This violin is fantastic for its cost. I will try to briefly touch on the important things. For background, this purchase was for my five year old son, who is just starting out. I am not a violinist, but have a lifelong history of playing various instruments and can play the violin a little bit.
First, build quality. Like most production instruments, this violin is overbuilt. What that means is it is sturdy and can take a little bit of abuse. What that also means is it will not resonate as much as a high end or custom built instrument. For the target audience here, robust over sound projection is preferred. It is a beautiful instrument aesthetically with a good finish. Remember, kids drop things. A lot. These are for kids, so this build quality hits the target.
Next, sound quality. It is loud and clear. Out of the box it has decent intonation. It projects a nice sound (when played correctly). An important thing to consider, it is a 1/4 size. ALL 1/4 size violins lack that full vibrant sound. I will not penalize it for being what it is and neither should you. As a comparison, my son started with a rental. MSRP on the rental was ten times the cost of this one. This one sounds better. The rental had very old, dull strings that needed replacement. Changing them probably would have helped tremendously, but that’s typical of how rentals come—beat up, abused and neglected. I feel like this instrument, being a 1/4 size, is aimed at the youth who would otherwise consider renting. This is better than renting. It’s paid for in about four months worth of a rental and sounds better than most rentals you will likely be issued.
Finally, accessories. The case is nice. The bows are nice. The tuner is superb. It comes with extra strings, which I have not used, but I assume they are probably the same as what came installed, so likely perfectly adequate. The shoulder rest is complete trash. Don’t bother. File it in the trash can where it belongs along with the rosin that may not actually be rosin but resembles something more like plastic. It’s no big deal, pick up a good quality shoulder rest and rosin before you get started. The way I see it, for the price, those accessories were thrown in as a bonus anyway and the quality of the case, bows, and tuner are a great bonus. The instructional book looks good from thumbing through it, but we haven’t really gotten into it as my son has been playing the music issued to him by his teacher.
I definitely recommend this violin. Just remember, 1/4 size violins sound like 1/4 size violins. We deal with them because our kids’ arms and hands are small. We take their limitations that result from that size decrease. If your kid shows any interest, this is a great way to start. My five year old has longer arms than most of his peers, so this is probably more for 6-8 year olds. Most 4-5 year olds probably fit a 1/8 size better, but do your research or have your child fitted to be sure.
Hope this is helpful.
Mendini by Cecilio Violin Instrument – MV400 Size 1/2 Acoustic Violin with Bow, Case, Tuner, Metronome & Extra Strings, Kids
4.3 | 1,446 ratings
Price: 94.99
Last update: 07-09-2024
About this item
A great violin for beginners, these hand-carved, solid wood, half-size violins are charming starter stringed musical instruments for students of any age.
Our Mendini violin kit also includes a lightweight, hard carry case with backpack and shoulder straps, two Brazil wood bows, two bridges, violin rosin, an adjustable shoulder rest, and additional strings.
This 1/2 size violin is a symphony of artistry - designed with inlaid purfling, an ebony fingerboard, an alloy tailpiece with 4 integrated fine tuners, and a beautiful varnish finish.
These elegant musical instruments are crafted from maple, spruce and ebony – be sure to handle with care to preserve both the look and sound of your kids violin.
The adult or kids violin, like most band & orchestra musical instruments, is delicate. Please note the bridge will not be setup to avoid damage during shipping. Tuning pegs must be handled with care and pushed in when adjusting.
Our Mendini violin kit also includes a lightweight, hard carry case with backpack and shoulder straps, two Brazil wood bows, two bridges, violin rosin, an adjustable shoulder rest, and additional strings.
This 1/2 size violin is a symphony of artistry - designed with inlaid purfling, an ebony fingerboard, an alloy tailpiece with 4 integrated fine tuners, and a beautiful varnish finish.
These elegant musical instruments are crafted from maple, spruce and ebony – be sure to handle with care to preserve both the look and sound of your kids violin.
The adult or kids violin, like most band & orchestra musical instruments, is delicate. Please note the bridge will not be setup to avoid damage during shipping. Tuning pegs must be handled with care and pushed in when adjusting.
Product information
| Item Weight | 4 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 27 x 10 x 5 inches |
| ASIN | B01NBHB6HY |
| Item model number | 1/2MV400+SR+92D+FB1 |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars
1,442 ratings
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #3,299 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #5 in Acoustic Violins |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | December 5, 2016 |
| Back Material | Maple |
| Color Name | Varnish |
| String Material | Alloy Steel |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Size | 1/2 |
| Battery type | Zinc Carbon |
Top reviews from the United States
Erin W.
Value exceeds its cost!
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2022Pablo Silveira
Mendini MV400 Violín
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2022
Pablo Silveira
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2022
The violin arrived in perfect conditions in Caracas - Venezuela.
Conclusions: the violin is very good for starting to study and learn this type of instrument, it has a clear tone, it projects well, the violin is slightly heavier than German or Italian-made instruments (of course, these European instruments are of a different category).
In particular I changed the strings to get a better sound and I am playing with another type of bow.
I am really giving this instrument five stars since I understand that it is for beginners, so I recommend it for the whole community.
Images in this review
