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Editor's picks

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  Crescent 4/4 Beginner's Violin Set with Carrying Case and Accessories

  Toy
  

  Rating (54 reviews):

  (3.0/5)

  

  Fair quality for the price, but that price is rather low.

  When I first got this (my first violin), I was quite impressed with it. It came in a nice case, had a strap to retain the neck in the case, and was rather shiny.Later however I managed to snag an inexpensive retired rental off of ebay and had a nice comparison. Compared to a more expensive yet heavily beat up rental, this violin has pegs which slip a lot. You'll need peg drops or a lot of patience to continue to reset them. The rosin does work, but it's fairly horrible. Bridge is uncut and feels much more fragile than the rental. Strings sound... oddly hollow compared to the Thomastik Dominant strings I have on the former rental.Overall I would recommend this to an adult with some degree of patience. If you're buying this for a child, you had better be ready to add new strings, better rosin, peg drops, and perhaps be prepared for its viable lifetime to be rather short. I haven't owned it long enough to know for sure, but from the guides I've read on... 3/5 R. Hiranaka - See all my reviews This review is from: Crescent 4/4 Beginner's Violin Set with Carrying Case and Accessories (Toy) When I first got this (my first violin), I was quite impressed with it. It came in a nice case, had a strap to retain the neck in the case, and was rather shiny.Later however I managed to snag an inexpensive retired rental off of ebay and had a nice comparison. Compared to a more expensive yet heavily beat up rental, this violin has pegs which slip a lot. You'll need peg drops or a lot of patience to continue to reset them. The rosin does work, but it's fairly horrible. Bridge is uncut and feels much more fragile than the rental. Strings sound... oddly hollow compared to the Thomastik Dominant strings I have on the former rental.Overall I would recommend this to an adult with some degree of patience. If you're buying this for a child, you had better be ready to add new strings, better rosin, peg drops, and perhaps be prepared for its viable lifetime to be rather short. I haven't owned it long enough to know for sure, but from the guides I've read on... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 24, 2010

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  Check with an instructor before you buy.

  This is my 1st violin, but when I went to my 1st lesson, I was informed that the bridge and strings needed to be replaced.For a few dollars more get a better one.The rosin I got was broken.I do like the case however you can't keep sheet music in the pocket without folding it.I don't like the velco on the neck as it snags the strings.Overall it's ok for a 1st violin. 2/5 Echo (CT.) - See all my reviews This review is from: Crescent 4/4 Beginner's Violin Set with Carrying Case and Accessories (Toy) This is my 1st violin, but when I went to my 1st lesson, I was informed that the bridge and strings needed to be replaced.For a few dollars more get a better one.The rosin I got was broken.I do like the case however you can't keep sheet music in the pocket without folding it.I don't like the velco on the neck as it snags the strings.Overall it's ok for a 1st violin. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 28, 2010

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  Needs new strings.

  I bought this violin for my little brother for $70 here at Amazon, and for the price, you can't ask for much more. Once the Orchestra Teacher changed the strings, she said that it's actually a really good violin for beginners. 5/5 Ludwid Reyes (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews, September 3, 2009

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  It 'an absolute tool, professionally done and comes with a difficult case admirably

  The sounds are incrediable: beautiful, and stay in tune.

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  The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner, Book 1 (Book & CD)

  Book (Carl Fischer)
  

  Rating (112 reviews):

  (4.1/5)

  

