In Review: Is The Costzon Full Size Violin Too Good To Be True?

A quick look at the Costzon 4/4 Starter Violin Kit:

Costzon Full Size Violin Starter Kit for Beginners

Costzon 4/4 Student Violin Outfit Overview

Costzon Full Size 4/4 Solid Wood Violin for Beginners, Acoustic Starter Kit with Hard Case, Rosin, Bridge, Bow, Violin Outfit Set, Gift for Kids Students

Costzon’s Full Size 4/4 Solid Wood Violin is one of the most affordable violins on the market today. Coming in under $100, it makes learning the instrument incredibly accessible. Quality tonewoods provide bright tones that are sometimes thin or “tinny” sounding thanks to more affordable strings.

However, Costzon’s budget friendly violin does come with some essential accessories, making it easy to get started. It’s important to note that the bridge is not set up upon arrival, making it not 100% ready out of the box.

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Meet One of the Most Affordable Violins on the Market

Probably one of the most affordable violins you’ll see, meet the Costzon Full Size 4/4 Violin Kit. Costzon’s violin offering is certainly a beginner friendly instrument, with a lightweight body and stable feel.

With quality tone woods, you’ll get some bright sounds but must be wary of cost cutting with other features of the violin. Costzon has a long history of creating incredibly affordable products.

This means that they do know how to cut costs while still producing a playable instrument, but buyers should still do careful research.

Who is the Costzon Full Size 4/4 Violin Meant For?

The Costzon Full Size Violin Outfit is so affordable that it makes a no-brainer beginner instrument. Checking in at under $100, it’s an easy investment for some to make for a beginner’s violin.

Especially because beginner’s can quickly give up on learning an instrument. However, it’s also important to remember that investing in a poor quality instrument may contribute to a beginner’s frustrations.

That being said, the Costzon Violin isn’t really worth considering as a second violin. When it comes time for certain players or students to move up in violin size and quality, they should look elsewhere. For beginners, having such an accessible violin is a valuable option.

What Do Costzon Violin Kit Owners Think? >>

What’s in the Violin Kit?

Unlike some of its competitors, the Costzon violin doesn’t come fully set up. It also doesn’t come with a shoulder rest, which means you’ll have to go out and purchase one.

What it does come with though is rosin, a zippered pocket carrying case, a bow, and the bridge that you will need to install. While this cover almost everything a beginner would need, a shoulder rest seems like an odd thing to exclude.

Keep in mind, every new violinist has to start somewhere. With practice and persistence, your skills will improve!

Costzon Full Size Solid Wood Violin Features

The Costzon Full Size violin is a mixed bag of good and bad features. A Spruce top pairs with maple sides and back. These quality tone woods are common even on violins in the $300+ range. The hand carved violin does seem to have a cheaper finish than most.

Unfortunately, they don’t fully indicate that it is varnish or oil or something else. The included bow is straight, poor quality, and often replaced by buyers later on. The fingerboard is referred to as “black wood”, likely giving it a stable but unimpressive feel.

The tailpiece is an aluminum alloy and holds generic “high quality” strings. Despite the quality tone woods, the sound is often still described as thin and “tinny” by some players, though it can also produce bright, full sounds in the hands of an experienced intermediate player.

Top Features of the Costzon Violin Kit:

• Durable carrying case
• Quality tone woods like Maple and Spruce
• Can produce bright, full sounds

Is the Costzon Full Size Violin Good to Go Out of the Box?

Pretty much everything you need is included in the Costzon package. The only exception is that you will have to go purchase your own shoulder rest should you want one. Despite coming with everything you need, the violin is not set up out of the box.

You will have to install the bridge yourself or have a local luthier do it. You may even want to replace the bow or strings shortly after receiving the Costzon violin.

Costzon Violin Pros and Cons

Costzon Full Size Violin Starter Kit Review

What Do Costzon Full Size Violin Kit Owners Think? >>

Compare Competing Violins and Beginner Packs

Feeling like a comparison shopper? Check out the Mendini 4/4 MV300, another sub-$100 option. The MV300 comes with all the same accessories, plus a few extras like multiple packs extra strings. Plus, it comes with a shoulder rest and extra bridge, two more things the Costzon doesn’t provide for a similar price.

The Aliyes Solid Wood Violin is another affordable option, tailored towards meeting beginner’s needs. While the Aliyes violin may have some tuning stability issues, it does come with everything and more that a student would need to get started. Strings, rosin, shoulder rest, you name it, they include it.

