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The Cremona SV-150 Premier Student Violin In Review: A Great 3/4 Outfit for Younger Students

SV-150 Outfit Ratings at a Glance:

Cremona SV-150 Premier Student Violin Outfit

Cremona SV-150 Student Violin Outfit Overview

The Cremona SV-150 3/4 violin outfit is a complete kit for students. It comes with excellent craftsmanship, a great feel, and very precise string spacing, among other features.

It’s a violin suitable for learning the basics, yet one that performs outside its price range and caters to intermediate and advanced violinists as well. You can learn and master technique on this instrument while also experiencing a fine sound quality.

Who is the SV-150 for?

The SV-150 3/4 size violin can be a great gift for kids serious about studying the violin. The target audience is children between the ages of 9-12 or players with an arm length up to 22”.

It’s most accommodating for the younger audience. And the set is also affordable, therefore, a solid choice for budget-minded buyers. This may also be a better option for those looking at practice violins that sound good and retain their value over time.

What’s Included with the Cremona SV-150 Student Outfit?

The SV-150 set comes with D’Addario Prelude strings. It also features boxwood pegs, a composite tailpiece, and standard smooth-action tuners. Of course, a case is also included (the TL-33 Travelite) and a LB-15 bow, as this is a complete violin set.

That said, this set lacks certain quality-of-life accessories that other beginners may find necessary or appealing. This kit doesn’t come with spare accessories or with a tuner or beginner lessons book.

SV-150 Student Violin Outfit Features

• Precise craftsmanship
• Solid maple body
• Quality pegs and tuners
• 3/4 size for kids
• Comes with all accessories
• Decent chinrest design

Cremona’s craftsmanship is well-known and it’s one of the main reasons why the SV-150 3/4 set is such a good seller. It’s rare that violins for kids come as durable as this one, since they’re not intended for long-term use.

The use of solid tonewoods makes this a well-rounded instrument and also improves the sound quality. The top is made of solid spruce and the back and sides are maple. Ebony is used for the fingerboard and boxwood for the fittings.

It’s worth noting that the violin isn’t very loud. But it’s not a major drawback since it’s a practice violin. The composite tailpiece is also durable, and the design of the chinrest is comfortable. The built-in tuners are good quality and help with the tuning retention.

One of the things that may not please everyone is the finish. The antique finish has an interesting look, but it makes the instrument look cheaper than it is. The accessories, on the other hand, look attractive and are high-quality.

The case offers very good protection when traveling with the violin and the bow is more than enough for practicing technique and less complex music. It’s also comfortable to hold and use, especially for kids with smaller hands.

The bow is of Brazilwood and horsehair. It’s very similar to others in this price range yet doesn’t have anything that truly sets it apart in terms of quality or durability. However, it works well with the SV-150 and Prelude strings since it helps bring out the bright tone of the violin.

How to Use the SV-150 Violin

Playing the Cremona SV-150 violin isn’t difficult. The chinrest allows for a multitude of postures when playing. And since the violin comes already stringed, all there’s left to do is use a tuner to make sure the violin is in tune.

Cremona SV-150 Violin Outfit Review Key Points:

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Final Thoughts On The Cremona SV-150 Premiere Violin Outfit

The Cremona SV-150 student violin offers every style choice you may need. The kits always come complete with all the accessories to start playing after unboxing.

Quality is evident from just feeling the instrument, due to the excellent wood choices and craftsmanship.

Yet the SV-150 isn’t known as a loud violin or one with a balanced tone. It’s quite bright and not particularly loud in volume. If you’re looking for something with more power, there are alternatives that come with more accessories.

The price to performance ratio is solid, especially given the much longer lifespan and better resale value of the SV-150.

Check Today's Cremona SV-150 Violin Outfit Price! >>

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The Fiddlerman OB1 In Review: One of the Best Built Violins for Beginners

OB1 Violin Outfit ratings at a glance:

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit

Fiddlerman OB1 Overview

The craftsmanship on the OB1 is nothing short of impressive, given its very low-entry cost. Although it comes in limited sizes, the OB1 is a staple for learning the very basics of playing the fiddle from a very young age.

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin

Who is the OB1 for?

The Fiddlerman OB1 outfit is for very young students. Its 1/4 and 1/8 sizes cater to those between the ages of two and seven. This makes it a good choice for any parent that wants to start their kids learning a prestigious and complex instrument very early.

It’s also a solid choice if money is an issue, as the OB1 outfit is among the cheapest entry-level violin kits. The violin is also good for those without any musical or violin experience; because it’s so well-adjusted from the factory, it won’t need additional fiddling at home or immediate teacher input.

What’s Included with the Fiddlerman OB1 Outfit?

Fiddlerman does a good job of creating violin outfits that have everything you need for playing and practicing. Yet this kit lacks two accessories in the form of a chromatic tuner/metronome and an Ultra Practice Mute. The latter isn’t available for 1/4 and 1/8 OB1 violins.

That said, the outfit comes with a good quality bow, a lightweight oblong case, Fiddlerman rosin, shoulder rest, and even a polishing cloth.

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit

OB1 Violin Outfit Features

• Carbon fiber bow
• Lightweight and sturdy case
• Great default adjustments
• Good tuning retention
• Decent projection

It’s not often that you get to say many good things of such an inexpensive violin, and the Fiddlerman OB1 is inexpensive, whether you get it alone or as part of the OB1 outfit.

As an entry-level fiddle for kids as young as 2 years old, it sounds better than expected and feels very smooth.