  Best book by far for adult beginner

  I had always wanted to learn how to play the violin and finally decided to take the plunge last year. It seemed like a good idea to buy some starter books that would help me learn how. I picked up three such books that had been recommended to me. By far the best was the "ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner." The notes were easy to read and the tunes were really fun to play. New ideas were introduced at a good pace--not pushy fast, not pokey slow--just right. I could keep up without feeling overwhelmed, but I felt like I was learning something, too. I'm now near the end of Book 2 of the series and having a blast! Can't wait to try out Book 3. The other two method books I bought just didn't cut it for me. They seemed harder to understand and threw a lot at you all at once. It was the ABCs that really made me want to keep playing--no contest as far as I'm concerned, at least. 5/5 "gregw9902" (Tucson, AZ) - See all my reviews This review is from: The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner: Violin, Book 1 (Paperback) I had always wanted to learn how to play the violin and finally decided to take the plunge last year. It seemed like a good idea to buy some starter books that would help me learn how. I picked up three such books that had been recommended to me. By far the best was the "ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner." The notes were easy to read and the tunes were really fun to play. New ideas were introduced at a good pace--not pushy fast, not pokey slow--just right. I could keep up without feeling overwhelmed, but I felt like I was learning something, too. I'm now near the end of Book 2 of the series and having a blast! Can't wait to try out Book 3. The other two method books I bought just didn't cut it for me. They seemed harder to understand and threw a lot at you all at once. It was the ABCs that really made me want to keep playing--no contest as far as I'm concerned, at least. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 10, 2004

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  The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner

  The ABC's of Violin has played an enormous role in fulfilling my dream of learning to play the violin. I'm overwhelmed by the simplicity of its approach, and it's underlying structure that has so effectively developed my skills. New concepts and techniques are introduced in such a logical manner as to further a student's development while limiting the frustrations and intimidation that frequently accompany a new undertaking such as learning an instrument. I also enjoy the vast repertoire of material presented throughout the book. The material ranges from focused studies to actual songs, encompassing nearly every genre imaginable, from classical to folk. Many of these songs are famous, others are slightly more obscure, but each cleverly selected to introduce a new element or concept at precisely the right time. The variety of music selection has also expanded the future directions that I hope to take my violin playing. I also highly recommend acquiring the accompanying CD... 5/5 ken (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner: Violin, Book 1 (Paperback) The ABC's of Violin has played an enormous role in fulfilling my dream of learning to play the violin. I'm overwhelmed by the simplicity of its approach, and it's underlying structure that has so effectively developed my skills. New concepts and techniques are introduced in such a logical manner as to further a student's development while limiting the frustrations and intimidation that frequently accompany a new undertaking such as learning an instrument. I also enjoy the vast repertoire of material presented throughout the book. The material ranges from focused studies to actual songs, encompassing nearly every genre imaginable, from classical to folk. Many of these songs are famous, others are slightly more obscure, but each cleverly selected to introduce a new element or concept at precisely the right time. The variety of music selection has also expanded the future directions that I hope to take my violin playing. I also highly recommend acquiring the accompanying CD... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 25, 2003

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  Yes, for the absolute beginner

  I started off by using this book when I decided to teach myself the violin, and I'm very happy I did. The finger placement charts really helped me get started right. It's been a lot of fun using the book, because I can play famous melodies I'm familiar with. I also thought the author's original tunes were nice. And after doing the warm-up exercises, it was really easy to play the melodies that came after.Yes indeed, this is a book for an absolute beginner on the violin--and I ought to know. I was one just a few months ago. Now, I'm in book 2 of the series and enjoying it. And I didn't need a teacher, either.I'd recommend this book very highly. 5/5 T. J. Carpenter - See all my reviews, June 17, 2005

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  List Price: $9.95
  

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  Easy Classical Violin Solos: Featuring music of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi and other composers.

  eBooks (Marco Musica)
  

  Rating (6 reviews):

  (4.7/5)

  

  Good Clean Classical Fun

  This is an outstanding beginner book. There are probably two or three songs that are a little above beginner level but most of the pieces are easy and fun to play. Most of the music has fingerings (finger numbers above the notes) which can be helpful for the beginner as long as it's not used as a crutch.The selections are very recognizable and if you listen to very much classical music at all then you'll undoubtedly know this music (or at least recognize it when you start playing it).I do wish it was a little longer as it's very short and would have rated it higher if they could have included a few more songs. However, for the price it seems to be a fair to good value.I run through almost every song in this book once a day when I practice; it's a great warm up. I'm happy to have this as part of my music collection. 4/5 B. Noble "holomew" (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews, August 31, 2011

