I just bought the Cecilio CVN300 after watching this video. I took violin lessons in grade school and middle school about 45 years ago. I have decided to take it back up and learn to play all over again after all these years!
I love how each person has a different opinion on how these two violins sound, I have been playing the violin on and off (Mainly off) for twenty two years and personally I found the MV300 to have a softer tone and less scratchiness than the CVN300, I would like to hear how the MV300 sounds with better strings on it though! Awesome vid, I'm glad I subscribed!
Laura Dunstan I TOTALLY agree - if you think that of the MV300, then you should try the MV500 with better strings! The MV500 with Dominants for example is awesome!
i noticed that in the video, the cvn sounds a little higher pitch than the mv300. the mv sounded softer. I geuss it all depends on the taste of sound you want. you want a higher sharper sound get the cvn, you want a softer sound get the mv. It was a hard choice for me looking for a beginner violin for my daughter but i went with the ratings online and went with the cvn300. I did like the sound of the mv but the hardware looks way better on the cvn.
I do as well . With the satin finish I wouldn't need to build up s pile of rosin between the S holes . It already looks used . Brilliant varnish looks like someone is hiding something
Thanks for doing this, Alison! I bought my MV300 based mostly on your original review, and I have not been disappointed. It may never impress anyone, but as you point out, at its price-point you just cannot go wrong. If I had convinced myself that I needed to spend several hundred dollars on a violin before I could even start learning, I would never have discovered how much I enjoy it. If I stick with it and decide to get a more expensive violin later on, I will still have my MV300 as a "knock-about" instrument to take with me on outdoor excursions or any place I might worry about damage occurring to it. If it should get "accidentally" tossed into a campfire by a disgruntled music critic, it won't be such a big loss. :-)
Daniel Culbertson unfortunately, once you get the taste for more expensive violins, you wont want to play the 'knock about' violin anymore lol. Sadly its the curse of buying newer and better things :))
Great comment! I'm looking to learn the violin and i'll probably just get a Mendini 300 to start with... I can always sell it off later on if i want to upgrade :)
David . I like your comment A cheap violin is the best insurance against mishaps or thief. It's cheap enough to easily replace . Glad you are pleased with the cheaper model
I've had the MV300 for a couple of years. I think it's pretty good if you're on a tight budget and beginning to play violin/ or trying it out and not knowing if you'll want to keep at it. Since I just got a new violin, I gave the MV300 to a friend so that she can start learning violin.
Your videos are so helpful! Been doing tons of research trying to find the right violin to start with. For me the CVN300 is in my price range and I like the look of it.
Out of curiosity, are you using the bow that came with the MV300? I keep wondering if I should spring for a new one, or if just changing the strings will be enough to make a difference in how the MV300 plays.
Daniel Culbertson I'm actually using a bow that came with another violin kit I purchased when I was first starting out. There's nothing really wrong with the bow that came with the MV300; I just preferred how the other bow felt in my hand.
Tam Schalgo Thanks, Tam! Maybe I'll hold off getting a new bow for just a bit. I'm definitely getting some new strings, though. Now I'm just trying to decide if I want the Preludes or if I want to spend a little bit more to try the D'addiro Pro-Arte strings. Hmm. Decisions, decisions.
Daniel Culbertson the preludes are great, but only a step up from the factory strings. They are smoother and cleaner etc, but wont have a tone to the. If you want smoother and cleaner AND a nice tone, then you are looking at Pro Artes or Kaplans etc.
Thank you SOOO much! I am an adult just learning how to play, and I bought the $60 version and had a million problems with it. (The pegs wouldn't fit, which was a rather large problem!) I was already considering upgrading to the Mendini and seeing your video cemented my decision. Thank you!
I know were you are coming from on a rental violin the G string peg keep slipping . The hassel of locking the peg has convinced me that I must try geared pegs
i bought my 13 year old the cvn300. i spent a couple hours reading reviews and the cvn300 ranked 2nd in the usa as a beginner violin. The cvn300 in the states runs 170$ now in 2019 but comes with 2bows,extra bridge and a few extras.
Yea I wanted to get that cvn 300 from fiddlerman of USA but they were pushing the cheapo brand the tower brand @ $199. Because of upgrades I want to buy my total cost would be over $400 dollars . To much for me in that ii will probably get off first base
Nice review! Either of these two violins sound perfectly great to me. I have played enough violin to know the limitation is in myself as a violin player rather than any particular violin. Any violin that can make clean sound is more than good enough for my purpose of playing duet with my daughter's piano piece.
Yea the cvn 300 definitely looks sharper and has a more refined sound. I purchased the MV-Black which is just a nicer looking gloss black mv-200, (because I'm new to the instrument and on a tight budget) I plan on upgrading in 7 months to the CVN 300. It is amazing for 140 bucks, I'd say it's just as beautiful in sound and look as the 299-399 dollar range violins at the local music shop in my town.
Probably wasn't the case when this video was made, but Mendini violins are now made by Cecilio. I just got my daughter a CVN300 3/4 for Christmas. So far she likes it. Being an engineer for 25+ years, the MV300 has a softer smoother sound. The CVN300 is a little more crisp on the high-end. CVN300 sounds more suited for bluegrass and country style music The MV300 sounds more like what would be used in classical ochestral type music. I think it comes down to personal choice. Kinda how it is with most instruments. I would say if you're leaning towards classical do the MV300. If you're looking to do some "fiddling" like in country and bluegrass, go with the CVN300 Either way just play. Musical has been therapy for me for more than 35 years. My college student daughter finally believed me and took it up. She loves it and you will as well.
