I just ordered one of these. I'm 67 and never played the violin before. I do play a couple of other instruments (guitar and accordion) and am basically self taught so I'm hoping to be able to make something like music come out of it with a bit (or maybe a lot) of practice. I enjoy your videos...thanks!!
I got this violin as my first violin 🎻 , looks great , in my opinion it has enough resonance to give you an idea of what resonance is.. compared to other cheaper ones I’ve tried. ( I obviously tried some other violins that the resonance was just beautiful ) Super smooth fretboard , light weight, sounds pleasant after you change the strings ( I got zyex medium ) I never used the Cecilio rosin because you told me not to. I got the dadario light . I also bought a new vingobow just cuz.. I recommend the shit out of it .lol
Your videos are so helpful! I'm planning on getting the MV500 as my first violin, but since I'm on a budget I'll probably just use D'addario prelude strings instead of dominants or Tonicas. I'm going to be learning from my friends in orchestra at school and your tutorials. I know for a fact that you're helping so many people with your videos. Keep being amazing, beautiful, and an inspiration to people, you awesome human! :)
I purchaced this violin online after doing a bit of research. Very good reveiews. Im glad Alison confirmed it. I will be getting a better chin rest as mine digs into my jaw bone as well as some better strings after seeing this review. Mine came as a package deal with two bows, rosin, an electric tuner and a rather narrow case that is difficult to store my books and lessons in. I think i paid less than $180 for all of it.
@@Endless2224 If it's your budget I recommend the Stentor Conservatoire. However, some people seem to like them and others not so much. It's mixed reviews so I recommend digging deep into reviews or playing the violin yourself if it's available in your nearest music shop
Hi Alison - I'm a guitarist who's thought long and hard about playing violin for several years now, and I finally decided to take the plunge. I'm normally averse to online shopping for instruments, but I'm on a budget. I did a lot of online research about the Cecilio CVN-500 vs. many other starter/intermediate violins, and your recommendations and demos sealed the deal for me. I got mine today and out of the box, the tone is far superior to anything I've tried out in shops here for 2-3x the price! Thank you!
Hello! I love your channel! I’m a 29-year-old graduate student studying nothing remotely related to music. When you said that you’d recommend this to someone returning to violin after a number of years you had me sold! I started playing when I was 7 years old and loved it! Unfortunately, my family moved around a lot, so my violin instructors, practice, and orchestra rehearsals were inconsistent to say the lease. When I was 14 years old, my parents separated and my mom moved us into a school district that did not orchestra program and we couldn’t afford private lessons, so it sat in my closet collecting dust. Well, recently, I've missed the violin. Every time I hear a violin, I crave my violin and the experience of playing it. I found your channel and I was inspired and determined to play again. So, I called my mom and asked her to send my violin and she informed me she sold it at a yard sale! Ugh! She said that she thought I’d never go back, and it deserved to be played. I can understand her logic, but I was still devastated. Around October, I decided that I wanted to get another violin and my Aunt agreed to split the cost as birthday/Christmas gift. As a poor grad student, I couldn't go over $200-250, but this review sealed the deal! I decided on the Mendini MV500+92D. It should be delivered on Friday!! I'm very excited, but a little nervous ordering it online and not trying it! I ordered better rosin then what comes with it and now I'm trying to decide on which strings I want. Thank you so much for your channel. I can’t wait to get the violin and start your lessons!
Appreciate the review. I love the look of dark satin sort of antique looking violins. I am on of those getting back into violin after many years of not taking lessons.
I quit playing after 9th grade for about 10 yrs., then picked it up again, then quit again, off and on. At 62 yrs old, I've been playing it more than I ever have before because I'm helping my granddaughter learn to play it.
I just purchased mine. I can not wait till it comes and I can put what I have learned from your videos to good use. Thank you so much for making these videos!
My dad is a musician of many. Plays guitar (acoustic/ electric), drums, keyboards/piano, bass guitar, he sings, writes and mixes his own music. He has been talking 7 years now about wanting to learn violin, and I thought while we're in lockdown this would be a great gift idea for Christmas. Thanks for the Violin reviews on this channel for this is really helping me and my mom with our research!
At the end my family agreed to this Violin! We liked its sound but also the color because it looks more expensive than what it is, because I want him to be happy when he sees it. I'm a musician too, playing piano and drums, I started on E-drums and one Christmas morning I went to go play and a new Tama set was there and cried lol
Interesting comments towards the end, because I feel that are almost reflected towards my current situation. I played the violin for almost three years towards the end of grade school and into the beginning of middle school. Now at the age of 36 I will be getting back into playing, relearning everything most likely. Perhaps, I will give it a go and try it out. It will be nice to be the 22 years of dormancy to rest.
Wow Allison, it's written all over your face that you really like that violin. It does seem like the combination of tone price playability that it is a really good value.
I appreciate the review.Im a beginner adult student and purchased this exact violin based on your review.So far so good, and apart from putting on new strings I have not changed a thing.
Hey you are doing a great job here!! I want to buy a violin but can you tell me which one you prefer more the MV 500 or the stentor 2? I can't make up my mind here
Thanks so much for your Cecilio reviews. Helped me decide. (I was looking for an electric, so seeing you play one showed me that the instrument would probably be well set up and not too much of a chore to play.)
I am looking forward to buying this and mabey replacing the strings with dominant strings. Can't Wait! Edit: I got the violin now and it is absolutely amazing, the reviews on Amazon made me worry but it came it perfectly fine, the design was exactly how it showed it. I'm so happy! :)
Good morning, Thank you Princess 🌹🌹, I'm picking up a few more violins for beginners, this one sure looks beautiful, sounds just lovely in your hands and at a budget price, the sound is way above the cheap cheap🎼
I am really liking this violin considering my tight budget. I have been playing the violin for about 4 years and I would like to know if it would be suitable to play it in a intermidate high school orchestra.
Actually that so called 'satin' finish is suited to a Violin with an antiqued/shaded look. Looks a lot more convincing than many very shiny, glossy Violin finishes. Don't forget that many old (and hugely expensive) instruments have been French Polished over the original varnish. Look at one of the top modern Violin copyists and you are very unlikely to see a very glossy finish.
I'm always curious how much the tone could be improved on these lower priced instruments with a good set up; sound post, get rid of the three fine tuners and make sure the distance from tailpiece to bridge is right, put lighter boxwood pegs on it, and put a good set of warm strings like Oblagatos on it. It's a good looking fiddle, though.
I bought one of these based on Alison's review. It was supposed to have been damaged but I thought I would fix it. Turned out it had not been damaged but treated rudely. I put really good strings on it and am finding it to be my favorite among my four, each of which cost much more. Cecilio products were good products five years ago, but I can't speak for them now. I read that they have taken their CVN 400 and 700 (both good products off their line. If you find either of these you will get a good violin, too.
The MV500 is now $179 (normally for $189) on Ebay. The same company sells on Amazon. I bought mine a few years ago for around $145. The prices are going up, so get one if you're thinking about it. By far, it's better than the violin I owned when I was in school, and it's affordable. I like the one-piece back, also, which this video doesn't show.
I got one on your recommendation Very nice for the price Good tone even with the factory strings and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the bows that came with it. The electronic tuner that came with it was a bit difficult so I got a clamp on tuner fpr $5 on ebay. Now I'm all set. Just need practice to get back to my ability of years ago. Thanks a lot this is a very fine violin.
Taking an initiative i changed the bridge on my cecilio 500 and took off the fine tuners put in a wittner e tuner was not easy. Been playing it for the last few months. The tone improved tremendously! Therefore I would recommend also changing the bridge on these run off the mill violins to greatly improve tone as well as strings and you look very nice dear love the color of that dress! Ugh. Cheerios.
I didn't carve one out from a blank dear, no luv I bought an Aubert pre-slotted bridge but I did have to sand the bad boy to the shape of the belly so I delicately covered the belly with fine grit sand paper and rocked that bridge back and forth, up and down, vertically and horizontally just to get the feet to sit dead flat. The sound has greatly improved even on the E string it just sounds better but I think this is also due to the wittner fine tuner cause from what I read the added extra length of the string brings out more tone/harmonics blah blah blah but i think it really has! .. before it was too shrilly and it was my least favorite violin the Cecilio was and now I can of dig it, it has a more darker bitey sound and that's with middle of the road strings but strangely I'm still! not all that satisfied cause I love the sound i get when my little Heifitz mute is slightly on so now I want to get that sound but without the mute so maybe a fatter bridge? but that's in the future hun. Now you go do that voodoo that you do so well, in other words ..keep up the good work : )
Hi there, between the MV500 and the Stentor 2 which would you recommend to me please? Always loved the sound of the violin and at the age of 48 I now want to take it up. First started looking at the really cheap violins, then onto the Eastar now I've come across the Stentor 2 as well as this one you're reviewing. I figured spend the extra and and get a better quality violin. Your videos are great and I'll certainly be making use of them very soon. Cheers
What about a Fiddlerman violin? I only really recommend those now over any of the Cecilios/Mendinis and Stentors. The quality of those seems to have dramatically plummeted since I reviewed them about 6/7 years ago. Since then, I have reviewed a vast array of the Fiddlerman violins with the Tower Strings being his latest ones I have just been sent: bit.ly/2TCgWk1 I released one on my channel 2 days ago that you might like? ua-cam.com/video/T8GBg40AcwI/v-deo.html
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thanks so much for replying. I'll take a look at the link you gave. It's a bit of a minefield out there with all the different makes and models especially when starting out. I ordered a book to learn notes, well didn't realise that it was for a Viola and not a violin. And after watching your videos with the pdf in lesson 5 I was finally getting the grasp of reading the notes even on the ledger lines, on the lines, in between and the lines as well as the above ledger lines. To then discover the books notes were Alto. At least before I choose my violin I'll have a grasp of the notes and where they are. Your content is amazing that you provide so from a non violin owner/ player yet, thanks for your videos and lessons.
