For easy comparison: Out of the box: 7:05 Pimped up: 12:10 Love you alison!! Would love to see a video on you pimping up that violin, especially the tailpiece!
Having worked on many violins over the last few years, I completely agree with your comments. Whilst much can be done to improve a cheap one, you very quickly hit a brick wall, where throwing more money at it will make no further difference. The old saying, 'buy cheap and buy twice' is very true. Start with something at least half decent, and you'll save in the long run.
As a violin player yourself, I guess you may notice improvement at playing. However, as an audience, don't feel like any change worth noticing in quality. Adding extra money in a $100 violin would be useless. Thanks for your video. Appreciate your analysis and comments.
Wow, this is an amazing video!! Thank you so much for your time and putting it together. 🙏🤗❤️ I did buy a very cheap violin too and it was a waste, I was thinking of rescuing it, but then I figured that I should have bought a more decent violin to begin with. 😉 Now I'm looking into $100 or so violins to proceed with my journey. 😂
Thank you for this video. I've bought a cheap violon years ago... and as it sounds quite bad I didn't play it and soon thought it should be better to replace the strings, but I wasn't certain it would be sufficient to make it sound good (or at least better enough to play it) So I really appreciate your video, because my violon was sold around 100 euros and really look like the one you show in this video. Thank you for having shared the links to the pieces (because I've no idea what to buy) I've watched your video on my TV (which has a decent sound) and I've heard the difference between the original and the modified version. Love from France.
Thank you, Alison. Listening using a BOSE speaker I believe the pimped up version came across brighter without loss of lower end note quality. I think the tactile improvement you found is the most important outcome. Someone can write that improved bridge, strings, etc., may help, leaving one with a roll of the dice gamble with their money, especially a newbie who wouldn't really know an improvement staring them in the face. But you actually doing so with the real deal, then the demo with your personal, honest impressions, provided a very worthwhile consideration of this option! Good Video.
Thanks for the video. You validated my experience. I started with a $100 violin. As I learned to play it I began to understand what you mean by warm sounds, by playability, and the comfortability of the strings an bow. I bought a broken violin for $10 (it was probably similar to your $30 before it was broken) and a 10 pack of bridge blanks for about $5. Using that, I learned to carve the bridge adjust the tailpiece, and restring the instrument. During my first year and a half I did a similar violin pimp. Fiddlerman bow, new bridge, new strings. The first set of string I changed to were D'addario Preludes which i liked well enough. Until I had a chance to play a fiddle in a shop that had Tonicas. Now I just wonder if your comparison to the $500 violin will convince me that I should upgrade to that. :)
Hi Tim, I did the same, I bought an old violin from an antique trader for €40, got lucky as it seemed to sound as good with Evah strings as one people spend €1200 on. Must've been decent to start with. But not cared for in its early days.
Thanks for this. Recently, a local well-known musician knew I had a 1960’s Chinese-made viola that my mother used to play that I wasn’t currently using. He offered to trade me a violin for it. When we met to trade, his violin turned out to be a newer Chinese-made Musino violin, which sells for about $130. I was a bit disappointed, but it was worth about as much as the viola, so I made the trade. Following your advice, I put a new set of Tonica strings on it and adjusted the bridge (originally the bridge was too tall, and I didn’t like the curve of the arch). Now the violin sounds pretty good; it has a nice sustain/ring to it at all ranges. The last thing I’m concerned about is I have to tune it a bit each morning, but don’t know how much of that is due to settling of the brand new strings. Your videos are very informative. Thanks for the many insights you share.
She is right. I bought a 89 Euros basic violin from Thomann, which was highly recommended, and included case, bow, strings and rosin. It is Ok: the sound is not bad but a bit limited harmonically. It meets the minimal definition of an OK violin: not pure junk like those 35 Euro violins, which are hopeless, but this 89 Euros violin is not going to take you very far...at least if you know that there is better out there. It is actually easy to hold because it is so light, I assume because the wood is a cheap fast growing type. I would recommend this violin only for trying out playing the violin because it will no take you far and beginners need a good/decent instrument to not discourage them. I also bought a 400 Euros violin which is noticeably better, being much more open, warmer and cleaner in sound. I would recommend changing the strings on cheap violins because at those low prices they are going to be very minimal.
Interesting video! And very well done. Overall i agree - the violin's tone does change a slight bit with the "tweaking," but the big difference I could easily see was the playability! So overall you are correct!
I don't know much about violins, but I thought the recording of the souped up violin at 12.04 with the good microphone sounded fantastic. After watching your review I bought a Stentor Conservatoire last year to start learning, I don't think I need to modify it, but I'll try those strings, and maybe the chin-rest too.
I've played fiddle for ~15 years, but as a kid just playing whatever instrument the parents bought me as it came. Now I'm trying to make things happen with a band and make some money, and I definitely need some upgrades. This has been a good start for pointers on if I should upgrade my current fiddle or get a new one👍
Hi Allison, I have been following your videos for quite a while. The original and the pimped up one has a slight difference. It opens the sound a bit. For this topic, I will give you and others my perspective based on my experience. I decided to learn the violin earlier of this year (with an awareness of the cost gonna hit me). Before I purchased the violin and look for a teacher, I had extensive research first. And yes I came across to your videos as well Allison. I read, I listened carefully, and compare prices. Then I made my decision to get a Stentor II SR 1500 Student Violin. It is above EUR 100. Thomann Europe provides the recording of the sound quality of violin types. Not sure about Amazon. So I started my lesson with a teacher. I am very lucky to find a very good teacher. After about 8 months or so, my teacher asked me whether I would continue to learn the violin. When i told her that I would like to continue to learn this instrument, she said it is the time for me to upgrade my violin. Long story short, I came into possession of an antique German violin from 1850. (fyi: this also takes sometime hunting it all over the place). My suggestion to you if you are really want to learn this instrument, please dont buy anything less than EUR 100. Why? Because from my experience, learning violin is learning to listen. If the violin sound itself doesnt produce a decent sound, you wont be able to increase level of your playing and the production of the sound. I was given the option to upgrade the stentor at the time, but I didnt want to. I dont think it will make the sound much difference. Other option here (dont know whether its applicable in your country) is to rent a violin. I didnt know I had this option before. If i knew about it, I would have taken this option. Hopefully this input helps
I could not tell a difference in the sound, I do not have best of hearing but totaly agree the ease of playing would be noticeably. I played once with my teachers bow which she said was $8,000. And it was like the violin played it self. Wonderful difference. Just go to a good violin store and trust their set up. Not that you need that expensive but in instruments a couple of hundreds of dollars in a quality up grade is wort it.
Hey Ali! :) Sooo, just a short comment for this topic: for everyone that has a cheap violin that sounds very harsh (like i did before), what you could do is - use a laundry clip on your bridge to eliminate those harsh frequencies - it functions like a practice mute, put doesn't lower the volume so much as an actual mute. I used the clip on the left side of the bridge, but you can test where it sounds the best for you.
I bought a violin similar to this at the start of the year. I found changing all these things are much better too. I found out the hard way. If you're not sure you are improving. Well, it's hard to tell if you are playing good on a crap violin. Improving all those things and then playing you can tell what you really sound like. It's hard to make a cheap violin sound good. I'm still a 6 month noob. But now I can see real potential because me and my violin are better.
I purchased the MV500 about one year and a half ago and changed the chin rest,tail piece, strings, and tuning pegs. The tail piece doesn't have fine tuners and the tuning pegs are geared. I think the violin sound better still not so sure about my playing lol
Thank you Alison. Your videos are really good. You are one of the major reasons that I got the courage to buy start learning/playing violin. Unfortunately all the beginner setup that you suggest on your channel are not available here in Nepal. I got the only student grade violin that is sold here in Nepal : Yamaha v3ska44. I'll definitely wait and upgrade the setup whenever I get the chance to travel internationally. Anyways, I can't stress this enough, Thanks a lot for your tips and tutorials.