I bought my daughter the MV300 as she is a total new beginner, & I'm not sure if she'll stick with it. The other review on it helped me with my decision, as it was said to be quite good for it's class, & probably wouldn't even need the strings changed. I had to get the 1/4 because of her 19" arm span, but think if she sticks with it by the time we get a size upgrade, we'll be looking at what might be appropriate then. Thanks much for reviews.
As an owner of the Cecilio CVN 300 I can tell you its a very nice instrument for $129 Amazon with two day delivery. This kit includes the violin, two decent bows, two bridges, Prelude strings, rosin, a beginners book and a case. I recently changed to Pirastro Tonica strings which I really prefer. It's a little on the nasally sound but that is getting better with small sound post adjustments. For a beginner an outstanding value that anyone would be proud to own and play..
Why dont you take a look at the Fiddlerman reviews that I have just started to release? They have some very good ones at good prices that are better than the Cecilio violins. Whats your upper-most budget and I will recommend one for you if you like?
Then I would go with the Apprentice: bit.ly/2JfWkpY Im afraid I cant link you a review as Im literally sitting here editing it (and the others) together for it to be released in the coming weeks. Its in the middle of your budget and slightly better than the entry level OB1 violin. You could sit tight for a couple of weeks until its released (week after next perhaps?) if you can hang on and want to hear it in action rather than take my word for it 😀
I found out that the certain mendinis still have the ebony fingerboard spruce top and maple back and sides still under $90. My Mendini Viola which is still under $90 came with the preludes. AS a beginner doing complete scales without open strings I cannot wait to upgrade and see if its easier. Dominant strings are enroute via ebay soon too!
Alison , I'm a neubee and haven't got a clue why but it seems to me that in all the Cecilio / Mendini comparisons it's always the cheaper one that has the more golden sound. Don't know why. But my next purchase from KK Music will probably be the cheaper of those compared. Safe for me cause I'm just starting. By the way , thanks from all of us for your help.
Im thinking of getting the MV300 and putting D'addario Acenté d g and a strings and Pirastro Evah Pirrazi Gold Violin E String - ball and a Anton Breton 4/4 Violin Bow
Hello Alison! I'm an intermediate violinist and I'm trying to decide of I should buy a Cecilio CVN 500 or a Mendini MV 650. And I was wondering if you have had any previous experience with either of these violins or if you could possibly make a review video on these violins. And if you could you'd be making my day! Thank you!!!!!!!!
+TheAnonyy Sadly, I dont have the violin so I cant. Also, the sound would not come out on camera so it would be totally wasted. All better strings will do on student violins and violins like these, is make the easier and smoother to play. They wont affect the sound to the point where you turn an otherwise cheap violin into a diamond of a violin.
Yeah, since I upgraded to a better violin and played it for about a month, I tried the MV300 again and immediately noticed that it was much harder to get a good/decently loud sound out of it and it sounded extremely dull. I'm not really sure what kind my new one is since my school loaned it to me for orchestra in their own case, but I'm assuming it's at least a $200-$300 violin.
Sounds good. Your description that is. A rental violin in the USA would be $900 . I can't imagine a rental company providing a $900 violin (retail purchase cost ) for student =rental use . More likely they purchase a violin like the violin in your left hand for $140 . You said that one has a hand carved back.. hard to believe even for China not sure if a machine carved back would be worst. Seems like a machine could do a more precision cut than a hand craftsman. . I will probably choose the $65 one because I intend to install gear pegs a different chin rest and upgrade the strings and order a known quality bridge bringing the $65 violin to $240 for a hobby violin that I'm pretty certain will be used not in performance but practice only. . Never the less if I was a parent purchasing for a son or daughter I would go with the $140 model. Dirt cheap still .its all their and ready to go
+HASMUKHBHAI PATEL They are pretty much identical, but the MV500 is MUCH better but only with Dominant strings. Without Dominant strings (or something similar) then its not great. With the better strings, its easily as good as the CVN500!
I have a cvn 300 coming in the mail because of your first review. The only thing I'm unclear on is the rosin. Should I use the cheep stuff it comes with since I'm going to sound bad anyway? Or is it worth a trip to the music shop to buy better rosin? Ps. I really enjoy you videos 😀🎻
I'm Not Allison but I can help you. 😂😂 I have a 20$ Rosin and it works so well. It looks like a brown/amberish gem that made my 30$ violin sound pretty decent. Hope this helps :-)
This has nothing to do with this video, but when I play the violin, does it matter if I hold it straight out to the side or not ( because I think I heard or read somewhere that when playing, you should hold the violin straight out to your left, and not let it go much in front of you), because when I see professionals playing, in an orchestra or something, they are definitely NOT holding it straight to their left; it's held more like at a right angle or something! I hope I put that clearly! Now, my sister Elizabeth wants to know ( this is similar to the question I just asked; I hope you can distinguish them from each other!) if we have to hold the violin straight UP with our left hand when we play, instead of just letting it go up or down with how we move while playing. ( Because professionals bend forward or go down or whatever while playing, and aren't always holding the violin straight up.) I hope you understand? Thanks!
