24 (63%)

  Use Tangle Therapy for hand and mind wellness

  With 20 pieces interconnected, this twisty toy keeps your fingers good and busy

  Each piece is covered with a soft rubberized material that is designed for maximum tactile pleasure

  Tangle Therapy fits in your hand for single handed manipulation

  Twistable therapy device with a new ergonomic approach to stress relief and hand therapy

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• 

  Singin' in the Rain (Original 1984 London Cast)

  Music (First Night)
  

  Rating (2 reviews):

  (3.0/5)

  

  fine recording

  The 1984 West End production of the classic SINGIN' IN THE RAIN was a very successful revival of a classic film which translated perfectly to the stage, and heading the cast was veteran musical performer Tommy Steele as Don Lockwood. It played at the London Palladium to packed houses.The cast also featured Roy Castle as Cosmo Brown, Danielle Carson as Kathy Seldon and Sarah Payne as Lina Lamont. A fantastic ensemble was headed by Joyce Carpenter.Danielle Carson brings the house down with the 'Valentine Girls' in "I Can't Give You Anything But Love", which replaced "All I Do Is Dream Of You". Ms Carson also gives a lovely treatment of "Would You?".Tommy Steele proves his showmanship with "You Are My Lucky Star", "Singin' In The Rain", and "Fascinating Rhythm". Roy Castle is great in the comical "Make 'Em Laugh", while Sarah Payne is given time to shine in "Temptation".Overall a fine... 3/5 Byron Kolln (the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood) - See all my reviews, December 20, 2001

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  Leave it to the Yanks, please....

  I've heard two London recordings of the classic Singin' in the Rain, and I have to say that they just don't translate well. In my opinion Gene Kelley made the recording and the movie. It's a musical about the Golden age of Hollywood, it just doesn't have anything outstandingly British about it. The actors give terrible American accents, and Make Em Laugh made me weep. It just isn't worth the money, kids. Stick to the OBCR. 3/5 A Customer - See all my reviews This review is from: Singin' in the Rain (Original 1984 London Cast) (Audio CD) I've heard two London recordings of the classic Singin' in the Rain, and I have to say that they just don't translate well. In my opinion Gene Kelley made the recording and the movie. It's a musical about the Golden age of Hollywood, it just doesn't have anything outstandingly British about it. The actors give terrible American accents, and Make Em Laugh made me weep. It just isn't worth the money, kids. Stick to the OBCR. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 17, 2001

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  List Price: $22.49
  

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  Mel Bay The Craig Duncan Master Fiddle Solo Collection

  Book (Mel Bay Publications, Inc.)
  

  Rating (8 reviews):

  (4.5/5)

  

  Not for the faint of heart

  No CD, no tablature, just 144 heavy duty arrangements of a wide variety of tunes in standard notation only. Craig usually has a basic version of a tune, then takes you through again or even a third time with variations and ornamentations. These are not for the beginner. When you get beyond the violin for dummies, or the Curious George plays the fiddle type books, this book gives lots of examples of how to incorporate a little spice into your playing. Prepare to be challenged. I'm sure I'll be using this one for years to come. 5/5 Steven A. Poe (Martinez, GA United States) - See all my reviews, March 10, 2006

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  Good, solid fiddle tunes

  This particular collection contains tunes I had been searching for elsewhere particularly some great ones played by Kenny Baker such as Lonesome Midnight Waltz and Road to Columbus. Even though I try to learn by ear most of the time, it is good to be able to fall back to the actual score for reference. This is a book for advanced beginners and above. Don't look for much explanation but instead revel in having a really good collection of bluegrass tunes in one book! 4/5 Sithaeg - See all my reviews This review is from: Mel Bay The Craig Duncan Master Fiddle Solo Collection (Paperback) This particular collection contains tunes I had been searching for elsewhere particularly some great ones played by Kenny Baker such as Lonesome Midnight Waltz and Road to Columbus. Even though I try to learn by ear most of the time, it is good to be able to fall back to the actual score for reference. This is a book for advanced beginners and above. Don't look for much explanation but instead revel in having a really good collection of bluegrass tunes in one book! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 9, 2011

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  so much fun to play!

  I have played violin for years, and had some experience fiddling when I bought this book.It has been so much fun!There are several songs that are too difficult for me, and several that were super-easy, most are in-between.Almost all of the tunes I played are in this book, and a ton that I had never heard before. 5/5 J. G. "just a girl" - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Mel Bay The Craig Duncan Master Fiddle Solo Collection (Paperback) I have played violin for years, and had some experience fiddling when I bought this book.It has been so much fun!There are several songs that are too difficult for me, and several that were super-easy, most are in-between.Almost all of the tunes I played are in this book, and a ton that I had never heard before. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 1, 2010

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  List Price: $19.99
  

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  1910 Wood Engraving Dyak Weapon Utensil Knife Basket Fiddle Dayak Borneo Tribe - Original Wood Engraving

  Home (Authenticated)
  List Price: $43.95
  Price: $31.95
  You Save: $12.00 (27%)