That Mendini looks bathed in plastic varnish, which looks nice and shiny, but also inhibits the sound from resonating out of the violin. Quality violins use a traditional varnish.
I'm a beginner learner ms. Allison. Thank you for your tips on how to buy a good and playable violin. I must buy the proper violin not expensive but a good one I think. I want to play violin at our church one day. Can you please play some hymns? Like Amazing grace, great is thy faithfulness and how great thou art. Thank you.
I've been playing violin for fourty years (second instrument after my classical guitar degree, Sydney Conservatorium) and I really noticed the difference between the original and the 'pimped up' version of the instrument you purchased. I have a 19th century German violin and a 1921 Eduard Reichert and could be totally saddened to have to practice and play on such an instrument as you've shown here. Oh well, we all have to start somewhere and that starting, is really the most important thing. Another TH-camr (an electric guitarist) named his channel "Shut up and Play" and that 'theme or mantra' resonates with me often. Just get that instrument out of its case or wherever it might be and get stuck in and PLAY !!
I agree. I'm watching on my phone and I can tell a difference between the two violin "versions" and also between the two microphones. Thanks very much for doing all this and all the other great videos you make. 😁😁
Actually I didn't expect the original violin to sound bad like this even if the strings are bad. I think the sound was not good and I could hear three things in the original violin. 1-Interrupted playing 2-so bad strings sounding 3-bad sound in general like a cheap sound Making some changes in the violin I think it doesn't worth at all but the new pirasto tonica strings made the sound of old strings really improve but it cannot be as good as an expensive violin because yes the bridge is good and yes the strings are amazing and maybe the tail piece made a difference in the sound that I can't tell but I'd recommend a more expensive violin with new set of strings would be better. I'm sorry if I have mistakes because my experience is just with strings and violin reviews videos.
Underneath too much wood, there's often no difference between £100 violins and handmade £5k+ instruments. Sometimes a really nice, low density (sub .4) piece of spruce can be hiding under a hard nitro varnish as well as too much wood. It's really quite remarkable how good a cheap violin can sound if you're prepared to open them up, thin them out and pop a new bass-bar in. Sadly, it's something that hardly any violin shops want to do, but makes a highly rewarding hobbyist project!
i do wish you'd also played the tune on your regular violin (i'm assuming one that costs at least a thousand pounds maybe?) as a comparison to the 'pimped up' cheaper violin...
I’m planning on doing this with an Amazon Basics violin. I’m getting it as a “warehouse deal” for about $65 🤞🏻. I’ll change the strings and the bridge. I already have a decent second bow so I’ll have a knock around setup. I did the same thing with an inexpensive guitar and it turned out to be one of my favorite to practice on.
A brightness in tone perhaps with the modifications slighty. Overall playability as you mentioned was the bigger improvement in my opinion. This coming from a hard of hearing person watching on phone with earbuds. Love that accent of yours. 💕😊
Her Mendini sounds about like my Thomann 89 Euro violin: it does not screech but harmonically it is compressed. It does not really offend but it also does not in any way inspire. I think that most students should start with a violin that costs minimum 330-450 Euros new to get something that will last, produce a good tone and not frustrate the student. That is in addition to getting new strings, rosin, chin rest, shoulder rest and bow. Violin playing can easily get expensive quickly.
I would've liked to hear how the referenced $500 violin sounds as compared to these two. Maybe I missed it? But that's the one piece of information I needed to decipher if it was your playing or the quality of the original and pimped.
I can hear the difference from a finite rough sound to a smoother finite prettier sound after new set up. I would have reset the sound post, or ordered a better made and customized to that violin. I agree the violins less than $30.00 are annoying to hear and set up to hear better!
We'll find out. I caught one at $79 US. It's a 1/2. It's an experiment to see if the problem I have had for 20 years is trying to play an instrument that is "adult" size. I finally measured from neck to wrist and got 20 inches so although at 67 I am an adult, my left arm is much younger.
Hello i have a question , I just ordered my first ever violin, i payed a bit over 100 $ for it from a reputable music store in the area (the physical store is close due to the quarantine, but you can order online and get it delivered in 24h). I made sure its made out of the right wood, the front is spruce, sides and back are maple and the fingerboard, pins and tail piece are ebony... That was something i didn't wanted to compromise on... As times goes I will upgrade it... I'd like to ask in what order you recommend charging these elements... Also the violin should arrive tomorrow, they have this policy that you are required to open the package when you get it and look if everything is alright, ib front of the mail man to make sure there are no problems with the instrument ...what should I look for?
Don't knowvif you read comments on older posts. But i like seeing your reviews about not having to spend 1000s of dollars on a violin. Especially for a beginner. I bought a violin on clearance from Kennedy Violins a brunnell G2. I liked it because I'd dark wood, and very plain. My teacher says has good sound and should take me though years. She's not a pompous teacher who thinks better violins are expensive violins. Her go to violin is still one she got when she graduated from high schoolfrom? Her grandmother for 800. Hey.. I bought a fiddlerman fiber bow as well as a permbuccolo? Wood bow. And that rosin you recommended. I started 6 years ago. Went though 3 instructors. Had to stop during to scheduling difficulty and just returned. If only I had been playing all those years
Thank you for sharing the expertise, I bid on 4 vintage bows, with all hardware, I'll have to repair, but I bet one out of 4 should feel and play nicely. I just missed a nice Pro Hermann but the other bidder knew it was worth about 7000. But the owner and i hit it off good luther, he will get me one lined out, but excited to have the Stainers coming, the sound should make bluegrass and Irish music just a bit sweeter
Personally as an amateur I hear very very slight difference in sound, though I'm using a good quality headphones. I think it's more about the playability as you said
I am very curious to see what you can get out of that cheap violin. Besides all the technique-stuff I really enjoy your videos about the violin itself!
the mv-400 is the 1st violin I bought 5 years ago at 90$ canadian dollars about a year later I upgraded to the cecilio cvn-700. I can totally understand want you say about playability. I did upgrade a few thing like string. but got tired of it and got the opportunity to upgrade. Can.t wait to see what 500$ you will get to compare it too,
Hi Alison, thank you for doing this as I happened to have the MV-500, which was similar to your 400. I am following your recommendations to the letter. One question...on these models of violins, have you considered upgrading the pegs? I have heard some discussion that these stock pegs are lower quality and sometimes back off and do not hold a tune. Would you recommend an upgrade here and to which would you suggest? Thank you.
You can change the pegs, but it will cost you as they will have to be fitted. You can’t just buy pegs and shove them in as they won’t fit. This is cost prohibitive and you may as well just buy a better violin like a Fiddlerman one - which are properly and very well set up.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thank you for the reply. I recently found that on my MV-500 violin, that the factory actually put the stocks pegs on incorrectly. My local luthier friend told me that each peg is fitted to a specific slot on the violin and on mine, a couple of them were placed incorrectly, thus with a small peg in a hole too big and causing my G string (no pun intended) to not hold a tune at all. Once he fixed that, the stock pegs seem to work fine so far. Thanks for your opinion...I wasnt sure if pegs were an upgrade option or not..Keep up the great work.
My advice is, if you are serious, is to buy the best violin that you possibly can afford and then upgrade its parts in the future as more money comes in.
How much of a difference do you think there would be starting with a $100 violin versus $200 violin? Is it steadily better as the price goes up? Would it be noticable to a beginner even? Cool video, I like these kind of comparisons for those of us that don't know a lot!
Thank you for understanding why people upgrade inexpensive instruments... Because they can do it over time. All the snobs ask why people would ever put $400 into a $200 guitar but some people don't have $600 to spend on a guitar at once. So its easier to buy an inexpensive instrument and spend a little at a time to upgrade it. 👍 It may not have helped this one but that's not always the case.