Hello I have been learning a lot from your videos but still have a lot of questions. I just started to learn the violin but have extensive experience with guitar, horns and audio production. I purchased my first violin on overstock, yeah I know, Lol but am looking for some advice on things. I am mostly self taught and can read notation to simple things, London bridge etc. I guess I am asking if we could have video lessons because I live in New Jersey. Thank you for your help, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Alison! Heeelllllpppp! I got my D'Addario Pro-Arte strings and put them on my Mendini V300. , HOWEVER...I began tuning the G-string when -- SNAP! -- my bridge broke completely in half. Scared the daylights out of me! "No problem", I say to myself (after my heart remembered to start beating again), "They included an extra bridge inside the violin case. I'll just pop it on, then." But as I began placing the bridge, I realized that it doesn't have the grooves for the strings to slip into. Is this normal? Am I supposed to take this violin and the grooveless bridge to a professional? Because if so, I suspect that it wouldn't even be worth it for an instrument I only paid $60 for. Any advice? My poor violin is laying in its case completely decked out with brand-new Pro-Artes that have only enough light tension on them to keep the bridge in place. What a horrible "first experience" changing strings!
Daniel Culbertson you could just copy the grooves and make some yourself - anything that will make grooves will do. Its not rocket science. Just be careful.
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Achievement unlocked! Thanks for the response, Alison. I carved tiny notches in the bridge myself and everything is back in working order. Now that I'm totally an experienced luthier, you may feel free to send me your very expensive antique violin for any needed repairs. I promise to give you a discount for my superb craftsmanship. :-)
Hi, i found ur page few hours ago and am just amazed...am planning to start learning music, and i chose the electric violin, but am more than a beginner, i know nothing about how to choose one, how to play it, what i need to have, and all these things can u advice me please..
could you recommend an online violin store that sells the mendini mv300 and that it ships worldwide because im having trouble finding a shop with that type of violin and it would really help a lot thanks😊
Wow they sound very similar. I'm on the fence between the Cecilio 100,300 ,and MV 300 for my 9 year old niece for Christmas. which one do you recommend I get her? I think they all sound great ,but I don't want to spend to much incase she decides she doesn't want to play.
+sailormoon7771 The MV series is NOTHING like the CVN series, so dont get confused with them. In order of best to worse (the worse is not worse - you get what i mean lol) CVN300 CVN100 MV300 Hope that helps.
Ok tnx! I'm looking at some violins because I'm probably gonna get one (a new one ) I already have one and I've been playing for about 5-6 yrs and I'm in orchestra (advance) in my middle school so I want to get another one so I have one at home to practice with and leave one at my school for class so that I don't have to bring it back &forth cuz I couldn't really practice at home because I would only bring my violin home for the weekend so yea and I don't really like using the school's (it's not crappy or anything it's actually really good) but for concerts I dont like sharing the instrument cuz I have to rosin it before the performance which I don't really have time to
No but they are almost identical really. They are different violins of course - I mean they are th same/similar in tone, quality, sound, playability etc. The CVN300 is a lot cheaper though, but I would recommend you upgrade the strings to Pirastro Tonicas as it will brighten it up, smooth and even out the tone and make it less hard to play on as factory strings are ok, but not great.
No. But you would never hear the difference on camera anyway like you would in person. Better strings on the mv300 will make the violin a lot less harder to play as the factory strings are awful and very difficult to draw to bow across and get a smooth sound from.
I'm a thirteen year old girl with 3 years of experience playing the violin. I used to have a violin that I purchased for $25 at a yard sale. Although that violin required $100 to fix, it turned out to be an $800 violin. This year it broke, 3 times, due to poor fixing after the first breaking. I've been shopping everywhere for a decent violin that isn't millions of dollars, but I do want one that still has that old rustic feel and ability to produce decent sound. I NEED some honest advice on what violin I should get. I'd be willing to spend 200 or 300 dollars, even if it means I'd have to save for a few years. PLEASE HELP! Thanks :)
+Abbey Hampton Unfortunately you wont get anything like you are after for that budget im afraid. Why dont you take your $800 violin and spend your $2/300 budget and get it set up properly by a professional luthier who knows what he is doing?
Unfortunately, my parents will no longer allow me to have it fixed after past experience. It's an extremely old violin. Thank you for replying though! :)
I was looking at starter violins, and the MV series caught my eye, they have colored versions but they seem to be their own thing and made differently from what I can tell. Do you know anything about them or if they are comparable to the MV200 or 300 or if it is lesser quality? I honestly would like a black violin but if it compromises the sound when I could be getting one of a similar price that sounds better I am not sure I would make the same decision.
Th coloured violins are poor quality. They are poorer than their counterpart as they need to offset the cost of the paint/varnish they use. Although you might like the look of them, I strongly advise not getting one. I would get either: 1. Stentor II (1500) 2. CVN300 (same as the stentor II pretty much) 3. MV500 but ONLY if you replace the factory strings with Pirastro Tonicas for example 5. CVN500 - this violin would be my top choice and will last you a very long time before you would want/need to upgrade.
Late reply, but be careful about getting different colored violins. A few years ago, I bought a $70-ish dollar one from eBay that looked black with a satin finish. When I opened the crappy case it came with, it was spray painted black and had glitter to jazz it up. It couldn't be tuned correctly, the rosin was shattered, and the bridge wasnt notched.
aaron mcintyre Septembers winner has been contacted and there will be another and bigger competition in November followed by a gigantic one in december.
There isn’t much difference. I did these violin reviews many years ago and I would now recommend the Fiddlerman violins as they are much better. I recently reviewed them on my channel if you check them out.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor ok thnx i will see them, actually I wanted to buy my first violin and my budget is till 100$. So it is much difficult to choose which one is good. Was wondering if u cud plz recommend me one.
There isnt a violin I would recommend at $100, as its quite a low price point - so there isnt a brand I can recommend that goes that low. There are violins for that price, but I have not personally tried them, so I cannot personally recommend them.
