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

Editor's picks

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  Mendini 4/4 MV-White Solid Wood White Violin + Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings (Full Size)

  Musical Instruments (Cecilio Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (109 reviews):

  (3.4/5)

  

  Great quality/price ratio!

  Great violin? No. As nice as the ones the music stores rent for $25 a month, yes. Comes with tons of accessories that would cost you $30-40.As a violin teacher, I like to have these on hand for cheap entry level instruments, or rent for $10/month. That way a student doesn't have to get into a year contract at a local music store if they aren't sure if they want to stick with it or not.A great way to get started on the violin for VERY little money. After owning this violin for a year or so, the student can decide to invest in a nicer one, and pass this along to a sibling/friend/Craigslist.Only disclaimer is: make sure you have someone who can setup a violin for you (the case with all violins, regardless of quality). They are NOT instruments that can be played right out of the box, and if you have a store do this for you, it's probably a $30-45 fee. Find a violin playing friend that will do it for free for you :) 5/5 Captain Cadabra - See all my reviews This review is from: Mendini 4/4 MV300 Solid Wood Violin in Satin Finish with Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings - Full Size (Electronics) Great violin? No. As nice as the ones the music stores rent for $25 a month, yes. Comes with tons of accessories that would cost you $30-40.As a violin teacher, I like to have these on hand for cheap entry level instruments, or rent for $10/month. That way a student doesn't have to get into a year contract at a local music store if they aren't sure if they want to stick with it or not.A great way to get started on the violin for VERY little money. After owning this violin for a year or so, the student can decide to invest in a nicer one, and pass this along to a sibling/friend/Craigslist.Only disclaimer is: make sure you have someone who can setup a violin for you (the case with all violins, regardless of quality). They are NOT instruments that can be played right out of the box, and if you have a store do this for you, it's probably a $30-45 fee. Find a violin playing friend that will do it for free for you :) Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , June 21, 2011

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  Much better than I expected

  I wrote this review for the person who knows nothing about violins at all:This violin is of much higher quality than I ever imagined. It is not, of course, even a good violin by professional standards, but it is a very solid beginner's instrument. I bought it for myself, though I am not a violinist, but I have been playing guitar, bass, and keys for more than six years, and I have played violins before. My ex-girlfriend lent me her first violin when we were dating, and it was really, really horrible. This one is pretty close to her current violin, which was a pretty decent student model. I did a lot of research before buying this one, and I'm really glad I did. It is rated highly by violin teachers and other violinists, but very lowly by people who have no idea what they are talking about. I have read that a lot of violins under $100 don't even have a sound post, which is a crucial part of the violin and absolutely cannot be discarded. You're almost better off with a... 5/5 Zachary Buser - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Mendini 4/4 MV300 Solid Wood Violin in Satin Finish with Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings - Full Size (Electronics) I wrote this review for the person who knows nothing about violins at all:This violin is of much higher quality than I ever imagined. It is not, of course, even a good violin by professional standards, but it is a very solid beginner's instrument. I bought it for myself, though I am not a violinist, but I have been playing guitar, bass, and keys for more than six years, and I have played violins before. My ex-girlfriend lent me her first violin when we were dating, and it was really, really horrible. This one is pretty close to her current violin, which was a pretty decent student model. I did a lot of research before buying this one, and I'm really glad I did. It is rated highly by violin teachers and other violinists, but very lowly by people who have no idea what they are talking about. I have read that a lot of violins under $100 don't even have a sound post, which is a crucial part of the violin and absolutely cannot be discarded. You're almost better off with a... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 27, 2011

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  Excellent value for starter violin

  Very good value for a starter violin. I set the bridge and tuned right up. Strings were in good shape. Strings will stretch initially so you retune periodically and due to changes in humidity.Violin sounds pretty good. Very adequate.Nice case, extra strings, bow is good. Rough up the rosin surface with sandpaper before applying to bow.A great deal. 4/5 Drumbler (NJ) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Mendini 4/4 MV Solid Wood Violin with Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings - Full Size - Black (Electronics) Very good value for a starter violin. I set the bridge and tuned right up. Strings were in good shape. Strings will stretch initially so you retune periodically and due to changes in humidity.Violin sounds pretty good. Very adequate.Nice case, extra strings, bow is good. Rough up the rosin surface with sandpaper before applying to bow.A great deal. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 24, 2011

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

  1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects

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

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

  4/4 (Full Size) violin with solid wood spruce top, maple back, neck and sides with beautiful white varnish finish

  Brazil wood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair

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  Mendini 3/4 MV-White Solid Wood White Violin + Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings

