I currently own eight Cecilio cvn-600 violins. What I like about these violins is the potential to create a violin with sound quality worth thousands of dollars. My collection consist of the first cvn-600 to current production. I currently have a new cvn-600 on order. What is interesting is that the weight of each cvn-600 violin has the same weight within 0.3 oz. This proves to me that Cecilio uses CNC to create their violins. This model violin has been reduced in price over the years, $500 to $160. It is currently an exceptional value. Quality has decreased slightly over the years of production, but improving lately. Cecilio has claimed in the past that the tonewoods for the cvn-600 are aged seven years. I don't believe that's true for their current production cvn-600.
As good as it is out of the box, There are improvements that can be made to this violin. The first is to replace the pegs with Wittner geared pegs. No more peg slipping. The second is to use better strings, Tonica or Fidderman are good. The third is to use a better bow, like the Fiddlerman bows. I also replace the tailpiece with a carved boxwood harp tailpiece, Musical String, tailgut, MI&VI Titanium Alloy Violin Tail Gut, and chinrest, Mulko Violin Part (GL3522). These parts are available on Amazon. Of course there are sound improvements that can be made like the position of the sound post, bridge fitting and placement, etc., but those adjustments are beyond the scope of this review.
Bottom line is that the Cecilio cvn-600 is a very good value which can be improved to have it compete with violins worth thousands of dollars. If you get a bad cvn-600, send it back for replacement.
I will update this review after I receive my ninth Cecilio cvn-600.
01/18/25: I received my ninth Cecilo cvn-600 today. The bridge was up and it tuned perfectly in a minute or less. This cvn-600 is beautiful with intense flaming in the maple back and ribs. The spruce top is very fine grained, just what a quality violin should be. The sound is great even with the stock strings provided. I can't wait to pimp out this violin with geared pegs, new strings, new tailpiece and chin-rest.
If you get a cvn-600 violin as good as the one that I just received, dance in the streets because you have received a great value. A violin at $160 with this quality is an amazing value.
Cecilio CVN-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with D'Addario Prelude Strings, Size 4/4 (Full Size)
4.3 | 1,060 ratings
Price: 192.99
Last update: 01-27-2025
About this item
Full size 4/4 violin with a solid spruce wood top, flamed maple back, neck, and sides, and inlaid purfling for a professional look
Includes a lightweight hard case, 2 Brazilwood bows with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, a quality rosin cake, and adjustable shoulder rest for comfortable playing
Strung with D'Addario Prelude Strings for optimal sound quality, the violin features a lovely satin antique finish for an elegant look
Perfect for beginners and students looking for an affordable, high-quality entry to mid-level instrument to start their musical journey
Includes a lightweight hard case, 2 Brazilwood bows with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, a quality rosin cake, and adjustable shoulder rest for comfortable playing
Strung with D'Addario Prelude Strings for optimal sound quality, the violin features a lovely satin antique finish for an elegant look
Perfect for beginners and students looking for an affordable, high-quality entry to mid-level instrument to start their musical journey
Product information
| Item Weight | 5 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 32 x 12 x 5 inches |
| ASIN | B00EOYK2FQ |
| Item model number | DA_4/4CVN-500+SR+92D+FB1 |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars
1,060 ratings
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #10,091 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #22 in Acoustic Violins |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | August 19, 2013 |
| Back Material | Maple |
| Color Name | Nickel |
| String Material | Alloy Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Size | 4/4 |
| Battery type | Zinc Carbon |
Top reviews from the United States
RichardIt's a very good violin, that can be improved.
Eric RobertsonExcellent value
Eric Robertson
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2016
The workmanship isn't entirely flawless; on close inspection some minor imperfections are evident, but nothing that would even be noticed save under a close inspection.
The included extras are nice. In particular, it is reassuring to have an extra bridge and the instruction book has more interesting pieces than I expected, such as for example the theme to the 2nd movement of Dvorak's New World Symphony. These are fun and inspiring to play.
The shoulder rest and tuner are adequate, but not exceptional. I ordered other pieces and use these instead. I also ordered a nicer bow, though I haven't found those included to be obviously bad. Someone more experienced than I could better evaluate the included bows.
Overall, by all appearances this is a remarkable value and I have no regrets about this purchase. This instrument inspires me to play, and I am confident that it is of sufficient quality to carry me to at least an intermediate level of proficiency before the need for an upgrade becomes obvious. Of a first instrument, I can scarcely conceive of greater success than inspiring these statements while simultaneously being quite affordable.
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