How’s your learning going? I’m just beginning, and I’m hoooooorrible. But I’m thinking about getting my the string she mentioned. She’s says the Daddario strings are easier to play. I can use any advantage I can get. heh 😇
I'm not a professional but here's what I find: pros- access to cheaper mass production internationaly whereas in the store you see what you get and there aren't as many choices cons can't feel what you play and certain things may be missing (I've heard of one's with missing soundpost etc) miss consultant from violin sellers can't really find the one that best suits you (whether you prefer loud, strong playing or soft light playing) but if you're a beginner a cheap online violin should work before you start to devolop your tone and your character where you might want to find a more expensive violin that complements that
Will you do a review of the CVN-EAV or CVN-EAS versus CVN300? The price point seems to be about the same, but I am curious to see what the difference is. I am wondering if it is worth it to pay $20-30 more for the EAV/EAS, or if I should just stick with the CVN-300.
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor No, EAS is the satin finish, EAV is a dark varnish. I forget the name of the Electric/Acoustic, I think it's the CVN-EA. Thank you for finding that out for me.
Many thanks for work! I went with the CVN-EAV (antique varnish CVN-300) because it was cheaper than any package I could find containing the CVN-300. Your reviews are very helpful for those thinking about trying out this instrument, even while understanding low end violins are LOW END for a reason.
I'm not sure. Can a left hand violin be made from a right hand violin by putting the g string where the e string goes in order of E A D G rather than the usual G D A E
@@robertbrawley5048 I’ve seen guitars strung like that...on the violin I guess it’s just a matter of getting the opposite chin rest, and a restring. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I dont see why it would be a problem to buy from Amazon - as long as you are happy you have chosen the right violin for you based off a review. The Cecilio/Mendini ones will be fine, but I cant speak for any others.
+Muranaman Im afraid I cant now as I dont have them, but its more about model really than price as the prices change all the time, so for example if the CVN200 and the MV500 (just a random example) are the same price today, next Feb 2016 there may be $50 or more difference between them, making my videos then pretty useless. Sorry about that.
Nash Gongon kung dito ka po bibili sa states mahal na hindi kapa sigurado sa quality pero kung dyan ka po sa Philippines bibili bilhin mo po yung bachendorff. Maganda po yun.
So I'm trying to decide between several violins from amazon but don't want to spend more that $140, what do you recommend? Which one has the best sound a quality? I don't care about the brand, I just want the best that I can get with $140. Suggestions?
+Rachel Villwock The main one I am looking at is the Mendini MV500, but I'm afraid that I am being swayed by it's looks and that it is more expensive, even though I know price doesn't mean quality. Is there something that is better for my money? Thanks!
+Rachel Villwock To be honest, you wont get much for $140 so there is little point spending time trying to find 'the best one' for that money as they will be all much of a muchness. I would only advise you get a well known brand and dont get any crap from ebay lol!
They are very cheap student violins and they are what they are. If you want a more 'emotional' sounding violin, then you are looking at closer to $1,000 and upwards.
I just bought the Cecilio CVN300 after watching this video. I took violin lessons in grade school and middle school about 45 years ago. I have decided to take it back up and learn to play all over again after all these years!
I love how each person has a different opinion on how these two violins sound, I have been playing the violin on and off (Mainly off) for twenty two years and personally I found the MV300 to have a softer tone and less scratchiness than the CVN300, I would like to hear how the MV300 sounds with better strings on it though! Awesome vid, I'm glad I subscribed!
Laura Dunstan I TOTALLY agree - if you think that of the MV300, then you should try the MV500 with better strings! The MV500 with Dominants for example is awesome!
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor MV500 or Cecilio500? Which one would you recommend?
Is the mv300 hard to tune? I saw some reviews about the violin, some beginners like me commented it was a little bit hard to tune for beginners
i noticed that in the video, the cvn sounds a little higher pitch than the mv300. the mv sounded softer. I geuss it all depends on the taste of sound you want. you want a higher sharper sound get the cvn, you want a softer sound get the mv. It was a hard choice for me looking for a beginner violin for my daughter but i went with the ratings online and went with the cvn300. I did like the sound of the mv but the hardware looks way better on the cvn.
Pretty good review in that you speak from experience
I actually really like matte/satin finish violin family instruments
Gady LaGa i like the matte finish but the other one sounds better
I do as well . With the satin finish I wouldn't need to build up s pile of rosin between the S holes . It already looks used . Brilliant varnish looks like someone is hiding something
Thanks for doing this, Alison! I bought my MV300 based mostly on your original review, and I have not been disappointed. It may never impress anyone, but as you point out, at its price-point you just cannot go wrong. If I had convinced myself that I needed to spend several hundred dollars on a violin before I could even start learning, I would never have discovered how much I enjoy it.
If I stick with it and decide to get a more expensive violin later on, I will still have my MV300 as a "knock-about" instrument to take with me on outdoor excursions or any place I might worry about damage occurring to it. If it should get "accidentally" tossed into a campfire by a disgruntled music critic, it won't be such a big loss. :-)
Daniel Culbertson unfortunately, once you get the taste for more expensive violins, you wont want to play the 'knock about' violin anymore lol. Sadly its the curse of buying newer and better things :))
Great comment! I'm looking to learn the violin and i'll probably just get a Mendini 300 to start with... I can always sell it off later on if i want to upgrade :)
David . I like your comment A cheap violin is the best insurance against mishaps or thief. It's cheap enough to easily replace . Glad you are pleased with the cheaper model
I bought the MV300. I am a beginner. So far I like it. Thank you for doing this video. It is really helpful and you are informative and objective.
I like the softer sound of the MV300.
No sounds I make on the violin are soft so far.