That’s true I 100% agree. It is also a gamble especially when you’re just starting to learn whatever instrument it is. As she said because it’s like “dipping ur feet in the waters” to see how it can go from there.
I have doubts that investments in accessories are productive. If you have $200 guitar and then want to upgrade, it makes sense to accumulate $1000 then upgrade to a new instrument. Then accumulate $5000 and upgrade to a new instrument.
Here's the moral of the video: JUST GET A GOOD VIOLIN. $100 is good for a starter to get your foot in the water, but if you decide to pimp it up (which you should), you already spent about $200. You could have just saved up $400 or $500 for a good violin (not the best, but it's really good for a start). Or you can rent to by a really good instrument from an instrument shop for like a year. I'm not saying to completely do this option, but it might be better because you'll have an idea of a good instrument first hand (just don't break the instrument or anything).
i bought cheap violin for 60 euro from gear4music their own brand violin. after watching your videos I am just thinking what do you consider is a crappy violin? because before i bought it i googled that violin has to make from solid maple and spruce from which my ordered violin is made of. I am just wondering now would it be worth upgrading parts for this violin.
As I am very new to playing violin, I would like to know if there is a recommended bridge to buy for my violin. I purchased a Cecilio CVN 200 and would like to improve the sound. Are there any recommendations for strings as well? Many thanks for the suggestions in advance.
I am also new. I have a decent Bergonzi replica, so I put decent stuff on it. Bridge: Aubert - get a luthier to fit it. Aubert might be a little much for the Cecilio and a good luthier will point you towards an appropriate bridge if that's the case. Strings - Pirastro Tonica. These are Nylon core and sound/play better than steel strings. It won't make much of a difference until we get better at bowing, resonance and intonation -- ;) But the sound is out there waiting for us at the end of many hours of practice. (I hope.) You will spend more for strings and bridge than you did for the instrument - just be aware.
Again thanks for the response... I was obviously confused... I thought the chin rest you were recommending was of a higher quality (material) so when Amazon had sold out and I researched and found this on another site: I thought it was a different product... now I know this is it I can assess for myself which one I prefer to purchase... take care... YH bless... Mulko Plastic Violin Chin Rest - 4/4 Size
Between the violin out of the box and pimped up, I really couldn't hear much difference. Comparing the camera to your studio recorder, the camera sounded louder. I guess you had the studio recorder volume turned down?
There wasn't much difference - that was the point. It was smoother to play as the strings were better, but overall, I would save up and just buy a proper violin.
I bought 100$ violin and ive been playing this violin for several months i am about to burn it especially the d string and the bow drives me crazy (exactly same bow) (its my 7th month)
I clearly didn’t do my homework before buying my violin .I did go by the stars and what company had the biggest stars and yes I chose to get a pink one because I’m a pink girl but I can’t even get it to stop scratching like a dying cat .what do you suggest?
I have a fiddlerman Master violin outfit. Do u recommend changing it to much better strings and bridge. It costs around 900 euros. What do you suggest.
You could try different strings, but I would not touch the bridge as its not necessary with the Master. As for what strings, I have a video on this on my channel.
It's gonna be hard enough as a beginner with a good instrument. Ummmmmm there's a reason I know that. Lol Please don't buy junk! If you buy a decent instrument and decide it isn't for you, you can always sell it at not too bad of a loss. If you buy junk, it'll be hard to even give it away.
Nice vid. Very helpful for the tinkerer. I think you may be overestimating the raw beginner's patience though, mainly because making the changes you described would be relatively easy with all your experience. I guess the deciding factor would be if the hundred dollar project instrument is the alternative to none at all. In that case, then of course it's a good thing, at least giving the determined learner a chance. Nice informative video :) Tim O
So I just bought a second-hand violin for £50. It's a Lark (which yes I am aware they have an atrocious reputation), but the person I bought it from got it for £100 (they got ripped off IMO - I don't think it's actually worth more than about £35-40) and they spent an additional £80 having a new bridge, tailpiece and strings put on by a professional. I justified the price I paid for it with the fact that they took it to quite a good instrument shop to have it serviced and bits replaced. They said they bought it for their kid, but the teacher said it was rubbish so they spent all that money improving it and then the teacher said it was too big for the kid anyway and I think they were trying to salvage whatever money they could by selling it on. I bought it basically because I just want to have a go self-teaching. (I used to play cello so I have some basics). I'm not getting a great sound out of it (I didn't expect to) but it's not terrible on the open strings. I even managed to get a decently smooth sound out after playing with it for a while. As soon as I start playing with my fingers is sounds like a cat being strangled. I've only had it about 12 hours so obviously, my own skill is a major factor in the sound. Any tips on how to tell at this stage if it has any potential? I might get myself a new bow in a few weeks if, but for now I just want to master the basics, re posture, bowing etc.
So firstly Keep your bow straight while playing and dont like wag it around while playing. I would consider looking yourself at a mirror and see if your bow is not dancing around and also try to learn the correct bow posture since it makes a major difference in sound. Alice has a video about it and trying playing open strings for a few days until you feel like you make a good sound and then start playing with your fingers. You have to gently apply pressure not too hard not too soft and also dont apply much pressure to the bow while playing just relax. If you feel it's not still making good sound I would consider checking out someone who has been violin for a couple of years or if you can visit a luthier. Sorry If my comment was not really clear. It tried my best. 😉
I noticed a slight difference in sound for the better it definitely would be ok for beginners nothing I would use in a band playing old time music tho, the 30 dollar Violin your right it not worth putting money in it, I know your a Professional in Classical I would love to hear you play an old time tune when when your testing these Violins especially using drones and chords, for me anyways I could hear what the Violin sounds like before buying it for the type of music I play, there is 1000's of us old time Fiddlers out there that are very wary about buying a Violin on line in the upper dollar range, I realize your just giving us your honest opinion on these Violins and not receiving any money from the makers and we are very thankful for that, China has about 70/80 percent of the Worlds Violin making now and i'm sure i'm not alone when you see the word made in China it throws up red flags, every ear and taste is different searching for that Holy Grail tone that pleases your ear and taste can take years and sometimes a life time, more times then not the sound is found in Violins a 100 years or older as the old saying goes the older the Violin the sweeter the music, thank you for every thing you do all your video's are excellent and helps many many beginners and players
The wrong finish on the top can be a tone kill. Sound post placing , good bridge fitting all can effect a bit .....i am not professional but a passionate amateur
I just couldn’t tell much difference after all that work and throwing money at it. It’s like putting lipstick on a pig. This thing is what I call a howler. I’m glad I found a used Bunnel for less than this piece of firewood cost her. It sounds choked and nasally. The Bunnel is actually good enough for me to play for years.
The only way this might have been worth it is if you got the bridge professionally fitted, a sound post adjustment and the fingerboard planed. I've personally done it and it does really turn a $100 violin into something that plays more like 500. Though the sound will not improve dramatically it'll be extremely playable
No, it isnt. I can assure you its an Aubert bridge. If you are referring to the visuals of the violin towards the end of the video, then its the same footage as the one at the start.
To be clear, the ORIGINAL bridge was way too thick. MY replacement bridge was about as thin as it gets - i did not picture or show the new bridge in the video.
Very thorough technical analysis comparison cheaper violin to $100.00 Mendini CV 400. Before setup...Mendini sound OK with a subdued sweetness. After setup sweetness remains, but more open! Cheapo wood heavy, tight and an unwielding sound. Play this on the beach, soak in water, use to dig up turtle eggs....won’t hurt it. May help it, ie, when all are pissed! LOL
Hi. I have never played violin before but am looking to get into it. But as many people. I’m not very wealthy but actually I have slightly below the average income. Could you send me some links with cheap but good for starter violins?
thanks baby girl...I played cello 30 yrs ago but Im doin EDM and acoustic/electric guitar wanted to add some virtuoso...im checking out the carbon fiber bows now.
