Cecilio CVA-600 Handmade Premium Flamed Viola Outfit - 16 Inches Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)1. the bridge is not horrible but its still bad. It screams machine made. the bridge was cut too low for the A string, and wasn't curved enough for the G/C, not giving you enough space for bowing btwn them. i suggest you take this instrument to a violin maker and fork over the $200 to fit a REAL bridge.
2. the strings are cheap and bad. upgrade them.
3. the soundpost was off. when you get a new bridge tell the violin maker to take a look at the sound post and see if there is anything he can do.
4. cheap case.
in all, this is a good starter but be prepared to spend at least an extra $300 to get it up to standards.

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Cecilio violas are carefully hand carved. Each viola is meticulously graduated to exact specifications, ensuring a consistency of tone between individual pieces. The CVA-600 model features hand-crafted selected well-aged solid maple back and sides, hand-carved solid grained spruce top, beautiful inlaid purfling and hand-painted oil varnished finish. It has beautiful flamed back and sides with premium flamed one piece back. The ebony tailpiece includes mother of pearl inlay and four nickel plated fine tuners. The brazilwood octagonal bow features ebony frog and unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair. The kit also includes a deluxe oblong case which features a high quality velver interior, excellent rain proof rexine material, compartment for shoulder strap & rosin, padded neck restraint bridge protector. The included hygrometer measures the humidity and a velvet blanket that will protect the violin. It also comes with the following accessories: Extra set of viola strings, Extra viola bridge and a quality rosin cake. This premium viola violin is an unbeatable value. Buy with confidence as it is protected with a one year warranty against any manufacturing defects.

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Hidersine Hiderpaste Peg Paste Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After moving from a slightly humid climate to a very, very dry climate, the pegs in my cello shrank, and the silly thing wouldn't stay in tune. Literally, I would turn the pegs to tune the strings and they wouldn't even try to stay in place. In less than a second, I was out of tune again, making my cello unplayable. I bought this peg paste/peg glue, ran it over the ends of each of the pegs, and it worked like a charm! My cello is playable again!
The "paste" is actually like a small wax disc inside the tin. You just take the disc out of the tin and make a few marks down the sides of the pegs with the side of the disc. Then wrap your string on your peg as usual and you're ready to go.

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Hidersine Hiderpaste is a useful companion for any string player. Hiderpaste is a multi-purpose peg paste which prevents both the slipping and binding of tempremental violin, viola and cello pegs. Highly recommended!

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Shifting: Thirty Studies for Young Violinists by Yaakov Geringas Review

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(More customer reviews)Traditional shifting methods offer 3rd position in about the 3rd year of playing, which is studied for at least 6 months before going on to 5th position. In traditional shifting on violin it takes several years to learn positions 2-6. And then, all the time you're saying, "What position am I in?" You're thinking in terms of the physical distances on the fingerboard first, the sounds of the intervals come second.
Yaakov Geringas writes in his intro that as soon as a student knows various finger patterns, he/she should be introduced into shifting. In fact, he asserts, the higher positions are much easier for little fingers because the notes are closer together and more comfortable for littler arms.
I decided to give him a whirl a couple of years ago. Much of his technique involves hearing the intervals, as the positions are all mixed up. I have used video, recording, and just plain demonstration in teaching this book; he also requires playing in first position first, to hear the piece and facilitate finding the note with your shift. He doesn't identify positions - instead, the player shifts from one note to another note, learning to hear the notes as he or she reads.
As a result, after a few months the student is ready to read almost any music and even design fingerings of their own that ensure smooth string crossings.
The little pieces Geringas wrote for this book are delightful, reflect several different moods, and always pull the student in. They're perfect for adult beginners too, as they offer faster learning skills to pull the adult learner closer to his or her goal in learning violin.
The reason I gave the book 4 instead of 5 stars, is because it's not self teaching, and probably isn't for everyone. It requires the ability to hear the intervals, and I have had a small number of students who were not able to do it. Also it seems to be a stand alone book in a completely diverse method - so I find that I am really scouring the literature to find something to teach when this book is finished.
I'm really so happy I bumped into this book though. It's kickstarted many students into learning to use the entire fingerboard of the violin.
(One further note: I researched Yaakov Geringas and found that he was a professor of violin in a university in Canada during the 1960's. Therefore, I'm not really sure he intended this book to be just for little kids. I wish I could find more about him.)