I've had the MV300 for a couple of years. I think it's pretty good if you're on a tight budget and beginning to play violin/ or trying it out and not knowing if you'll want to keep at it. Since I just got a new violin, I gave the MV300 to a friend so that she can start learning violin.
Your videos are so helpful! Been doing tons of research trying to find the right violin to start with. For me the CVN300 is in my price range and I like the look of it.
I put D'addiro Prelude strings on my MV 300, and it definitely makes a difference. I get a clearer, more precise sound out of it now.
Out of curiosity, are you using the bow that came with the MV300? I keep wondering if I should spring for a new one, or if just changing the strings will be enough to make a difference in how the MV300 plays.
Tam Schalgo Yes you will and should. Glad you are liking them.
Daniel Culbertson
I'm actually using a bow that came with another violin kit I purchased when I was first starting out. There's nothing really wrong with the bow that came with the MV300; I just preferred how the other bow felt in my hand.
Tam Schalgo Thanks, Tam! Maybe I'll hold off getting a new bow for just a bit. I'm definitely getting some new strings, though. Now I'm just trying to decide if I want the Preludes or if I want to spend a little bit more to try the D'addiro Pro-Arte strings. Hmm. Decisions, decisions.
Daniel Culbertson the preludes are great, but only a step up from the factory strings. They are smoother and cleaner etc, but wont have a tone to the. If you want smoother and cleaner AND a nice tone, then you are looking at Pro Artes or Kaplans etc.
I thought the MV300 sounded softer or more muted while the CVN sounded harsher.
Thank you SOOO much! I am an adult just learning how to play, and I bought the $60 version and had a million problems with it. (The pegs wouldn't fit, which was a rather large problem!) I was already considering upgrading to the Mendini and seeing your video cemented my decision. Thank you!
I know were you are coming from on a rental violin the G string peg keep slipping . The hassel of locking the peg has convinced me that I must try geared pegs
i bought my 13 year old the cvn300. i spent a couple hours reading reviews and the cvn300 ranked 2nd in the usa as a beginner violin. The cvn300 in the states runs 170$ now in 2019 but comes with 2bows,extra bridge and a few extras.
Yea I wanted to get that cvn 300 from fiddlerman of USA but they were pushing the cheapo brand the tower brand @ $199. Because of upgrades I want to buy my total cost would be over $400 dollars . To much for me in that ii will probably get off first base
I recommend getting better strings on both. First time tuning the cvn 300 and the a string popped.
My CVN 300 arrives tomorrow!!
Just bought the CVN 300 yesterday because I’m interested in learning a string instrument. Sounds like it’s good for beginners like me.
Nice review! Either of these two violins sound perfectly great to me. I have played enough violin to know the limitation is in myself as a violin player rather than any particular violin. Any violin that can make clean sound is more than good enough for my purpose of playing duet with my daughter's piano piece.
Yea the cvn 300 definitely looks sharper and has a more refined sound. I purchased the MV-Black which is just a nicer looking gloss black mv-200, (because I'm new to the instrument and on a tight budget) I plan on upgrading in 7 months to the CVN 300. It is amazing for 140 bucks, I'd say it's just as beautiful in sound and look as the 299-399 dollar range violins at the local music shop in my town.
Cvn definitely sounds nicer has nice reverb and carries the tone longer
Probably wasn't the case when this video was made, but Mendini violins are now made by Cecilio.
I just got my daughter a CVN300 3/4 for Christmas. So far she likes it.
Being an engineer for 25+ years, the MV300 has a softer smoother sound.
The CVN300 is a little more crisp on the high-end. CVN300 sounds more suited for bluegrass and country style music
The MV300 sounds more like what would be used in classical ochestral type music.
I think it comes down to personal choice. Kinda how it is with most instruments.
I would say if you're leaning towards classical do the MV300.
If you're looking to do some "fiddling" like in country and bluegrass, go with the CVN300
Either way just play. Musical has been therapy for me for more than 35 years.
My college student daughter finally believed me and took it up. She loves it and you will as well.
I bought my daughter the MV300 as she is a total new beginner, & I'm not sure if she'll stick with it. The other review on it helped me with my decision, as it was said to be quite good for it's class, & probably wouldn't even need the strings changed. I had to get the 1/4 because of her 19" arm span, but think if she sticks with it by the time we get a size upgrade, we'll be looking at what might be appropriate then. Thanks much for reviews.
Thank you so much
As an owner of the Cecilio CVN 300 I can tell you its a very nice instrument for $129 Amazon with two day delivery. This kit includes the violin, two decent bows, two bridges, Prelude strings, rosin, a beginners book and a case. I recently changed to Pirastro Tonica strings which I really prefer. It's a little on the nasally sound but that is getting better with small sound post adjustments. For a beginner an outstanding value that anyone would be proud to own and play..
Why dont you take a look at the Fiddlerman reviews that I have just started to release? They have some very good ones at good prices that are better than the Cecilio violins.
Whats your upper-most budget and I will recommend one for you if you like?
Then I would go with the Apprentice: bit.ly/2JfWkpY
Im afraid I cant link you a review as Im literally sitting here editing it (and the others) together for it to be released in the coming weeks.
Its in the middle of your budget and slightly better than the entry level OB1 violin. You could sit tight for a couple of weeks until its released (week after next perhaps?) if you can hang on and want to hear it in action rather than take my word for it 😀
Good information thanks
Also, where is the monthly violin giveway contest? :)
I found out that the certain mendinis still have the ebony fingerboard spruce top and maple back and sides still under $90. My Mendini Viola which is still under $90 came with the preludes. AS a beginner doing complete scales without open strings I cannot wait to upgrade and see if its easier. Dominant strings are enroute via ebay soon too!