  Dimensions: Approximately 5 x 7.5 inches; 13 x 19 cm

  Grade: Very Fine

  Packaged in custom sleeve w/ archival black board (great for display, gift-giving, and preservation)

  Authentication: Dual Serial-Numbered Certificates of Authenticity w/ Full Provenance

  Product Type: Original Wood Engraving; Black / White

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  The Way You Used To Do

  Digital Music Track (OMS Records)
  

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  Climb Right Fiddle Block System

  Home Improvement (Spyder Manufacturing)
  

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  Fiddler on the Roof (Special Edition)

  DVD (MGM (Video & DVD))
  

  Rating (273 reviews):

  (4.7/5)

  

  The best of musicals - movie & DVD review

  The Film:Fiddler on the Roof is based on the tales of Russian Jewish life written by Shalom Alechem in the 1800s, with music scored by John Williams. Directed by Norman Jewison, it's widely acknowledged to be one of the best musicals ever made. Tevye, played by the famous jewish actor Topol, lives in the enclave of Anatevka with his wife and _6_ daughters. Insulated & protected by their Orthodox traditions, Tevye must face, with a poignant combination of humor, sorrow and acceptance, the marriage of his three eldest daughters in a series of increasingly unacceptable unions. How far can tradition be bent and still maintain the center of his family and his community's existence? Do we place tradition over family? Oswald Morris' beautiful cinematography and Jewison's compelling film-making pursue these questions both for the residents of Anatevka and for us in our ever-changing worlds.The DVD:A marvel, this film has never looked or sounded better for home viewing - a... 5/5 Gregory L Dyas - See all my reviews This review is from: Fiddler on the Roof (DVD) The Film:Fiddler on the Roof is based on the tales of Russian Jewish life written by Shalom Alechem in the 1800s, with music scored by John Williams. Directed by Norman Jewison, it's widely acknowledged to be one of the best musicals ever made. Tevye, played by the famous jewish actor Topol, lives in the enclave of Anatevka with his wife and _6_ daughters. Insulated & protected by their Orthodox traditions, Tevye must face, with a poignant combination of humor, sorrow and acceptance, the marriage of his three eldest daughters in a series of increasingly unacceptable unions. How far can tradition be bent and still maintain the center of his family and his community's existence? Do we place tradition over family? Oswald Morris' beautiful cinematography and Jewison's compelling film-making pursue these questions both for the residents of Anatevka and for us in our ever-changing worlds.The DVD:A marvel, this film has never looked or sounded better for home viewing - a... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 11, 2001

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  One of the best movie musicals ever

  Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, the movie version of Fiddler on the Roof features Topol as Tevye the Milkman, a poor Jewish husband and father living in pre-revolutionary Russia. His story is inevitably tragic, but humorous and touching along the way.The movie is filled with asides from Tevye, as he reveals his thoughts to the camera. He is forever quoting "the good book," sometimes correctly, sometimes not so correctly. As was tradition during this time, the matchmaker sets up all marriages. Tevye's daughters aren't too happy about this (as is shown through the famous song, Matchmaker, Matchmaker), and the older three eventually set up their own marriages.Tzeitel, the oldest, falls in love with Motel, the poor tailor, and they ask Tevye's permission to marry. He finally relents and they have a proper Jewish wedding. Hodel falls in love with a revolutionary who has been staying with Tevye and Golde and their family. She leaves her family... 5/5 Megan S. (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews This review is from: Fiddler on the Roof [VHS] (VHS Tape) Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, the movie version of Fiddler on the Roof features Topol as Tevye the Milkman, a poor Jewish husband and father living in pre-revolutionary Russia. His story is inevitably tragic, but humorous and touching along the way.The movie is filled with asides from Tevye, as he reveals his thoughts to the camera. He is forever quoting "the good book," sometimes correctly, sometimes not so correctly. As was tradition during this time, the matchmaker sets up all marriages. Tevye's daughters aren't too happy about this (as is shown through the famous song, Matchmaker, Matchmaker), and the older three eventually set up their own marriages.Tzeitel, the oldest, falls in love with Motel, the poor tailor, and they ask Tevye's permission to marry. He finally relents and they have a proper Jewish wedding. Hodel falls in love with a revolutionary who has been staying with Tevye and Golde and their family. She leaves her family... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 29, 2000