Hi! I played the violin from ages 3-10, but now I wanted to buy a violin to get back to playing. Would you still suggest buying one of these beginner violins? Is it worth it investing more at this point? I'm really serious about playing again and was just wondering if it wouldn't be better to get a better one... Love your videos!!
"I think it would be nice as someone who has perhaps played the violin in their younger years and wants to come back to doing violin" Yup, exactly me right now. Thanks.
Great review, Alison. I've been curious about something, though. I purchased the Mendini MV650 from Amazon, and as far as I can tell, by the appearance and by reading the product information online, the MV500 and MV650 appear to be *exactly* the same violin. Are you familiar with the MV650? And if so, can you speak to this? What exactly *is* the difference between the MV500 and the MV650?
Daniel Culbertson The 650 has flamed maple back meanwhile the 500 its only maple. Its more like a visual thing, some people say the flamed maple sound better but I doubt.
Masterpg2007 Ah, thank you! I love my 650, but I agree I can't imagine that the flamed maple would make a difference in the sound. That sounds highly unlikely.
+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor how much does this violin cost in London is it good for a beginner like me what do you think about the smiling because you have experienced playing violins is it good can it be played outside out of home in church or on stage
I purchased the MV500 awhile back, and there's been something really bugging me? This is my first violin since I was nine, and back when we could afford a teacher, she always tuned my violin for me. The violin's sound is extremely low, and I'm wondering if I've tuned it to the wrong octave. I'm able to tune the D & G string to a higher D&G, but I'm afraid my (sort of expensive) strings will break if I do the same to the A & E. Is this a common issue, and if so, do you know of any solutions that you wouldn't have to see the violin yourself to suggest?
+Larissa Lownsdale I have not really heard of this, but without seeing/hearing your violin for myself its impossible for me to say whats going on. All i can suggest is that you take the violin to someone who can help as this is one of those situations I cant help with over the internet. Sorry about that.
+Poetic Pilgrim - are you using the correct amount of rosin on the bow? That makes a huge difference.....if there was no rosin on a bow, for example, there would be virtually NO sound.
Are your strings in the right place? IE are you using the correct string in the right position on the violin? My friend could get her A to tune correctly and brought it to me and come to find out she had the A and the E string swapped. I know it sounds crazy but double check to make sure.
Just wondered, would you recommend this violin over the Stentor II for the complete beginner? (Love all your videos and books - just about to start Book 2 of your piano course :) ). Always wanted to play the violin , just need to pluck up the courage. Enjoyed your 'mute' review for the violin -hope it's enough as I am anxious about sounding horrific and others hearing that ;/
I'd go with Pro Arte over Dominants any day. Price and the core on Pro Artes are mellower. It's nice how they fluted the scroll, but like all low price violins, you need to take a reamer to the peg holes. The pegs don't even go all the way through the peg box.
Just bought one. I tried the stock strings and then put Daddario Prelude strings on it. Spoiler alert: they give the violin more flavor. It actually does have a flavor now. Also you aren't fighting the strings when trying to play.
No, it’s not a bad idea at all. I have purchased a few and all have been really good and with a very good quality sound. Don’t be afraid, make your purchase and enjoy 😉
I bought one on your recommendation. So far I really like it. Not too much trouble tuning it Tried the shoulder rest that cam with it but I see no advantage in fact I got a sore neck but I haven't played for a long time so maybe that's normal. Lovely violin though.
Hello ma'am, I hope you're having a great day! I do apologize for bothering you by asking you a lot and writing comments as well. In a video you posted regarding violin, you recommended MV500 and in the description of this video you mentioned a different one. I feel confused about which one to buy, because there's quite many (I'm going to start playing violin for my first time in life)
Buy the most you can afford. If you can afford a Fiddlerman violin, I would get one of those as these Cecilios/Mendinis are ok at best. This is an old video now and even though what Im saying is still correct, there are now much better violins out there. bit.ly/2TCgWk1
I bought this violin recently. Had to return it since the button was of center and it felt like the string's were being pushed upward towards the g string. And the two bows it came with were just off in terms of how well kept the hairs were before adding the rosin unfortunately. Had a similar sound as your demo which i did like, but ultimately wasn't impressed with the outcome build.
Hi, I'm a guitarist that is very interested in learning violin, I'm just not too sure what violin to go for. I really like the dark look of the MV500 (very tempting) but I want to make sure I'm getting a violin that sounds as quality as it looks - I'm a sucker for rich tones. (: Thanks!
If I were you, I wold get the CVN500 - IF you want something quite decent yet at a very affordable price and something that wont be utter trash the moment you pull it out the box. Replace the factory strings with Dominant strings, and you are laughing! :)
Honestly I dont know as it depends on her size. Without seeing her, I really wouldn't like to say as she could need 3 differently sized violins - none of whichI would know until I saw her. I can only suggest going to a shop to see.
Hi Allison! I'm a violist in high school in Ohio and I just got this violin for Chrismas and I'm thinking about getting some Pirastros to put on it. Have you tried the Chromchor strings? Or would you recommend Tonicas or even Dominants more? On my viola, I prefer the Pirastro Obligatos but I'd like to spend less money on these strings. What would you recommend?
I have found a violin Beethoven that costs me 550$ pls tell me is it good or bad and is it worth it?? The seller told me it is too old but it looks so good and ut sounds fine
I'm looking for a decent intermediate student violin that sounds good in the lower registries (lol in hindsight maybe I should have considered learning the viola). Have you ever found one brand/style that sounds really good in the G and D strings? The one I have (Ming Jiang Zhu) is really bright even with darker Obligato strings, and as a violin-buying junkie (seriously, it's bad :P ), I'm curious what your recommendation might be.
+ladyeclectic You can get them, but you are looking at a high price - close to $1,000/£1,000 mark. If you want tone etc in a violin, you need to go beyond student violins.
I found a violin brand called aileen their violins seem to be very nice and its cheap I found in alibaba the prices start from like 29 usd I'd like if you can make a review on one of their violins
Hi Alison, Which set of strings would you recommend for the MV500? I am unfamiliar with balancing out dark and bright sounding violins with the opposite strings, and I'd like your help on choosing a new string set. Something below $35, if possible, as you've mentioned that higher-end strings do little good on cheap violins
can you do a video of the cvn500 vs mv500? granted you said the mv doesn't compare to the cvn range but in other videos say that the difference is the strings. I am having a hard time comprehending because there is nothing different between the descriptions of the two other than one comes with prelude strings. The price difference between the two is very small after adding the prelude strings. I don't mind changing the strings but if that is the only difference I can't justify spending the extra money on the cvn.
+Kirk Hynson (Swagger Jacker) I would love too, but dont have eithr of the violins anymore. Besides, you said it in your comment, that the MV range does NOT compare to the CVN range. The CVN is absolutely nothing whatsoever like the MV500. You cant compare the MV300 to the CVN300 for example. The Mendinis are Cecilios sort of 'budget range'
+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor I decided to just go with the mv500 and prelude strings. If I don't end up liking it. It isn't a horrid lose and I can upgrade later. Thank you in advanced for the lesson videos! 😎
I play in a blue grass band in the Saint Louis MO area and do a lot of gigs in the city; and a lot of late night gigs as well. Down side of playing late night gigs in a bid city is the crime, and there is a lot of it. MY violins are all over 110 years old and they are irreplaceable and sentimental. Not too mention all the years these instruments have in playing giving it a very cool sound. So all that aside I was looking at this violin as an alternative in the event I had one of my violins stolen heaven forbid. So would you yourself alison recommend this to a seasoned musician who is wanting to preserve his collectibles?
No! You will hate it! Its not designed for folks like you - its for beginners. I dont really know what to recommend as it depends on what you want to pay for this 'replacement' violin and how good you want it to be. I know you dont want anything bad to happen to your precious violin(s), playing on anything other than the violin you love can be soul destroying. I wouldnt want too unless my replacement was as good as my original, but then that defeats the object...
