Mendini by Cecilio Violin Instrument – MV400 Size 1/2 Acoustic Violin with Bow, Case, Tuner, Metronome & Extra Strings, Kids & Beginner Violin, Maple Varnish, 1/2 Violin

This violin is fantastic for its cost. I will try to briefly touch on the important things. For background, this purchase was for my five year old son, who is just starting out. I am not a violinist, but have a lifelong history of playing various instruments and can play the violin a little bit.First, build quality. Like most production instruments, this violin is overbuilt. What that means is it is sturdy and can take a little bit of abuse. What that also means is it will not resonate as much as a high end or custom built instrument. For the target audience here, robust over sound projection is preferred. It is a beautiful instrument aesthetically with a good finish. Remember, kids drop things. A lot. These are for kids, so this build quality hits the target.Next, sound quality. It is loud and clear. Out of the box it has decent intonation. It projects a nice sound (when played correctly). An important thing to consider, it is a 1/4 size. ALL 1/4 size violins lack that full vibrant sound. I will not penalize it for being what it is and neither should you. As a comparison, my son started with a rental. MSRP on the rental was ten times the cost of this one. This one sounds better. The rental had very old, dull strings that needed replacement. Changing them probably would have helped tremendously, but that’s typical of how rentals come—beat up, abused and neglected. I feel like this instrument, being a 1/4 size, is aimed at the youth who would otherwise consider renting. This is better than renting. It’s paid for in about four months worth of a rental and sounds better than most rentals you will likely be issued.Finally, accessories. The case is nice. The bows are nice. The tuner is superb. It comes with extra strings, which I have not used, but I assume they are probably the same as what came installed, so likely perfectly adequate. The shoulder rest is complete trash. Don’t bother. File it in the trash can where it belongs along with the rosin that may not actually be rosin but resembles something more like plastic. It’s no big deal, pick up a good quality shoulder rest and rosin before you get started. The way I see it, for the price, those accessories were thrown in as a bonus anyway and the quality of the case, bows, and tuner are a great bonus. The instructional book looks good from thumbing through it, but we haven’t really gotten into it as my son has been playing the music issued to him by his teacher.I definitely recommend this violin. Just remember, 1/4 size violins sound like 1/4 size violins. We deal with them because our kids’ arms and hands are small. We take their limitations that result from that size decrease. If your kid shows any interest, this is a great way to start. My five year old has longer arms than most of his peers, so this is probably more for 6-8 year olds. Most 4-5 year olds probably fit a 1/8 size better, but do your research or have your child fitted to be sure.Hope this is helpful.

I was pleased with the quality and features of this 3/4 size student violin. One of the tuning pegs was broken off with the handle end inside the case. The shipping carton and violin case were not damaged, which tells me the tuning peg must have been broken before it was packaged and shipped. I emailed the customer service address provided in the literature in the case and received an automated reply. I Included a picture and details and that it was a Christmas gift for my granddaughter. It's been a full week and I've not heard anything else. Fortunately, I ordered replacement pegs online and they arrived in time.

I've got two ten year olds in 4th and 5th grade. They both started this year of school in August wanting nothing more than to play the violin. My husband and I went to the informational meeting and listened to teacher after teacher say that the sound quality on a cheap violin would make you wish you didn't play the violin at all and similar things. He and I left super nervous because we're middle class folks with regular people money and kids whose interests change monthly. I went to the music store and a woman was showing my daughters and I choices of violins. They ranged from $250 to $450, but the one (two, really since I've got two kids) she recommended was $400. That's almost a grand after taxes for me to buy two violins for CHILDREN. No. Not even if I had the money. I found these because a friend of mine told me to check Amazon. The sound quality is good (idk, I'm not a violin expert but the kids sound fine to me) and it comes with EVERYTHING they need to play! I couldn't be more pleased and I'll order more when it's time to move up to the next size :-)

Bought 2 violins for my 10 year olds, holding up well and sound great. Good quality versus some of the rentals their classmates have.