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