Is the Stentor bow you bought as a replacement the same as the one that comes in the Stentor 2 violin outfit?? I just bought one for myself and am beginning to learn - already changed out the strings for some Dominants after watching your string comparison video :D
I have one of those 30$ violins with new strings a better bow and rosin and it plays decent... Not great but its the only violin I have other than my electric I think I will get the 100$ one :) its pretty nice
You can upgrade this for $200.00 or less. I have taken a cheapo crappo violin a part, and sanded it a bit to violin makers measurements with a much better sound almost better than my Gagliano!
Firstly, thank you for sharing your expertise and for inspiring so many of us to add music to our lives. My question: As an adult beginner in the USA, I'm considering purchasing a Fiddlerman Concert Deluxe violin. Do you believe that a better violin can be purchased for a similar price - around $550 USD?
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thank you, Alison! FYI, the FM Concert Deluxe is the same as the regular FM Concert violin (FM #3), that you have reviewed, with the addition of a 3-star Despiau bridge, boxwood fittings, and Kaplan Amo or Thomastik Vision strings (chosen according to your bright/warm preference). I always enjoy your channel, especially the technical advice and reviews. Thanks!
Thanks for a very interesting comparison. I think the violin sounded slightly louder and a little more open after your upgrades. Making it more playable is the best outcome though.
Dear Alison, thank you for sharing your investigations. However, I cannot agree with improvement of sound by that new unshaped bridge. The new bridge has limited contact with the top of the violin and it is way too thick. Once well shaped I believe it would really improve the sound and behaviour of the violin under the fingers. The position and angle of the soundpost is crucial as well. Everybody can buy simple and cheap tools for changing the soundpost position and learn what effect it has. In my opinion the most improvement in this video is from the better strings, bow and rosin. There is sound change if you take the chin rest off but just by changing the type of chin rest I think there would be barely hearable difference. Anyway, I really appreciate how you do popularize this beautiful instrument and help people like me to start and improve in playing. I have one question - approximately when we could expect the new Violin book 3? Thank you for your answer and sorry for my english.
I think you mis-understand - the new bridge was a fully and professionally shaped Aubert bridge! The original bridge on the violin was super thick - this is why I changed it for a professional one.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Sorry, I have considered unshaped bridge based on the end of the video where the close view is shown. But during your play it is clearly seen it is fully and nice shaped. You should mention the price of shaping in the video. I think it is better to buy used better violin than pimp that mendini. For the price of that pimped violin you can buy used stentor conservatoire in the UK or hidersine violins. The new tonica strings is obligated, everybody needs back up strings.
I have a 50$ violin and it sounds crap. I've been playing for 5 years and I had a little improvement in terms of sound. Do you think I should invest in a much more high quality violin or do you think I should still practice until I sound good in a cheap violin?
OMG, 5 years on a 50$? Please, do yourself a favor and buy something good. Try to think on how much time you spend playing and practicing the violin to other things you spend on. I do not doubt you had spent more than 50$ on a party, or something like 200$ 300$ on a smartphone that lasted a year. A 300~400$ violin will last you years and years, and if you do take care of it properly, it can even last for life.
What level do you want your playing to go to? Are you fine just being intermediate or do you potentially want to get gigs & be a pro? Let that determine how much you invest in your craft. Not saying break the bank on a thousand+ dollar violin, but intermediate violins will be a few hundred dollars.
Question - I have a little scratch on my violin, I was wondering if it's possible to sand down and re-polish a violin as you would a table with a scratch on it? Or would this mess with the sound?
Get the Mendini MV500. It's a grade above the one she used in this video, comes with a one piece back and actually looks good. Should still have them on Amazon.
You know Allison, from my computer speakers to me it sounds like the violin is full of rags- like its being muffled and with the new set up its like you took some of the rags out and it did open up the sound a bit. But I think even with that mv400 there is only so much you can do. My set up right now is newer fiddle that I bought for 3,000 and the bow I play with was 1,100 and I can say from personal experience that it well worth buying the best you can afford whatever that is or saving up to buy something really well made. It just makes learning so much easier.
Alison, Thank you so much for the wonderful information! What do you think of the Cremona SV-130? Also, I had itchy fingers when I was using the Rosin that came with the violin so I purchased a Gold type of Rosin, have you ever heard of this?
Also, I bought a better bow and have better strings that I haven't changed yet. Do you think I should get the bridge and tail piece before I change it?
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Can you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE review the Cremona SV-130? I bought it before I educated myself. (Someone at the store recommended it) and I am so curious to know what you would think!
@@HarleyMami_916 I started out on a Cremona (not sure which model, but I want to say it was around $200 new). I don't have much to base it off of since I'm far from a pro, but it was a serviceable student violin to start out on for me. Nothing fancy, but did the job. I'm unsure of how mine compares to others of the same brand, though. I played another $200-ish student model that was a Knilling, and liked it a bit better in all honesty.
If you're going to spend $150 or so to pimp up a $100 violin to try to make it sound better, would it not be better to buy a $250 violin in the first place? :-)
Possibly, but in some cases it can be worth a try - but also, there are a lot of violins worth $250 that are total garbage, so this is where pimping up your current violin can help.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor can you then in that case advise me a good violin for a beginner that can stay for at least proximity of 5 years? My budget is 1000€
HI Alison, I going to buy my first violin and I thinking to spend between 200£ - 300£ violin, I have to say that I never have touched a violin before so it is going to be the one I going to learn with......which do you recommend me between those prices?......plus I want to thank you so much for your channel, the one I will use to learn ;-)
For easy comparison:
Out of the box: 7:05
Pimped up: 12:10
Love you alison!! Would love to see a video on you pimping up that violin, especially the tailpiece!
Having worked on many violins over the last few years, I completely agree with your comments. Whilst much can be done to improve a cheap one, you very quickly hit a brick wall, where throwing more money at it will make no further difference. The old saying, 'buy cheap and buy twice' is very true. Start with something at least half decent, and you'll save in the long run.
Couldn't agree more and this video proves it.
As a violin player yourself, I guess you may notice improvement at playing. However, as
an audience, don't feel like any change worth noticing in quality. Adding extra money in a $100 violin would be useless. Thanks for your video. Appreciate your analysis and comments.
Wow, this is an amazing video!! Thank you so much for your time and putting it together. 🙏🤗❤️ I did buy a very cheap violin too and it was a waste, I was thinking of rescuing it, but then I figured that I should have bought a more decent violin to begin with. 😉 Now I'm looking into $100 or so violins to proceed with my journey. 😂
Great video! Very informative and the difference at the end between the pre and the post pimp was huge!
Violin beginners should watch this!
- cellist
Thank you for this video.
I've bought a cheap violon years ago... and as it sounds quite bad I didn't play it and soon thought it should be better to replace the strings, but I wasn't certain it would be sufficient to make it sound good (or at least better enough to play it)
So I really appreciate your video, because my violon was sold around 100 euros and really look like the one you show in this video.
Thank you for having shared the links to the pieces (because I've no idea what to buy)
I've watched your video on my TV (which has a decent sound) and I've heard the difference between the original and the modified version.
Love from France.
Thank you. I just got a starter violin, and have been pursuing your videos while I waited for it to get here. Very helpful information here.
I love this lady! She is my favorite violin teacher!!
Thank you, Alison. Listening using a BOSE speaker I believe the pimped up version came across brighter without loss of lower end note quality. I think the tactile improvement you found is the most important outcome. Someone can write that improved bridge, strings, etc., may help, leaving one with a roll of the dice gamble with their money, especially a newbie who wouldn't really know an improvement staring them in the face. But you actually doing so with the real deal, then the demo with your personal, honest impressions, provided a very worthwhile consideration of this option! Good Video.
