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Mendini By Cecilio Violin For Beginners, Kids & Adults - Beginner Kit For Student w/Hard Case, Rosin, Bow - Starter Violins, Wooden Stringed Musical Instruments
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Mendini by Cecilio |
Size | 4/4 |
Color | Antique |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 32 x 5 x 12 inches |
Top Material Type | Ebony |
Back Material Type | Maple, Wood, Ebony, Spruce Wood |
Finish Type | Polished |
Instrument | Violin |
Item Weight | 0.01 Ounces |
Operation Mode | Manual |
About this item
- Music Instruments For Kids & Adults: This fiddle kit is a great beginner violin for any student, young or old. This set includes all the necessities to start learning how to play.
- Elegant Design: As beautiful as most band & orchestra musical instruments for kids, this ebony violin has a solid wood hand-carved spruce top; maple back, neck and sides with a beautiful finish; and an alloy tailpiece with 4 built-in fine tuners.
- Starter Violin Kit Includes: Available in several sizes the kit also has 1 bow, extra violin strings, a quality rosin, adjustable shoulder rest with padding and rubber feet, and lightweight hard case with straps.
- The Right Size: The violin for kids and adults comes in 8 sizes. To measure which size violin is best, measure from the neck to the middle of your left-hand palm (as if holding an invisible violin in straight outstretched arm). Consult table below.
- Handle With Care: Like any fiddle instrument, this student violin is delicate. Please note the bridge will not be setup to avoid damage during shipping. NOTE: Tuning pegs must be handled with care and pushed in when adjusting.
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Product information
Item Weight | 0.01 ounces |
---|---|
Product Dimensions | 32 x 5 x 12 inches |
ASIN | B002026DR0 |
Item model number | 4/4MV300 |
Customer Reviews |
4.0 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #1,479 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #2 in Acoustic Violins |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | March 23, 2009 |
Back Material | Maple, Wood, Ebony, Spruce Wood |
Color Name | Antique |
Guitar Pick Thickness | medium |
Top Material | Ebony |
Number of Strings | 4 |
Size | 4/4 |
Proficiency Level | Beginner |
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What's in the box
Videos
Videos for this product
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Sound Demo: Mendini MV300 (Budget Violin)
Hello Violin
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Can You Buy a Decent Violin on Amazon?
The Check Point Professor
Product Description
Mendini violin is completely hand-carved with a solid spruce top and maple back and sides. It is fitted with a maple fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest, and an alloy tailpiece with four integrated fine tuners. This violin includes a lightweight form fitting hard, a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, an adjustable shoulder rest with soft foam padding & soft rubber feet, rosin, bridge, and an extra set of violin strings, making this package ideal for beginners.
From the manufacturer
Mendini MV300 Violin
The Mendini MV300 violin has an impressive quality for the price, and is a remarkably affordable option for students who have never played the violin before and want to try it out for the first time. The MV300 produces a warm and clear sound that is simple and easy to work with, and comes with an outfit that provides students with everything they will need to get started. Both of our Mendini MV200 and Mendini MV300 violins have the same specifications and quality, but they differ in the type of finish used and the character of sound each one produces. The MV300 has a mellow and warm tone with a soft satin varnish finish to match, and the MV200 has a bright and vibrant tone and finish.
How to choose violin sizes
Violins are available in 8 different sizes: 4/4 (also called full size), 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16 and 1/32. Size 4/4 is the biggest and size 1/32 is the smallest. All adults, regardless of their size, use the size 4/4 violin.
To measure what size violin best suits you, you need to know the length between your neck and the middle of your left-hand palm (when your hand is fully extended and raised perpendicular to your body, just like holding a violin). Most of the teachers prefer students to use the length from the neck to the wrist for measurement instead of the neck to mid-palm approach. The violin size determined by the neck/wrist approach would be the size that is more comfortable for students to hold. The violin size determined by the neck/mid-palm approach would be the biggest size students should use. The following table lists the length of each violin size. Find your length using your preferred approach and use that to determine the size of violin to get.