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor very good point and I do value your input to this problem that I face. My band leader has already had equipment stolen from in Saint Louis and a musician friend of ours has already been beaten to the point of hospitalization and where he played at was not in a bad "hood" either. And I'm sure you have heard about all the problems out city is facing even across the pond. Also there are days I miss living in England. I lived in East Angelia for a few years back when I was assigned to an RAF base, hope all is well over there. Anyway back on track, I guess I will have a decision to make here in the coming weeks/months. Thanks again for the help
I love your videos, thank you! But I have to tell you I bought this model a couple of weeks ago to have as something I can take with me on vacation, etc, so I don't have to worry about taking my antique Mirecourt violin, and it sounds like a tin can. It is awful. Any ideas why? Could it be the varnish on the wood? It is just truly gorgeous to look at, but I am terribly disappointed. I did change the strings immediately when I got it to a nice Fiddlerman set. Didn't want to spend a fortune on strings, either, since it was going to be a "traveling" instrument. Do you have any idea what I can do to make it sound any better? I don't enjoy playing it at all. I just bought a Fiddlerman Concert violin to replace it. Help! I hate to just put it in a closet and never get it out again.
I dont know why it might sound like that. This review was made over 4 years ago now, so they may have changed things on the violin. The wood, the bridge, the soundpost - who knows. I would contact the shop you purchased it from and return it as I cant really help you im afraid.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thank you so much for your prompt reply. Yes, I will return it. Keep putting out your wonderful videos. I have learned a lot by watching them. You are awesome! :)
What would you recommend- the Mendini V500 or the Stentor 2 for a beginner in terms of ease and good sound quality? I bought a cheap violin and kept hitting the string with my bow. I believe the bridge was not shaped properly and strings of low quality as it looks like they are fraying.
+Ally Zabady Either or, but if you go for the Mendini, it MUST have better strings on it. If not, it wont be as good. I dont know why, but putting much better strings on it, makes it a really nice violin.
I scrolled through the comments and I know you've answered a lot of questions about comparing Mendini vs Cecilio but I don't think anyone has asked this question yet so I hope this isn't like a broken record for you :) My budget for a violin is $150 usd, that means MV500 or CVN300. I watched your review on both of them and have looked at other reviews for them but can't tell which is fundamentally the better violin. With either one I plan to buy good rosin when I purchase it and a set of dominant strings within the first few months maybe even a better bow, so the cheaper strings and stuff on the MV500 aren't a concern, my real concern is that the violin itself being something I can learn and grow with for at least a while before investing in a new one again. If you were in my position having seen and played both violins which would you pick? Thanks!
You violin reviews are always the Best! I was wondering, I am looking for a decent and not too expensive violin for my Little Sister and I am sort of deciding between the MV 500 and the CVN 500, which one do you think is better? :-)
I have written about this in the description under the video, but there is NO comparison between the 2 violins. The CVN500 is FAR better than the MV500. The numbers are the same, but the CVN and MV range are totally different. MV are the budget range.
If you 'were' to choose between the 2, the CVN500 is the better option and it will last much longer and sort of into intermediate level, which saves you buying again.
Hi teacher... Why do you think this violín has not chance to improve in sound with the years ?? is this violín not Made from Spruce and Maple wood ?? Is it to much diference in quality with de CVN 500 ?? thanks...!!!
hi! quick question: are you playing on the factory strings in this video or did you switch them out? thx! i've been going through all your videos and enjoying them immensely. thank you for those.
Have they stopped making this? Followed your links, did a search, but cannot find this violin on Amazon or ebay. If you know of any new links for 2019 please post. Thank you. 👍
I dont know. I reviewed this violin many years ago, so it may have stopped. You would need to contact the company as I dont have any affiliations with them at all im afraid and cant help you on that one.
+David Cavinder Welcome - and please dont forget to subscribe if you arn't already (ua-cam.com/users/theonlinepianotutor)! Its free and helps my channel become more visible in UA-cam. Than
xMinimalistic Not having tried it with either, I wouldnt like to say except, anything 'decent' such as D'Addario or Pirastro or Dominants will be much nicer, smoother and a more pleasant tone.
Sounds literally a world apart from the MV300. The 300 didn't even sound good when *she* played it, and that's not a dig on her. This thing is fantastic, though!
MV500 waiting for me at home, plus a set of Pirastro Tonicas! When I saw how much you like the Stentor II and then you mention the MV500 is better… no brainer for a newbie. Away on military duty at the moment, so I can't wait to get back home soon and check it out. I surely hope you are working the deal through Amazon so you can get some love when people click through your site. In fact if you are doing so, you might mention that on your page letting us know when we buy whatever, it puts a few nickels/pence in your pocket. It’s a common thing in the states, and I hear it mentioned on some of my favorite podcasts… “click through the banner from our website and help keep the pirate ship afloat”, that sort of thing. Ideally click through your page, then add the Amazon link to my Chrome favorites bar and from now on when I click the link to Amazon it is associated with you, even if I don’t actually go to your web page. Hope that makes sense. Doesn’t cost any extra for us, and helps you continue to do your magic.
Update MV500: Violin looks awesome. Added Pirastro Tonica strings straight away, then found an instructor. 3/4 of the way through the 'All for Strings' book #1 my teacher suggested it is time to move up so I bought a much better violin (115 year old French violin from Corilon.com). It's amazing how much stronger it sounds, the fingerboard is matched to the bridge, strings require less pressure, and the scratch is gone. I'm also using a different bow which makes a big difference. MV500 is a good choice to ensure you are serious about playing, then move up! It's only been a few months but I have been practicing quite heavily and already knew how to read music from piano so my pace is a bit faster than a true beginner. The MV500 was great, and I have no regrets but look forward to the next chapter. I can play the entire Star Wars theme from memory but it's still a bit slow and I have a few clunky transitions, however it is magical!
waldipup Yes. The MV range are a sort of 'budget' range and not to be confused with the CVN range. The CVN500/600 are probably in the best of the whole range for price and playability.
I acquired a Mendini MV650 4/4 violin that is several years old, but doesn't appear to have been played more than a couple times (perfect condition). I want to set this up for my grandson who started playing about a year ago, and the school instrument is an awful VSO. I have not worked with anything from Mendini, I mostly work with Franz Hoffman mid to upper range violins and violas. Have you played the MV650? If so, what are your impressions of it? Is it worth my time and money to upgrade/set up (ie ebony tailpiece, Wittner geared tuners, tuned bridge, strings, better bow, etc)? These are things I do with $1000 and up violins/violas. I must say, that having just looked the instrument over, I am pleased with what I see overall, but for $65 how much can a person complain. After all, if it's not worth my time, it will make a beautiful decoration sitting on my wife's old upright piano in the music room. Thank you.
I have not recommended any Cecilio/Mendini violins now for around 7/8 years now. There are far better violins out there to be honest and much better for the price. Have you looked at the Fiddlerman Violins? I have reviewed many of his and they are all fantastic: ua-cam.com/play/PL6urkeK7KgD6qDtvVd-HSQbndDnMa1kYu.html
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thank you for your quick response! Yes, I buy a lot of stuff from Fiddlerman and I really like doing business with them. I actually bought the MV650 in question just for the case it was in. Someone had bought a very, very nice case for it that was worth way more than the $65 I paid for the whole outfit. The violin has just been laying around my shop, so I thought it might be worth upgrading it for my grandson as a step up from the VSO the school provided him. I have a couple very nice, high end violins, one made in Germany, one in Italy, that are both over 60 years old. One of them I am going to fix up for him, IF he keeps playing for a few years and really wants to continue. I just don't want to give him a violin that is worth a couple thousand dollars at this point. Thank you again for your input. It is very much appreciated!!
I think that this violin, for this price, looks fantastic and sounds fantastic, even better than the Stentor II. It's like...wooow.......! I shipped back the Stentor II because of a wrong assembly of the cords, but if I find this one I will buy it immediately. Learning on such a beautiful instrument works definitely better and faster...
Thank you for your reviews, all are very helpful. It's been a long time since I played an instrument (cello in 6th grade) but I'm very enthused about starting again on the violin. And you're quite pleasing to the eyes! Thanks again ;-)
Hi, I just recently bought a Mendini MV 500 as my first starter violin and plan on upgrading the strings to Dominant strings. My question is am I better off waiting till I'm more practiced at fingering, tuning, and using my bow (which I will probably replace eventually) or am I better off switching the strings straight away? I also need to work on my site reading as well. I used to play piano for band in my younger days. The only way I got by by slowly playing a price till I had memorized it and no longer needed sheet music. Do you have any tips?
