First I should mention I knew nothing about violins or playing one. So from a purely good experience viewpoint, this suited me quite well getting started for little cost. I have practiced with it for over two weeks now and have some sense of its good points for someone just starting. I'm not a judge of great violin sound, but all of the essentials are there to learn. Furthermore, after learning much more about violins on the web, I have realized that this violin has some fundamental qualities that are very satisfactory for first user. It has fine tuning on all strings. It stays almost perfectly tuned between daily lessons. The coarse tuning holds perfectly, which on poorly made violins is known to be a problem...not this one. The finger board was of good quality as were the mounts for the strings. It came with a bow and some rosin, and a useful case that looks quite good. Bow seemed well made, the whole package was not cheap in appearance. I'd buy this again as a first violin for sure.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I've now purchased two of these VIF violins, a model 250 and this latest, a Model 200A. They are both outstanding values -- so much so it is hard to imagine how they can sell them at this price (around 100 dollars each, at the time of my purchase, including shipping.) They are a high quality, excellently made instrument, competitive in tone and quality with instruments costing hundreds more, in my experience. I love them both. The difference between the two models is subtle, but distinctive. Though they sound pretty much the same (full, rich tone with deep, resonant bass strings), the 200A comes with a matte finish, simpler fittings, undistinguished flaming on the back, and cheaper (almost useless) strings (change them as soon as possible). The 250, on the other hand, has a lovely high gloss finish, much more striking flaming of the back and sides, fancier tuning pegs (with French eyelets) and somewhat better strings. Both models are very attractive and well crafted. The price difference was a modest 11 dollars from this Ebay merchant. Both come with pretty good bows (the bow with the less expensive 200A is an octagonal style, the one with the 250 is round). Not the best bows in the world, for sure, but straight, nicely made and perfectly adequate for beginning to intermediate players. They both came with a nice, oblong carrying case, and cake of rosin. Both were also set up nicely and just needed tuning straight out of the box. I personally like a more flattened bridge for old-time fiddling, but these instruments are set to violin specifications recommended by teachers for violin students. I can (and do) alter the bridges myself. If you are looking for a great buy on a quality yet inexpensive fiddle for a student of any age, you can't do better, IMO, than these VIF models.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Seems to be well made and has a good voice. The finish is a bit sloppy. for instance the stain ran in a couple of places onto the part of the back of the neck that isn't supposed to be finished and a few drops inside the body. A little sanding with an emery board along with a very light coat of mineral oil improved the looks and feel of the neck. the purfling lines seem to be drawn on with a pen, not inlayed. The finger board and nut appears to be real ebony or at least a very good imitation. Not sure about the chin rest, it is very shiny like plastic but does have some grain. not a big issue. with a little more work such as lowering the strings at the nut, I think this will be a very good instrument for an advanced student. If it gets beat up, not a great loss. Follow up: I have been putting this under UV light (ie tanning bed) and it continues to improve the tone. it is beginning to sound like an old lonesome mountain fiddle.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This violin was tuned by a professional and he stated that it was very good quality and was easy to tune. He further stated that it had a good sound. The recipient of the violin, a 10 year old grand-daughter, was VERY excited and loved the instrument.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This is not a $4500.00 violin but it has surprisingly good tone to it after I tweaked it. Replaced the strings with a more expensive set also the bridge and bow were replaced with better quality. The bow is a cheapo for sure. The case is impressive and well made. Would I recommend it? Yes. But only if you do the above changes. The violin itself has good workmanship and the finish is actually decent for a cheaper violin. The violin as about as good has it gets for this price range
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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