In Review: A Violin Inspired By Classic Italian Luthiery, Meet The Cremona SV-500

Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin

Getting to Know the Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Outfit

Cremona’s SV-500 Premier Artist Outfit is an affordable violin that comes with limited accessories. Hand carved violin features quality tone woods and a worn-in feel thanks to the shaded varnish on top.

Available in four sizes ranging from ¼ to 4/4, the SV-500 is a lightweight, Stradivarious-style instrument. With surprisingly big tones and comfortable feel, Cremona’s SV-500 is a quality first or second violin.

As part of Cremona’s Premier Artist series, the SV-500 represents an affordable and rich sounding alternative to higher priced options.

Each Premier Artist series instrument is set up in Cremona’s California factory and inspired by historical, high quality Italian luthiery.

Coming in at the mid- to low price range, the SV-500 features quality tone woods, transparent varnish, and quality figuring. Despite some mixed reviews of the build quality, the Cremona SV-500 remains a popular option for new students.

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Who is the Cremona SV-500 Best Suited for?

With a price that generally falls in the $300-400 range, the SV-500 remains a great first or second violin. For beginners, the SV-500 is an affordable option with quality sound and a lightweight feel.

Furthermore, it comes with the bare bones essentials that each student needs to get playing right out of the box. The outfit designation in the name is meant to indicate you’re not getting a lot of extras, but you’ll be outfitted with a quality instrument, bow, and case.

For players not too concerned with getting extras, like more experienced players, this also makes an excellent 2nd violin. And certainly makes a great choice as a good violin for an intermediate player. Especially if you’re moving up in size or quality from another model.

What’s in the Premiere Artist Outfit?

Cremona’s SV-500 Premier Artist Outfit comes with a really nice, durable case, a Brazilwood bow, and a shoulder rest. Unlike some of its competitors, they aren’t a lot of extras included, not even rosin or extra strings.

To be fair, the case seems to be nicer than the average carrying case included with most affordable violins. But otherwise, the cost is kept down by the bare bones accessories.

Cremona SV-500 Artist Features

The Cremona SV-500 is crafted from figured solid Maple for the back and sides. A hand carved solid spruce top gives the SV-500 that classic, archtop appearance.

Above the wood, a transparent red/brown varnish is faded to give the appearance of an aged instrument. While the varnish no doubt looks great, some SV-500’s have had varnish clumps around the f-holes, creating a vibrating sound.

The neck and scroll are also made of figured Maple, while the bridge is made of composite. Four built-in-fine tuners and pegs meet the Ebony fingerboard, though the pegs have been known to slip easily.

Genuine D’Addario Prelude strings come stock on the SV-500 as well. Lastly, the bow is a Brazilwood bow with carbon fiber and horse hair materials.

• Worn-in, transparent varnish
• Loud, full sounds from quality tone woods
• Comes stock with D’Addario Prelude strings
• Lightweight, comfortable body
• Ready to play out of the box

Is the SV-500 Ready To Go?

Beginner’s looking to hit the ground running should have no issues with the SV-500. Despite some build quality issues, the SV-500 sounds great, is comfortable to play, and fairly affordable.

Do note that the Cremona SV-500 doesn’t come loaded with extras like an extra bow, pack of strings, or rosin that others may include.

Competing Violins and Beginner Packs

For comparison shoppers, there are a wide variety of options to check out, all above or below the Cremona SV-500’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.

If you’re still looking for a more affordable option, consider the Cecilio CVN-600. The one-piece back of the violin provides excellent sustain and resonance.

The construction is solid, and the hand rubbed oil finish creates this great, aged-look that matches up nicely with the aged tonewoods.

Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit 4/4 Full Size Clearance...

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Cecilio CVN-600 Hand Oil Rub Highly Flamed 1-Piece...

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D Z Strad Violin Model LC101 Full Size 4/4 with...

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D Z Strad’s Model LC101 is a high quality option that makes a great first or second violin. The excellent tone woods and build quality lead to clear, brilliant sounds and a very playable instrument. Plus the Model 210 comes with all the same features as the SV-500 plus rosin.

The little sister of the Model LC101, D Z Strad’s Model 101 is a more affordable option that comes with all the same accessories. However, the Model 101 has lesser quality tone woods and a less clear and loud sound.