+Aceleah NOW! Dont wait on strings - the whole point on having better strings is so you dont have to work as hard on the violin to get a good tone. I would ONLY recommend the MV500 as my fave violin for price and tone etc IF you have Dominant strings (or better) on. Without them, its a struggle.
I'm wanting to start playing the violin and have had no experience. I was considering the CVN300 but with the MV500 now the price of the CVN300 I was considering getting this violin. What would you recommend??? Thanks!
I am trying to decide among the CVN300, CVN500, and the MV500 as a first violin. I'm not much concerned about the differences in price among them. I agree that the MV500 is much more visually attractive than the CVN's, and I'm tempted to buy it and get better quality strings, but I note the comment that the CVN500 is far far better than the MV500. This seems to contradict the comments in the video. What's up with that?
I'm confused I can not find the cecilio mendini mv 500 reflected in your you tube video. Is Cecilio and Mendini the same company or different? I found top ten beginner violins as Mendini # 1 cecilio #2. Can you provide me a link for this one please.
Hi Allison! I own the mv500 and I'm looking to replace the factory strings. Do you think there will be a noticeable difference if I use dominants over something cheaper, like preludes? Is this a quality enough violin that it would benefit from higher-end strings? Thanks!
I would personally put on Pirastro Tonicas as they are bright and good quality and nice and smooth. As much as I like this violin, I would ONLY recommend it if you replace the factory strings with something better. I dont think preludes will be nice.
I love playing the violin and I want to get one this week but I want to make sure which violin for the price range of 100-180 American dollars. Thank you!! Which violin would you recommend?
+beautyinsideme I have a bunch of violin reviews I have done on my channel and they are all linked under this video. Im afraid I cant just recommend one violin as there are too many factors involved, but these review videos are there so you can make an informed decision yourself.
Is this your favorite, including the CVN line? I saw that you mentioned that the MV is a budget version of the CVN, and I'm trying to figure out which one I want to buy. I've never played the violin before, but I'm seriously considering learning, and right now I'm going between the Cecilio CVN-300 and the Cecilio CVN-EAV for which one to buy.
+Jen Strand The CVN-EAV is the electric/acoustic one I believe. If you are planning on plugging that violin into an amp and going out performing with it, then that one is a sort og hybrid between an acoustic and electric. If you dont want to ever plug the violin into an amp, then you dont need that one. Coincidentally, its based on the CVN300 model anyway. The MV500 is the best from the range in terms of looks, tone etc etc. Of course you cant beat the CVN800, but then again you pay a lot more for it. I only like the MV500 WITH better strings. If you do not want to spend money buying better strings, then dont buy the MV500. Even with spending extra money on better strings, you still get a better violin than putting that money towards a better violin.
+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor So you would recommend this one over the CVN-300? And which strings do you recommend if I were to buy it? I saw on a few of your other videos that you talked about Dominants and Prelude strings?
+Jen Strand The MV500 with say Dominant strings is in MY opinion better than the CVN300. Dominants might be slightly nicer than Preludes, but there isnt much in it. I suggest Preludes as they are cheaper Pirastro strings which are the best (again in my opinion) brand of strings out there.
+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Thank you so much for all of your help! I just have one more question: do you recommend the Cecilio/MV violins just because they are good, or are you affiliated with them as well? I do like the sounds from what I've heard of them, I'm just more curious
+Jen Strand Honestly, I was sent the entire range to review by Cecilio, which I did. Im not affiliated with them or any companies and i most certainly do NOT do any paid adverts to help sell products. I dont like being 'bought' or being told what to and what not to say or being micro managed by companies - which is what happens when they endorse you to review a product. I like the cecilio range and to be honest, they are as good as any other brand out there. All other brands have pretty much identical violins that compare. For example, the CVN300 is an almost identical violin to the Stentor II.
Hello again. Which Cecilio CVN is the following model ? 200..300..?: Cecilio CVN-Blue Ebony Fitted Blue Violin D'Addario Prelude Strings Model: DA_4/4CVN-Blue+SR+92D+FB1
+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Again many thanks. We do appreciate your opinion very much. You know what happened. I had to sleep early yesterday and my wife tried to place the order on amazon.ca. We live in Canada so the prices differed a lot from the prices on the american website i was originally looking at online. So although i had told her to wait for my feedback she just ordered the CVN 200 instead of the 300. lol.. well i hope you can give me some words of consolation ... After reading your advice now i am wanting to perhaps return the order before they process it and follow your advice. But as I said the prices are way higher here so would the mv 200 or 300 or 400 with later buying new better strings be better than the cvn or should i just let my daughter try out on the cvn 200 and if she pursued her Violin lessons well ..later buy her a much better violin? I know i sound very picky an hesitant. i watched your cvn 200 review and it seemed very good. i will not bother you further. Your opinion is very valuable and as i am learning about Violins. Very very interessting....i might just start myself. All the best to You Majd
I have this violin and I’m looking at strings for it do you have any recommendations on some that are cheaper but still sound good? And some that are more expensive but worth it? There are just so many and I’m not sure what to get lol. Thanks for any help
I have a question. I play the piano but I really love the violin too. I can't play the violin but I'm going to take a violin class next year in high school and this year is about to end. I found a violin on Amazon and I really like it but I found a piano there too but I don't know which to choose. Which should I get? I can only afford one. Please help...
I'm between Mv300 and Mv500. I really like Mv500 color, but does the quality actually improve from mv300 to mv500? If its just the color, then a 100 dolar difference is not worth it. Any opinions? I'm complete beginner.
You can’t compare the 300 to the 500 as the 500 is much better. If you get any of these, putting new and better strings on is an absolute must. Something like Pirastro Tonicas. If you don’t want to put new strings on or buy them, then get something else as these really do need them if you want to be able to get anything from them.
Lets say i wanted a violin just to practice and not to perform, i would later purchase a violin of better quality like a guanari del gesu, but would the mv400 work as practice in the meantime
I just ordered one of these. I'm 67 and never played the violin before. I do play a couple of other instruments (guitar and accordion) and am basically self taught so I'm hoping to be able to make something like music come out of it with a bit (or maybe a lot) of practice. I enjoy your videos...thanks!!
I got this violin as my first violin 🎻 , looks great , in my opinion it has enough resonance to give you an idea of what resonance is.. compared to other cheaper ones I’ve tried. ( I obviously tried some other violins that the resonance was just beautiful )
Super smooth fretboard , light weight, sounds pleasant after you change the strings ( I got zyex medium ) I never used the Cecilio rosin because you told me not to. I got the dadario light . I also bought a new vingobow just cuz..
I recommend the shit out of it .lol
Your videos are so helpful! I'm planning on getting the MV500 as my first violin, but since I'm on a budget I'll probably just use D'addario prelude strings instead of dominants or Tonicas. I'm going to be learning from my friends in orchestra at school and your tutorials. I know for a fact that you're helping so many people with your videos. Keep being amazing, beautiful, and an inspiration to people, you awesome human! :)
Just bought this beauty for $130.00 as a starter. I love the look of it! Thanks for the review, it made my choice much easier.
Cory Clement where did u bought it for that amount of money?
Wow that's good cheapest I've seen it is 139.99 after a coupon which I didn't have (paid 149) but either way it's a great deal! (Yours even better)
@@diegochinchilla3209 it was probably used idk
I purchaced this violin online after doing a bit of research. Very good reveiews. Im glad Alison confirmed it. I will be getting a better chin rest as mine digs into my jaw bone as well as some better strings after seeing this review. Mine came as a package deal with two bows, rosin, an electric tuner and a rather narrow case that is difficult to store my books and lessons in. I think i paid less than $180 for all of it.
I'm loving the sound, but then I remember that it probably wont sound that well when I play it... :( but regardless, I think I've found my violin...
Yes how's the mv500, any comments!? Am planning on getting one..
Can you give any comments on it? I'm planning on buying a violin!
@@Endless2224 If it's your budget I recommend the Stentor Conservatoire. However, some people seem to like them and others not so much. It's mixed reviews so I recommend digging deep into reviews or playing the violin yourself if it's available in your nearest music shop
@Gio T. Did you get it? If so can you give a review?
@@manu1434u Did you get it? If so can you give a review?
Hi Alison - I'm a guitarist who's thought long and hard about playing violin for several years now, and I finally decided to take the plunge. I'm normally averse to online shopping for instruments, but I'm on a budget. I did a lot of online research about the Cecilio CVN-500 vs. many other starter/intermediate violins, and your recommendations and demos sealed the deal for me. I got mine today and out of the box, the tone is far superior to anything I've tried out in shops here for 2-3x the price! Thank you!
Hello! I love your channel! I’m a 29-year-old graduate student studying nothing remotely related
to music. When you said that you’d recommend this to someone returning to violin after a number of years you had me sold! I started playing when I was 7 years old and loved it! Unfortunately, my family moved around a lot, so my violin
instructors, practice, and orchestra rehearsals were inconsistent to say the lease. When I was 14 years old, my parents separated and my mom moved us into a school district that did not orchestra program and we couldn’t afford private lessons, so it sat in my closet collecting dust.