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Still looking to keep it under $100? The Sky 4/4 Full Size SKYVN201 is a solid maple wood violin. The SKYVN201 is also well suited to give a beginner everything they need to get playing. Better yet, it is lauded for its rich, resonant tone, despite some build quality concerns with the tuning stability.

Wrapping Up: Is The Costzon Full Size Violin Outfit Worth Buying?

The Costzon Full Size Solid Wood Student Violin Kit is an incredibly affordable beginner option. Having instruments this accessible is always a good thing, and hopefully allows new players to learn the violin.

However, that low cost comes with cost cutting measures. While the tone woods are of good quality, the overall sound quality seems spotty.

Furthermore, the violin doesn’t come assembled, and is strung with generic, no-name strings that should be replaced. You must factor in the cost of buying a shoulder rest, and a replacement bow for the cheap one they include.

Overall you may want to pursue higher priced options. But for under $100, you get a working violin that will allow you to learn the instrument.

Are Costzon Violin Starter Kit Customers Happy? >>

Manufacturer Info:

Website: http://www.costzon.com/

D Z Strad Violin Model 101 Outfit Review: Buyers Rate It Near Perfect and Here’s Why

D Z Strad Violin Model 101 Outfit

D Z Strad Violin 101 Overview

The D Z Strad Violin Model 101 Violin Outfit is an affordable and user friendly violin that is packed surprising sound quality. Preferred by students and players who use the “Suzuki” method, the D Z Strad Violin comes in 9 size options ranging from 1/32 to 4/4.

Featuring aged tone woods and a quality varnish finish, the Model 101 should feel comfortable and inspiring in the hands of any player.

The company has made it s products available online since the end of 2017, and D Z Strad’s Model 101 Violin has quickly accumulated a strong reputation among players and buyers. The Model 101 is a hand made violin crafted from aged tonewoods and finished with a spirit varnish.

A favorite among Suzuki-style players and instructors, the budget friendly price shouldn’t scare away players looking for a quality violin. The warm round tone and classic looks make the Model 101 a must try violin for players on a budget.

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Who Is The D Z Strad Model 101 For?

With a sub-$300 price tag, the D Z Strad Model 101 is certainly fit for beginners and students in terms of price range. The wide variety of sizes available, nine total ranging from 1/32 size to 4/4 size, also make it an intriguing option for students whose hands may not be a perfect fit on a full or half-size violin.

However, the Model 101’s warm tones, comfortable hand-feel, and classic looks don’t make it a bad option for more experienced players who are looking to save money, or get an affordable backup or travel violin.

What Can You Expect to Find In the Box?

When you purchase the D Z Strad Model 101 Outfit, you certainly get a few extra things besides just the violin. The Model 101 comes with a trusty, carrying case that should get your new violin from point A to point B with no problems.

A simple, single bow comes with Model 101 that is quite nice despite the budget friendly price. Other extras include a shoulder pad and rosin but note that extra strings do not come with the Model 101 packages available for purchase.

Lastly, the violin does come strung, but the bridge may need to be set.

D Z Strad 101 Violin Features

The D Z Strad Model 101 Violin is not short on quality features, even if what’s in the box isn’t quite enough for you. The Model 101 features a Wittner-style tailpiece with four built-in fine tuners.

Lightweight tone woods make for a comfortable but resonant instrument, with a soft and comfortable hand-feel making it an ideal option for beginners.

While the tone woods certainly leave some room for improvement, especially in the hands of an experienced player, the Model 101’s features seem to line up nicely with the price.

The Model 101 also comes loaded with D’Addario Prelude strings set up on the hand carved body.

•     Aesthetically pleasing varnish finish
•     Quality D’Addario strings included
•     Lightweight and comfortable feel
•     Warm, full sounds
•     Quality bow included

Pros and Cons

D Z Strad Violin Model 101 Review

Read the Latest D Z Strad 101 Owner Reviews! >>

What Else Do You Need To Play The Model 101?

For beginners, pretty much every single thing you need comes right out of the box with the D Z Strad Model 101. Bow, rosin, shoulder pad and the to go case make it really easy for you to get everything out of the Model 101 you can.

Some players may hope for a second bow or extra strings included, but if you need a beginner set up than the Model 101 is ready to go out of the box.

Compare Other Violins and Beginner Packs

For comparison shoppers, there are a wide variety of options to check out, all above or below the D Z Strad Model 101’s price tag.

