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

Editor's picks

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  Glasser Fiberglass Bow with Horsehair (4/4 Violin)

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

  Rating (3 reviews):

  (2.7/5)

  

  Glasser fiberglass violin bow

  I bought this for my son who is just starting to learn violin. He had a similar one when we rented the violin but had recently purchase a new violin. He likes this bow a lot since it is familiar to him and it is brand new. I think the sound achieved using this bow was superior to the older one and I am very happy with the purchase. 4/5 peter lau - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Glasser Fiberglass Bow with Horsehair (4/4 Violin) (Electronics) I bought this for my son who is just starting to learn violin. He had a similar one when we rented the violin but had recently purchase a new violin. He likes this bow a lot since it is familiar to him and it is brand new. I think the sound achieved using this bow was superior to the older one and I am very happy with the purchase. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 15, 2010

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  Good backup bow, but not horsehair as advertised.

  I have previously owned two of these bows, and they're great backup bows with a nice light, nimble feel, which is great for fiddling. My only gripe with them has been the artificial hair, which is a bit slippery and not as grippy as good horsehair. When I saw these advertised as having horsehair, I thought I'd give it a try.My first bow arrived horribly packaged, with absolutely no padding or support and shipped in a flat package. Needless to say, it arrived in two pieces. I immediately returned it and Amazon had a replacement on the way the very next day and I had it two days later, so kudos to Amazon for quick, no-hassle return service.After receiving the second bow just three days after the first, I was a bit disappointed to discover that my bow had artificial hair, and was not the real horsehair as advertised. However, for the price I can't complain, as it's a good bow with great handling characteristics.Since these reviews are about customer... 3/5 K. Harriger "K.R. Harriger" (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews, March 11, 2012

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  I cannot believe this...

  Twice I have recieved a BROWN bow, when it is obviously BLACK in the picture. I am not happy at all about this purchase. 1/5 Robert Buckley Jr (WINDERMERE, FL, US) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Glasser Fiberglass Bow with Horsehair (4/4 Violin) (Electronics) Twice I have recieved a BROWN bow, when it is obviously BLACK in the picture. I am not happy at all about this purchase. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 15, 2011

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  List Price: $52.50
  Price: $27.65
  You Save: $24.85 (47%)

  Round stick

  Full metal underslides

  Made of fiberglass

  Made in the USA

  Composite frog

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  ViolinSmart 4/4 Full Size Violin Bow

  Musical Instruments (ViolinSmart)
  

  Rating (14 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Just, wow.

  I'm an adult learner--a newbie. And still working on how to hold a fiddle and bow. Some months ago, I bought a fiddle that lists for $1,500 and a bow, that appraised for $300. After some near-misses with doorways, I decided that I should use a cheaper bow until I better learned how to manage it. I purchased this one because it's CHEAP! Is 8-sided like my "real" bow -- and the reviews were positive.It arrived very promptly -- in a very battered box, that had taken some serious dents. "Uh-oh! Hope they packed it well." Opening it, I found that the bow was in a plastic sheath, taped to a sturdy wooden rod, and enveloped in several turns of bubble wrap. It had come through, just fine!Unwrapping it, I was alarmed because it seemed to have a much more pronounced arch than my Bow #1. (Was it warped?) But no, everything lined up fine, actually. Looking it over, too, it was almost a replica of my fancier bow . . . the mother-of-pearl in the frog is a straight... 5/5 Sophie (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: ViolinSmart 4/4 Full Size Violin Bow I'm an adult learner--a newbie. And still working on how to hold a fiddle and bow. Some months ago, I bought a fiddle that lists for $1,500 and a bow, that appraised for $300. After some near-misses with doorways, I decided that I should use a cheaper bow until I better learned how to manage it. I purchased this one because it's CHEAP! Is 8-sided like my "real" bow -- and the reviews were positive.It arrived very promptly -- in a very battered box, that had taken some serious dents. "Uh-oh! Hope they packed it well." Opening it, I found that the bow was in a plastic sheath, taped to a sturdy wooden rod, and enveloped in several turns of bubble wrap. It had come through, just fine!Unwrapping it, I was alarmed because it seemed to have a much more pronounced arch than my Bow #1. (Was it warped?) But no, everything lined up fine, actually. Looking it over, too, it was almost a replica of my fancier bow . . . the mother-of-pearl in the frog is a straight... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 19, 2009

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  After I got used to it, I'm pleased with it.