Well, recently, I've missed the violin. Every time I hear a violin, I crave my violin and the experience of
playing it. I found your channel and I was inspired and determined to play again. So, I called my mom and asked her to send my violin and she informed me she sold it at a yard sale! Ugh! She said that she thought I’d never go back,
and it deserved to be played. I can understand her logic, but I was still devastated. Around October, I decided that I wanted to get another violin and my Aunt agreed to split the cost as birthday/Christmas gift. As a poor grad
student, I couldn't go over $200-250, but this review sealed the deal! I decided on the Mendini MV500+92D. It should be delivered on Friday!! I'm very excited, but a little nervous ordering it online and not trying it! I ordered
better rosin then what comes with it and now I'm trying to decide on which strings I want. Thank you so much for your channel. I can’t wait to get the violin and start your lessons!
Appreciate the review. I love the look of dark satin sort of antique looking violins. I am on of those getting back into violin after many years of not taking lessons.
I quit playing after 9th grade for about 10 yrs., then picked it up again, then quit again, off and on. At 62 yrs old, I've been playing it more than I ever have before because I'm helping my granddaughter learn to play it.
I got it it for 149 as a starter and your video made me feel better about my purchase and I'm def watching your videos to learn more thank you!
I just purchased mine. I can not wait till it comes and I can put what I have learned from your videos to good use. Thank you so much for making these videos!
My dad is a musician of many. Plays guitar (acoustic/ electric), drums, keyboards/piano, bass guitar, he sings, writes and mixes his own music. He has been talking 7 years now about wanting to learn violin, and I thought while we're in lockdown this would be a great gift idea for Christmas. Thanks for the Violin reviews on this channel for this is really helping me and my mom with our research!
At the end my family agreed to this Violin! We liked its sound but also the color because it looks more expensive than what it is, because I want him to be happy when he sees it. I'm a musician too, playing piano and drums, I started on E-drums and one Christmas morning I went to go play and a new Tama set was there and cried lol
Interesting comments towards the end, because I feel that are almost reflected towards my current situation. I played the violin for almost three years towards the end of grade school and into the beginning of middle school. Now at the age of 36 I will be getting back into playing, relearning everything most likely. Perhaps, I will give it a go and try it out. It will be nice to be the 22 years of dormancy to rest.
Wow Allison, it's written all over your face that you really like that violin. It does seem like the combination of tone price playability that it is a really good value.
I appreciate the review.Im a beginner adult student and purchased this exact violin based on your review.So far so good, and apart from putting on new strings I have not changed a thing.
Just ordered this, this is the only real video review I could find of this violin. Thank you very much :)
How did you like it?? :)
Thanks for the review. I bought the same violin last december and i love it. I learned a lot from your videos. I am an adult beginner.
Hey you are doing a great job here!! I want to buy a violin but can you tell me which one you prefer more the MV 500 or the stentor 2? I can't make up my mind here
What did you get? Am planning on mv500..but cant make up my mind..
Was wondering the same thing - how does it compare to the Stentor 2...
Thanks so much for your Cecilio reviews. Helped me decide. (I was looking for an electric, so seeing you play one showed me that the instrument would probably be well set up and not too much of a chore to play.)
I am looking forward to buying this and mabey replacing the strings with dominant strings. Can't Wait! Edit: I got the violin now and it is absolutely amazing, the reviews on Amazon made me worry but it came it perfectly fine, the design was exactly how it showed it. I'm so happy! :)
Did you change your bow and rosin?
Good morning, Thank you Princess 🌹🌹, I'm picking up a few more violins for beginners, this one sure looks beautiful, sounds just lovely in your hands and at a budget price, the sound is way above the cheap cheap🎼
I am really liking this violin considering my tight budget. I have been playing the violin for about 4 years and I would like to know if it would be suitable to play it in a intermidate high school orchestra.
I don't play the violin but I love watching your video's
Now you got me going on electric strings...
ua-cam.com/video/E6R26QSGPwg/v-deo.html
stunning looking violin.
Actually that so called 'satin' finish is suited to a Violin with an antiqued/shaded look.
Looks a lot more convincing than many very shiny, glossy Violin finishes. Don't forget that many old (and hugely expensive) instruments have been French Polished over the original varnish. Look at one of the top modern Violin copyists and you are very unlikely to see a very glossy finish.
I'm always curious how much the tone could be improved on these lower priced instruments with a good set up; sound post, get rid of the three fine tuners and make sure the distance from tailpiece to bridge is right, put lighter boxwood pegs on it, and put a good set of warm strings like Oblagatos on it. It's a good looking fiddle, though.
I bought one of these based on Alison's review. It was supposed to have been damaged but I thought I would fix it. Turned out it had not been damaged but treated rudely. I put really good strings on it and am finding it to be my favorite among my four, each of which cost much more. Cecilio products were good products five years ago, but I can't speak for them now. I read that they have taken their CVN 400 and 700 (both good products off their line. If you find either of these you will get a good violin, too.
The MV500 is now $179 (normally for $189) on Ebay. The same company sells on Amazon. I bought mine a few years ago for around $145. The prices are going up, so get one if you're thinking about it. By far, it's better than the violin I owned when I was in school, and it's affordable. I like the one-piece back, also, which this video doesn't show.
Wow thank you!!! this is very helpful I have been wanting to buy one for a while now and I think this might be the one!!!
Beautiful violin and it sounds great. I wonder if there is a left-handed version.
I got one on your recommendation Very nice for the price Good tone even with the factory strings and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the bows that came with it. The electronic tuner that came with it was a bit difficult so I got a clamp on tuner fpr $5 on ebay. Now I'm all set. Just need practice to get back to my ability of years ago. Thanks a lot this is a very fine violin.
Taking an initiative i changed the bridge on my cecilio 500 and took off the fine tuners put in a wittner e tuner was not easy. Been playing it for the last few months. The tone improved tremendously! Therefore I would recommend also changing the bridge on these run off the mill violins to greatly improve tone as well as strings and you look very nice dear love the color of that dress! Ugh. Cheerios.
jaktheknife How did you carve out the new bridge?
I didn't carve one out from a blank dear, no luv I bought an Aubert pre-slotted bridge but I did have to sand the bad boy to the shape of the belly so I delicately covered the belly with fine grit sand paper and rocked that bridge back and forth, up and down, vertically and horizontally just to get the feet to sit dead flat. The sound has greatly improved even on the E string it just sounds better but I think this is also due to the wittner fine tuner cause from what I read the added extra length of the string brings out more tone/harmonics blah blah blah but i think it really has! .. before it was too shrilly and it was my least favorite violin the Cecilio was and now I can of dig it, it has a more darker bitey sound and that's with middle of the road strings but strangely I'm still! not all that satisfied cause I love the sound i get when my little Heifitz mute is slightly on so now I want to get that sound but without the mute so maybe a fatter bridge? but that's in the future hun. Now you go do that voodoo that you do so well, in other words ..keep up the good work : )
Hi there, between the MV500 and the Stentor 2 which would you recommend to me please? Always loved the sound of the violin and at the age of 48 I now want to take it up. First started looking at the really cheap violins, then onto the Eastar now I've come across the Stentor 2 as well as this one you're reviewing. I figured spend the extra and and get a better quality violin. Your videos are great and I'll certainly be making use of them very soon. Cheers
What about a Fiddlerman violin? I only really recommend those now over any of the Cecilios/Mendinis and Stentors.
The quality of those seems to have dramatically plummeted since I reviewed them about 6/7 years ago.
Since then, I have reviewed a vast array of the Fiddlerman violins with the Tower Strings being his latest ones I have just been sent: bit.ly/2TCgWk1
I released one on my channel 2 days ago that you might like? ua-cam.com/video/T8GBg40AcwI/v-deo.html
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thanks so much for replying. I'll take a look at the link you gave. It's a bit of a minefield out there with all the different makes and models especially when starting out. I ordered a book to learn notes, well didn't realise that it was for a Viola and not a violin. And after watching your videos with the pdf in lesson 5 I was finally getting the grasp of reading the notes even on the ledger lines, on the lines, in between and the lines as well as the above ledger lines. To then discover the books notes were Alto. At least before I choose my violin I'll have a grasp of the notes and where they are. Your content is amazing that you provide so from a non violin owner/ player yet, thanks for your videos and lessons.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor thanks for this, really useful :))
Hi! I played the violin from ages 3-10, but now I wanted to buy a violin to get back to playing. Would you still suggest buying one of these beginner violins? Is it worth it investing more at this point? I'm really serious about playing again and was just wondering if it wouldn't be better to get a better one...
Love your videos!!
I have a cvn 300 violin i want to buy a new one i have been playing for four years , which violin from cecilio do you prefer cvn 500 or this one
I just bought the MV500 +92D as my first fiddle. Hopefully it serves me well.
