For the price, is this violin on par with a toy or real violin? I hear that it's a cheap import, a low-end brand, poorly built with cheap materials.
888681
The one I bought had an improperly cut nut, so it was impossible to give to a child to learn to play as they would only develop the wrong touch and feel.
888682
Hey Chris, are 912 reviews not enough for ya? For the price, it looks like the majority agree that it's 3.5 out of 5. Again, for the price, you will not find a better violin. If you want to spend $200+, you will get a proper 'beginner' violin, but that's a commitment decision you have to make. There are more expensive violins that suck more than this one, there are also better versions from the same company for a bit more (CVN-200, 300, etc.) So, how dedicated or picky are you?
603756
I have looked at both and have the same question, which I think could only be answered properly by people who have experience in both. The MV500 has a video, in which the violin sounds pretty good. But everyone knows that it is a marketing gimmick. The current price difference is small, about $40. What makes me uncomfortable with the Mendini series is Amazon throws in all the cheap accessories for free. That makes the violins sound cheap too.
1684810
Its great for beginners! I purchased it a few months ago. I got new strings for it though and the sound improved immensely. On youtube "the online piano tutor"(she does violin too) has a really good review on it. :-)
1553424
If this is their first violin I would recommend it especially if your not sure they will stay with the lessons and continue playing. If they are accomplished and will continue playing I would purchase a higher quality instrument. This violin does have a good tone and is easy to string and tune. A small girl may need a 3/4. It is a good quality sounding piece for the price and a good starter instrument.
1962242
The violin that we purchased came equipped with strings already installed. Most of them snapped upon first tuning. We are experience with violins, so this means the strings are of poor quality. Do your self a favor and order a set of better quality strings in addition to the violin. Would suggest Daddario prelude steel strings ($15?). They are USA made, and will work well on an electric violin. All the best!
1073623
As far as I'm aware, unless you purchased the extra "protection" for it, it doesn't have a warranty. That's the problem with cheap instruments like this--they break after 6 months or less, and a real repair shop won't work on them because the metals are too soft. Anything you can do to it will likely break it more. Trust me when I say you're better off making an investment in a real instrument. You'll end up spending more repairing this one than you paid for it in the first place.
2282254
It's a decent violin for a starter. The style is quite beautiful. They left the back of the neck unfinished to eliminate any gummy reside from forming. The only desired upgrade would be a hard case instead of the hard formed cloth case.
1812071
It's good for any beginner! I am 18 and I just started and I'm a bit late in the game but! Yes, in my opinion I think it's great! I bought this violin knowing nothing about this instrument and I picked a great choice!
162430
Hi, It's a professional level instrument Dunhuang model#4A. You can check the manufacturer's website for detail description. It's not listed as beginner's model as some comment said. The commentator didn't buy it from us. It's possible that he bought a wrong one or fake one. Delivery to NC is 5 business days.
936215
It does make good sound! Up past a high d or so it can get a little squeaky if you aren't careful.. It was in fine shape when I bought it, though it was already strung and the g and e strings broke, but I restrung it anyway. I've played better instruments of course, and I just bought this one really to see if I could get a decent violin for that cheap, and I did! All of what you receive is worth more than what you pay for. I'd recommend it for if you wanted a colored violin for festivals, a special/themed concert, or just for practice and the occasion orchestra rehearsal or concert.
1003620
Yes, a great beginner guitar, but it is a guitar, so it is kind of a delicate piece, but my nieces and nephews have only managed to break the strings, and one tuning peg. But I ordered 3 last xmas and they are all with in 3 or 4 years of 7 years. So for the money it was a great buy.
175152
I believe they are. I must say the quality of the violin is really excellent. The sound is richer and is a deeper than most violins in this price range. We've purchased this last summer and it's still great.
1010523
I bought it as a beginner and really enjoy it, even now. It is good quality and produces a good tone. The sound is not "professionally" good, but will definitely do for learning as a beginner. The wood is good and sturdy, not to mention the appeal of it is great. Hope I helped!!!
897843
It's not silent. But, it's pretty quiet, especially if you bow it lightly. You can also use headphones with it. It is definitely much quieter than a regular violin.
1860690
Get a set of GOOD strings not the ones that come with the violin. BE PATIENT it will take some time to adjust and for the stings to stretch out. It took a few weeks if constant adjustment even in the middle if practices but now it stays tuned ir close to it almost as well as my good violin.I use this one to practice in the early morning when the family is asleep it isnt silent but pretty quiet
1912904
I bought this for my adult daughter-in-law and she loves it. My granddaughter is 5 and it's a little big for her but she'll be using it in a couple of years. I'd say this violin would be good for anywhere from 10 years on up!
1364456
It sounds fine for practice, learning, and general playing. I restrung mine with better strings and it made a big difference. After a year and a half I still say for the money you can't go wrong.