Thanks for the video. You validated my experience. I started with a $100 violin. As I learned to play it I began to understand what you mean by warm sounds, by playability, and the comfortability of the strings an bow. I bought a broken violin for $10 (it was probably similar to your $30 before it was broken) and a 10 pack of bridge blanks for about $5. Using that, I learned to carve the bridge adjust the tailpiece, and restring the instrument. During my first year and a half I did a similar violin pimp. Fiddlerman bow, new bridge, new strings. The first set of string I changed to were D'addario Preludes which i liked well enough. Until I had a chance to play a fiddle in a shop that had Tonicas. Now I just wonder if your comparison to the $500 violin will convince me that I should upgrade to that. :)
Hi Tim, I did the same, I bought an old violin from an antique trader for €40, got lucky as it seemed to sound as good with Evah strings as one people spend €1200 on. Must've been decent to start with. But not cared for in its early days.
Thanks for this. Recently, a local well-known musician knew I had a 1960’s Chinese-made viola that my mother used to play that I wasn’t currently using. He offered to trade me a violin for it. When we met to trade, his violin turned out to be a newer Chinese-made Musino violin, which sells for about $130. I was a bit disappointed, but it was worth about as much as the viola, so I made the trade. Following your advice, I put a new set of Tonica strings on it and adjusted the bridge (originally the bridge was too tall, and I didn’t like the curve of the arch). Now the violin sounds pretty good; it has a nice sustain/ring to it at all ranges. The last thing I’m concerned about is I have to tune it a bit each morning, but don’t know how much of that is due to settling of the brand new strings. Your videos are very informative. Thanks for the many insights you share.
She is right. I bought a 89 Euros basic violin from Thomann, which was highly recommended, and included case, bow, strings and rosin. It is Ok: the sound is not bad but a bit limited harmonically. It meets the minimal definition of an OK violin: not pure junk like those 35 Euro violins, which are hopeless, but this 89 Euros violin is not going to take you very far...at least if you know that there is better out there. It is actually easy to hold because it is so light, I assume because the wood is a cheap fast growing type. I would recommend this violin only for trying out playing the violin because it will no take you far and beginners need a good/decent instrument to not discourage them. I also bought a 400 Euros violin which is noticeably better, being much more open, warmer and cleaner in sound. I would recommend changing the strings on cheap violins because at those low prices they are going to be very minimal.
Interesting video! And very well done. Overall i agree - the violin's tone does change a slight bit with the "tweaking," but the big difference I could easily see was the playability! So overall you are correct!
I don't know much about violins, but I thought the recording of the souped up violin at 12.04 with the good microphone sounded fantastic. After watching your review I bought a Stentor Conservatoire last year to start learning, I don't think I need to modify it, but I'll try those strings, and maybe the chin-rest too.
I've played fiddle for ~15 years, but as a kid just playing whatever instrument the parents bought me as it came. Now I'm trying to make things happen with a band and make some money, and I definitely need some upgrades. This has been a good start for pointers on if I should upgrade my current fiddle or get a new one👍
Hi Allison,
I have been following your videos for quite a while. The original and the pimped up one has a slight difference. It opens the sound a bit.
For this topic, I will give you and others my perspective based on my experience. I decided to learn the violin earlier of this year (with an awareness of the cost gonna hit me). Before I purchased the violin and look for a teacher, I had extensive research first. And yes I came across to your videos as well Allison. I read, I listened carefully, and compare prices. Then I made my decision to get a Stentor II SR 1500 Student Violin. It is above EUR 100. Thomann Europe provides the recording of the sound quality of violin types. Not sure about Amazon.
So I started my lesson with a teacher. I am very lucky to find a very good teacher. After about 8 months or so, my teacher asked me whether I would continue to learn the violin. When i told her that I would like to continue to learn this instrument, she said it is the time for me to upgrade my violin. Long story short, I came into possession of an antique German violin from 1850. (fyi: this also takes sometime hunting it all over the place).
My suggestion to you if you are really want to learn this instrument, please dont buy anything less than EUR 100. Why? Because from my experience, learning violin is learning to listen. If the violin sound itself doesnt produce a decent sound, you wont be able to increase level of your playing and the production of the sound. I was given the option to upgrade the stentor at the time, but I didnt want to. I dont think it will make the sound much difference. Other option here (dont know whether its applicable in your country) is to rent a violin. I didnt know I had this option before. If i knew about it, I would have taken this option. Hopefully this input helps
I could not tell a difference in the sound, I do not have best of hearing but totaly agree the ease of playing would be noticeably. I played once with my teachers bow which she said was $8,000. And it was like the violin played it self. Wonderful difference. Just go to a good violin store and trust their set up. Not that you need that expensive but in instruments a couple of hundreds of dollars in a quality up grade is wort it.
Hey Ali! :) Sooo, just a short comment for this topic: for everyone that has a cheap violin that sounds very harsh (like i did before), what you could do is - use a laundry clip on your bridge to eliminate those harsh frequencies - it functions like a practice mute, put doesn't lower the volume so much as an actual mute. I used the clip on the left side of the bridge, but you can test where it sounds the best for you.
Thats a great idea! Definitely worth a try!
I bought a violin similar to this at the start of the year. I found changing all these things are much better too. I found out the hard way. If you're not sure you are improving. Well, it's hard to tell if you are playing good on a crap violin. Improving all those things and then playing you can tell what you really sound like. It's hard to make a cheap violin sound good. I'm still a 6 month noob. But now I can see real potential because me and my violin are better.
I purchased the MV500 about one year and a half ago and changed the chin rest,tail piece, strings, and tuning pegs. The tail piece doesn't have fine tuners and the tuning pegs are geared. I think the violin sound better still not so sure about my playing lol
Thank you Alison. Your videos are really good. You are one of the major reasons that I got the courage to buy start learning/playing violin.
Unfortunately all the beginner setup that you suggest on your channel are not available here in Nepal. I got the only student grade violin that is sold here in Nepal : Yamaha v3ska44. I'll definitely wait and upgrade the setup whenever I get the chance to travel internationally.
Anyways, I can't stress this enough,
Thanks a lot for your tips and tutorials.
That Mendini looks bathed in plastic varnish, which looks nice and shiny, but also inhibits the sound from resonating out of the violin. Quality violins use a traditional varnish.
Very helpful. Looking to buy my first violin and this is useful.
I'm a beginner learner ms. Allison. Thank you for your tips on how to buy a good and playable violin.
I must buy the proper violin not expensive but a good one I think. I want to play violin at our church one day.
Can you please play some hymns? Like Amazing grace, great is thy faithfulness and how great thou art. Thank you.
I've been playing violin for fourty years (second instrument after my classical guitar degree, Sydney Conservatorium) and I really noticed the difference between the original and the 'pimped up' version of the instrument you purchased. I have a 19th century German violin and a 1921 Eduard Reichert and could be totally saddened to have to practice and play on such an instrument as you've shown here. Oh well, we all have to start somewhere and that starting, is really the most important thing. Another TH-camr (an electric guitarist) named his channel "Shut up and Play" and that 'theme or mantra' resonates with me often. Just get that instrument out of its case or wherever it might be and get stuck in and PLAY !!
strings + bridge make the biggest difference. Of course the bow for playing fast, spiccato and various other styles
I agree. I'm watching on my phone and I can tell a difference between the two violin "versions" and also between the two microphones. Thanks very much for doing all this and all the other great videos you make. 😁😁
Actually I didn't expect the original violin to sound bad like this even if the strings are bad. I think the sound was not good and I could hear three things in the original violin.