For a similarly priced beginner instrument with upgraded tone woods, check out the Ricard Brunnel G2 Violin Outfit. The high quality, hand carved instrument is made from Spruce, Maple, and Ebony.

Looking to save even more money but sacrifice a bit of quality? The Costzon Full Size Violin comes with the same essential items such as bow, case, and rosin as the Model 101 but for well under $100.

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The tone woods and bow might be a step down in quality, but some players will greatly appreciate the cost savings, especially if their student is hesitant to commit to the instrument.

Another slightly more expensive option, the Cremona SV-500 comes in four different sizes with improved tone woods like Flamed Maple, while still coming with all the essentials a beginning student would need.

For more information on suitable alternative instruments, check out our comprehensive violin buying guides here.

As a Budget and Beginner Friendly Violin, Is The D Z Strad Model 101 Right For You?

While the D Z Strad Violin Model 101 Outfit isn’t strictly for beginners, it’s certainly best suited for students. The Model 101 comes with everything you need to get playing right out of the box, even though you will have to follow the instructions to properly set the bridge and tune it up.

Generally, the quality of the tone woods and sound seems to be comparable to the middle of the road price point, making it a solid value for most beginners.

The Model 101’s understated but classic appearance makes it easy on the eyes, while the lightweight body and comfortable feel make it even easier on the hands. Overall, it’s a solid violin at a solid price, certainly worth checking out!

What Do D Z Model 101 Customers Think? >>

The Eastar Violin Set at a glance:

Eastar Violin Outfit

The Eastar EVA-1 Full-Size Violin Review: Is it a Perfect Choice for Students?

Violin outfits sometimes come with high price tags, and that’s fine if your child is going to keep at it. In that case, it may even make sense to buy a higher-end model, but if you’re concerned that your child’s violin might end up forgotten under the bed—another abandoned hobby— a budget model is the way to go.

The Eastar EVA-1 violin set is a perfect budget option. It’s priced under $100 and includes everything needed to start playing right away.

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About the EVA-1 Violin Outfit

Made by Eastar, this budget-friendly set was created with the cash-strapped consumer in mind. The primary goal when designing this violin was an affordable offering that still performed well enough to be useful for beginners learning to play. There’s no point in paying anything for a violin—cheap or not—if it doesn’t work.

Features that add to the EVA-1’s value include:

Real Wood Construction

The top is made from spruce, and the back and sides are made from Maple. The wood is aged for around three years before being shaped. The carving is all done by hand. The wood is varnished using an antique red-brown, and the fingerboard and pegs are made from ebony.

Overall, this creates a decent, durable instrument that should last well if taken care of properly.

Click Here to Read the Latest Eastar User Reviews >>

30-Day Moneyback Guarantee

Should you not feel that your violin is up to scratch, you have thirty days to send it back.

Great Extras

What really sets the EVA-1 apart from competitors in a similar bracket is the number of extras that are included. These include:

• An extra set of strings
• A brazilwood bow strung with Mongolian horsehair
• An adjustable shoulder rest
• A clip-on tuner
• Rosin
• An extremely nice case

The hard case alone is worth the asking price – so, even if you do feel you want to replace this budget violin at a later stage, you get a great quality case out of the deal.

How does the Eastar EVA-1 Violin sound?

EVA-1’s sound quality is pretty good, especially compared to other models in this same price range, it’s more than reasonable. Is this going to be the last violin that you’ll buy if your child keeps playing?

Probably not, as they advance, they’ll want to start playing on a better model. To start off with, though, the sound quality of the EVA-1 is adequate.

What’s the build quality like?

As mentioned earlier in this review, the EVA-1 is solidly built and made from durable materials. It’s only known weak point is its strings. Should you settle on the EVA-1, we advise that spend a bit extra to replace the stock strings with Prelude replacements as the orginals are prone to breakage.

Speaking of replacements, many have also expressed issues using the included tuner, so you might want to purchase an additional one of those as well.

Despite this, the build quality is still good, and the EVA-1 is one of the best budget options in its price range.

Read What Others are Saying About the Eastar EVA-1 >>

Pros and Cons

Eastar EVA-1 Violin Review

Are Eastar EVA-1 Violin Customers Happy? >>

A Reasonable Return Policy

We do like the fact that the company does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. That means that your child can try out the violin for a good while and still return it if they decide the violin is not for them or the EVA-1 is not living up to your expectations.

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Summing it up: Is the EVA-1 Outfit a good choice for students?

Overall, this is one of the better budget options that we’ve seen. This EVA-1 model is hand-crafted and solidly built. It comes ready to play with a nice range of accessories included even if a few are less-than-stellar.