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  The CD is useless

  I'm not about to review Fiddler on The Roof or a give a complete history of all its various incarnations like other reviewers have. We all acknowledge it's great. One of the best, if not THE best, musicals ever. I'm here to write about this particular packaging of the "DVD with CD". I don't know about you, but I naturally thought the CD was a CD of the soundtrack so that you can then listen to the songs while driving in your car or hanging around the house. No - it's not a soundtrack CD, which explains the relatively low price - it's a CD of 70's songs. While some are great (Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye and ABC by the Jackson 5), what the heck does "The Night Chicago Died" have to do with Fiddler on The Roof? Or "Reunited" by Peaches and Herb? Maybe they thought Herb worked in the deli down the street!?!?!I'm not sure if the same CD is included in everyone's package, but here's the listing for my CD:Billy Don't Be A Hero-Donaldson & The Heywood'sMaggie... 3/5 Mike S. (Long Island) - See all my reviews This review is from: Fiddler on the Roof (Decades Collection) (DVD) I'm not about to review Fiddler on The Roof or a give a complete history of all its various incarnations like other reviewers have. We all acknowledge it's great. One of the best, if not THE best, musicals ever. I'm here to write about this particular packaging of the "DVD with CD". I don't know about you, but I naturally thought the CD was a CD of the soundtrack so that you can then listen to the songs while driving in your car or hanging around the house. No - it's not a soundtrack CD, which explains the relatively low price - it's a CD of 70's songs. While some are great (Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye and ABC by the Jackson 5), what the heck does "The Night Chicago Died" have to do with Fiddler on The Roof? Or "Reunited" by Peaches and Herb? Maybe they thought Herb worked in the deli down the street!?!?!I'm not sure if the same CD is included in everyone's package, but here's the listing for my CD:Billy Don't Be A Hero-Donaldson & The Heywood'sMaggie... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 28, 2008

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  List Price: $19.98
  

  Commentary

  Never Before Deleted Song

  English, French, and Spanish Subtitles

  Winner of 3 Oscars

  Special Edition

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  ViolinSmart Full Size 4/4 Violin

  Musical Instruments (Generic)
  

  Rating (58 reviews):

  (3.1/5)

  

  Great for the price ***Useful tips for if you do purchase it***

  Like so many others who purchased this, I did so because I have no experience with any musical instruments, but have always been fascinated by the sound of violins. I was very nervous considering some of the reviews, as well as some of the seller feedback. But I tell you what, I am very pleased with my purchase.A few points:Since it is such a well priced instrument it would be great if this seller realized a lot of the purchasers would be very inexperienced users. A small set of instructions would have been very helpful. I.e putting the bridge in, care and maintence, rosining the bow, storage, etc.All and all, when I recieved it, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality. It is a beautiful violin. I did too also note the neck is not stained on the back, but that is not a big deal. My co-worker who is a professional violinist said considering what I paid, and where I got it, it is actually a good instrument. My only gripe is there is a piece of paper... 4/5 A. Nelson (utah) - See all my reviews, March 30, 2007

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  Excellent Beginner's Violin, GREAT Service from this store

  I bought this violin for my nephew as a beginner's violin and was quite pleased with the value for the price, and it was an affordable way for him to have his own instrument and not have to rent or use a second-hand one. My sister did not realize that it takes a while to "break in" a new violin, meaning strings sometimes break, you have to be careful tuning, etc. and when she thought the violin was "no good" I thought it was a case of having to break it in but also contacted the store to see what the return policy would be. They were so GREAT that myself as a musician would buy from them for me personally again, I have played many string instruments for over 30 years and was quite impressed with the response (return no problem). Overall the service was superb they shipped super fast, kept me informed via email and followed up on the initial "problem report" which turned out just fine as the violin "broke in" and is turning out quite nicely for my nephew. I have not encountered this... 5/5 Donna Pearlman (New London, CT USA) - See all my reviews, May 2, 2005

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  Excellent Beginner's Instrument!

  I purchased this violin about a month ago. As a beginning violin student, the previous violin I was playing on was a veritable piece of cardboard with four strings. I wasn't advanced enough for a very fancy violin, and I was tired of renting, so I went online to find a decent violin on a budget. I came across many violins on Amazon, but this one was within my price range and it looked good and came with accessories, like a case, strap, and rosin. I received it about 5 days after I ordered it. The violin looked really good. But it did not come with a bridge attached. I had to put the bridge on myself, which was not all that hard to do. I thought that I would ask my violin teacher to do it, but I managed to do it myself. I started to tune the violin and it seemed okay at first, but the next day when I went to play, the strings were all out of tune again. I had to retune it all over again. I started to get annoyed after doing this a few days in a row. I thought that I had... 5/5 S. Samuelson - See all my reviews This review is from: ViolinSmart Full Size 4/4 Violin I purchased this violin about a month ago. As a beginning violin student, the previous violin I was playing on was a veritable piece of cardboard with four strings. I wasn't advanced enough for a very fancy violin, and I was tired of renting, so I went online to find a decent violin on a budget. I came across many violins on Amazon, but this one was within my price range and it looked good and came with accessories, like a case, strap, and rosin. I received it about 5 days after I ordered it. The violin looked really good. But it did not come with a bridge attached. I had to put the bridge on myself, which was not all that hard to do. I thought that I would ask my violin teacher to do it, but I managed to do it myself. I started to tune the violin and it seemed okay at first, but the next day when I went to play, the strings were all out of tune again. I had to retune it all over again. I started to get annoyed after doing this a few days in a row. I thought that I had... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 14, 2005

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  List Price: $199.99
  

  New Violin 4/4 Full Size Natural Color

  Spruce top, ebony colored pegs

  Maple sides and back

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