  I am a beginner/early intermediate and have only tried three (cheap) bows including this one. I felt like the bow that came with my violin was holding me back from getting a better sound. I liked the sound from my niece's bow better than mine, but hers has nothing on it to identify what brand it is. My intention has been to get a more pricey bow in the coming year, but out of curiosity I thought I'd try this one in the meantime since it had pretty good reviews.The bad:It arrived in a cardboard tube with the bow's screw sticking out of one end, so I'm lucky something wasn't damaged.I knew this was a very cheap bow, but I wasn't expecting it to look *this* cheap. The frog on mine doesn't look like the picture. There's no pad, but what seems to be black electrical tape wrapped around the stick. At first, I thought the screw wasn't going to tighten the bow, but it does tighten, it's just very different in feel and tension than my old bow. The frog... 4/5 Beautiful Dreamer (USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: ViolinSmart 4/4 Full Size Violin Bow I am a beginner/early intermediate and have only tried three (cheap) bows including this one. I felt like the bow that came with my violin was holding me back from getting a better sound. I liked the sound from my niece's bow better than mine, but hers has nothing on it to identify what brand it is. My intention has been to get a more pricey bow in the coming year, but out of curiosity I thought I'd try this one in the meantime since it had pretty good reviews.The bad:It arrived in a cardboard tube with the bow's screw sticking out of one end, so I'm lucky something wasn't damaged.I knew this was a very cheap bow, but I wasn't expecting it to look *this* cheap. The frog on mine doesn't look like the picture. There's no pad, but what seems to be black electrical tape wrapped around the stick. At first, I thought the screw wasn't going to tighten the bow, but it does tighten, it's just very different in feel and tension than my old bow. The frog... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 15, 2010

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  Exactly what it says it is

  This bow is exactly as described, high quality and great sound. It sounds great, a very light smooth quality. Makes practice much more enjoyable. I had been using the bow that came with my violin and was looking for something that would give a more pleasant sound. I wasn't sure if this would do it as I have not been playing for very long and do not know very much about purchasing quality bows. I went on the first review of this bow which stated basically the same thing I am here and that is because it's true! The price is low and the sound is great, you can't ask for much more when you are a beginner. 5/5 A. Cubbage "ACubbage" (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews, November 6, 2008

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  List Price: $39.99
  Price: $8.29
  You Save: $31.70 (79%)

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  Cremona SV-175 Premier Student Violin, Full-Size

  Musical Instruments (Saga Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (11 reviews):

  (4.5/5)

  

  Great Value

  My teacher said this was a great deal. It came with a LaSalle Bow and Travelite Case which alone cost $100. The violin comes with good fine tuners, and ebony pegs as advertised. The fine tuners do need a little grease since they had a little paint on them, but otherwise work fine. The violin sounds great.However, the strings are merely 'ok' (as is the case with almost all student violins). The A and E strings are not really strings but wires. It is expected though after buying some decent strings (roughly $30) that the violin will sound even better. Even though the strings should be replaced in the future, it is not an immediate need and the violin sounds ok with the ones it comes with. Personally, I will be buying new strings and a shoulder rest($30) next month out of my next paycheck.Summary:Great violin, great to play as is.Buy some strings when you decide you will for sure be playing the violin a lot and can afford them (~$30). 5/5 D. Wright (Johnson City, TN USA) - See all my reviews, May 11, 2007

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  Long lasting and good value for price

  Though I didn't buy from Amazon, I've had my violin for almost 9 years now. This violin has been my one and only violin throughout my school years, and now the years that I occasionally play at church. It's been through the thick and thin with me. I've traveled to Vegas and back with it and I've played it at different school performances and at church. I'd say it's sturdy. My uncle who was emigrating out of Southeastern Asia bought it(from China) for me for around 60-90dollars it's been so long I can't recall.My concert mistress in high school would sometimes "steal"/switch violins(even though she had a much more expensive European made violin) with me because she liked the way mine sounded when she played it.Though the bridge is a little bit higher than normal, the violin itself is a good value.One thing that might stop or persuade you to buy this violin is the strings are not very high off of the fingerboard.The sound from it compared... 5/5 Cathy (California) - See all my reviews This review is from: Cremona SV-175 Premier Student Violin, Full-Size (Electronics) Though I didn't buy from Amazon, I've had my violin for almost 9 years now. This violin has been my one and only violin throughout my school years, and now the years that I occasionally play at church. It's been through the thick and thin with me. I've traveled to Vegas and back with it and I've played it at different school performances and at church. I'd say it's sturdy. My uncle who was emigrating out of Southeastern Asia bought it(from China) for me for around 60-90dollars it's been so long I can't recall.My concert mistress in high school would sometimes "steal"/switch violins(even though she had a much more expensive European made violin) with me because she liked the way mine sounded when she played it.Though the bridge is a little bit higher than normal, the violin itself is a good value.One thing that might stop or persuade you to buy this violin is the strings are not very high off of the fingerboard.The sound from it compared... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 14, 2011

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  Very good!