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Shifting: Thirty Studies for Young Violinists by Yaakov Geringas is the essential technical study album which introduces shifting gradually and easily, early in a young player's development. Students overcome the problems of string crossing and shifting to produce a smoother sound and greater variety of tonal shading. Exercises are included to help students prepare for the progressively leveled studies. Descriptive titles such as Up and Down the Ladder and Hide and Seek, combined with imaginative drawings, make technique fun for the young student.

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Players Products SQS1 Silencer Sndhole Cover Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This product's purpose is to prevent feedback when used with an amplifier - it prevents the sound form the speakers from entering the guitar body, therefore reducing feedback. It is NOT intended to make the guitar "softer". When used for the intended purpose, it works well.

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Sliding door controls output. Fits soundholes up to 4-1/4". Controls feedback for acoustic-electric guitars.

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First Act MCV61 Concert Series Violin with Case Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I give the First Act Concert Series Violin five stars based on quality and price. It is perfect for school music programs. First Act should be commended for designing instruments that are affordable for average families. The critics must realize that this allows children to learn to play an instrument who may not have been able to otherwise. It is a beautiful, well crafted instrument for the cost. My daughter is proud to own her violin and I don't have to deal with the hassle of renting. If she becomes highly skilled at playing the violin, then we will discuss paying top dollar for one. Until then, her First Act violin is perfect while she's still in elementary school.

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This exquisitely crafted, hand carved 4/4 size violin is based on the "Emiliani" Stradivarius model of 1724. Ebony appointments and factory fit bridge and tailpiece maintain the meticulous details required for perfect intonation, playability and rich sound projection. The brown stain and translucent finish highlight the tight grain of the spruce top and natural flame on the maple back & ribs. Inlaid purfling completes the professional quality of this violin. Students ready for a full sized violin will not find a finer outfit, complete with oblong case, rosin, extra strings, and genuine horse hair brazilwood bow. Includes First Act's instructional DVD demonstrating proper set-up and tuning to aid new players. The lifetime manufacturer's limited warranty covers parts and labor.

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Cecilio CVN-300 Ebony Fitted 3/4 Size Antique Finish Orchestra Violin with Case and Accessories Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a poor quality violin and you cant tune it. A total loss of my money

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cecilio CVN-300 Ebony Fitted 3/4 Size Antique Finish Orchestra Violin with Case and Accessories

This Orchestra violin is perfect for the beginner to intermediate violinist. It features hand carved solid maple back and sides, hand-carved solid spruce top, beautiful inlaid purfling, beautiful varnish antique finish, ebony pegs, chin rest, tailpiece and fingerboard. The ebony tailpiece has 4 fine nickel plated tuners. The brazilwood bow features ebony frog and unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair. The included case is a light weight form fitting hard case with pockets and strap. This makes it convenient to carry to practice or orchestra. It also comes with the following accessories: Extra set of violin strings, Extra violin bridge, Extra Mangolian Horsehair bow and a quality rosin cake. It has all the accessories needed to start enjoying this great violin. This quality violin is an unbeatable value. Buy with confidence as it is protected with a one year warranty against any manufacturing defects.

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Hameln 4/4 Violin with Spruce Top, Maple Back & Ebony Parts Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this violin for my wife, an adult over 50 and we have no children left at home. The children are married or off to college and do not live close by. I stated this because I didn't want anyone to think that some child was messing with this violin.
The violin has trouble keeping tuned. Also the bow cracked before my wife had a chance to use it. She is taking lessons from an elderly lady who has complained about the violin strings becoming loose too easily.
I would highly recommend looking for another product.