1-Interrupted playing
2-so bad strings sounding
3-bad sound in general like a cheap sound
Making some changes in the violin I think it doesn't worth at all but the new pirasto tonica strings made the sound of old strings really improve but it cannot be as good as an expensive violin because yes the bridge is good and yes the strings are amazing and maybe the tail piece made a difference in the sound that I can't tell but I'd recommend a more expensive violin with new set of strings would be better.
I'm sorry if I have mistakes because my experience is just with strings and violin reviews videos.
Underneath too much wood, there's often no difference between £100 violins and handmade £5k+ instruments. Sometimes a really nice, low density (sub .4) piece of spruce can be hiding under a hard nitro varnish as well as too much wood. It's really quite remarkable how good a cheap violin can sound if you're prepared to open them up, thin them out and pop a new bass-bar in. Sadly, it's something that hardly any violin shops want to do, but makes a highly rewarding hobbyist project!
Now I'm curious...
i do wish you'd also played the tune on your regular violin (i'm assuming one that costs at least a thousand pounds maybe?) as a comparison to the 'pimped up' cheaper violin...
The violin tone is clearer and less harshy , the overall sound improved very much
I’m planning on doing this with an Amazon Basics violin. I’m getting it as a “warehouse deal” for about $65 🤞🏻. I’ll change the strings and the bridge. I already have a decent second bow so I’ll have a knock around setup. I did the same thing with an inexpensive guitar and it turned out to be one of my favorite to practice on.
I have a violin in real life and I don know how to play but your videos are so helpful
Thank You Alison, good info I've been researching violin to buy. I have ear buds it sounded smoother.
A brightness in tone perhaps with the modifications slighty.
Overall playability as you mentioned was the bigger improvement in my opinion. This coming from a hard of hearing person watching on phone with earbuds. Love that accent of yours. 💕😊
Her Mendini sounds about like my Thomann 89 Euro violin: it does not screech but harmonically it is compressed. It does not really offend but it also does not in any way inspire. I think that most students should start with a violin that costs minimum 330-450 Euros new to get something that will last, produce a good tone and not frustrate the student. That is in addition to getting new strings, rosin, chin rest, shoulder rest and bow. Violin playing can easily get expensive quickly.
I would've liked to hear how the referenced $500 violin sounds as compared to these two. Maybe I missed it? But that's the one piece of information I needed to decipher if it was your playing or the quality of the original and pimped.
I can hear the difference from a finite rough sound to a smoother finite prettier sound after new set up. I would have reset the sound post, or ordered a better made and customized to that violin. I agree the violins less than $30.00 are annoying to hear and set up to hear better!
I don't hear a big difference in it,but there's a difference.
I think your own microphone and camera are very good. it's like these new model tails are metalizing the sound
We'll find out. I caught one at $79 US. It's a 1/2. It's an experiment to see if the problem I have had for 20 years is trying to play an instrument that is "adult" size. I finally measured from neck to wrist and got 20 inches so although at 67 I am an adult, my left arm is much younger.
The color of the $100 violin is so good.
Hello i have a question , I just ordered my first ever violin, i payed a bit over 100 $ for it from a reputable music store in the area (the physical store is close due to the quarantine, but you can order online and get it delivered in 24h). I made sure its made out of the right wood, the front is spruce, sides and back are maple and the fingerboard, pins and tail piece are ebony... That was something i didn't wanted to compromise on... As times goes I will upgrade it... I'd like to ask in what order you recommend charging these elements... Also the violin should arrive tomorrow, they have this policy that you are required to open the package when you get it and look if everything is alright, ib front of the mail man to make sure there are no problems with the instrument ...what should I look for?
Don't knowvif you read comments on older posts. But i like seeing your reviews about not having to spend 1000s of dollars on a violin. Especially for a beginner. I bought a violin on clearance from Kennedy Violins a brunnell G2.
I liked it because I'd dark wood, and very plain. My teacher says has good sound and should take me though years. She's not a pompous teacher who thinks better violins are expensive violins.
Her go to violin is still one she got when she graduated from high schoolfrom? Her grandmother for 800.
Hey.. I bought a fiddlerman fiber bow as well as a permbuccolo? Wood bow. And that rosin you recommended.
I started 6 years ago. Went though 3 instructors. Had to stop during to scheduling difficulty and just returned.
If only I had been playing all those years
Thank you for sharing the expertise, I bid on 4 vintage bows, with all hardware, I'll have to repair, but I bet one out of 4 should feel and play nicely. I just missed a nice Pro Hermann but the other bidder knew it was worth about 7000. But the owner and i hit it off good luther, he will get me one lined out, but excited to have the Stainers coming, the sound should make bluegrass and Irish music just a bit sweeter
Personally as an amateur I hear very very slight difference in sound, though I'm using a good quality headphones. I think it's more about the playability as you said
I am very curious to see what you can get out of that cheap violin. Besides all the technique-stuff I really enjoy your videos about the violin itself!
Nothing beyond basic level playing.
Even with the improvements it sounds like my teacher running her fingernails down the chalk board in grade school!
the mv-400 is the 1st violin I bought 5 years ago at 90$ canadian dollars about a year later I upgraded to the cecilio cvn-700. I can totally understand want you say about playability. I did upgrade a few thing like string. but got tired of it and got the opportunity to upgrade. Can.t wait to see what 500$ you will get to compare it too,
imo best bet is look on ebay or gumtree for second hand stentor for 40 and with them being used they should sound better
Hi Alison, thank you for doing this as I happened to have the MV-500, which was similar to your 400. I am following your recommendations to the letter. One question...on these models of violins, have you considered upgrading the pegs? I have heard some discussion that these stock pegs are lower quality and sometimes back off and do not hold a tune. Would you recommend an upgrade here and to which would you suggest? Thank you.
You can change the pegs, but it will cost you as they will have to be fitted. You can’t just buy pegs and shove them in as they won’t fit.
This is cost prohibitive and you may as well just buy a better violin like a Fiddlerman one - which are properly and very well set up.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thank you for the reply. I recently found that on my MV-500 violin, that the factory actually put the stocks pegs on incorrectly. My local luthier friend told me that each peg is fitted to a specific slot on the violin and on mine, a couple of them were placed incorrectly, thus with a small peg in a hole too big and causing my G string (no pun intended) to not hold a tune at all. Once he fixed that, the stock pegs seem to work fine so far. Thanks for your opinion...I wasnt sure if pegs were an upgrade option or not..Keep up the great work.
That violin sounded bad no matter what. If it sounds that bad in a professionals hand, what chance would an amateur have?
My advice is, if you are serious, is to buy the best violin that you possibly can afford and then upgrade its parts in the future as more money comes in.
How much of a difference do you think there would be starting with a $100 violin versus $200 violin? Is it steadily better as the price goes up? Would it be noticable to a beginner even? Cool video, I like these kind of comparisons for those of us that don't know a lot!
Not much. Yout need to be spanding $500+ for anything decent right out the box.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thanks!
These improvements might be worthwhile for me, as a neighbor just gave me a brand new cheap violin! A Palatino Student violin
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you for understanding why people upgrade inexpensive instruments... Because they can do it over time. All the snobs ask why people would ever put $400 into a $200 guitar but some people don't have $600 to spend on a guitar at once. So its easier to buy an inexpensive instrument and spend a little at a time to upgrade it. 👍 It may not have helped this one but that's not always the case.
That’s true I 100% agree. It is also a gamble especially when you’re just starting to learn whatever instrument it is. As she said because it’s like “dipping ur feet in the waters” to see how it can go from there.
I have doubts that investments in accessories are productive. If you have $200 guitar and then want to upgrade, it makes sense to accumulate $1000 then upgrade to a new instrument. Then accumulate $5000 and upgrade to a new instrument.