You should try Pirastro Tonicas - they play and sound better on Cecilio and Mendini violins in my opinion.
Cecilio and Mendini are kind of like Fender and Squire
Consider that these violins are right out of the box. After they are played in, the sound improves because they aren't made out of plywood.
Could compare the Stentor ii with the Cvn-300 ? Just in words if you need to.
Hit dog . Our host has now that comparison
Alison , I'm a neubee and haven't got a clue why but it seems to me that in all the Cecilio / Mendini comparisons it's always the cheaper one that has the more golden sound. Don't know why. But my next purchase from KK Music will probably be the cheaper of those compared. Safe for me cause I'm just starting. By the way , thanks from all of us for your help.
Im thinking of getting the MV300 and putting D'addario Acenté d g and a strings and Pirastro Evah Pirrazi Gold Violin E String - ball and a Anton Breton 4/4 Violin Bow
Hello Alison! I'm an intermediate violinist and I'm trying to decide of I should buy a Cecilio CVN 500 or a Mendini MV 650. And I was wondering if you have had any previous experience with either of these violins or if you could possibly make a review video on these violins. And if you could you'd be making my day! Thank you!!!!!!!!
In fact how about a video of you playing on different strings on the same violin
+TheAnonyy Sadly, I dont have the violin so I cant. Also, the sound would not come out on camera so it would be totally wasted. All better strings will do on student violins and violins like these, is make the easier and smoother to play. They wont affect the sound to the point where you turn an otherwise cheap violin into a diamond of a violin.
Yes I loved it
Yeah, since I upgraded to a better violin and played it for about a month, I tried the MV300 again and immediately noticed that it was much harder to get a good/decently loud sound out of it and it sounded extremely dull. I'm not really sure what kind my new one is since my school loaned it to me for orchestra in their own case, but I'm assuming it's at least a $200-$300 violin.
Sounds good. Your description that is. A rental violin in the USA would be $900 . I can't imagine a rental company providing a $900 violin (retail purchase cost ) for student =rental use . More likely they purchase a violin like the violin in your left hand for $140 . You said that one has a hand carved back.. hard to believe even for China not sure if a machine carved back would be worst. Seems like a machine could do a more precision cut than a hand craftsman. . I will probably choose the $65 one because I intend to install gear pegs a different chin rest and upgrade the strings and order a known quality bridge bringing the $65 violin to $240 for a hobby violin that I'm pretty certain will be used not in performance but practice only. . Never the less if I was a parent purchasing for a son or daughter I would go with the $140 model. Dirt cheap still .its all their and ready to go
Mv 300 Good in 2020?
I just purchased it too.
I am buying a new violin and I cant find any comparison between CVN300 vs MV500. Can you please help me? (Recommend one)
+HASMUKHBHAI PATEL They are pretty much identical, but the MV500 is MUCH better but only with Dominant strings. Without Dominant strings (or something similar) then its not great. With the better strings, its easily as good as the CVN500!
The range of both instruments? Thank you.
I have a cvn 300 coming in the mail because of your first review. The only thing I'm unclear on is the rosin. Should I use the cheep stuff it comes with since I'm going to sound bad anyway? Or is it worth a trip to the music shop to buy better rosin?
Ps. I really enjoy you videos 😀🎻
I'm Not Allison but I can help you. 😂😂
I have a 20$ Rosin and it works so well.
It looks like a brown/amberish gem that made my 30$ violin sound pretty decent. Hope this helps :-)
Your music store probably sells them
This has nothing to do with this video, but when I play the violin, does it matter if I hold it straight out to the side or not ( because I think I heard or read somewhere that when playing, you should hold the violin straight out to your left, and not let it go much in front of you), because when I see professionals playing, in an orchestra or something, they are definitely NOT holding it straight to their left; it's held more like at a right angle or something! I hope I put that clearly!
Now, my sister Elizabeth wants to know ( this is similar to the question I just asked; I hope you can distinguish them from each other!) if we have to hold the violin straight UP with our left hand when we play, instead of just letting it go up or down with how we move while playing. ( Because professionals bend forward or go down or whatever while playing, and aren't always holding the violin straight up.) I hope you understand? Thanks!
I think she has a video on that. Try searching up "Violin Basics". There should be a video that says something like, lesson 1 how to hold the violin
Hello I have been learning a lot from your videos but still have a lot of questions. I just started to learn the violin but have extensive experience with guitar, horns and audio production. I purchased my first violin on overstock, yeah I know, Lol but am looking for some advice on things. I am mostly self taught and can read notation to simple things, London bridge etc. I guess I am asking if we could have video lessons because I live in New Jersey. Thank you for your help, and I look forward to hearing from you.
+Ginsengrootz Hi, I offer Skype lessons. Here are the details: www.amsmusictuition.com/#!skype/c1z9c
Alison! Heeelllllpppp! I got my D'Addario Pro-Arte strings and put them on my Mendini V300. , HOWEVER...I began tuning the G-string when -- SNAP! -- my bridge broke completely in half. Scared the daylights out of me!
"No problem", I say to myself (after my heart remembered to start beating again), "They included an extra bridge inside the violin case. I'll just pop it on, then."
But as I began placing the bridge, I realized that it doesn't have the grooves for the strings to slip into. Is this normal? Am I supposed to take this violin and the grooveless bridge to a professional? Because if so, I suspect that it wouldn't even be worth it for an instrument I only paid $60 for.
Any advice? My poor violin is laying in its case completely decked out with brand-new Pro-Artes that have only enough light tension on them to keep the bridge in place. What a horrible "first experience" changing strings!