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  Perfect for Beginners

  This book is a perfect supplement for someone who can read music and has taken violin for a short time. The pieces are short and simple. Requires the ability to play in several keys. It is appropriate for someone who has finished most of Suzuki book 1. 5/5 Reader "Love to Read" (Arkansas) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Easy Classical Violin Solos: Featuring music of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi and other composers. (Paperback) This book is a perfect supplement for someone who can read music and has taken violin for a short time. The pieces are short and simple. Requires the ability to play in several keys. It is appropriate for someone who has finished most of Suzuki book 1. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 7, 2011

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  just what i was looking for

  this book was exact what i was looking for, classical pieces in very easy format, when you have some practice you can start to innovate some changes and give them more live and passion. 4/5 gustavo - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Easy Classical Violin Solos: Featuring music of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi and other composers. (Kindle Edition) this book was exact what i was looking for, classical pieces in very easy format, when you have some practice you can start to innovate some changes and give them more live and passion. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 6, 2012

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  List Price: $5.99
  

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  My Violin

  Software (eMedia)
  

  Rating (9 reviews):

  (4.4/5)

  

  So easy even I can do it.

  I just got my copie of "My Violin" today in the mail. After playing with the program for about 3-4 hours, I have to say I LOVE! it. I am 31 years old, and I'm just now begining to learn the violin. I have had no priore contact with reading music or ever playing it before , which is why I picked this program. It was ment to be use for children 6 and up, and my only thought was, "Hey if a 6 year old can learn to play violin off this, then maybe I can as well." The program is truly simple to follow, easy to understand, mixes video and visual componates at EVERY step, and passivly teaches you how to read music and learn rythm. The instructor obviously loves teaching and is very friendly and easy to understand. It is a bit childish in its content, how ever it was designed for children! as an adult beginner i realy recomend this program not only for kids, but anyone who may have a hard time learning. The use of games to help remember the lessons and the use of video help was... 5/5 Taira Hopkins "I have loved the stars to fond... (Eugene , OR USA) - See all my reviews, February 7, 2009

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  Pleased

  I bought the guitar version for my 6 year old son, and being the good mother that I am I got the violin version for myself to learn the violin that I received as a graduation gift for college. Cant have the boy doing "lessons" if Mom is ducking, right?Well, I must say that I am impressed with this software. You do not need to have any background whatsoever in music, which I don't. My son is very enthusiastic, and I have practiced everyday since it arrived. My three year old daughter is now asking for a violin for her birthday.The animated characters are not annoying at all, and the games are brief, but meaningful. The games are like pop quizes that give you a wake-up call to point out where your short-comings are so you can reveiw if neccessary.Another feature about the software I like is that you don't need the disc to run it. My husband has gotten a guitar so that he can play with the boy, and we have the software installed on 3 different... 5/5 WM Momma (Illinios) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: My Violin (CD-ROM) I bought the guitar version for my 6 year old son, and being the good mother that I am I got the violin version for myself to learn the violin that I received as a graduation gift for college. Cant have the boy doing "lessons" if Mom is ducking, right?Well, I must say that I am impressed with this software. You do not need to have any background whatsoever in music, which I don't. My son is very enthusiastic, and I have practiced everyday since it arrived. My three year old daughter is now asking for a violin for her birthday.The animated characters are not annoying at all, and the games are brief, but meaningful. The games are like pop quizes that give you a wake-up call to point out where your short-comings are so you can reveiw if neccessary.Another feature about the software I like is that you don't need the disc to run it. My husband has gotten a guitar so that he can play with the boy, and we have the software installed on 3 different... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 10, 2010

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  My Violin Promotional Video

  Customer Video Review Length:: 2:50 Mins 5/5 eMedia Representative - See all my reviews This review is from: My Violin (CD-ROM), April 22, 2011

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  List Price: $49.95
  Price: $35.99
  You Save: $13.96 (28%)

  Animated Fingerboard shows correct fingerings as the music plays

  Creative interactive games make learning fun and exciting

  Over 70 large-format full-motion videos guide kids through playing techniques

  Over 160 lessons featuring basic techniques, rhythm tunes and popular songs

  Finger Tracker listens to kids play and shows whether fingers are placed correctly

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  The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner

  DVD (Carl Fischer/Eko Productions)
  

  Rating (44 reviews):

  (3.9/5)

  

  Excellent DVD for Beginning Violin!

