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Beginner Violin Comparison
3 best violins I've found from my research all under $200
Topic Rating: 0 Topic Rating: 0 Topic Rating: 0 Topic Rating: 0 Topic Rating: 0 Topic Rating: 0 (0 votes) 
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bradleysmith96

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April 30, 2018 - 8:57 am
Member Since: April 30, 2018
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Hey guys so I'm new to the violin scene and am looking for a nice starter violin. I don't have access to a shop to try one, and i dont have a teacher to tell me what I should get so I'm turning to you guys!!

 

Which of these three is the best and why?

I've come up with the following:

Stentor 2-  

Cecilio CVN300-  

Mendini MV500- 

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CharlieStrings

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April 30, 2018 - 9:47 am
Member Since: June 4, 2017
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I own a Cecilio electric violin that I am happy with, so I can recommend that brand, but really, I suggest you call Fiddlershop.  This is their forum and they know their stuff.  You will get great service and advice on starting the violin.  Information that you can't get on Amazon.  

Good luck and welcome to the forum.violin-student

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Bella86
Sweden

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April 30, 2018 - 4:10 pm
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I looked up demo's of them on youtube and the Mendini MV500 sound a whole lot better than the oher two. So if it was me having to choose between those 3, that is what I'd go for. 
BUT, where do you live and how much are you willing to pay for your first instrument? 
Is the violin something you already know you'll want to stick to, or do you want to try it out first? If you just want to try it out, I suggest renting for a month or two first. That should make you able to decide if you like it or not. (You will LOVE it! :P)

If you'd want to continue, it is wise to spend a bit more (if you are able of course)on a better instrument instead of buying something cheaper that you'll grow out of fairly quickly, and then spend more on a better instrument. Is more money spent in the end that way.
If you live in USA, I really recommend at least contacting Fiddlershop. (or if money and importcosts are no problem, doesn't matter where you are. I live in sweden and bought their Soloist outfit as my first instrument and paid 30% extra in duty and taxes. But worth it to me as it'll probably be the only instrument I ever buy, and I was 100% sure I would get something good)

They have quality instruments and customers love them. They have beginner outfits that have great reviews from customers. For example, the concert violin outfit is one that I've seen a lot of people choose as their first violin. (And just a few months later decide to upgrade to another one of FM's violins, that's how happy they are with them :P) 
You get a great instrument to begin with that you'll be satisfied with for a while, plus everything else you need. Like rosin, shoulderrest, bow etc. You can even make special requests in your order, like video demo for approval, or if you want a certain type of sound. Tell them what you're after and they'll find it for you. :)  

I'm rambling here lol, but anyway. If you're set on choosing between one of the 3 you listed, I would go for the Mendini. :)

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Guest
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April 30, 2018 - 6:16 pm

Since you are a beginner with no teacher/shop/luthier near you I would highly recommend that whatever instrument you choose, you buy it from a source that they do a detailed inspection/set up of the instrument before they ship it to you. And that they make sure you receive it in a good shape (no tilted bridge, soundpost in place, etc)

Otherwise you run the risk of getting an ok violin but with a set up that will dramatically hinder your progress. I am not sure if I can stress how important are all these.

As far as I know, people at Fiddlershop take care of all the above, and also carry the cecilio brand

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
May 2, 2018 - 1:05 pm
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16537

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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coolpinkone
California, the place of my heart
May 29, 2018 - 4:08 pm
Member Since: January 11, 2012
Forum Posts: 4180
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Welcome to the forum...

Always call the Fiddlershop to see what they have...you never know.

But I always say get something... get it in your hands and play play play...over time you might upgrade..(you will) .... good luck.

Just get playing.... but the best you can but don't not play due to not having the best ...

Cheers....

Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato

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