If you have a teacher, you should ask for your teacher's recommendation. If you don't have a teacher, we would recommend using the neck/wrist approach for students not using full size; for students who are deciding whether to used size 3/4 or size 4/4, use the neck/mid-palm approach. This is because it is always better those students feeling comfortable holding and playing the violin. However, while deciding between size 3/4 and size 4/4, if neck/mid-palm approach allows for size 4/4, then buying a size 4/4 is more economical since you don't have to buy another bigger size violin later. This is completely based on economical consideration. You should still decide what best suits your need.
Compare with similar items
This Item Mendini By Cecilio Violin For Beginners, Kids & Adults - Beginner Kit For Student w/Hard Case, Rosin, Bow - Starter Violins, Wooden Stringed Musical Instruments | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | -33% $59.99$59.99 List: $88.99 | $59.99$59.99 | $91.99$91.99 | $99.99$99.99 | -19% $70.99$70.99 List: $87.99 | -41% $124.99$124.99 List: $212.99 |
Delivery | Get it Apr 2 - 5 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Apr 4 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it Apr 2 - 5 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
For beginners | 3.5 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 3.5 | 4.4 |
Sound quality | 3.2 | 5.0 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.2 | 4.0 |
Craftsmanship | 3.1 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 3.7 | 3.1 | 4.0 |
Value for money | — | 3.7 | 4.0 | 4.2 | — | — |
Sold By | KK Music Store | Yasisid Music Store | Amazon.com | Eastar Music Store | KK Music Store | KK Music Store |
instrument | Violin | Violin | Violin | Violin, Guitar | Violin | Violin |
size | 4/4 | 1/2 | 1/4 | 1/4 | 1/2 | 3/4 |
number of strings | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
operation mode | Manual | Manual | Acoustic | Manual | Manual | Manual |
top material | Ebony | Maple, Carbon Fiber, Spruce | Maple | Spruce | Maple, Spruce, Ebony | Maple, Spruce, Ebony |
back material | Maple, Wood, Ebony, Spruce Wood | Maple | Maple | Maple | Maple | Maple, Wood, Ebony, Spruce Wood |
string material | — | Alloy Steel | Stainless Steel | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel |
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the value of the violin, saying it's an exceptional quality for the price. They also appreciate the completeness. However, some customers have reported issues with the tuning, saying the violin goes out of tune easily. They are disappointed with the strings. Customers also disagree on quality, sound quality, ease of use, and performance.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the value of the violin. They mention that it sounds good for the price, is exceptional quality, and is a great deal for a small violin. Customers also say it's inexpensive and a good purchase for aspiring musicians. They say the set comes with a case, spare bridge, a bow, rosin, and two extra sets of strings.
"...In my opinion, this is a great deal for a small violin. But I will be keeping my eye on that little crack on the back of the violin...." Read more
"...It's maple - maple is a good, solid, tone wood - not too expensive, but certainly not plastic, like I've seen for other instruments in this price..." Read more
"...It fits perfectly, is affordable, and I can tell it's more comfortable than the one that came with the violin would have been...." Read more
"...Don’t buy it because especially after the price increase it is NOT worth your money. If you want a good violin, don’t buy this one." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the violin. Some mention it's easy to play in terms of finger action, and great to learn on for beginners. However, others say that violins in general are hard to play, and this one's not too bad.
"...But after tuning it the first time, it was very easy. Quick tip: don't use the tuning pegs until you have tried the fine tuners...." Read more
"...It's easy to use and comes with a DVD (which I didn't find too helpful) and a CD so you can play along with the tracks (which IS very helpful)...." Read more
"...and needed no work, but the shape of the bridge made it difficult for me to play one string at a time, so I grabbed some sand paper and reshaped it..." Read more
"...bit of a hollower sound than the Mendini, basically, not as good, but playable and gave a different sound...." Read more
Customers like that the violin comes with everything they need. They mention that it comes with a case, extras, and a shoulder rest.