  This DVD along with the ABC's of Violin book 1 was a great way for me to start violin. I learned to read music, tune the violin and play Ode to Joy, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Mary had a Little Lamb all in a week!It has everything you need if you are a stark beginner like me. I never played another instrument before but learned the music staff on screen, how to hold the violin and bow, pizzicato the strings, play with the bow. The actress who is the author of the book makes things clear and you can play along with her. It is a lot of fun! 5/5 Lisa Givens (Austin TX) - See all my reviews, April 10, 2006

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  Thank you for this FANTASTIC BEGINNER VIOLIN DVD!!!!

  I am a visual art teacher who loves music but has never played any instrument. I thought the violin would be much too complicated until I bought this DVD!!! The teacher, Ms. Rhoda, is so precise about details and gives lots of repetition and reinforcement throughout -- she's VERY VERY THOROUGH!!! I especially like the bow hold section with precise directions for placement of each finger plus all the close-up views from every angle imaginable.The tuning section makes tuning my violin very easy. I can tune each string right along with the teacher.I completely understand where the finger dots go on the violin after her explanations throughout (these dots were easy to get at any store).Everything is verbally explained and visually demonstrated in detail so that there are no questions left!!Ms. Rhoda's perfomance of the musical pieces at the very end of the DVD is SO VERY INSPIRING! It makes my learning of the violin seem like so much fun... 5/5 V. Norkus (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews, December 30, 2006

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  A Very Worthwhile Purchase!

  I find this DVD very helpful in learning to play violin at home without a privateteacher or class instruction, and feel it's a good supplement for violin studentswith a teacher or class instruction of all ages as well.It's easy to follow, it's imformative, and it's encouraging for the absolute begin-ner, which I am at 58. 5/5 Cathie Beck (Ca, USA) - See all my reviews, February 13, 2007

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  List Price: $19.95
  

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  1/2 Half Size Student Beginners Kids Violin with Case and Accessories - Natural (Free eLessons & DirectlyCheap(TM) Translucent Blue Medium Pick)

  Toy (DirectlyCheap)
  List Price: $99.95
  Price: $49.95
  You Save: $50.00 (50%)

  1/2 Half Size,Musical Instrument: Maple Wood.

  Triangle Cuprum Patch : (White Cuprum), Size: 23 inches

  Horse Tail Storeroom, Cuprum Warp : (White Cuprum)

  Please email us for the eLessons. Head, Back & Sides: Maple Wood

  Includes: Carrying Case, Bow, Fingerboard: Pear Wood

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  Mozart: The Violin Sonatas

  Music (Deutsche Grammophon)
  

  Rating (20 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Wonderful to re-listen to these works.

  Many years ago, I owned, on vinyl, Mozart's Violin Sonatas. I don't remember the artists; however, I DO remember enjoying them immensely. Therefore, when the opportunity came with this recording to restore the complete Violin Sonatas by Mozart to my CD collection, I "jumped" at the chance. After all, this is Mozart's two-hundredth fifieth birthday; plus the recording is at a ridiculously low price, and MOST OF ALL, the recording features the esteemed musical team of Perlman and Barenboim--WHAT could be better than that? Please be advised, that my expectations have been fully realized and in actuality, they have been surpassed-the music is far more beautiful than I remember with Perlman and Barenboim making an exquisite musical team playing Mozart's gorgeous Violin Sonatas beautifully and sensitively!If you love Mozart and want to hear some beautiful works played by masters of their respective instruments(at an unbelievable price) buy this CD collection. You will love... 5/5 GEORGE RANNIE "GWRJWMCL" (DENVER, COLORADO United States) - See all my reviews, January 16, 2006