Daniel Culbertson you could just copy the grooves and make some yourself - anything that will make grooves will do. Its not rocket science. Just be careful.
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Achievement unlocked! Thanks for the response, Alison. I carved tiny notches in the bridge myself and everything is back in working order. Now that I'm totally an experienced luthier, you may feel free to send me your very expensive antique violin for any needed repairs. I promise to give you a discount for my superb craftsmanship. :-)
Hi, i found ur page few hours ago and am just amazed...am planning to start learning music, and i chose the electric violin, but am more than a beginner, i know nothing about how to choose one, how to play it, what i need to have, and all these things can u advice me please..
***** Depends what your budget is. I have only played the Cecilio electric violin, so thats the only one I can comment on.
could you recommend an online violin store that sells the mendini mv300 and that it ships worldwide because im having trouble finding a shop with that type of violin and it would really help a lot thanks😊
The only place that sells Mendinis are Amazon and KK Music Store. They are the only 2 I know of im afraid.
Wow they sound very similar. I'm on the fence between the Cecilio 100,300 ,and MV 300 for my 9 year old niece for Christmas. which one do you recommend I get her? I think they all sound great ,but I don't want to spend to much incase she decides she doesn't want to play.
+sailormoon7771 The MV series is NOTHING like the CVN series, so dont get confused with them. In order of best to worse (the worse is not worse - you get what i mean lol)
CVN300
CVN100
MV300
Hope that helps.
Does cecilio make cheap violas?
What violin do you use for your performance channel?
Venessa Johnson Either my Bridge Dragon electric violin or my antique violin.
Ok tnx! I'm looking at some violins because I'm probably gonna get one (a new one ) I already have one and I've been playing for about 5-6 yrs and I'm in orchestra (advance) in my middle school so I want to get another one so I have one at home to practice with and leave one at my school for class so that I don't have to bring it back &forth cuz I couldn't really practice at home because I would only bring my violin home for the weekend so yea and I don't really like using the school's (it's not crappy or anything it's actually really good) but for concerts I dont like sharing the instrument cuz I have to rosin it before the performance which I don't really have time to
Hi Alison. Which violin is better Cvn300 or Mv400 ?
You cant compare the CVN range to the MV range as the MV range is Cecilio's sort of budget range.
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor I was mean what is better for beginners. because i want to learn violin.
ua-cam.com/video/GV92_Sh3tno/v-deo.html
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Thank you so much for your time.
Do you have a video comparing the cvn300 and a Stentor II?
No but they are almost identical really. They are different violins of course - I mean they are th same/similar in tone, quality, sound, playability etc. The CVN300 is a lot cheaper though, but I would recommend you upgrade the strings to Pirastro Tonicas as it will brighten it up, smooth and even out the tone and make it less hard to play on as factory strings are ok, but not great.
Do you have a video where you put better stings on the mv300?
No. But you would never hear the difference on camera anyway like you would in person. Better strings on the mv300 will make the violin a lot less harder to play as the factory strings are awful and very difficult to draw to bow across and get a smooth sound from.
mv 300 is better
like if u agree
I'm a thirteen year old girl with 3 years of experience playing the violin. I used to have a violin that I purchased for $25 at a yard sale. Although that violin required $100 to fix, it turned out to be an $800 violin. This year it broke, 3 times, due to poor fixing after the first breaking. I've been shopping everywhere for a decent violin that isn't millions of dollars, but I do want one that still has that old rustic feel and ability to produce decent sound. I NEED some honest advice on what violin I should get. I'd be willing to spend 200 or 300 dollars, even if it means I'd have to save for a few years. PLEASE HELP!
Thanks :)
+Abbey Hampton Unfortunately you wont get anything like you are after for that budget im afraid. Why dont you take your $800 violin and spend your $2/300 budget and get it set up properly by a professional luthier who knows what he is doing?
Unfortunately, my parents will no longer allow me to have it fixed after past experience. It's an extremely old violin. Thank you for replying though! :)
I was looking at starter violins, and the MV series caught my eye, they have colored versions but they seem to be their own thing and made differently from what I can tell.
Do you know anything about them or if they are comparable to the MV200 or 300 or if it is lesser quality? I honestly would like a black violin but if it compromises the sound when I could be getting one of a similar price that sounds better I am not sure I would make the same decision.
Th coloured violins are poor quality. They are poorer than their counterpart as they need to offset the cost of the paint/varnish they use.
Although you might like the look of them, I strongly advise not getting one.
I would get either:
1. Stentor II (1500)
2. CVN300 (same as the stentor II pretty much)
3. MV500 but ONLY if you replace the factory strings with Pirastro Tonicas for example
5. CVN500 - this violin would be my top choice and will last you a very long time before you would want/need to upgrade.
Late reply, but be careful about getting different colored violins. A few years ago, I bought a $70-ish dollar one from eBay that looked black with a satin finish. When I opened the crappy case it came with, it was spray painted black and had glitter to jazz it up. It couldn't be tuned correctly, the rosin was shattered, and the bridge wasnt notched.
where is the sept winner and the oct contest???
aaron mcintyre Septembers winner has been contacted and there will be another and bigger competition in November followed by a gigantic one in december.
hey, what about if I buy mendini 400 instead of 300 what u r sayin? Will it be better than cecilio 300?
There isn’t much difference. I did these violin reviews many years ago and I would now recommend the Fiddlerman violins as they are much better. I recently reviewed them on my channel if you check them out.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor ok thnx i will see them, actually I wanted to buy my first violin and my budget is till 100$. So it is much difficult to choose which one is good. Was wondering if u cud plz recommend me one.