Hey i am looking to buy exactly this violin, How is it after you have tried it for two years, do you recommend it?? Pls Answer
"I think it would be nice as someone who has perhaps played the violin in their younger years and wants to come back to doing violin"
Yup, exactly me right now. Thanks.
Great review, Alison. I've been curious about something, though. I purchased the Mendini MV650 from Amazon, and as far as I can tell, by the appearance and by reading the product information online, the MV500 and MV650 appear to be *exactly* the same violin.
Are you familiar with the MV650? And if so, can you speak to this? What exactly *is* the difference between the MV500 and the MV650?
Daniel Culbertson i wasnt sent the 650, it is the only one i dont have, so i cant comment im afraid. Sorry about that.
Daniel Culbertson The 650 has flamed maple back meanwhile the 500 its only maple. Its more like a visual thing, some people say the flamed maple sound better but I doubt.
Masterpg2007 Ah, thank you! I love my 650, but I agree I can't imagine that the flamed maple would make a difference in the sound. That sounds highly unlikely.
+Masterpg2007 Hmm,... the MV500 I just purchased has a maple flamed back.
+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor how much does this violin cost in London is it good for a beginner like me what do you think about the smiling because you have experienced playing violins is it good can it be played outside out of home in church or on stage
I purchased the MV500 awhile back, and there's been something really bugging me? This is my first violin since I was nine, and back when we could afford a teacher, she always tuned my violin for me. The violin's sound is extremely low, and I'm wondering if I've tuned it to the wrong octave. I'm able to tune the D & G string to a higher D&G, but I'm afraid my (sort of expensive) strings will break if I do the same to the A & E. Is this a common issue, and if so, do you know of any solutions that you wouldn't have to see the violin yourself to suggest?
+Larissa Lownsdale I have not really heard of this, but without seeing/hearing your violin for myself its impossible for me to say whats going on. All i can suggest is that you take the violin to someone who can help as this is one of those situations I cant help with over the internet. Sorry about that.
+Poetic Pilgrim - are you using the correct amount of rosin on the bow? That makes a huge difference.....if there was no rosin on a bow, for example, there would be virtually NO sound.
Are your strings in the right place? IE are you using the correct string in the right position on the violin? My friend could get her A to tune correctly and brought it to me and come to find out she had the A and the E string swapped. I know it sounds crazy but double check to make sure.
Just wondered, would you recommend this violin over the Stentor II for the complete beginner? (Love all your videos and books - just about to start Book 2 of your piano course :) ). Always wanted to play the violin , just need to pluck up the courage. Enjoyed your 'mute' review for the violin -hope it's enough as I am anxious about sounding horrific and others hearing that ;/
Yes
I'd go with Pro Arte over Dominants any day. Price and the core on Pro Artes are mellower. It's nice how they fluted the scroll, but like all low price violins, you need to take a reamer to the peg holes. The pegs don't even go all the way through the peg box.
Just bought one. I tried the stock strings and then put Daddario Prelude strings on it. Spoiler alert: they give the violin more flavor. It actually does have a flavor now. Also you aren't fighting the strings when trying to play.
Amazon has a 10% off coupon on this violin atm for anyone considering it.
I'm looking to buy my first violin and where I live its hard to find violins so I was wondering if it would be bad to buy off of amazon\ebay.
No, it’s not a bad idea at all. I have purchased a few and all have been really good and with a very good quality sound. Don’t be afraid, make your purchase and enjoy 😉
I bought one on your recommendation. So far I really like it. Not too much trouble tuning it Tried the shoulder rest that cam with it but I see no advantage in fact I got a sore neck but I haven't played for a long time so maybe that's normal. Lovely violin though.
can you please tell me which one is better (MV500 or Ricard Bunnel G2)?
I have never played a RB so I cant comment. Sorry.
thank you so much for these reviews they are fantastic!
I'm late but... g2
Hello ma'am, I hope you're having a great day! I do apologize for bothering you by asking you a lot and writing comments as well. In a video you posted regarding violin, you recommended MV500 and in the description of this video you mentioned a different one. I feel confused about which one to buy, because there's quite many (I'm going to start playing violin for my first time in life)
Buy the most you can afford. If you can afford a Fiddlerman violin, I would get one of those as these Cecilios/Mendinis are ok at best. This is an old video now and even though what Im saying is still correct, there are now much better violins out there.
bit.ly/2TCgWk1
I really appreciate it! I'm really speechless for the effort you give!
I bought this violin recently. Had to return it since the button was of center and it felt like the string's were being pushed upward towards the g string. And the two bows it came with were just off in terms of how well kept the hairs were before adding the rosin unfortunately. Had a similar sound as your demo which i did like, but ultimately wasn't impressed with the outcome build.
Off center*
Hi, I'm a guitarist that is very interested in learning violin, I'm just not too sure what violin to go for. I really like the dark look of the MV500 (very tempting) but I want to make sure I'm getting a violin that sounds as quality as it looks - I'm a sucker for rich tones. (: Thanks!
If I were you, I wold get the CVN500 - IF you want something quite decent yet at a very affordable price and something that wont be utter trash the moment you pull it out the box. Replace the factory strings with Dominant strings, and you are laughing! :)
What would you recommend for a small child (6 years) to play? For her size I've seen charts that suggest a 1/8 violin.
Honestly I dont know as it depends on her size. Without seeing her, I really wouldn't like to say as she could need 3 differently sized violins - none of whichI would know until I saw her. I can only suggest going to a shop to see.
Hi Allison! I'm a violist in high school in Ohio and I just got this violin for Chrismas and I'm thinking about getting some Pirastros to put on it. Have you tried the Chromchor strings? Or would you recommend Tonicas or even Dominants more? On my viola, I prefer the Pirastro Obligatos but I'd like to spend less money on these strings. What would you recommend?
For this, just get Dominants. Anything more is a waste of money as the violin wont be able to 'handle' anything better.
Okay, thank you!!!
Hunter Cuyler she uses dominants
I have found a violin Beethoven that costs me 550$ pls tell me is it good or bad and is it worth it?? The seller told me it is too old but it looks so good and ut sounds fine
I'm looking for a decent intermediate student violin that sounds good in the lower registries (lol in hindsight maybe I should have considered learning the viola). Have you ever found one brand/style that sounds really good in the G and D strings? The one I have (Ming Jiang Zhu) is really bright even with darker Obligato strings, and as a violin-buying junkie (seriously, it's bad :P ), I'm curious what your recommendation might be.
+ladyeclectic You can get them, but you are looking at a high price - close to $1,000/£1,000 mark. If you want tone etc in a violin, you need to go beyond student violins.
I found a violin brand called aileen
their violins seem to be very nice
and its cheap
I found in alibaba the prices start from like 29 usd
I'd like if you can make a review on one of their violins
Hi Alison,
Which set of strings would you recommend for the MV500? I am unfamiliar with balancing out dark and bright sounding violins with the opposite strings, and I'd like your help on choosing a new string set. Something below $35, if possible, as you've mentioned that higher-end strings do little good on cheap violins
Pirastro Tonicas
I noticed they don't advertise the top wood, is it maple or spruce? I'm guessing maple had been spruce they would have noted, but guessing.
I zoomed in on yours it's maple thanks
can you do a video of the cvn500 vs mv500? granted you said the mv doesn't compare to the cvn range but in other videos say that the difference is the strings. I am having a hard time comprehending because there is nothing different between the descriptions of the two other than one comes with prelude strings. The price difference between the two is very small after adding the prelude strings. I don't mind changing the strings but if that is the only difference I can't justify spending the extra money on the cvn.
+Kirk Hynson (Swagger Jacker) I would love too, but dont have eithr of the violins anymore. Besides, you said it in your comment, that the MV range does NOT compare to the CVN range. The CVN is absolutely nothing whatsoever like the MV500. You cant compare the MV300 to the CVN300 for example. The Mendinis are Cecilios sort of 'budget range'
+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor I decided to just go with the mv500 and prelude strings. If I don't end up liking it. It isn't a horrid lose and I can upgrade later. Thank you in advanced for the lesson videos! 😎
I play in a blue grass band in the Saint Louis MO area and do a lot of gigs in the city; and a lot of late night gigs as well. Down side of playing late night gigs in a bid city is the crime, and there is a lot of it. MY violins are all over 110 years old and they are irreplaceable and sentimental. Not too mention all the years these instruments have in playing giving it a very cool sound. So all that aside I was looking at this violin as an alternative in the event I had one of my violins stolen heaven forbid. So would you yourself alison recommend this to a seasoned musician who is wanting to preserve his collectibles?
No! You will hate it! Its not designed for folks like you - its for beginners. I dont really know what to recommend as it depends on what you want to pay for this 'replacement' violin and how good you want it to be. I know you dont want anything bad to happen to your precious violin(s), playing on anything other than the violin you love can be soul destroying.