The violin also comes with either Prelude or Fiddlerman strings and meets NAfME and Suzuki student standards. The accuracy in measurements is also spot-on, something that makes this a comfortable instrument to play with very small hands.

Even the wood has been dried for at least 4 years, which is another trademark of a quality fiddle. It gives the little instrument durability and enough volume for its size.

Also worth praising is the use of carbon fiber for the bow as opposed to Brazilwood. The tailpiece is also carbon and features four built-in fine tuners for quick and accurate adjustments.

The French Despiau bridge is a nice touch, although it does have a tendency to come loose at times. But all things considered, it also helps novice players understand the hardware of the violin and how to service it too.

The pegs, fittings, and fingerboard are all made of ebony. A nice touch in terms of style that also improves the playing comfort. The Fiddlerman premium wood shoulder rest is another nice addition that takes some of the load off the violin and allows for practicing in longer sessions.

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Review Key Points:

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Compare Alternative Violins

Final Thoughts On The OB1 Violin Outfit

There isn’t much one can argue against the Fiddlerman OB1 violin, especially as part of its own outfit. The violin itself sounds very good for its intended purpose, even though it clearly lacks projection over its more expensive competitors.

The feel of the fingerboard is as smooth as they come, and the tuning retention should really help beginners. There’s also a lot of value in the carbon fiber bow and the lightweight yet sturdy storage case, which even contains a thermometer to help gauge storage conditions.

All in all, the OB1 is a very good starter instrument for kids between two and seven years old. But it’s also an instrument that quickly loses value as kids tend to outgrow it fast in both size and technique. Luckily, it maintains a good resale value because of its build quality.

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit

Check Today's Fiddlerman OB1 Price! >>

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A New and Improved Classic Fiddlerman Concert Violin Outfit

Key Concert Outfit ratings at a glance:

Fiddlerman Concert Violin Outfit

Fiddlerman Concert Violin Quick Overview

This violin is a new spin on a classic Fiddlerman piece. Available from Fiddlershop.com, it features better varnishing and superior quality wood. Yet this 2017 model follows previous designs to a “T” and enjoys the same quality craftsmanship, sound, and volume.

Who is this violin outfit for?

The Fiddlerman Concert Violin Outfit caters directly to adult players. It’s an instrument suited for recordings and concert playing, but can also work as a practice instrument.

Even if there are cheaper 4/4 style options out there, it’s also a solid choice for anyone looking to get a higher sound quality at a reasonable price.

Another reason you might appreciate this set are the included accessories. You’re getting more than a violin – you’re getting everything else you need to start playing right out of the box.

What’s Included in the Concert Outfit?

Before listing the accessories, know that both violin and accessories come with a standard 1-year warranty. The concert violin features a composite tailpiece with fine tuners.

It also comes with a polishing cloth, a wooden shoulder rest, an ultra-practice mute, rosin, and a suspension case.

The case has multiple storage compartments, enough room for two bow holders, a sheet music pocket, and many straps for proper storing and ensuring safe transportation.

Fiddlerman Concert Violin Features

• Carbon composite tailpiece
• Hand-carved bridge
• Oil-based finish
• Stringed and tuned out of the box
• Ebony pegs, fittings, and fingerboard

The structural integrity of the Fiddlerman Concert Violin is very good for this price range. The fact that it comes with a lifetime warranty too speaks volumes of the quality of craftsmanship.

This improved model uses Alpine Tone Wood, antiqued wood that’s been dried for at least 6 years, spruce, and maple.

It also has a carbon composite tailpiece that reduces the weight of the violin and gives it improved balance. It also adds to the overall durability and makes this an instrument you can get years of use out of.

Built to exceed MENC and Suzuki standards, the Concert Violin Outfit is a solid investment for both adult beginners and experienced players.

The outfit contains top accessories too, including a carbon fiber bow with superior responsiveness.

The bow is fitted with Siberian horsehair, an ebony frog, and mother of pearl inlays. By using this bow you can get a very rich and full tone, and it’s that extra warmth in sound that makes this a very well-put-together concert outfit.

The case is also high-end not just for its lightweight and strength but also because of the ample use of pockets and compartments. It’s more than enough to carry anything you need to play and take care of the violin.

Using this new version of the Concert Violin Outfit

Apart from some minimal tuning adjustments, the Fiddlerman Concert Violin is ready to go as soon as you unbox it. Even though it lacks a metronome/tuner accessory, you should be able to tune it with a smartphone or from your computer.

The violin is quite forgiving when it comes to open string and vibrato techniques, so it offers plenty of opportunities to study and improve, without sounding too bad. The chin rest promotes proper posture so holding the violin shouldn’t be an issue.

Fiddlerman Concert Violin Review Key Points:

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Alternative Violin Outfits to Compare

Final Thoughts On The Fiddlerman Concert Violin Kit

The Fiddlerman Concert Violin Outfit comes as an excellent package for beginners, intermediate, and even advanced players.

It offers good value for your money, especially when you consider the superior quality of all the accessories, from strings, to bow, to the case.

It is also much more forgiving towards improper technique than other similar violins in its price range. Between that, the full tone, and the build quality, you could be hard pressed to find a better option unless you’re able to splurge on certain woods and features.

Are Fiddlerman Concert Violin Outfit Owners Happy? >>

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.

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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...

Compare the Latest Deals!

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? >>

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.

Sale

Mendini By Cecilio Violin 4/4 Full Size for...

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SKY 4/4 Full Size SKYVN201 Solid Maple Wood Violin...

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/