Here's the moral of the video: JUST GET A GOOD VIOLIN. $100 is good for a starter to get your foot in the water, but if you decide to pimp it up (which you should), you already spent about $200. You could have just saved up $400 or $500 for a good violin (not the best, but it's really good for a start). Or you can rent to by a really good instrument from an instrument shop for like a year. I'm not saying to completely do this option, but it might be better because you'll have an idea of a good instrument first hand (just don't break the instrument or anything).
yup, as another music youtuber said about keyboards, cheap "keeps the pressure off!"
i bought cheap violin for 60 euro from gear4music their own brand violin. after watching your videos I am just thinking what do you consider is a crappy violin? because before i bought it i googled that violin has to make from solid maple and spruce from which my ordered violin is made of. I am just wondering now would it be worth upgrading parts for this violin.
As I am very new to playing violin, I would like to know if there is a recommended bridge to buy for my violin. I purchased a Cecilio CVN 200 and would like to improve the sound. Are there any recommendations for strings as well? Many thanks for the suggestions in advance.
I am also new. I have a decent Bergonzi replica, so I put decent stuff on it. Bridge: Aubert - get a luthier to fit it. Aubert might be a little much for the Cecilio and a good luthier will point you towards an appropriate bridge if that's the case. Strings - Pirastro Tonica. These are Nylon core and sound/play better than steel strings. It won't make much of a difference until we get better at bowing, resonance and intonation -- ;) But the sound is out there waiting for us at the end of many hours of practice. (I hope.) You will spend more for strings and bridge than you did for the instrument - just be aware.
Again thanks for the response... I was obviously confused... I thought the chin rest you were recommending was of a higher quality (material) so when Amazon had sold out and I researched and found this on another site: I thought it was a different product... now I know this is it I can assess for myself which one I prefer to purchase... take care... YH bless...
Mulko Plastic Violin Chin Rest - 4/4 Size
Between the violin out of the box and pimped up, I really couldn't hear much difference. Comparing the camera to your studio recorder, the camera sounded louder. I guess you had the studio recorder volume turned down?
There wasn't much difference - that was the point. It was smoother to play as the strings were better, but overall, I would save up and just buy a proper violin.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor: Are you saying it is better to save
up and spend a minimum of $500+ for a violin??? Your thoughts
on the D Z Strad violins?
I bought 100$ violin and ive been playing this violin for several months i am about to burn it especially the d string and the bow drives me crazy (exactly same bow) (its my 7th month)
I clearly didn’t do my homework before buying my violin .I did go by the stars and what company had the biggest stars and yes I chose to get a pink one because I’m a pink girl but I can’t even get it to stop scratching like a dying cat .what do you suggest?
Upgrade to a better violin im afraid as you will never get rid of the scratch.
As Allison said, get a better violin, if not at least get a better bow
I have a fiddlerman Master violin outfit. Do u recommend changing it to much better strings and bridge. It costs around 900 euros. What do you suggest.
You could try different strings, but I would not touch the bridge as its not necessary with the Master. As for what strings, I have a video on this on my channel.
Hey !💗
Is a 100$ violin easy to tune for a beginner?
Unlikely to, but you might be lucky 😊
Unlikely to, but you might be lucky 😊
It's gonna be hard enough as a beginner with a good instrument. Ummmmmm there's a reason I know that. Lol
Please don't buy junk!
If you buy a decent instrument and decide it isn't for you, you can always sell it at not too bad of a loss. If you buy junk, it'll be hard to even give it away.
Nice vid. Very helpful for the tinkerer. I think you may be overestimating the raw beginner's patience though, mainly because making the changes you described would be relatively easy with all your experience.
I guess the deciding factor would be if the hundred dollar project instrument is the alternative to none at all. In that case, then of course it's a good thing, at least giving the determined learner a chance.
Nice informative video :)
Tim O
Thank you for the awesome video ! Gonna be fun upgrading my instrument getting to know it more :)
So I just bought a second-hand violin for £50. It's a Lark (which yes I am aware they have an atrocious reputation), but the person I bought it from got it for £100 (they got ripped off IMO - I don't think it's actually worth more than about £35-40) and they spent an additional £80 having a new bridge, tailpiece and strings put on by a professional. I justified the price I paid for it with the fact that they took it to quite a good instrument shop to have it serviced and bits replaced.
They said they bought it for their kid, but the teacher said it was rubbish so they spent all that money improving it and then the teacher said it was too big for the kid anyway and I think they were trying to salvage whatever money they could by selling it on. I bought it basically because I just want to have a go self-teaching. (I used to play cello so I have some basics).
I'm not getting a great sound out of it (I didn't expect to) but it's not terrible on the open strings. I even managed to get a decently smooth sound out after playing with it for a while. As soon as I start playing with my fingers is sounds like a cat being strangled. I've only had it about 12 hours so obviously, my own skill is a major factor in the sound. Any tips on how to tell at this stage if it has any potential? I might get myself a new bow in a few weeks if, but for now I just want to master the basics, re posture, bowing etc.
So firstly Keep your bow straight while playing and dont like wag it around while playing. I would consider looking yourself at a mirror and see if your bow is not dancing around and also try to learn the correct bow posture since it makes a major difference in sound. Alice has a video about it and trying playing open strings for a few days until you feel like you make a good sound and then start playing with your fingers. You have to gently apply pressure not too hard not too soft and also dont apply much pressure to the bow while playing just relax. If you feel it's not still making good sound I would consider checking out someone who has been violin for a couple of years or if you can visit a luthier. Sorry If my comment was not really clear. It tried my best. 😉
Would you say that for a kids violin too? Curious if there is anyway besides stuffing through a kids physical growth to make those cheap violins
thanks for the good advice!
I noticed a slight difference in sound for the better it definitely would be ok for beginners nothing I would use in a band playing old time music tho, the 30 dollar Violin your right it not worth putting money in it, I know your a Professional in Classical I would love to hear you play an old time tune when when your testing these Violins especially using drones and chords, for me anyways I could hear what the Violin sounds like before buying it for the type of music I play, there is 1000's of us old time Fiddlers out there that are very wary about buying a Violin on line in the upper dollar range, I realize your just giving us your honest opinion on these Violins and not receiving any money from the makers and we are very thankful for that, China has about 70/80 percent of the Worlds Violin making now and i'm sure i'm not alone when you see the word made in China it throws up red flags, every ear and taste is different searching for that Holy Grail tone that pleases your ear and taste can take years and sometimes a life time, more times then not the sound is found in Violins a 100 years or older as the old saying goes the older the Violin the sweeter the music, thank you for every thing you do all your video's are excellent and helps many many beginners and players
The wrong finish on the top can be a tone kill. Sound post placing , good bridge fitting all can effect a bit .....i am not professional but a passionate amateur
I just couldn’t tell much difference after all that work and throwing money at it. It’s like putting lipstick on a pig. This thing is what I call a howler. I’m glad I found a used Bunnel for less than this piece of firewood cost her. It sounds choked and nasally. The Bunnel is actually good enough for me to play for years.
The only way this might have been worth it is if you got the bridge professionally fitted, a sound post adjustment and the fingerboard planed. I've personally done it and it does really turn a $100 violin into something that plays more like 500. Though the sound will not improve dramatically it'll be extremely playable
Hi, I think your bridge is too thick after replacement. Look up the specs and carve it. Might be able to make it a little better.
No, it isnt. I can assure you its an Aubert bridge. If you are referring to the visuals of the violin towards the end of the video, then its the same footage as the one at the start.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Okay. That was perhaps confusing. The Teller bridge was definitely too thick.
To be clear, the ORIGINAL bridge was way too thick. MY replacement bridge was about as thin as it gets - i did not picture or show the new bridge in the video.
Hi! Great video as always!!