Furthermore, it requires the bridge to be set into the instrument before it can be played. However, the cheaper price and warm, rich tones make it an appealing option for budget-minded players.

Pros and Cons

Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin Review

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Cremona SV-500 Violin Final Thoughts

Cremona’s SV-500 is another quality sounding, beginner friendly violin. While buyers should be aware there are some quality control issues with the pegs and transparent varnish, it is not a bad value overall.

The pleasant tone, size options, and hand carved construction are key highlights. Another highlight is the durable, oblong travel case. Better yet, the Cremona SV-500 is ready to go right out of the box for beginners and students.

While it may not beat the D Z Strad Model 210 overall, it’s a cheaper, still satisfying option.

What Do Ceremona SV-500 Customers Think? >>

Top Violins and Brands for Advanced Players at a Glance:

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Top Pick Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit		4.9	$$$
#2 Best Budget Model Louis Carpini Primo Clearance Violin Outfit		4.5	$$
#3 Best Build Quality One Piece Back Maestro Old Spruce Stradi Violin		5.0	$$$$$
#4 Solid Reputation Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit		4.3	$$$
#5 Brilliant Tone D Z Strad Old Spruce Model 509 Violin		5.0	$$$$

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Violins are some of the most versatile musical instruments in the world. They feature in almost every genre of music. One of the things that draw people to it is the unique and delicate way it is held and played with a bow.

It also produces a rich sound full of character and emotion. Despite requiring a lot of practice to master and perform, it is a fun instrument to play whether solo or in a band/ensemble.

We have all been in that situation where we are overwhelmed when trying to get the best violin brands for advanced users. There are so many good quality violin makes and models to choose from and different player levels that can both frustrate and intimidate you.

If you are looking for a new violin or upgrading your old one, you are in luck as we review some of the best violins for advanced users. We’ll look at budget-friendly professional violin brands as well as premium high-quality options.

Our 5 Best Violin Brands for Advanced Students Reviewed

1. Best Advanced Student Violin: Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit

Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit

The Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit is a beautiful choice for advanced students. It has a beautiful brown finish with a lovely sound and a robust and durable frame.

Overview

• Kaplan Amo and Thomastik Vision strings
• Premium bridge
• Wood dried for at least 10 years
• Perfect measurements and sizing
• Aubert Mirecourt Deluxe or French Despiau bridge

Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit highlights

The Fiddlerman Master Outfit from Fiddlerman Violins is considered a favorite among intermediate and advanced violinists. Many people love it because it has a beautiful finish as well as producing a rich and deep sound.

The quality of craftsmanship is top-notch, made clear in the feel and sound of the violin. Made from tightly grained tonewoods; spruce and maple back.

This outfit comes with either Kaplan Amo or Thomastik Vision strings (depending on size) and a high-end Fiddlerman Oblong Case. A carbon fiber bow with Mongolian horse hair for better tone and longevity, plus Holstein violin rosin.

The Master violin also comes with high-grade carbon fiber tailpiece, a significant upgrade from a much more common Brazilwood tailpiece.

Memorable Quality

This violin is relatively easy-to-tune, and it has a great sound. We loved the overall look and finish. It has a classic brown finish, is built using solid materials, and will serve you for a very long time. It also comes complete with a lifetime structural warranty.

Requires Respect

Though it is exceptionally built, the instrument must be treated with respect when it comes to tuning and playing. Like any thoroughbred violin, it may not be suitable for beginners.

Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit in Review

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2. Louis Carpini Primo Clearance Violin Outfit

Louis Carpini Primo Violin Outfit

The Louis Carpini Primo G2 violin is well-crafted and made for advanced or intermediate players. It features unique and high-quality craftsmanship with durable materials and excellent customer support.

Overview

• Features durable maple and spruce tops with ebony fittings and an oil varnish
• Brazilwood and Mongolian horsehair bow
• Different sizes
• Fully assembled and setup
• Accessories: carrying case, rosin, extra strings, and bow

Louis Carpini G2 Violin Highlights

Built and designed to give students and intermediates a better sounding and better-looking violin, the Carpinin G2 exceeds expectations in this regard. It has a great tonal sound as well a beautiful handcrafted finish that is well worth the price.

