10/26/2011

Heavy Rubber Practice Mute for 1/2 - 3/4 Violin Review

Heavy Rubber Practice Mute for 1/2 - 3/4 Violin
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am a beginner, so even me, I do not want to hear what noice I make. This works as described. Mutes much better than the old way of putting a clip on the bridge !

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This Heavy Rubber Practice Mute for 1/2 - 3/4 Violin greatly reduces volume for apartment and late night practicing. Lightweight and safe. Five-prong.

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Kun Collapsible Mini Red Shoulder Rest for 1/16 - 1/4 Violin Review

Kun Collapsible Mini Red Shoulder Rest for 1/16 - 1/4 Violin
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My daughter has been using a sponge shoulder rest for 1 year and recently moved up to 1/4 size violin.
I was hoping to find a shoulder rest that can accommodate 1/4 and 1/2 size so that she can use it for a couple years, but I couldn't find anything decent. So I ended up buying this one because I have a full size (4/4) collapsible one from Kun myself and I am reasonably happey with it.
The design of this one is the same as the full size one. The height of the shoulder rest is adjusted by turning the 2 screws in/out of the base, which is made entirely of plastic. It turns out that even at its maximal height (which is achieved by unscrewing the 2 screws as much as possible before they fall off the base), it is still not enough for my daughter whose neck is considered average or slightly longer than average if I look at kids in her class. I suspect many kids who try to use this with 1/4 violin may face similar problem. We end up wrapping a piece of cloth around the foam and still use it. The real problem is that when you have to use it at its maximal height, you have 2 metal screws into a plastic base in the minimal number of turns (to achieve the maximal height). Under this condition, a lot of stress is applied to the threads (out of the plastic base) which is going to wear out very soon. So the durability is questionable. In contrast, the full size one that I use have very long screws. So at least 1/3 of the screws are seated in the base, which reduces the wear of individual threads. I guess Kun can't use really long screws for this miniature model because the plastic pieces where the screws seat are much smaller than those in the full size one. That is the fundamental limit of the design when you try to make a shoulder rest to accommodate a wide range of violin sizes and kids with different neck length.
The bottom line: if you are buying this for 1/16 to 1/8 size of violin, it should be fine.
If it's for 1/4 and your kid has an average or long neck, you might want to consider the original Kun that is not collapsible but designed to accommodate 1/8 to 1/4 size violin.
If you intend to buy it and use it for a few years, I am not sure it will last.


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The Kun Collapsible Mini Red Shoulder Rest for 1/16 - 1/4 Violin is a favorite with children! This model is red and it is available in other fun colors. It features a comfortable contoured bar with foam padding. It is height and angle adjustable and the legs fold flat for compact case or pocket storage. This great little red shoulder rest fits 1/16 - 1/4 violins.

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10/25/2011

Disney Movie Hits for Violin Songbook - BK+CD Review

Disney Movie Hits for Violin Songbook - BK+CD
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My daughter is part way through suzuki book 2 and this is still ahead of her level by quite a lot. I was hoping there might be at least one tune in there she could learn now to have something different at her recital than everyone playing suzuki, plus I thought she would get a kick out of learning something from a Princess movie.
Many of the tunes change key part way through, and they are not the standard keys taught at least to this point. We were most interested in 'A whole New World' from Aladdin, (and the other Disney Princess songs in the book) but will have to wait as it is in F major. It does look to be the easiset in the book.
The last 1/4 of 'Prince Ali' from Aladdin is in a key with 3 flats (excuse my lost music theory knowledge, I haven't done it since I was a kid!), which includes the open strings of A and E, definitely not for a beginner violinist - I wonder why they chose this key? 'Belle' from Beauty and the Beast starts off nicely in D major , but ends in F major, with many other flats thrown in.
The CD will be very helpful when she comes to try them as there are some more complicated rhythms.
I am afraid by the time she gets to the skill level of these tunes she may be past her Princess stage, which is a shame :-) (she is 7)

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Now solo instrumentalists can play along with a dozen favorite songs from Disney blockbusters such as Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story 2 and other beloved movies. These book/CD packs include: Beauty and the Beast - Belle - Circle of Life - Cruella De Vil - Go the Distance - God Help the Outcasts - Hakuna Matata - If I Didn't Have You - Kiss the Girl - Prince Ali - When She Loved Me - A Whole New World.