I wouldnt want too unless my replacement was as good as my original, but then that defeats the object...
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor very good point and I do value your input to this problem that I face. My band leader has already had equipment stolen from in Saint Louis and a musician friend of ours has already been beaten to the point of hospitalization and where he played at was not in a bad "hood" either. And I'm sure you have heard about all the problems out city is facing even across the pond. Also there are days I miss living in England. I lived in East Angelia for a few years back when I was assigned to an RAF base, hope all is well over there. Anyway back on track, I guess I will have a decision to make here in the coming weeks/months. Thanks again for the help
I love your videos, thank you! But I have to tell you I bought this model a couple of weeks ago to have as something I can take with me on vacation, etc, so I don't have to worry about taking my antique Mirecourt violin, and it sounds like a tin can. It is awful. Any ideas why? Could it be the varnish on the wood? It is just truly gorgeous to look at, but I am terribly disappointed. I did change the strings immediately when I got it to a nice Fiddlerman set. Didn't want to spend a fortune on strings, either, since it was going to be a "traveling" instrument. Do you have any idea what I can do to make it sound any better? I don't enjoy playing it at all. I just bought a Fiddlerman Concert violin to replace it. Help! I hate to just put it in a closet and never get it out again.
I dont know why it might sound like that. This review was made over 4 years ago now, so they may have changed things on the violin. The wood, the bridge, the soundpost - who knows. I would contact the shop you purchased it from and return it as I cant really help you im afraid.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thank you so much for your prompt reply. Yes, I will return it. Keep putting out your wonderful videos. I have learned a lot by watching them. You are awesome! :)
What would you recommend- the Mendini V500 or the Stentor 2 for a beginner in terms of ease and good sound quality? I bought a cheap violin and kept hitting the string with my bow. I believe the bridge was not shaped properly and strings of low quality as it looks like they are fraying.
+Ally Zabady Either or, but if you go for the Mendini, it MUST have better strings on it. If not, it wont be as good. I dont know why, but putting much better strings on it, makes it a really nice violin.
I scrolled through the comments and I know you've answered a lot of questions about comparing Mendini vs Cecilio but I don't think anyone has asked this question yet so I hope this isn't like a broken record for you :) My budget for a violin is $150 usd, that means MV500 or CVN300. I watched your review on both of them and have looked at other reviews for them but can't tell which is fundamentally the better violin. With either one I plan to buy good rosin when I purchase it and a set of dominant strings within the first few months maybe even a better bow, so the cheaper strings and stuff on the MV500 aren't a concern, my real concern is that the violin itself being something I can learn and grow with for at least a while before investing in a new one again. If you were in my position having seen and played both violins which would you pick? Thanks!
+skippenmydesign Neither - I would scrape together $30 more and buy this: goo.gl/K0f2tx
The end. lol :))
+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor haha well that answer works! Thank you so much, I really appreciate it :)
+skippenmydesign lol no worries!
You violin reviews are always the Best! I was wondering, I am looking for a decent and not too expensive violin for my Little Sister and I am sort of deciding between the MV 500 and the CVN 500, which one do you think is better? :-)
I have written about this in the description under the video, but there is NO comparison between the 2 violins. The CVN500 is FAR better than the MV500. The numbers are the same, but the CVN and MV range are totally different. MV are the budget range.
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Ok thankyou :-)
If you 'were' to choose between the 2, the CVN500 is the better option and it will last much longer and sort of into intermediate level, which saves you buying again.
+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor
Ok. Thankyou very much for the reply! Have a lovely Day! 😊
Can you compare this with stentor 1500 ?
Hi teacher... Why do you think this violín has not chance to improve in sound with the years ?? is this violín not Made from Spruce and Maple wood ?? Is it to much diference in quality with de CVN 500 ?? thanks...!!!
hi! quick question: are you playing on the factory strings in this video or did you switch them out? thx! i've been going through all your videos and enjoying them immensely. thank you for those.
I dont change anything on any of the violins I review.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor thanks for the swift reply! i can live with those for a month or two while it and i decide what new strings it should have.
This violin is really good I got one of it , it's so easy to tune the pegs doesn't slip , it's good Sound
Are you going to cover Crystallize?
I think I am going to start playing... I really am into this
Have they stopped making this? Followed your links, did a search, but cannot find this violin on Amazon or ebay. If you know of any new links for 2019 please post. Thank you. 👍
I dont know. I reviewed this violin many years ago, so it may have stopped. You would need to contact the company as I dont have any affiliations with them at all im afraid and cant help you on that one.
After further investigation it looks as if its only available on the US Amazon site. 👍
Thank you Allison very much appreciate your response :-)
+David Cavinder Welcome - and please dont forget to subscribe if you arn't already (ua-cam.com/users/theonlinepianotutor)! Its free and helps my channel become more visible in UA-cam. Than
I have a question should I buy a better violin bow or is the bow that comes with it fine?
Pirastro Tonicas or Chorda? For this violin. I own one myself and planning to upgrade strings from the crappy factory one.
xMinimalistic Not having tried it with either, I wouldnt like to say except, anything 'decent' such as D'Addario or Pirastro or Dominants will be much nicer, smoother and a more pleasant tone.
Sounds literally a world apart from the MV300. The 300 didn't even sound good when *she* played it, and that's not a dig on her. This thing is fantastic, though!
MV500 waiting for me at home, plus a set of Pirastro Tonicas! When I saw how much you like the Stentor II and then you mention the MV500 is better… no brainer for a newbie. Away on military duty at the moment, so I can't wait to get back home soon and check it out. I surely hope you are working the deal through Amazon so you can get some love when people click through your site. In fact if you are doing so, you might mention that on your page letting us know when we buy whatever, it puts a few nickels/pence in your pocket. It’s a common thing in the states, and I hear it mentioned on some of my favorite podcasts… “click through the banner from our website and help keep the pirate ship afloat”, that sort of thing. Ideally click through your page, then add the Amazon link to my Chrome favorites bar and from now on when I click the link to Amazon it is associated with you, even if I don’t actually go to your web page. Hope that makes sense. Doesn’t cost any extra for us, and helps you continue to do your magic.
Update MV500: Violin looks awesome. Added Pirastro Tonica strings straight away, then found an instructor. 3/4 of the way through the 'All for Strings' book #1 my teacher suggested it is time to move up so I bought a much better violin (115 year old French violin from Corilon.com). It's amazing how much stronger it sounds, the fingerboard is matched to the bridge, strings require less pressure, and the scratch is gone. I'm also using a different bow which makes a big difference. MV500 is a good choice to ensure you are serious about playing, then move up! It's only been a few months but I have been practicing quite heavily and already knew how to read music from piano so my pace is a bit faster than a true beginner. The MV500 was great, and I have no regrets but look forward to the next chapter. I can play the entire Star Wars theme from memory but it's still a bit slow and I have a few clunky transitions, however it is magical!
James VanWinkle thank you for sharing your experience with it!
I didn't catch which CVN you comp'd this with .
Is the CVN500 superior to this?
waldipup Yes. The MV range are a sort of 'budget' range and not to be confused with the CVN range. The CVN500/600 are probably in the best of the whole range for price and playability.
You've reviewed both, but which is better? Medini MV500 or Stentor II? Thanks!!
+Jesus Gerardo Galaz Montoya The SII by a LONG shot. The MV range are Cecilios sort of 'budget' range.
Great review 😊
but I really need you to help me to choose between (MV500 or Cecilio CVN500) I'm a beginner student and I actually have 200$
Baqer Ammar The MVs are more 'budget' violins so the CVN500 is FAR superior to the MV500.
I acquired a Mendini MV650 4/4 violin that is several years old, but doesn't appear to have been played more than a couple times (perfect condition). I want to set this up for my grandson who started playing about a year ago, and the school instrument is an awful VSO. I have not worked with anything from Mendini, I mostly work with Franz Hoffman mid to upper range violins and violas. Have you played the MV650? If so, what are your impressions of it? Is it worth my time and money to upgrade/set up (ie ebony tailpiece, Wittner geared tuners, tuned bridge, strings, better bow, etc)? These are things I do with $1000 and up violins/violas. I must say, that having just looked the instrument over, I am pleased with what I see overall, but for $65 how much can a person complain. After all, if it's not worth my time, it will make a beautiful decoration sitting on my wife's old upright piano in the music room. Thank you.
I have not recommended any Cecilio/Mendini violins now for around 7/8 years now. There are far better violins out there to be honest and much better for the price.