  I bought this model from a luthier and loved it. True, I am just a beginner, but my teacher said it had a good tone. It came strung with Dominants from the luthier's shop, so I can't speak for the strings it comes with from here. It is a good beginner violin, though.The only reason I gave it four stars was because it sounds a bit harsh on the lower sttrings- though that might just be my strings, not the violin. 4/5 Smitty "almighty reader" (The West) - See all my reviews This review is from: Cremona SV-175 Premier Student Violin, Full-Size (Electronics) I bought this model from a luthier and loved it. True, I am just a beginner, but my teacher said it had a good tone. It came strung with Dominants from the luthier's shop, so I can't speak for the strings it comes with from here. It is a good beginner violin, though.The only reason I gave it four stars was because it sounds a bit harsh on the lower sttrings- though that might just be my strings, not the violin. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 10, 2010

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  List Price: $249.95
  

  Ebony fingerboard and fittings VP-61 alloy tailpiece with built-in finetuners VP-203 Cremona 3-star bridge(the bridge is underneath the tailpiece inside the package)

  New LB-15 octagonal Brazilwood bow with genuine unbleached white horsehairNew Travelite

  Hand-carved solid Spruce top Hand-carved solid highly flamed maple back sides neck and scroll

  New translucent warm brown finish

  Inlaid purfling

  TL-33 light-weight and durable rectangular violin case with built-in hygrometer Shop adjusted

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  Glasser X-Series Carbon Fiber X-Bow with Horsehair (4/4 Violin)

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

  Rating (3 reviews):

  (3.7/5)

  

  bow is warped

  At $65 the price is right, but I was surprised that the bow arrived slightly warped (as in twisted). This is not a high quality product. 2/5 ian - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Glasser X-Series Carbon Fiber X-Bow with Horsehair (4/4 Violin) (Electronics) At $65 the price is right, but I was surprised that the bow arrived slightly warped (as in twisted). This is not a high quality product. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 21, 2011

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  Great bow, but incorrect photo

  The Glasser X-Series Carbon Fiber is a nice bow, much better than the bow that came with my violin. It plays smoothly, is well-balanced and produces great tone. However, the photo advertised here on Amazon shows a Glasser Braided Carbon Fiber bow, not an X-Series bow. As a result, when I opened my package, I was shocked to see a plain, black bow with a half-lined Paulus frog, no brand markings and no braided carbon pattern. I originally thought I had been duped and that someone had slipped a generic bow into the box. After doing some research on Glasser's website, it seems the X-Series bow is not a fancy braided carbon bow, but a plain black, unbranded bow with no Glasser markings. I've notified the vendor in hopes that they'll place a correct photo. Other than initially thinking I received the wrong bow, I'm pretty happy with how the X-Series plays. 4/5 Jason Dugan - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Glasser X-Series Carbon Fiber X-Bow with Horsehair (4/4 Violin) (Electronics) The Glasser X-Series Carbon Fiber is a nice bow, much better than the bow that came with my violin. It plays smoothly, is well-balanced and produces great tone. However, the photo advertised here on Amazon shows a Glasser Braided Carbon Fiber bow, not an X-Series bow. As a result, when I opened my package, I was shocked to see a plain, black bow with a half-lined Paulus frog, no brand markings and no braided carbon pattern. I originally thought I had been duped and that someone had slipped a generic bow into the box. After doing some research on Glasser's website, it seems the X-Series bow is not a fancy braided carbon bow, but a plain black, unbranded bow with no Glasser markings. I've notified the vendor in hopes that they'll place a correct photo. Other than initially thinking I received the wrong bow, I'm pretty happy with how the X-Series plays. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 21, 2011

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  Surprisingly decent for the price

  Not stuck on tradition, so wood is not a requirement for me. A good feel is. This one feels right and plays well. This bow is my first carbon fiber. Its inexpensive but far better buy than the wood ones in the same price range. 5/5 Mark Hack (Longview, WA United States) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Glasser X-Series Carbon Fiber X-Bow with Horsehair (4/4 Violin) (Electronics) Not stuck on tradition, so wood is not a requirement for me. A good feel is. This one feels right and plays well. This bow is my first carbon fiber. Its inexpensive but far better buy than the wood ones in the same price range. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 25, 2012

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  List Price: $131.25
  Price: $64.88
  You Save: $66.37 (51%)

  Round stick

  Made in the USA

  Made using patented carbon graphite molding technology

  Ebony frog with faux pearl eyes and slides

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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
  

  Maple sides and back

  Spruce top, ebony colored pegs

  New Violin 4/4 Full Size Natural Color

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  Metallic Blue Violin 4/4 Full Size, Blue Violin Case , Blue Violin Bow by Archetto Ireland

  Musical Instruments (Archetto)
  

  Blue Bow, Blue Case, Blue Covering Cloth, Blue Violin

  Archetto Presto Blue Student Violin Outfit

  Includes Downloadable Violin Book

  Everything you need to get started from an established brand.

