I think I have now realized that I have a problem with my Mendini 650.  I have Prelude strings on her (Vanessa) and also on Jane ($30 Crescent).  Jane sounds good, clear, no buzz or ch or zz sounds.  Vanessa has an irritating "a" but the d and g are not much better.  I cut off the little tube on the a string thinking that might be vibrating, but no change.  I have Jargar e string on her that sounds great.  I pulled the ProArtes off her because they didn't sound too good and same with the Zyex, but finally I know its the violin in some fashion.  Bridge maybe?  Its fairly new.  I'd rather the fault be in the strings, but I'm past that now.  I moved the sound post to no effect on the zz sound.  There is also a "chuck" sound when changing directions but I think that is related to the rosin on the bow, maybe not.
I'm about ready to say to heck with it and just play Jane, but even though I say she sounds good, she has a tone like a plastic toy.  Think I'll go play drums for a while.