It is built using strong tonewoods. It is made with a dried and compactly grained maple for the back. The look is remarkable. It features authentic ebony fittings that further enhance the overall durability and beauty of the build.

Besides the build quality, it includes a wonderful array of accessories to help you even play better. It comes with a strong but beautiful case to store and carry your violin as well as other accessories.

It also comes with a Giuliani Brazilwood bow with real Mongolian horsehair for a well-balanced and powerful tone.

Built to Last and Perform

This violin is one of the few products in the market to come with a 45-day warranty and full lifetime guarantee. This guarantee demonstrates how well-built this violin is. It further reveals the level of confidence the manufacturer has in the quality of its products.

Details May Need Coverage

While it sports a beautiful design and looks beautiful with a high-quality finish, some people have complained of having their varnish occasionally peel off. The good thing is that Louis Carpini comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Louis Carpini Primo Clearance Violin in Review

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3. One-Piece Back Maestro Old Spruce Stradi Violin

D Z Strad Maestro One-Piece Back Violin

This brand is a premium, high-quality, Maestro Stradi violin from D Z America for advanced and intermediate users. It features a beautiful handmade design, finish and full one-piece back.

Overview

• Built using tonewood that is seasoned naturally; Alpine/Italian spruce as well as maple backs and sides.
• Carefully graduated with a robust and polished tone
• Has a distinct and colorful sound full of depth
• One piece back violin
• Has an antique hand-varnished look that mimics an older instrument; comes with a case, shoulder rest, rosin, and Brazilwood bow.

D Z Strad Maestro One-Piece Back Highlights

The D Z Strad 509 with a one-pice back is a beautiful and well-built violin. It proves how D Z Strad puts effort into creating world-class violins that are appreciated everywhere.

Completely handmade and hand-varnished, it is a full-size violin recommended for both professionals as well as advanced students and intermediate players.

This model D Z Strad 509 sports a period piece varnish look and feel that translates to an older instrument’s sound. It is crafted from naturally seasoned tonewoods such as Alpine or Italian spruce tops and maple back and sides.

This violin has a distinct soft sound that is full of color and depth. It is delicately graduated with a robust and refined sound.

Old-World Quality

D Z Strad 509 has a beautiful handcrafted finish that is hard to come by in this day and age. It also produces a great sound that you can use with all genres of music.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Compared to other models in the same category, its antique design makes it rather dull looking. It is also limited to professionals and intermediates.

Maestro One-Piece Back Stradi Violin in Review

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4. Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit

Yamaha V3 Violin

Designed with the beginner violinist in mind, Yamaha V3 delivers an exceptional midrange instrument for students well worth its price.

Overview

• Sturdy Construction
• Easy to play with a marvelous sound
• Well-known with stellar support
• Full kit
• Made with high-quality wood that is entirely in controlled environments.
• Accessories: bow, case, and rosin

Yamaha V3 series highlights

Yamaha is well-known for producing high-quality musical instruments and equipment. The same can be said about the Yamaha V3 series.

It features a sturdy design and builds with an excellent sound. It is made of high-grade wood that has been well dried in a controlled environment to create a sturdy frame.

Despite being a student model, it offers excellent performance at a fraction of the cost of other high-end models. It is easy to hold and play with a robust design; even kids cannot break it.

Sturdy Supports

We particularly loved the well-crafted chin rest, fingerboard and pegs that are all made out of ebony. It just gives it more strength and durability.

May Be Less Desirable for Professionals

The fact that this violin is a student model makes it less ideal for the professionals. While it has a great sound, it can’t compete with other premium model violins for the professional players.

Yamaha V3 Student Violin Outfit in Review

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5. D Z Strad Old Spruce Model 509 Violin

D Z Strad Model 509 Violin

This brand is a beautiful, world-class violin built by the renowned violin builder D Z Strad. It is targeted at advanced as well as professional players and sports a unique antique look. It feels handcrafted by talented craftsmen.

D Z Strad 509 Overview

• Created from naturally seasoned tonewoods such as Alpine and Italian spruce with backs and sides made from maple.
• Delicately graduated with a strong and polished tone
• Has a deep, distinct, and colorful sound
• 4/4 full-size violin
• Accessories: case, rosin, shoulder rest, Brazilwood bow.