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  How to Approach The Mozart Violin Sonatas

  As seen before, and known to the general public of classical music lovers and fans, the phenomenal pianist Daniel Barenboim, and the virtuoso violinst Itzhak Perlman join together in making this CD a splendid joy to the ears.There is not even one bad thing that I can say about Perlman's playing the violin sonatas therefore I will talk about the pianists part in this recording.For starters, when I bought this CD, I have never before lisened to the Mozart Violin Sonatas successivley played at all.Actually, the first reason for which I bought this CD was because it starred Barenboim, my most favourite pianist ever, so I decided to add this CD to my collection, as another CD of his, mereley some performance for the violin sonatas.Though after listening to the C major sonata, (K.296), D major sonata, (K.306) and the G major sonata, (K.379), I have astonishngly found out that there is much more than just playing the sonatas right. It is actually a shere musical expressiveness... 5/5 Uri "Uri .H." (Israel) - See all my reviews This review is from: Mozart: The Violin Sonatas (Audio CD) As seen before, and known to the general public of classical music lovers and fans, the phenomenal pianist Daniel Barenboim, and the virtuoso violinst Itzhak Perlman join together in making this CD a splendid joy to the ears.There is not even one bad thing that I can say about Perlman's playing the violin sonatas therefore I will talk about the pianists part in this recording.For starters, when I bought this CD, I have never before lisened to the Mozart Violin Sonatas successivley played at all.Actually, the first reason for which I bought this CD was because it starred Barenboim, my most favourite pianist ever, so I decided to add this CD to my collection, as another CD of his, mereley some performance for the violin sonatas.Though after listening to the C major sonata, (K.296), D major sonata, (K.306) and the G major sonata, (K.379), I have astonishngly found out that there is much more than just playing the sonatas right. It is actually a shere musical expressiveness... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 14, 2004

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  Perlman and Barenboim = Musical Mozart Bliss

  This recording of Mozart's violin sonatas is superb. I am a huge fan of Anne-Sophie Mutter and was considering purchasing her set, but the price! This recording featuring two of classical music's brightest stars at a Jackson was enough to convince me.Let me just say I am absolutely thrilled with this purchase. Every piece is played beautifully. I have listened to all four of the cds and Mozart's soul is in the room with me (thanks to these two men and their musical gifts).If you want music that is played with heart and soul at a "reasonable price", here it is...your box set has arrived. I will still listen and look for Mutter's recordings, but I will not pay the premium prices being asked at the current time!This set was everything I could have hoped for in a set of Mozart's violin sonatas...when I put the cd into my player...I am transported to a a place where I "feel" the music. The price for this experience was well worth it! 5/5 John Keating - See all my reviews, January 28, 2011

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  List Price: $30.98
  

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  Violin For Beginners (Maestro Series) [VHS]

  Video (Music. Video Prod.)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (3.0/5)

  

  Pretty Good Video for beginner children

  I was enthused to find an instructional video for Violin beginners. To my chagrin, it is very short and is limited in scope and depth. I can see the benefit for parents and children to watch it together to see if this instrument is something your child would like to pursue, along with some rudimentary information, but as an instructional video, it falls short.There is also one problematic piece in this tape; the teacher refers frequently to the "red" and "green" dots for finger placement. It isn't until the end of the tape that one learns what he is referring to. But I would like to reiterate that there is value in this video for children and their parents to open up discussion as to whether the child wishes to begin violin lessons. 3/5 0, September 9, 1999

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  List Price: $19.95
  

  Instrument nomenclature

  Unpacking and assembly of the instrument

  Posture and hand positions

  Care and maintenance

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  Beginner Violin Scales

  Digital Music Album (Wax Lyrical)
  

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  Violin For Dummies, 2nd Edition

  Book (For Dummies)
  List Price: $24.99
  

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