So, should you buy it or not? That is going to depend on the player you’re shopping for. If they are serious about playing, and already have some experience, this is probably not going to be the best option for them.

If, on the other hand, they are a complete beginner, this could be a good choice. You’ll be especially pleased about saving money if it turns out that said player decides not to continue playing the violin.

Want some alternative options? Check out our post on the best violin brands for beginners for more excellent budget violins to choose from.

What Do Eastar EVA-! Violin Owners Think? >>

The Bunnel G2 Violin Outfit at a Glance:

Ricard Bunnel G2 Violin

The Ricard Bunnel G2 Review: Does this Kennedy Violin Stand Up to a Closer Look?

Kennedy Violins have consistently delivered fantastic customer service throughout the United States. They have their own professional luthiers to complete the final assembly and setup This violin comes completely assembled and is already set up, so no effort is required from the player.

It is handcrafted with solid spruced tone wood and maple. Delivered with an oil finish that looks great, the Ricard Bunnel G2 has 100% genuine ebony fittings, pegs, and fingerboard. The kit comes with a high-grade Brazil wood bow that is strong and responsive.

This durable bow uses real Mongolian horsehair to generate smooth, full tones. It has genuine mother-of-pearl accents and is metal mounted with a real ebony frog.

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Designed with a hand-carved, custom-fitted maple bridge, this violin is oil finished and hand rubbed. It uses D’Addario Prelude Strings measured to precise height to improve playability.Delivered with a lifetime warranty, the Ricard Bunnel is also backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee.

This violin is packed into a durable oblong case that has additional storage space and stays secure with genuine YKK zippers.

The kit is complete with all necessary accessories and fittings to play this violin out of the box. Its clip-on tuner is a handy tool for beginners to start practice sessions quickly and without much effort. This inexpensive violin is great for practice and is quite easy to play.

Superior Features of the Ricard Bunnel G2

• Comes with dimensions of 40.1” x 12.1” x 7.6”
• Weighs a solid 7.3 lbs.
• Designed with a custom-fit, hand-carved bridge made of maple tone wood
• Fitted with 100% ebony fingerboard, fittings, and pegs
• Has an oil-based finish that is hand rubbed into the wood
• Comes with D’Addario Prelude strings
• Ensures comfortable playability with accurately measured string heights
• Backed by a lifetime warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee
• Exceeds standards sets by MENC and Suzuki
• Comes with a responsive, strong, and high-grade Brazil wood bow
• Produces a full, smooth tone with durable and real Mongolian horsehair
• Has a bow with genuine mother-of-pearl accents
• Comes with a metal-mounted and real ebony frog
• Includes a durable case with a music pocket, straps, and genuine YKK zippers
• Delivered with built-in fine tuners, rosin, set of Portland strings, & polishing cloth
• Comes with an “Intro to Violin” book

What Do Others Think of the Ricard Bunnel G2?

How Does the G2 Sound?

Pros and Cons

Ricard-Bunnel G2 Violin Outfit Review

What Do Ricard-Bunnel G2 Violin Owners Think? >>

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Final Thoughts: Does The Bunnel G2 Violin Represent A Good Value?

The Ricard-Bunnel Violin 4/4 Outfit is one of the most highly rated violins at its price range producing superior sound quality. With their own luthiers assembling and setting this violin, some minor finishing defects on the “f” hole and where the shoulder rest fits on to the violin can be easily ignored.

They have an excellent customer service, so errors in the violin’s assembly and in the way it reproduces sound can be resolved without delay. It’s glossy, hand-crafted finish is a sight to behold. Beginners playing this violin for the first time will be amazed by the ease at which the bow moves over the strings.

The Ricard Bunnel comes with all essential spares including an extra set of Portland strings and rosin. It has a genuine wooden shoulder rest providing great comfort to players. It also comes with pegs, 100% genuine ebony fittings and fingerboard.

The violin’s beautiful mother-of-pearl accents complement its design along with the hand-carved maple bridge. Its D’Addario Prelude strings adjust at the right height to improve playability.

Delivered in a case that easily accommodates a raised shoulder rest, the Ricard-Bunnel violin has great appeal. Even though users may tend to ignore some of its effective accessories, its clip-on tuner is extremely useful for beginners; users can begin playing this violin right out of the box.

This inexpensive instrument plays with a warm and lively tone, great for practice and performances. All in all, this is a good violin for serious players.

Read What Customers are Saying About the G2 >>