  Musical Instruments (Cecilio Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (15 reviews):

  (2.8/5)

  

  Great first time violin

  My 12 year old daughter wanted a violin just out of the blue. Violins can be very expensive, yet being able to purchase a new one with colors to choose from for a fickle 12 year old girl at this price was an easy decision.The package came quick with everything expected, and the violin was not cheaply made. Yes if she ever learns to play, most likely she'll gravitate to one that will cost more, but for the money every parent can afford to by their kids an instrument to keep them interested in music and learning to play. 5/5 Randy The Painter - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Mendini 3/4 MV-Purple Solid Wood Purple Violin + Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings (Electronics) My 12 year old daughter wanted a violin just out of the blue. Violins can be very expensive, yet being able to purchase a new one with colors to choose from for a fickle 12 year old girl at this price was an easy decision.The package came quick with everything expected, and the violin was not cheaply made. Yes if she ever learns to play, most likely she'll gravitate to one that will cost more, but for the money every parent can afford to by their kids an instrument to keep them interested in music and learning to play. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 6, 2011

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  Mendini MV200 3/4 Violin

  I up graded the string, set the bridge, use some peg drops and this violin sounds great, looks great. The bow, shoulder rest is good and the case great. Very nice and will be used by my granddaughter. I actually enjoy playing it. :>)For $58.00 it was a very good deal. The upgraded strings were $30.00 plus updated the tail piece for $18.00 to hold the higher tension of the strings. So for $116.00 we have a very nice sounding violin.The chinrest is good, the pegs work well. Very pleased. No one should buy an inexpensive Chinese violin without upgrading the strings and possible the tailpiece but after that they generally sound as good or if not better than violin 3 -4 time more money. 4/5 NJ - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Mendini 3/4 MV200 Solid Wood Violin in Natural Finish with Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings (Electronics) I up graded the string, set the bridge, use some peg drops and this violin sounds great, looks great. The bow, shoulder rest is good and the case great. Very nice and will be used by my granddaughter. I actually enjoy playing it. :>)For $58.00 it was a very good deal. The upgraded strings were $30.00 plus updated the tail piece for $18.00 to hold the higher tension of the strings. So for $116.00 we have a very nice sounding violin.The chinrest is good, the pegs work well. Very pleased. No one should buy an inexpensive Chinese violin without upgrading the strings and possible the tailpiece but after that they generally sound as good or if not better than violin 3 -4 time more money. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 27, 2011

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  Arrived broken....

  The one we ordered came with a huge split in the wood connecting the neck to the body of the violin. Overall very poor quality even if it wouldn't have been damaged. We returned it and ordered the Cremona SV-225 Premier Student Violin, 3/4-Size. It is a much better quality instrument. 1/5 C. Taylor - See all my reviews, September 8, 2011

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

  Brazil wood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair

  Size 3/4 violin with solid wood spruce top, maple back, neck and sides with beautiful white varnish finish

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

  1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects

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

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  White Violin Ensemble

  Musical Instruments (Bridgecraft)
  

  Rating (4 reviews):

  (3.0/5)

  

  Good

  This violin is good and very light (The inside is void). I just got to learn violin so I want some cheapest one. It is very helpful for beginners but you will be in need of better one for professional play later. 2/5 Luke - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: White Violin Ensemble This violin is good and very light (The inside is void). I just got to learn violin so I want some cheapest one. It is very helpful for beginners but you will be in need of better one for professional play later. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 4, 2011

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  Good Stuff

  An awesome product. It comes with everything I needed to get started playing the fiddle. Now I just wish I didn't sound so bad while playing it:) 5/5 Dan Neiderhiser "Daniel Neiderhiser" (Ohio) - See all my reviews, September 23, 2011

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  bad!

  when it came it was all apart, in the description it never said "to be build" the bridge was out, one of the strings was missing, the nobs were all out so i am very unsatisfied, and i want my money back! 1/5 G. You - See all my reviews, July 14, 2010

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  Durable Travel Case

  Metal Tail Piece with 4 Fine Tuners

  Catalpa Hand Carved Back and Sides

  Pearwood Chin Rest and Tuning Pegs

  Mongolian Horsehair Bow w/Rosewood

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  Cecilio 4/4CVN-White+SR+92D+FB1 Ebony Fitted Solid Wood White Violin +Tuner, Bows, Shoulder Rest, Lesson Book+DVD (Full Size) - White

  Musical Instruments (Cecilio Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (2.0/5)