D Z Strad Model 509 4/4 Full-Size Highlights

The D Z Strad Model 509 violin is highly rated not just for its beauty and craftsmanship but the quality of sound it produces. It is one of the few violins recommended by Suzuki instructors.

It is entirely hand-built and varnished by some of the most talented craftsmen from D Z Strad. It is an absolute joy for both professionals as well as intermediate users.

One of the things you will instantly notice about this violin is the amount of detail and the deep sound it produces. The look comes from the antique varnish, and it feels like an old violin.

D Z Strad made it from naturally seasoned high-quality tonewoods such as Alpine or Italian spruce tops, and maple.

If you are a looking for a soft but robust sound, this is the violin for you. It is deep and quite colorful. One of the things I love about it is the refined and powerful sound as a result of its meticulous gradation.

Built to Sing

D Z Strand has a premium quality finish with a remarkable sound. It is also easy to play. It is so versatile you wouldn’t have any problems playing in a jazz band or a classical ensemble.

Antique Finish is Not For Everyone

Not everyone will appreciate the antique look. It is designed for advanced and professional players. Beginners will have a hard time mastering it.

D Z Strad Model 509 in Review

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How to Find the Best Quality Violin for an Advanced Student

There are plenty of good quality violins out there. One of the hardest things I had to do was to choose my first violin. After I got my first violin, I thought the next one would be easier. But I soon discovered that I had the same problem when I was a beginner.

There are a lot of options to consider when you are buying a violin. It doesn’t matter what level of playing you have reached; the same characteristics apply to all the levels. Some of the key features to look out for include:

• The materials used to build the violin
• Manufacturers reputation
• Budget limitations
• Violin size

Materials

The elements that make a violin affect not just how they look and sound but also their durability. High-quality violins will be made out of sturdy materials that allow it to be used for more extended periods. The materials also affect the kind of sound your violin produces.

Soft materials will absorb the sound while hard materials will give a powerful sound. It is also essential to ensure that your violin wood was dried well to avoid warping and sound distortion.

The type of string plays a vital role in the kind of sound your violin produces as much the wood quality. If you are buying a new violin, make sure you check the strings and read the reviews online before buying.

Manufacturer Reputation

If you are careful when searching for violins, you will notice that some manufacturers have high prices compared to others. The reason for this is quite simple. Different manufacturers have different quality standards, target market, and choice of materials.

This process easily translates to different prices and different sounds. You will notice the significant disparity between the sound produced by a generic violin and one from a well-known manufacturer.

Your instructor will recommend the best brands for you, depending on your budget and playing skills. It makes sense to go for a generic violin as you start and advance to better quality as you polish your skills and sound.

Budget

Like everything under the sun, the higher the price, the better the quality of the violin. It is also true that not all of us can afford premium violins. The key to getting the best features is usually to find a perfect balance between the features you want and the price you can afford.

For beginners, you might be tempted to go for the cheapest sound to save on cost. However, cheap is always expensive in the long run. Some violin manufacturers will use inferior materials to build low-cost violins that sound bland and will break down within a very short period of use.

The best way to save costs is to go for a high-quality used violin. You can easily replace the strings and get a great sound. If you are pressed for the budget but want a new violin, look for beginner or intermediate violins from popular brands.

This way, you get both excellent build quality as well as sound for a fraction of the cost of a professional violin.

Violin Size

Size is among the most critical aspects of any violin. Violins come in different sizes for different player levels. Also, getting a bigger violin than your body size will make your playing difficult and strained.

How do you know the violin size?

Have you ever noticed specific numbers on your violin description, such as 4/4, 1/4, 1/8, among others? These denote the size of the violin. The sizes begin with 1/16, 1/8/, 1/4, 1/2, and finally the 4/4. For shorter people that still want to play a full-size violin, you can go a 7/8.

Different sizes have different prices. A bigger violin translates to a higher price while a smaller violin may cost considerably less. Get your instructor to help you choose the best size for you.

A full-size violin will have a richer sound and is harder to play. So, it is an excellent violin for advanced players.

FAQs on Violin Brands for Advanced Players

What Rosin Is Best for My Advanced Violin?

Rosin is a material that is used to create friction on the bow hairs of violins and other bow instruments. The general rule of thumb for rosin is, the lighter the color of the resin, the harder and less sticky it is.