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This fine quality 4/4 violin features a solid spruce top, solid-maple back and sides, and an ebony fingerboard, chin rest, and tuning pegs.A fine tuner is included on the high G string to make it easy to tune.It includes a wooden bow with real horsehair, rosin, and a maple bridge - everything you' need for great results.The feather-light case is the newest design, providing solid protection at a fraction of the weight of older styles.At Hameln our aim is to please you with prompt and courteous customer service while saving you money on a violin you'll love. Our satisfaction guarantee gives you the benefit of an instant exchange if you have any concern in the first 30 days and the safety of a full one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

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D'Addario Pro Arte Violin Strings Set, 4/4 size, heavy gauge Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I thought I'd save some money with these strings, but they are so lifeless
that I'm taking them off. Don't waste your money; you get what you pay for.
I'm going back to Thomastik Dominant.

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D'Addario Pro Arte Violin Strings Set, 4/4 size, heavy gauge

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Fingerboard Tape: Blue Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am an orchestra teacher. After taping up about 10 violins and playing for a week, this tape was already coming off. Considering my cellos look like they've been taped for 10 years or so, this product is not the answer. Go to your local Auto Zone store and buy a roll of 1/8 inch pin stripes for 3.99. They come in 40 foot rolls.

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A useful learning aid for the beginning player. This tape is blue and is easy to apply.

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Cecilio CVN-500 Ebony Antique Finish Flamed 1/2 Size Orchestra Violin with Case and Accessories Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This was my daughter's second instrument, after three years of learning on the first one. Both my wife and I are musicians. I ordered with some trepidation, considering the reviews out there that run the mix of both extremes. I went ahead, considering the shipping was free, so return wouldn't be that costly (the price of return shipping).
We had the violin for almost two years now. All in all, it was definitely worth more than $200. The tone was actually quite good, considering the size (1/2). The instrument came pre-strung, the sound post was in proper place, the bridge was positioned well and shaped correctly, so the strings and fingers had proper distance from the fingerboard. The instrument holds tune remarkably well. Also, the bows were very good and held up throughout all this time, without hairs coming loose. We received an extra set of strings, and none were needed yet.
After two years, my daughter has outgrown this instrument. I ordered a larger size, but from another vendor (a no-name Chinese one for $100), and it was bad. I had just ordered a new Cecilio CVN-500 (same as this one), but the larger size (3/4). I'm hoping it will be as good as our old one was.
About the only thing that was somewhat useless was the tuning pipe. It is a little toy, since it is completely unreliable and almost always off-key (we have a piano at home, which is always properly tuned).
Let me make one thing clear. This is a Chinese made instrument, and it seems that the factory where it is made does not have a bullet-proof quality control. There is a small (but noticeable) percentage of these instruments that leave the factory in rather poor shape. In other words, quality of these violins can apparently be inconsistent. I know two other parents who had Cecilio student violins, and they were quite satisfied with them (and I've seen and heard those instruments, and they were quite good). My personal experience was positive, and I'm hoping my next one will be as well.
Your mileage may vary. Make sure you can return it in time, if something goes wrong.
[follow-up to the original review, now that I've had the new Cecilio for 3 months]:
The new violin is also excellent, like the prior ones. Gentle tone, holds tune well, well-shaped bridge and fingerboard, so it looks like excellent value for money. My previous review still stands.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cecilio CVN-500 Ebony Antique Finish Flamed 1/2 Size Orchestra Violin with Case and Accessories

This Orchestra violin is perfect for the intermediate violinist. It features hand carved solid maple back and sides, hand-carved solid spruce top, beautiful inlaid purfling, satin antique finish with beautiful flamed back and sides, ebony pegs, chin rest, tailpiece and fingerboard. The Ebony tailpiece has 4 fine nickel plated tuners. The brazilwood bow features ebony frog and unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair. The included case is a light weight form fitting hard case with pockets and strap. This makes it convenient to carry to practice or orchestra. It also comes with the following accessories: Extra set of violin strings, Extra violin bridge, Extra Mangolian Horsehair bow and a quality rosin cake. It has all the accessories needed to start enjoying this great violin. This quality violin is an unbeatable value. Buy with confidence as it is protected with a one year warranty against any manufacturing defects.

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Crescent 4/4 Full Size Violin with Case - Metallic Blue Color - Complete Set Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The violin came very fast, but the color displayed on amazon is deceiving. The violin is not as blue as it looks in the picture, but is more of a light torquoise. I have been unable to get ahold of Gracemall to discuss exchanging for another color. It is very difficult to find contact info to talk to someone. This was a Christmas present for a little girl who was disappointed by the ugly color and now it looks as though it cannot be exchanged. Anyone have any ideas on how to get ahold of Gracemall? Amazon seems to not want to give any info about them on the website.