  

  missing paint, unfinished defective

  The back side of this violin, has unfinished paint! Looks stupid. The handle on the back side (opposite the strings) is wood, and the rest of it is painted white. I dont what's going on with this, but this is clearly a mistake. I didnt notice it at first. I was being careful handling my new instrument, and did not place it upside down, on it's strings. But I found the spoof today. Very wierd. I fell in love with this little instrument, but am unsure about the spoof. I will try to work with the seller on this one. :) 2/5 newbie - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Cecilio 4/4CVN-White+SR+92D+FB1 Ebony Fitted Solid Wood White Violin +Tuner, Bows, Shoulder Rest, Lesson Book+DVD (Full Size) - White (Electronics) The back side of this violin, has unfinished paint! Looks stupid. The handle on the back side (opposite the strings) is wood, and the rest of it is painted white. I dont what's going on with this, but this is clearly a mistake. I didnt notice it at first. I was being careful handling my new instrument, and did not place it upside down, on it's strings. But I found the spoof today. Very wierd. I fell in love with this little instrument, but am unsure about the spoof. I will try to work with the seller on this one. :) Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 25, 2012

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  List Price: $299.99
  Price: $99.99
  You Save: $200.00 (67%)

  Bonus: Cecilio 92D Chromatic Tuner with Metronome & Lesson book + CD/DVD

  Includes: lightweight hard case, 2 Brazil wood bows with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, adjustable shoulder rest, 2 bridges & an extra set of violin strings

  1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects

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

  Size 4/4 (full size) violin with solid spruce wood top, maple back, neck and sides with beautiful white varnish

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  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

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  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

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  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

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

  Black Hardwood Pegs, chinrest, fingerboard & tailpiece

  Built-In Should Rest for extra comfort

  Full Size 4/4 Electric Silent Violin complete

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

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  Barcelona Entry Series Full-Size Violin with Case, Rosin, Bow, and Strings - White

  Musical Instruments (Barcelona)
  

  Rating (10 reviews):

  (4.1/5)

  

  Great Stuff

  Ive purchased 7 of these already and find the quality pricing and delivery the best ever. I will continue to purchase these items 5/5 TCW - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Barcelona Entry Series Full-Size Violin with Case, Rosin, Bow, and Strings - Antique Wood Ive purchased 7 of these already and find the quality pricing and delivery the best ever. I will continue to purchase these items Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 25, 2011

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  Great beginners buy!

  I recieved the violin within 2 days of order. It arrived in its case with the bridge already on the violin. The violin was in perfect conditions and its brought two bows as indicated. The resin was small but good.I really liked it. 5/5 AliVela - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Barcelona Entry Series Full-Size Violin with Case, Rosin, Bow, and Strings - Antique Wood I recieved the violin within 2 days of order. It arrived in its case with the bridge already on the violin. The violin was in perfect conditions and its brought two bows as indicated. The resin was small but good.I really liked it. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 1, 2011

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  Barcelona Violin Kit

  That's right people, another five star review! This is a good beginners violin if you are just starting out! I've played the violin for over seven years, so I have some experience in dealing with this instrument! Case, Violin, Bow, (and the extra bow-yeah) were all in great shape! However, the rosin was shattered upon opening it, but I quickly contacted Amazon Customer Service, and they resolved the matter in a timely fashion, with partial refund! But overall, you will not be disappointed with this purchase! Remember: for those reviews out there...you know the ones-negative...not of this product, but other "beginner/student" violin sets, remember...if it bothers you that much, you can always spend more to "doctor-up" your violin, or if you've got it like that, just buy the crazy expensive one! But for those of us who are on a budget...and a tight budget at that...buy this violin set! 5/5 Angie - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Barcelona Entry Series Full-Size Violin with Case, Rosin, Bow, and Strings - Antique Wood That's right people, another five star review! This is a good beginners violin if you are just starting out! I've played the violin for over seven years, so I have some experience in dealing with this instrument! Case, Violin, Bow, (and the extra bow-yeah) were all in great shape! However, the rosin was shattered upon opening it, but I quickly contacted Amazon Customer Service, and they resolved the matter in a timely fashion, with partial refund! But overall, you will not be disappointed with this purchase! Remember: for those reviews out there...you know the ones-negative...not of this product, but other "beginner/student" violin sets, remember...if it bothers you that much, you can always spend more to "doctor-up" your violin, or if you've got it like that, just buy the crazy expensive one! But for those of us who are on a budget...and a tight budget at that...buy this violin set! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 11, 2012

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  List Price: $109.99
  Price: $49.95
  You Save: $60.04 (55%)