While easier to clean, a light resin doesn’t have as great a sound as dark rosin. If you want to sound better when playing, go darker rosin.

Is There a Specific Set of Strings for My Good Violin?

If you have played a beginner violin and an intermediate level violin, you will instantly notice how different the sounds are. This difference is mostly caused by the type of strings used.

Most beginner violins come with standard strings that don’t sound so good. For your advanced level violin, only use premium quality strings if you want to maintain a great sound.

You can see what your manufacturer recommends. Or you can go through user reviews to see what other players are using.

Top High Quality Violin Brands Compared

Violin Model	Best Features	More
Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit	Hand-built French Aubert Bridge   Complete professional grade outfit	Check Availability >>
Louis Carpini Primo Clearance Violin Outfit	Strong maple and spruce tops, ebony fittings and oil varnish   Marvellous full sound	Check Availability >>
One-Piece Back Old Spruce Stradi Full Size Violin	Classic varnish finish for vintage look, feel, and sound   Beautiful one-piece back	Check Availability >>
Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit	Wood dried in controlled environments   Highly playable instrument	Check Availability >>
D Z Strad Model 509 4/4 Full Size Violin	Delicately graduated with a strong and polished tone   Soft, colorful sound with depth and delicateness	Check Availability >>

Final Thoughts: Which Violin and Brand Is Best for the Advanced Student?

Just like any musical instrument out there, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to violins for advanced users. We couldn’t review every last one of them but have instead gone for affordability and popularity.

We have featured some of the violins that music instructors around the world prefer.

From our review, we particularly love the Fiddlerman Master Violin from Fiddlerman. It is one of the few violins with excellent, completely hand-built craftsmanship and comes with a lifetime warranty. It not only looks great but has a rich, beautiful sound.

It can easily be played in any setting or environment. This violin is one of the few we’d recommend for advanced players searching for an upgrade.

Editor’s Pick!

Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit

What Do Fiddlerman Master Violin Owners Think? >>

Once you’ve established that violin playing is something that you really enjoy, and you’ve advanced to an intermediate level, it may be time to get yourself a better violin.

What is the best intermediate violin on the market though? How can you be sure that you’re looking at the best violin brands for intermediate players?

Below we’ll do our best to answer common questions those shopping for a violin ask, as well as provide a review of the top intermediate violins on the market today.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Best Intermediate Violins & Brands: Ultimate Guide with Reviews

Quality mid-level violins at a glance:

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Best Intermediate Violin Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit		4.8	$$$
#2 Best Value Model Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin Outfit		4.5	$$
#3 Best Tone Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin Outfit		4.3	$$$
#4 Most Complete Package Cecilio CVN-600 Hand Oil Rub Violin Outfit		4.5	$$
#5 Highest Quality Louis Carpini G2 Violin Outfit		4.6	$$$$

Our Top 5 Intermediate Violins and Makers Reviewed

1. Best Intermediate Violin: Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit

This Fiddlerman OB1 comes in at an excellent price as well, so if you are on a tight budget, it is well worth considering. We felt that the darker brown varnish used here added a more vintage look overall, and we loved that.

It is hand-carved – the back is made from maple that has been aged for at least four years. The front is made from spruce. Everything is beautifully finished and presented in a decent-quality case.

The case does have a detachable shoulder strap and handle and various useful compartments.

Click Here to Read the Latest Fiddlerman OB1 Reviews

The tailpiece is Wittner-style and has four fine tuners built into it. The fittings are all made from real ebony and designed with maximum durability in mind.

Each violin is fitted with D’Addario Prelude strings and is carefully inspected during setup. The company uses a ten-point checklist to ensure that everything is in order before shipping the instrument.

You will be able to play it straight out of the box. The tone of the OB1 outfit is rich and clear and ideal for the intermediate user to improve their playing on.

It comes in two sizes:  1/4 and full. No premium is charged for ordering the smaller size.

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit Review

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2. Best Value Model: Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin Outfit 4/4 Full Size

Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin Outfit

Antonio Giuliani is famous for producing great quality musical instruments at exceptional prices. Add this in with their lifetime warranty, and their 45-day money-back guarantee and you know that you can buy one of their violins with complete confidence.