Very thorough technical analysis comparison cheaper violin to $100.00 Mendini CV 400. Before setup...Mendini sound OK with a subdued sweetness. After setup sweetness remains, but more open! Cheapo wood heavy, tight and an unwielding sound. Play this on the beach, soak in water, use to dig up turtle eggs....won’t hurt it. May help it, ie, when all are pissed! LOL
Thanks for this, Alison! Is there also a link to the swapped-out tailpiece? I didn’t see one in the description box. Thanks!
Sorry - I must have missed that link! Its there now.
Hi. I have never played violin before but am looking to get into it. But as many people. I’m not very wealthy but actually I have slightly below the average income. Could you send me some links with cheap but good for starter violins?
We're can I buy a good violin online?
The Fiddlerman violins are very good and pretty much the only ones I currently recommend.
It definitely has a little brighter sound, but just the ease of playing is probably worth the effort.
Agreed.
thanks baby girl...I played cello 30 yrs ago but Im doin EDM and acoustic/electric guitar wanted to add some virtuoso...im checking out the carbon fiber bows now.
Hi can you tell me what the best violin to get for a beginner please? I’ve wanted to learn for years, so I’m going to get one for Christmas !
bit.ly/2TCgWk1
The Online Piano & Violin Tutor Thankyou!!
Remarkable difference! Much fuller and richer sound on the "pimped up" violin!
Is the Stentor bow you bought as a replacement the same as the one that comes in the Stentor 2 violin outfit?? I just bought one for myself and am beginning to learn - already changed out the strings for some Dominants after watching your string comparison video :D
I don’t know I’m afraid. I just purchased a Stentor bow.
I have one of those 30$ violins with new strings a better bow and rosin and it plays decent... Not great but its the only violin I have other than my electric I think I will get the 100$ one :) its pretty nice
Buy a $100 violin, spend $400 in upgrades, and you have a $500 violin.
Probably you get $100 advanced violin.
You can upgrade this for $200.00 or less. I have taken a cheapo crappo violin a part, and sanded it a bit to violin makers measurements with a much better sound almost better than my Gagliano!
Firstly, thank you for sharing your expertise and for inspiring so many of us to add music to our lives. My question: As an adult beginner in the USA, I'm considering purchasing a Fiddlerman Concert Deluxe violin. Do you believe that a better violin can be purchased for a similar price - around $550 USD?
I dont know anything about the Concert Deluxe im afraid, but I can say that all the FM violins are excellent!
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thank you, Alison! FYI, the FM Concert Deluxe is the same as the regular FM Concert violin (FM #3), that you have reviewed, with the addition of a 3-star Despiau bridge, boxwood fittings, and Kaplan Amo or Thomastik Vision strings (chosen according to your bright/warm preference). I always enjoy your channel, especially the technical advice and reviews. Thanks!
Thanks for a very interesting comparison. I think the violin sounded slightly louder and a little more open after your upgrades. Making it more playable is the best outcome though.
Agreed.
Dear Alison, thank you for sharing your investigations. However, I cannot agree with improvement of sound by that new unshaped bridge. The new bridge has limited contact with the top of the violin and it is way too thick. Once well shaped I believe it would really improve the sound and behaviour of the violin under the fingers. The position and angle of the soundpost is crucial as well. Everybody can buy simple and cheap tools for changing the soundpost position and learn what effect it has. In my opinion the most improvement in this video is from the better strings, bow and rosin. There is sound change if you take the chin rest off but just by changing the type of chin rest I think there would be barely hearable difference. Anyway, I really appreciate how you do popularize this beautiful instrument and help people like me to start and improve in playing. I have one question - approximately when we could expect the new Violin book 3? Thank you for your answer and sorry for my english.
I think you mis-understand - the new bridge was a fully and professionally shaped Aubert bridge! The original bridge on the violin was super thick - this is why I changed it for a professional one.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Sorry, I have considered unshaped bridge based on the end of the video where the close view is shown. But during your play it is clearly seen it is fully and nice shaped. You should mention the price of shaping in the video. I think it is better to buy used better violin than pimp that mendini. For the price of that pimped violin you can buy used stentor conservatoire in the UK or hidersine violins. The new tonica strings is obligated, everybody needs back up strings.
I have a 50$ violin and it sounds crap. I've been playing for 5 years and I had a little improvement in terms of sound. Do you think I should invest in a much more high quality violin or do you think I should still practice until I sound good in a cheap violin?
OMG, 5 years on a 50$?
Please, do yourself a favor and buy something good.
Try to think on how much time you spend playing and practicing the violin to other things you spend on. I do not doubt you had spent more than 50$ on a party, or something like 200$ 300$ on a smartphone that lasted a year.
A 300~400$ violin will last you years and years, and if you do take care of it properly, it can even last for life.
lol of course it sounds crap with that price id suggest go for 800$ violin!!
What level do you want your playing to go to? Are you fine just being intermediate or do you potentially want to get gigs & be a pro? Let that determine how much you invest in your craft. Not saying break the bank on a thousand+ dollar violin, but intermediate violins will be a few hundred dollars.
Question - I have a little scratch on my violin, I was wondering if it's possible to sand down and re-polish a violin as you would a table with a scratch on it? Or would this mess with the sound?
Leave it as it is. Gives it character.
If you want to re polish it though, visit a luthier.
Hello there =) I want to start playing Violin, what is the best student violin I can get for under AUD $500? please?
Get the Mendini MV500. It's a grade above the one she used in this video, comes with a one piece back and actually looks good. Should still have them on Amazon.
Hi..my doughter plays mariachi she plays violin.what friendly budget violin do u recomend for her
I'm getting a $240 violin in a few days, are there any changes I should make to it once it arrives?
Only change the strings for better ones if you want too.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor alright, thank you!
You know Allison, from my computer speakers to me it sounds like the violin is full of rags- like its being muffled and with the new set up its like you took some of the rags out and it did open up the sound a bit. But I think even with that mv400 there is only so much you can do. My set up right now is newer fiddle that I bought for 3,000 and the bow I play with was 1,100 and I can say from personal experience that it well worth buying the best you can afford whatever that is or saving up to buy something really well made. It just makes learning so much easier.
Alison, Thank you so much for the wonderful information! What do you think of the Cremona SV-130? Also, I had itchy fingers when I was using the Rosin that came with the violin so I purchased a Gold type of Rosin, have you ever heard of this?
Also, I bought a better bow and have better strings that I haven't changed yet. Do you think I should get the bridge and tail piece before I change it?
I dont know anything about Cremonas.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Can you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE review the Cremona SV-130? I bought it before I educated myself. (Someone at the store recommended it) and I am so curious to know what you would think!
@@HarleyMami_916 If cremona send me violins to review, I will review them.
@@HarleyMami_916 I started out on a Cremona (not sure which model, but I want to say it was around $200 new). I don't have much to base it off of since I'm far from a pro, but it was a serviceable student violin to start out on for me. Nothing fancy, but did the job. I'm unsure of how mine compares to others of the same brand, though.
I played another $200-ish student model that was a Knilling, and liked it a bit better in all honesty.
Depends, if the bow is pernambuco which is the heart of brazil wood or if its just brazil wood. The tone is cleaner on purnambuco.
If you're going to spend $150 or so to pimp up a $100 violin to try to make it sound better, would it not be better to buy a $250 violin in the first place? :-)
Possibly, but in some cases it can be worth a try - but also, there are a lot of violins worth $250 that are total garbage, so this is where pimping up your current violin can help.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor can you then in that case advise me a good violin for a beginner that can stay for at least proximity of 5 years? My budget is 1000€
HI Alison, I going to buy my first violin and I thinking to spend between 200£ - 300£ violin, I have to say that I never have touched a violin before so it is going to be the one I going to learn with......which do you recommend me between those prices?......plus I want to thank you so much for your channel, the one I will use to learn ;-)
You cant go wrong with a Stentor at that price. Perhaps the Graduate or Conservatoire.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thanks for your answer Alison 😊 I going to find a Stentor. Thank you so much!