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Muco Model Shoulder Rest for 4/4 Violin Review

Muco Model Shoulder Rest for 4/4 Violin
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is a really good shoulder rest for a 4/4 violin! You can adjust the height of it and it is a perfect fit! The padding is very nice as well. :)

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The RD12 is a great sounding dreadnought that comes with a hard-shell wood case. It has a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, classic tone woods that generate a warm and well-balanced tone. We have made the neck profile on Regent Series a little finer so they're easier to play and every model is constructed using a dovetail neck joint that optimizes the transfer of energy between the neck and body.

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10/24/2011

Glasser Standard 4/4 Violin Brown Fiberglass Bow with White Hair Review

Glasser Standard 4/4 Violin Brown Fiberglass Bow with White Hair
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Our local luthier sold me this type of Glasser bow to use with my old violin. I've only been playing for about 4 months, so I don't have experience with a wide range of bows or with expensive bows. My Glasser bow plays well on my old violin, and I like using it. Out of all my beginner bows, this is definitely my favorite.

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Glasser, the company that patented the world's first fiberglass bow, offers standard fiberglass bows that feature a half-lined bow frog with metal under-slide and an imitation three-part button. Our standard fiberglass bows have genuine unbleached white horsehair and a leatherette grip. These bows offer students a good alternative to inexpensive wood bows, since they are more durable and will not warp.

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Kun Collapsible Mini Green Shoulder Rest for 1/16 - 1/4 Violin Review

Kun Collapsible Mini Green Shoulder Rest for 1/16 - 1/4 Violin
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My daughter has been using a sponge shoulder rest for 1 year and recently moved up to 1/4 size violin.
I was hoping to find a shoulder rest that can accommodate 1/4 and 1/2 size so that she can use it for a couple years, but I couldn't find anything decent. So I ended up buying this one because I have a full size (4/4) collapsible one from Kun myself and I am reasonably happey with it.
The design of this one is the same as the full size one. The height of the shoulder rest is adjusted by turning the 2 screws in/out of the base, which is made entirely of plastic. It turns out that even at its maximal height (which is achieved by unscrewing the 2 screws as much as possible before they fall off the base), it is still not enough for my daughter whose neck is considered average or slightly longer than average if I look at kids in her class. I suspect many kids who try to use this with 1/4 violin may face similar problem. We end up wrapping a piece of cloth around the foam and still use it. The real problem is that when you have to use it at its maximal height, you have 2 metal screws into a plastic base in the minimal number of turns (to achieve the maximal height). Under this condition, a lot of stress is applied to the threads (out of the plastic base) which is going to wear out very soon. So the durability is questionable. In contrast, the full size one that I use have very long screws. So at least 1/3 of the screws are seated in the base, which reduces the wear of individual threads. I guess Kun can't use really long screws for this miniature model because the plastic pieces where the screws seat are much smaller than those in the full size one. That is the fundamental limit of the design when you try to make a shoulder rest to accommodate a wide range of violin sizes and kids with different neck length.
The bottom line: if you are buying this for 1/16 to 1/8 size of violin, it should be fine.
If it's for 1/4 and your kid has an average or long neck, you might want to consider the original Kun that is not collapsible but designed to accommodate 1/8 to 1/4 size violin.
If you intend to buy it and use it for a few years, I am not sure it will last.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Kun Collapsible Mini Green Shoulder Rest for 1/16 - 1/4 Violin

The Kun Collapsible Mini Green Shoulder Rest for 1/16 - 1/4 Violin is a favorite with children! This model is green and it is available in other fun colors. It features a comfortable contoured bar with foam padding. It is height and angle adjustable and the legs fold flat for compact case or pocket storage. This great little green shoulder rest fits 1/16 - 1/4 violins.

Buy NowGet 44% OFF

Click here for more information about Kun Collapsible Mini Green Shoulder Rest for 1/16 - 1/4 Violin

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10/23/2011

The Instrument Store Violin Case 4/4 Size Review

The Instrument Store Violin Case 4/4 Size
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This if my third case I purchased.
This is very cheap and I got what I paid for.
The bow holders can't hold bows, they scratch hair.
You can get these kind of cases at $20-27 everywhere. Not $99.

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This is the perfect combination of a quality violin case at a value-price outfit by The Instrument Store. Weighing less than 3 pounds, each case features plush lining, accessory compartment, 2 bow clips, exterior pocket, shoulder strap and a side carry handle . You cannot get another violin case of this quality in this price range. See additional photos.

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