This model is extremely popular for intermediate students and is highly rated.

The features include an attractive oil finish, fittings made from real ebony and a handcrafted base made from spruce and maple. The maple is naturally aged, and the spruce is sourced from the Himalayas. This makes for a highly durable instrument that will last for many years.

What Do Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin Customers Think?

This outfit comes with the case, a bow made from Brazilwood, a shoulder rest made by Portland Gold, a detachable tuner, and a spare set of D’Addario Prelude strings.

The bridge is available with a German Teller or French Aubert option. Each violin is carefully inspected in the United States by experienced Luthiers before being set up in accordance with MENC standards.

The Etude comes in four different sizes: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full size. You can expect to pay a premium for the half and quarter size.

Our overall view of this model is that it is highly playable and comes in at an excellent price. The tone is rich and well-balanced. We’re sure you’d be pleasantly surprised at the results you get with this model.

Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin Outfit Review

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3. Best Tone: Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin Outfit – 4/4 Size

Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin Outfit

This model was reviewed by Strings Magazine as being a good choice for those looking for their first or second violin. This is the manufacturer’s most popular option for intermediate to advanced users because of the quality of the sound it produces.

The violin features a French-made Aubert bridge with a maple and spruce body. It is lightly varnished to reveal the full beauty of the wood. It also has a chinrest that takes on the design of Stradivari violins.

Read What Cremona SV-500 Customers Are Saying >>

The case is of good quality and has a rigid foam interior. It features four bow holders and also a hygrometer. The strings are high-quality Prelude strings made in the United States.

The bow is made from Brazilwood and high-quality hair. The fingerboard is made from ebony, and the tailpiece is made of a composite to help lighten it.

Tuning is easily accomplished, and set-up is completed by professional luthiers in California according to MENC standards.

It comes in four different sizes: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full size.

For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better violin. The SV-500 is not a professional violin by any stretch of the imagination, but it is more than adequate for practicing with.

Cremona SV-500 Premier Outfit Review

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4. Good Intermediate Violin for the Money: Cecilio CVN-600 Violin

Cecilio CVN-600 Hand Oil Rub Flamed 1-Piece Back Violin

Out of all the models that we have reviewed, this one gives you the best value for money. This Cecilio model comes with several extras that most do not.

For starters, there are two bows made out of Brazilwood with Mongolian horsehair string. You also get a second bridge, a shoulder rest that can be adjusted, a case that has a hygrometer, a lesson book, and a chromatic tuner.

What Are Customers Saying About the Cecilio CVN-600?

Now, on to the actual CVN-600 violin itself. It has hand-carved and features a highly flamed back and sides in one-piece maple. The maple is allowed to age for at least seven years. The top is made from spruce. The finish is oiled giving an attractive appearance.

The fingerboard is made of ebony, as are the pegs, and tailpiece. The purfling is inlaid and highly attractive, and the back has a pretty design on it. There is also a fine tuner that can be detached.

The strings on the violin are D’Addario Prelude strings. You get a full year’s warranty against manufacturer’s defects.

Overall, some concerns have been raised about the final finish as it might be a little uneven in places. Still, considering the price paid this delivers a fantastic sound and so is still worth considering.

Cecilio CVN-600 Violin Review

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5. Highest Quality: Louis Carpini G2 Violin Outfit 4/4

Louis Carpini G2 Violin Outfit 4/4

Made by Louis Carpani, this is a high-quality, well-crafted option. It comes fully assembled and ready to play. Even the bow has been rosined for you. This is one of the only options with a full lifetime guarantee.

The sound produced is rich and true. While some models focus only on creating a louder noise, this is more in keeping with the sound produced by much more expensive models.

Read What Louis Carpini G2 Customers Are Saying >>

It comes in a range of sizes including 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full size. What makes Louis Carpani different from most of its competitors is that they charge the same price for all the sizes they offer.

In many other companies, the smaller models command a higher price, because they are more specialized pieces.

A Louis Carpini will run you more than most intermediate violins, but you get a professional case, an extra set of strings, rosin, and the bow. Everything is ready to go straight from the case.

The case itself comes with three different colored interiors to choose from – red, blue, or emerald green. The primary design consideration was utility here. There is space for four bows, sheet music, a range of accessories, and much more.

