Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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 inside that I can clearly see through one of the f holes. When I contacted the seller for recomendations their response was an apathetic oh its just the label. It won't interfier with the sound quality. (which true it hasn't) but, the reason I bought a violin is I know if I give up because I can't learn fast enough, at the very least I have a beutiful piece of artwork to hang on the wall. Oh well, like I said it doesn't effect the sound quality. (this is the only reason for the 4 stars instead of 5)
Here are a few suggestions if you purchase this violin.
While you are waiting for the item to arrive, go out and buy real rosin. I spent $4.00 and the new rosen worked like a champ. Before doing so I was worried that I had a defective violin! The rosin included, is awful. If you do not decide to purchase new rosin, the included rosin will work but you will definately have to score the crap out of it, and vigorously apply it over and over again. After doing that and getting very frustrated I bought the new rosin and with one quick application I finally got actual violin tones.
Setting the bridge. Was very very easy once I figured out what to do. (as I doubt amazon would want me to mention a specific page, do a search for 'installing the bridge' there are some good web sites out there to help with this.) one thing I got lucky with my reasoning was, the taller part of the bridge goes under the fatter or 'G' string. It also needs to be flaced directly between the f holes (the little holes in the violins body that resumble an f.) the f holes have a convenient notche (thus making the f) and the bridge should line up perfectly with those. And apparantly set tilted back ever so slightly towards the bottom of the violin. Also, before inserting the bridge, ensure you loosen the strings so you don't snap them.
Another thing I learned, because thank goodness I work with someone who plays, is ensure you loosen the bow before storing it. Apparantly if you keep it taught you can warp and eventually snap the bow. She also advised that its not a good idea to touch the horse hair, as the oils from you skin may damge the sound quality. (no one had mentioned that yet). Also I am pretty dumb, because when they shipped the violin they put the bow between the holders with a rubber band. I thought that was how you store it.. no. There are 2 black knobs that you place the bow into the case, with the knob between the hair and the bow, and then turn the knob and this holds the bow into place. I felt really silly about that one.
Anyway, after purchasing The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner, Violin Book 1(also from amazon) I am finally making violin noises, and hopefully will eventually learn to actually play a song.
Another thing for you absolute beginers like myself, violins look easier than that really are. There are several variables that go into effect to ensure you are actually making sound. ie. are the strings tuned properly(buy a tuner, please)Korg Chromatic Tuner CA-30, is the bow tight enough or too tight? Is the bow properly rosined, and am I even holding the darn thing right. But after you get all that straitened out it is very satisfying. I think my biggest problem was the rosin, so I was freaking out about all the other variables. Seriously, that is the biggest thing I recommend, if you buy this, GO PURCHASE REAL ROSEN or get it from amazon. Violin/Viola Rosin Light. (this is exactly what I have)Its cheap, and it will save you some headache.
So all in all this was a great purchase and I am very pleased. Who knew I could buy a violin this cheaply? And as soon as I learn how to play (If I have the patience anyway) I can purchase a high quality one. If you are like me, and not really sure. Go for it. And again, even as someone who doesn't really know what I am doing yet, I highly recomend the other noted accessories. Especially the rosin.
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Full Size Violin 4 X 4 with Case and Bow - Natural ColorThis violin is ideal for the beginning musician. It features maple wood back and sides, pear wood fingerboard and four fine tuners. It also includes a genuine horse hair wood bow, rosin and a featherweight carrying case with strap and carrying handle. Accessory colors/style may vary. Here are some hints to help keep your violin in tune: 1. Although the violins come with a bridge, it is not installed. Installing a bridge should is not difficult, but if you have a problem, please email us. The bridge has to be installed for the violin to play correctly. 2. Strings do tend to slip and lose their tune on a new violin because they need to stretch. If this happens, just give it time. The strings just need time to settle in. 3. If the violin pegs keep slipping, try to push the peg in while turning it. If they still dont stay in, peg drops are available at most music stores. They are relatively inexpensive and should help the pegs stay in. 4. If a strand of hair breaks on the bow, take a pair of nail clippers and cut it from the frog (bottom of the bow) or the top of the bow. A few hairs are bound to fall out with play. Remember to rub a little rosin (included) on the bow before playing. This is a great violin to get started with. And at this price it is an unbeatable value.
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