There isnt a violin I would recommend at $100, as its quite a low price point - so there isnt a brand I can recommend that goes that low. There are violins for that price, but I have not personally tried them, so I cannot personally recommend them.
I got the cvn300 what strings would you recommend for me? I'm looking for a different bridge
How’s your learning going? I’m just beginning, and I’m hoooooorrible.
But I’m thinking about getting my the string she mentioned. She’s says the Daddario strings are easier to play. I can use any advantage I can get. heh 😇
What are the pros and con's of buying a violin online? (I'm a beginner, and never naught one before)
I'm not a professional but here's what I find:
pros-
access to cheaper mass production internationaly whereas in the store you see what you get and there aren't as many choices
cons
can't feel what you play and certain things may be missing (I've heard of one's with missing soundpost etc)
miss consultant from violin sellers
can't really find the one that best suits you (whether you prefer loud, strong playing or soft light playing)
but if you're a beginner a cheap online violin should work before you start to devolop your tone and your character where you might want to find a more expensive violin that complements that
Will you do a review of the CVN-EAV or CVN-EAS versus CVN300? The price point seems to be about the same, but I am curious to see what the difference is. I am wondering if it is worth it to pay $20-30 more for the EAV/EAS, or if I should just stick with the CVN-300.
Stardusting i dont have the eas. The eav is the electric/acoustic isnt it? Anyway, both the eav and eas are the cvn300 from speaking to Cecilio.
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor No, EAS is the satin finish, EAV is a dark varnish. I forget the name of the Electric/Acoustic, I think it's the CVN-EA. Thank you for finding that out for me.
Stardusting i see. Thanks for that. Cecilio didnt send me those as i already had the cvn300. They are all thame, just with different finishes.
Many thanks for work! I went with the CVN-EAV (antique varnish CVN-300) because it was cheaper than any package I could find containing the CVN-300. Your reviews are very helpful for those thinking about trying out this instrument, even while understanding low end violins are LOW END for a reason.
Hey is it fine to start with a electric violin?
Not advisable.
No mendini violins for left handed peeps 😢
I'm not sure. Can a left hand violin be made from a right hand violin by putting the g string where the e string goes in order of E A D G rather than the usual G D A E
@@robertbrawley5048 I’ve seen guitars strung like that...on the violin I guess it’s just a matter of getting the opposite chin rest, and a restring. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Is the cvn300 heavy at all? It's because I'm getting that one I wanna make sure
I dont know. I dont have it now and i cant remember! Best bet is to go to a shop or phone one and ask??
What violin do you recommend I should get I have never played a violin before and I am willing to get a good violin
If you get these on amazon will they be ok? Or will it get broke or something
I dont see why it would be a problem to buy from Amazon - as long as you are happy you have chosen the right violin for you based off a review. The Cecilio/Mendini ones will be fine, but I cant speak for any others.
Thanks
Wich one is better mv or cvn
+Sarai Ruiz The V rage is a sort of 'budget' version of the CVN range.
Honey, have you tried comparing violins of the same price range?
Like a MV400 vs a CVN 200 (or something, that's priced similar)?
+Muranaman Im afraid I cant now as I dont have them, but its more about model really than price as the prices change all the time, so for example if the CVN200 and the MV500 (just a random example) are the same price today, next Feb 2016 there may be $50 or more difference between them, making my videos then pretty useless. Sorry about that.
can you make a review about OEM VIOLIN?
if the company sends me one to review, I will.
I bought the mv300
Do you like it?
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor
If you added Dominant strings, you would find you wouldnt have to work as hard with the bow on the strings, plus it wold sound brighter and better.
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor. Idk but thank you ma'am
I mean if you buy better strings like Dominants it would make the violin a lot better.
The MV300 sounds...mushy. I don't know if there is a better term for it.
Anyone have any advice as to what strings to put on a 200? Mediums? Lite?
Dominant strings.
Thank you so much ...gauge? Medium? doesn't matter? :)
Medium
The mendini usually comes with cecilio strings.
because mendini is cecilio, lol
you have so much traveling of bow, how could you possibly make a fair comparison.
im my country thats not 63 $ but 117$ and the cnv 300 is 170 $ :( canada dont want to earing me beggining the violin lol
I'm so unfortunate.. that cvn300 will cost $209 if I'm going to buy it and be ship in the philipines. huhuhu...
nagshiship ga po sila dito sa pilipinas??
Hindi po ehh.. Pero halos same lang pag dito binili kasi ung shipping mahal din..
Nash Gongon kung dito ka po bibili sa states mahal na hindi kapa sigurado sa quality pero kung dyan ka po sa Philippines bibili bilhin mo po yung bachendorff. Maganda po yun.
Mendini is dark sounding..
So I'm trying to decide between several violins from amazon but don't want to spend more that $140, what do you recommend? Which one has the best sound a quality? I don't care about the brand, I just want the best that I can get with $140. Suggestions?
+Rachel Villwock The main one I am looking at is the Mendini MV500, but I'm afraid that I am being swayed by it's looks and that it is more expensive, even though I know price doesn't mean quality. Is there something that is better for my money? Thanks!
+Rachel Villwock To be honest, you wont get much for $140 so there is little point spending time trying to find 'the best one' for that money as they will be all much of a muchness. I would only advise you get a well known brand and dont get any crap from ebay lol!
You're very beautiful!
I think both of them are so loud and not emotional at all
They are very cheap student violins and they are what they are. If you want a more 'emotional' sounding violin, then you are looking at closer to $1,000 and upwards.