  Select spruce top, pearwood fingerboard, maple back and sides

  Comes with hard shell case, bow, and rosin

  Inexpensive starter instrument for children and adults alike

  4/4 or full-size violin, for violinists age 9 and above with an arm length of 23.5 inches and up

  Available in an array of colors

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  Mendini 1/2 MV-White Solid Wood White Violin + Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings

  Musical Instruments (Cecilio Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (17 reviews):

  (3.0/5)

  

  Cecilio - Mendini Blue 1/2 size violin

  I bought this blue 1/2 size violin for my 9 year old daughter as she out grew her 1/4 size violin (pink colored one). Once again was not disappointed with the Cecilio product. I could have bought a regular wood finished violin at a higher cost, but figured that she'll only use this one for a year before moving up to the next size violin and may as well keep it fun for her as she is the only one in her orchestra with a non standard wood finished violin and she love to play this instrument. Once again, remarkably for the price (about $50)this instrument has pretty decent tone. What keeps me from giving this a 5 star rating is that it was a bit of a chore setting up the bridge initially. But after getting it tuned for the first time, then the fine tuning by her violin teacher, it really has decent tone. My daughter has been playing the violin for just over a year, and we figured since she will use the instrument her old pink violin and now the blue one for maybe a year each, these... 4/5 MetsMetsMets (NY) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Mendini 1/2 MV-Blue Solid Wood Blue Violin + Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings (Electronics) I bought this blue 1/2 size violin for my 9 year old daughter as she out grew her 1/4 size violin (pink colored one). Once again was not disappointed with the Cecilio product. I could have bought a regular wood finished violin at a higher cost, but figured that she'll only use this one for a year before moving up to the next size violin and may as well keep it fun for her as she is the only one in her orchestra with a non standard wood finished violin and she love to play this instrument. Once again, remarkably for the price (about $50)this instrument has pretty decent tone. What keeps me from giving this a 5 star rating is that it was a bit of a chore setting up the bridge initially. But after getting it tuned for the first time, then the fine tuning by her violin teacher, it really has decent tone. My daughter has been playing the violin for just over a year, and we figured since she will use the instrument her old pink violin and now the blue one for maybe a year each, these... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 23, 2011

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  meets my expectation. 5 star for its price.

  I bought 1/2 size for my 8 year old son. It arrived within 2 days with Amazon prime. I don't see anything wrong with the violin. It may sounds not as good as higher priced violins, but for its price, I am happy. 5/5 Roy (Folsom, CA United States) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Mendini 1/2 MV200 Solid Wood Violin in Natural Finish with Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings (Electronics) I bought 1/2 size for my 8 year old son. It arrived within 2 days with Amazon prime. I don't see anything wrong with the violin. It may sounds not as good as higher priced violins, but for its price, I am happy. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 21, 2011

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  not a true size

  my oldest daughter has a 1/2 size violin and this one was purchased for my younger daughter. putting them side by side you can see that this one is slightly smaller, in both the body and the neck than the true half size. in fact when my older daughter tried to use it one day at school, instead of her regular 1/2, the teacher even told her it was too small.the sound is also not as good. i can't say anything about its tone, longevity and strings. my younger one has barely used it for school, maybe once or twice, if that so, for what i paid for it, it was okay 2/5 twogirlstoohardtoplease "twogirlshardto please" (long island new york) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Mendini 1/2 MV300 Solid Wood Violin in Satin Finish with Hard Case, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin and Extra Strings (Electronics) my oldest daughter has a 1/2 size violin and this one was purchased for my younger daughter. putting them side by side you can see that this one is slightly smaller, in both the body and the neck than the true half size. in fact when my older daughter tried to use it one day at school, instead of her regular 1/2, the teacher even told her it was too small.the sound is also not as good. i can't say anything about its tone, longevity and strings. my younger one has barely used it for school, maybe once or twice, if that so, for what i paid for it, it was okay Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 22, 2011

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

  Brazil wood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair

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

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

  Size 1/2 violin with solid wood spruce top, maple back, neck and sides with beautiful white varnish finish

  1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects

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  From Vivaldi to Viotti: A History of the Early Classical Violin Concerto (Musicology)

  Book (Routledge)
  List Price: $100.00
  Price: $55.00
  You Save: $45.00 (45%)

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  Antique Black and White Violins - 10x10 Quilt Square

  Art and Craft Supply (3dRose LLC)
  List Price: $13.99
  Price: $11.99
  You Save: $2.00 (17%)

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  Bavaria & The Black Forest

  Movie
  

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