The final finish is rich and oiled. This is a musical instrument that won’t disappoint either in terms of look or sound.

Louis Carpini G2 Violin Outfit Review

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Buyer’s Guide for Choosing Good Intermediate Violins

How much is a good quality violin?

For a good quality violin, bank on paying at least $300. The models that we review here range from $300 to around $600. You might be able to find cheaper student models, but these are usually only good for absolute beginners. As an intermediate player, you’ll want better results when you play.

Expect to pay between $300 to $600 for a decent intermediate violin.

Unfortunately, that does mean paying a bit more upfront. On the bright side, though, if you look after these violins properly, they could very well last you a lifetime.

If you want the best of the best, it doesn’t get much better than a Stradivarius, but you’ll need deep pockets to get your hands on one of those – they come in at millions of dollars.

How much are violins for beginners?

Violins come in at a range of prices. You can pay anywhere between $100 and a couple of thousand dollars. At $100, though, you are getting a very basic model and taking a chance with the kind of results such a low-price bracket offers.

Those at the very low end of the market are not going to produce a high-quality sound but might be useful if you have a child who is unsure of whether or not they will enjoy playing. An alternative to consider in this instance is to rent a violin for a few weeks and then make the final decision.

Inexpensive beginner violins range between $100 to $300.

This allows your child to be sure that this is the right instrument for them without you having to waste money. From there, do consider spending a little more money on a better brand. While you might save a couple of hundred dollars by going as cheap as possible, you’ll need to replace the violin a lot sooner.

So, in the long run, you’re not saving any money, and your child is not getting a proper idea of what a well-made violin can actually do. You have to weigh these arguments when considering the potential for savings.

After all, what happens if your child turns out to have a real knack for playing but gets frustrated by having to use a poor-quality instrument? The pros and cons must be carefully considered here before you make a final decision.

For more information on beginner violin prices, read more here.

What is the best brand of violin for a student?

If you were to ask any connoisseur of musical instruments, it would have to be the Stradivarius. There is no denying that this master craftsman perfected the art of creating perfectly toned instruments. Interestingly enough, the sound a Stradivarius produces is something that we in the modern world can’t duplicate.

Of course, in case you don’t have a few million to drop on a violin, there are some other more affordable options. All the brands that we have listed below are excellent choices and won’t let you down.

We recommend Fiddlerman and Louis Carpini as the best brands of violins for intermediate students.

They’re not Stradivari, but they do offer a modern, affordable alternative. Each has been been rated in terms of the sound they produce and the value that they provide. They’ll help you to advance to a more professional level of playing.

If we had to choose the best brand out of the lot, that honor would have to go to Fiddlerman. They produce excellent quality instruments and are willing to stand behind their products 100 percent. With a full lifetime guarantee against manufacturer’s defects, it doesn’t get much better than that.

If you are a beginner, and not sure whether or not these are a good fit, check out this post to find out which brands are the best for beginners.

Compare Featured Intermediate Violins & Brands:

The Verdict: Which Is The Overall Best Violin Brand?

At the end of the day, each of the options we listed above should prove to be a good investment. When compiling our list of top options, we wanted models that sounded as good as they looked. We went for models that had been expertly crafted and that produced reliable results.

However, if we were forced to choose just one out of the whole lot, our first choice would be the Fiddlerman OB1. It does come out as one of the more expensive instruments of the lot, but has fine detailing, a fantastic case, and is backed by an excellent guarantee and warranty.

We Recommend Fiddlerman Violins

Not only that, but Fiddlerman violins as a brand come in an exceptionally wide range of price points to match every level of player. This gives intermediate players a much better choice in finding an instrument that suits them perfectly.

If you are looking for the best value for money option, the Cecilio is the best choice. It has a range of additional extras included that give you a lot more bang for your buck.

If we were working purely on finesse, the Louis Carpini would come first for us. We love the darker varnish as it is a more unusual color. It makes the violin look more like a cherished older piece than a brand-new out-of-the-box model.

Which model is right for you? Check out all the reviews above and consider your options. We do hope that this review proves to be extremely useful for you and that it makes finding your perfect intermediate violin an easier task.

Editor’s Pick

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit

What Do Fiddlerman OB1 Customers 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 >>