Have you looked at the Fiddlerman Violins? I have reviewed many of his and they are all fantastic: ua-cam.com/play/PL6urkeK7KgD6qDtvVd-HSQbndDnMa1kYu.html
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thank you for your quick response! Yes, I buy a lot of stuff from Fiddlerman and I really like doing business with them. I actually bought the MV650 in question just for the case it was in. Someone had bought a very, very nice case for it that was worth way more than the $65 I paid for the whole outfit. The violin has just been laying around my shop, so I thought it might be worth upgrading it for my grandson as a step up from the VSO the school provided him. I have a couple very nice, high end violins, one made in Germany, one in Italy, that are both over 60 years old. One of them I am going to fix up for him, IF he keeps playing for a few years and really wants to continue. I just don't want to give him a violin that is worth a couple thousand dollars at this point. Thank you again for your input. It is very much appreciated!!
I think that this violin, for this price, looks fantastic and sounds fantastic, even better than the Stentor II. It's like...wooow.......! I shipped back the Stentor II because of a wrong assembly of the cords, but if I find this one I will buy it immediately. Learning on such a beautiful instrument works definitely better and faster...
and as I thought, nobody ship to my country. What a pity...
Thank you for your reviews, all are very helpful. It's been a long time since I played an instrument (cello in 6th grade) but I'm very enthused about starting again on the violin.
And you're quite pleasing to the eyes!
Thanks again ;-)
Hi, I just recently bought a Mendini MV 500 as my first starter violin and plan on upgrading the strings to Dominant strings. My question is am I better off waiting till I'm more practiced at fingering, tuning, and using my bow (which I will probably replace eventually) or am I better off switching the strings straight away?
I also need to work on my site reading as well. I used to play piano for band in my younger days. The only way I got by by slowly playing a price till I had memorized it and no longer needed sheet music. Do you have any tips?
+Aceleah NOW! Dont wait on strings - the whole point on having better strings is so you dont have to work as hard on the violin to get a good tone. I would ONLY recommend the MV500 as my fave violin for price and tone etc IF you have Dominant strings (or better) on. Without them, its a struggle.
+Aceleah Probably you an maybe because you need more rosin on the bow. Its most likely you because you are new.
I'm wanting to start playing the violin and have had no experience. I was considering the CVN300 but with the MV500 now the price of the CVN300 I was considering getting this violin. What would you recommend???
Thanks!
Here is what I think of both: ua-cam.com/video/GV92_Sh3tno/v-deo.html
I am trying to decide among the CVN300, CVN500, and the MV500 as a first violin. I'm not much concerned about the differences in price among them. I agree that the MV500 is much more visually attractive than the CVN's, and I'm tempted to buy it and get better quality strings, but I note the comment that the CVN500 is far far better than the MV500. This seems to contradict the comments in the video. What's up with that?
The cvn500 is way better than any of them. Replace the strings with dominants and you are laughing!
Thanks! You are wonderful!
Incredibly helpful, thank you so much!
I'm confused I can not find the cecilio mendini mv 500 reflected in your you tube video. Is Cecilio and Mendini the same company or different? I found top ten beginner violins as Mendini # 1 cecilio #2. Can you provide me a link for this one please.
Available in Canada?
Hi Allison! I own the mv500 and I'm looking to replace the factory strings. Do you think there will be a noticeable difference if I use dominants over something cheaper, like preludes? Is this a quality enough violin that it would benefit from higher-end strings? Thanks!
I would personally put on Pirastro Tonicas as they are bright and good quality and nice and smooth. As much as I like this violin, I would ONLY recommend it if you replace the factory strings with something better. I dont think preludes will be nice.
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Thanks for the response! I'll give the Tonicas a try.
I love playing the violin and I want to get one this week but I want to make sure which violin for the price range of 100-180 American dollars. Thank you!! Which violin would you recommend?
+beautyinsideme I have a bunch of violin reviews I have done on my channel and they are all linked under this video. Im afraid I cant just recommend one violin as there are too many factors involved, but these review videos are there so you can make an informed decision yourself.
Hello, question here: If I put a set of Dominant strings on the Mendini MV-500 would it be a better overall violin than the Cecilio CVN-300?
Is this your favorite, including the CVN line? I saw that you mentioned that the MV is a budget version of the CVN, and I'm trying to figure out which one I want to buy. I've never played the violin before, but I'm seriously considering learning, and right now I'm going between the Cecilio CVN-300 and the Cecilio CVN-EAV for which one to buy.
+Jen Strand The CVN-EAV is the electric/acoustic one I believe. If you are planning on plugging that violin into an amp and going out performing with it, then that one is a sort og hybrid between an acoustic and electric. If you dont want to ever plug the violin into an amp, then you dont need that one. Coincidentally, its based on the CVN300 model anyway.
The MV500 is the best from the range in terms of looks, tone etc etc. Of course you cant beat the CVN800, but then again you pay a lot more for it. I only like the MV500 WITH better strings. If you do not want to spend money buying better strings, then dont buy the MV500. Even with spending extra money on better strings, you still get a better violin than putting that money towards a better violin.
+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor So you would recommend this one over the CVN-300? And which strings do you recommend if I were to buy it? I saw on a few of your other videos that you talked about Dominants and Prelude strings?
+Jen Strand The MV500 with say Dominant strings is in MY opinion better than the CVN300. Dominants might be slightly nicer than Preludes, but there isnt much in it. I suggest Preludes as they are cheaper Pirastro strings which are the best (again in my opinion) brand of strings out there.
+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Thank you so much for all of your help! I just have one more question: do you recommend the Cecilio/MV violins just because they are good, or are you affiliated with them as well? I do like the sounds from what I've heard of them, I'm just more curious
+Jen Strand Honestly, I was sent the entire range to review by Cecilio, which I did. Im not affiliated with them or any companies and i most certainly do NOT do any paid adverts to help sell products. I dont like being 'bought' or being told what to and what not to say or being micro managed by companies - which is what happens when they endorse you to review a product.
I like the cecilio range and to be honest, they are as good as any other brand out there. All other brands have pretty much identical violins that compare. For example, the CVN300 is an almost identical violin to the Stentor II.
Can I ask? Do the type of wood used for fingerboard affects the vibrato?
Hello again.
Which Cecilio CVN is the following model ? 200..300..?:
Cecilio CVN-Blue Ebony Fitted Blue Violin D'Addario Prelude Strings
Model: DA_4/4CVN-Blue+SR+92D+FB1
+Majd Al-Zaim Most likely the CVN300.
+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor
Again many thanks. We do appreciate your opinion very much. You know what happened. I had to sleep early yesterday and my wife tried to place the order on amazon.ca. We live in Canada so the prices differed a lot from the prices on the american website i was originally looking at online. So although i had told her to wait for my feedback she just ordered the CVN 200 instead of the 300. lol.. well i hope you can give me some words of consolation ... After reading your advice now i am wanting to perhaps return the order before they process it and follow your advice. But as I said the prices are way higher here so would the mv 200 or 300 or 400 with later buying new better strings be better than the cvn or should i just let my daughter try out on the cvn 200 and if she pursued her Violin lessons well ..later buy her a much better violin? I know i sound very picky an hesitant. i watched your cvn 200 review and it seemed very good. i will not bother you further. Your opinion is very valuable and as i am learning about Violins. Very very interessting....i might just start myself. All the best to You
Majd
I have this violin and I’m looking at strings for it do you have any recommendations on some that are cheaper but still sound good? And some that are more expensive but worth it? There are just so many and I’m not sure what to get lol. Thanks for any help
You could try Pirastro Tonicas.
I have a question. I play the piano but I really love the violin too. I can't play the violin but I'm going to take a violin class next year in high school and this year is about to end. I found a violin on Amazon and I really like it but I found a piano there too but I don't know which to choose. Which should I get? I can only afford one. Please help...
Gigi Perez Totally up to you - I cant make that decision for you, only you can.
Can u tell me, which violin r best for the beginners plzz mam😊
Buying it, thank you
Alison, just wondering, what kind of violin do you personally use the most?
My antique circa 1850 Mittenwald violin
I'm between Mv300 and Mv500.
I really like Mv500 color, but does the quality actually improve from mv300 to mv500? If its just the color, then a 100 dolar difference is not worth it.
Any opinions? I'm complete beginner.
You can’t compare the 300 to the 500 as the 500 is much better.
If you get any of these, putting new and better strings on is an absolute must.
Something like Pirastro Tonicas.
If you don’t want to put new strings on or buy them, then get something else as these really do need them if you want to be able to get anything from them.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thank you!
Lets say i wanted a violin just to practice and not to perform, i would later purchase a violin of better quality like a guanari del gesu, but would the mv400 work as practice in the meantime
Yes and no. The 400 is for beginners only. As you got better, you would soon surpass that and want a better student violin.
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor, thanks for the advice! I'll get the mv500
Am thinking this one or maybe or the Forenza Prima 2 i dont knooooow????? help lol
What happened to your violin giveaways? 😔
Camille De Lara I had to stop them as they were costing me a fortune to send them abroad. I was doing it all out of my own pocket!
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Oh, how awful. You were extremely generous to have done the giveways that you did, then.