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Click here for more information about Crescent 4/4 Full Size Violin with Case - Metallic Blue Color - Complete Set

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Fingerboard Tape: Red Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After a short time, this stuff shifts and floats. When removed, it leaves a sticky mess all over the fingerboard. Save yourself a bunch of headaches, as well as messy instruments and strings: use either electrical tape (comes in rainbow colors and is easily trimmed, stays put and doesn't leave residue) or go to the auto parts store and get narrow pinstriping tape.

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A useful learning aid for the beginning player. This tape is red and is easy to apply.

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Doreli Model 59 Violin Outfit, 1/2 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a great viloin for a beginner!! It is lightweight and stylish..It is perfect for the price!!

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The Doreli Model 59 Violin Outfit features a solid spruce top, maple back and sides, ebony trim. Comes set up with a 4-tuner tailpiece. The Complete Model 59 outfit includes zippered lightweight case, horsehair/wood bow, and rosin....

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Full Size Violin 4 x 4 With Case - Dark Blue Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First off, the color is cerulean, not dark blue. Second, it didn't come with a bridge, but when they sent the bridge, it did not have those notches or spaces to put the strings in, and the poor quality wood gave me a splinter. Third, Half of the dang instrument isn't even real wood. Fourth, the string came out of one of the pegs. Fifth, I found many other violins for the same price as this piece of crap to be real maple and ebony wood, and have everything included. Sixth, the bow hair was stained red. Seventh, the paint they used on the violin was cheap and looked as if it would fade very soon. Eighth, The fingerboard had oil on it. (So far, it looks like it was used) Ninth, three bow hair pieces already came out the day I took the violin out of the box. Tenth, the red case pictured above was really tan when it had arrived. Eleventh, the strings are really cheap and are not at all intended for professionals or something to last long. Twelfth, the rosin I received was all messy and already used, and some of it was chipped. Thirteenth, the leather on the bow hair where you put your index finger when playing is coming off. Fourteenth, the lines on the outside look like someone just ran a sharpie across to make it. Fifteenth, this thing is a complete waste of money!!!!

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Free carrying case. Four fine tuners. Featherweight case with strap and carrying handle. Pear wood fingerboard. Rosin. Accessory colors/style may vary.

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Gibson Baldwin Music Education Violin Kit - GBVLSM Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have come across a number of these, working in a music shop. These violin kits are of inferior quality. The cheap wood bows are often warped, the fingerboard and nut are made of inexpensive wood (instead of ebony) that will wear easily, and cases of this quality seldom last the school year. Making the instrument and bow playable would cost as much as the kit. Save time and money, look at rentals at a local music shop. If you really want to purchase a violin, invest the extra money now on a better quality instrument; you will save money later on repair costs.

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Gibson Baldwin Music Education Violin Kit - GBVLSM

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Fingerboard Tape: Yellow Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have taught violin for 17 years using Chartpak tapes. The tapes are colorful, easy to see and durable. You easily tear off as much tape as you want no scissors necessary. When it is time to remove the finger tapes from the instrument, no harmful residue is left behind. I have even used the tapes on the violin body itself without injuring the violin.
The tapes to eventually come off the violin, but anything more permanent could be harmful to a delicate instrument. You can get Chartpak tapes in smaller widths (like 1/16 and 1/8) for use on 1/32, 1/16, and 1/8 size violins.
I recommend this product.


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A useful learning aid for the beginning player. This tape is yellow and is easy to apply.

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Bowmaster for Violin or Viola, Medium by Super Sensitive Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My son's violin teacher seemed to have to remind my son to "fix" his bow grip throughout his lesson. I saw this product and it seemed like it would be worth a try. At today's lesson his teacher was so impressed that she is going to make it a requirement that all of her students get one.

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Perfect for beginners and all hand sizes, this rubber bow grip slides onto the bow to help players position the bow correctly.Great teaching aid!For Violin and Viola.

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