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  Barcelona 3 Series 4/4-Size Student Violin with Case, Rosin, Bow, Bridge, Strings, and Shoulder Rest

  Musical Instruments (Barcelona)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (2.0/5)

  

  violin

  I guess one would expect a violin under a hundred bucks to be cheap and this one is. The strings don't stay in adjustment very long since the pegs held in position by wood against wood friction. 2/5 pooj - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Barcelona 3 Series 4/4-Size Student Violin with Case, Rosin, Bow, Bridge, Strings, and Shoulder Rest I guess one would expect a violin under a hundred bucks to be cheap and this one is. The strings don't stay in adjustment very long since the pegs held in position by wood against wood friction. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 17, 2011

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  List Price: $239.99
  Price: $149.99
  You Save: $50.00 (33%)

  Glossed Finish to protect from scratching

  Priced for the beginning player

  Package comes with hardcase, rosin , bow, bridge, extra strings, and a shoulder rest

  Includes everything needed to start playing the violin

  4/4 or Full Size Violin - For violinists age 9 and above with an arm length of 23.5 and up. This is the size for adults.

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  The String Centre FG Series Fiberglass Violin Bow 4/4 Size

  Musical Instruments (The String Centre)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Pleasantly surprised

  I purchased this bow about 8 months ago, it came well packaged (as in the box was bigger than I am and was stuffed with paper which my daughter was only too happy about :P)after finding the bow amidst all the paper, I was pleasantly surprised to find that when I loosened the hair (the nut was a little stiff at first) the stick had enough of acurve to it for the hair to just barley touch it...which isn't usually the case with bows in this price range.After putting it through its paces (rosining the hair, putting a drop of lubrication on the tightening nut to loosen it upand about 3 hours of solid practice afterwards)I have to say that i am impressed with the quality and the responsivenessof this "inexpensive" beginners bow which is comparable to quality wooden bows that I've owned costing 3-4 times the price ofthis one.Bottom line... Yes I would defiantly recommend this bow to someone else. 4/5 John Bovee (Portland OR. USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: The String Centre FG Series Fiberglass Violin Bow 4/4 Size I purchased this bow about 8 months ago, it came well packaged (as in the box was bigger than I am and was stuffed with paper which my daughter was only too happy about :P)after finding the bow amidst all the paper, I was pleasantly surprised to find that when I loosened the hair (the nut was a little stiff at first) the stick had enough of acurve to it for the hair to just barley touch it...which isn't usually the case with bows in this price range.After putting it through its paces (rosining the hair, putting a drop of lubrication on the tightening nut to loosen it upand about 3 hours of solid practice afterwards)I have to say that i am impressed with the quality and the responsivenessof this "inexpensive" beginners bow which is comparable to quality wooden bows that I've owned costing 3-4 times the price ofthis one.Bottom line... Yes I would defiantly recommend this bow to someone else. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 7, 2012

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  List Price: $63.99
  Price: $27.95
  You Save: $36.04 (56%)

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  Palatino BV-700 Mongolian Hair Violin Bow, 4/4 Size

  Musical Instruments (Palatino)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (1.0/5)

  

  Warped

  The bow was warped upon arrival. Not useable. The packaging was too big and the bow was not secure inside of the box. They did not even bother to bubblewrap it. Getting my money back 1/5 Kim (St. Paul, MN United States) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Palatino BV-700 Mongolian Hair Violin Bow, 4/4 Size (Electronics) The bow was warped upon arrival. Not useable. The packaging was too big and the bow was not secure inside of the box. They did not even bother to bubblewrap it. Getting my money back Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 12, 2012

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  List Price: $21.99
  Price: $16.99
  You Save: $5.00 (23%)

  Nickel-Plated Button

  M.O.P. Slide

  Round Wood Stick

  Pearl Eye

  Silver Plated Winding

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  Metallic Black Violin 4/4 Full Size, Black Violin Case , Black Violin Bow by Archetto Ireland

  Musical Instruments (Archetto Ireland)
  

  Includes Downloadable Violin Book

  Ireland and the UK's award winning Archetto Violins now available for the first time in the USA.

  Black Case, Black Bow, Metallic Black Violin!

  Everything you need to get started from an established Irish brand.

  Archetto Ireland Black Student Violin Outfit

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