"...It's easy to use and comes with a DVD (which I didn't find too helpful) and a CD so you can play along with the tracks (which IS very helpful)...." Read more
"...It comes with everything you need -- nice case, bow, rosin, shoulder rest, extra bridge, extra strings -- and it looks beautiful...." Read more
"...There are a decent number of accessories, the rosin needs to be wrapped in bubble wrap because there was minor damage on mine, but I have seen other..." Read more
"...I don't know.The violin came with a cheap shoulder rest, a tuner, extra strings in case one broke in transit, and an extra bridge...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the violin. Some mention that it's a good violin, solidly built, and has a decent case. That said, some say that the quality isn't the best, and came with some pieces that were broken and pieces that weren't attached.
"...The 1/10 violin comes with rosin, extra strings, a good case, and a shoulder rest. In my opinion, this is a great deal for a small violin...." Read more
"...many reviews mention that the strings sound scratchy and the quality isn't the best, but after playing for a day, I loved the bright sound...." Read more
"...It's maple - maple is a good, solid, tone wood - not too expensive, but certainly not plastic, like I've seen for other instruments in this price..." Read more
"...to bring it to a luthier... I won't waste more money on such a poorly made instrument.)..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the sound quality of the violin. Some mention that it has a good sound, while others say that it sounds horrible, tinny, scratchy, and not as clear or sweet as they'd like.
"...Sound quality: really good projection for such a small violin. No violin this size is going to sound fabulous. That’s to be expected...." Read more
"...It's affordable and sounds pretty good, which is all I need since I'm just teaching myself in my free time...." Read more
"...nervous about the strings, many reviews mention that the strings sound scratchy and the quality isn't the best, but after playing for a day, I loved..." Read more
"...too well, case is very nice, string durability is terrible, string sound is alright (kinda scratchy even with rosin), it’s an alright violin...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the stringed instruments. Some mention that it works well, has a nicely working frog, and is suitable for beginner lessons. However, others say that it has zero functionality, is not suitable for performance, and that the bow doesn't work well.
"...It's easy to use and really helpful!!..." Read more
"...Bow: I can’t remember if anyone complained about the bow not working. But again, that’s not a flaw with the bow...." Read more
"...It plays well. It is very comfortable to hold. It appears to be solidly built, just not the good quality aged wood of the more expensive violins...." Read more
"...the rosin mine came with was kinda meh because it’s hard and doesn’t work too well, case is very nice, string durability is terrible, string sound..." Read more
Customers find the tuning of the violin to be hard to do, and it loses its tune easily. They also mention that the tuning pegs will not stay tuned unless you take them out and rosin them up first. However, some say that this is easily fixed with a tuner.
"...But With the 1/10 I purchased, the pins only stop tuning when they’re too loose. This happens with EVERY violin - even the best Strad...." Read more
"...The tuning pegs WILL NOT hold a proper tuning on the strings right out of the box!..." Read more
"...the strings were all set and everything, but (as expected) it was not in tune. I tried to tune it and I had some trouble...." Read more
"...It’s honestly infuriating trying to tune this, and it doesn’t stay in tune for more than like a week...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the strings of the guitar. They mention that the strings were improperly strung, loosened, and needed to be tensioned. Some say that the included strings aren't great and pull other strings out of tune. They also mention that some of the horse hair strands were loose even after tightening.
"...They're mostly correct on my D and A strings, but wrong on my G string and VERY wrong on my E string...." Read more
"...The strings are terrible, and the tuning pegs slide so much...." Read more
"...The violin arrived just as expected, the strings were improperly strung, the bridge was floating loose in the case, the rosin is cheap, and the bow..." Read more
"...The 1/10 violin comes with rosin, extra strings, a good case, and a shoulder rest. In my opinion, this is a great deal for a small violin...." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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Craftsmanship: the one complaint I have with this violin is that there is a small separation in the wood along the purfling on the back. I’m not yet sure if this is because it’s real purfling and some of it is missing. Or if it’s an actual separation in the wood. So far, it doesn’t appear to be separating any further even when I tune it. This is a good sign. But I will be keeping my eyes on this.
Tuning: There are a lot of comments on here about how these violins don’t hold their tune. I cannot speak to all of these objections. But I can say that the tuning issues I’ve had with this 1/10 are the SAME issues you’d have with ANY violin when you introduce it to a new climate.
Pins and Pegs: I’ve seen some reviews on here about the pins not tuning it. Again, I can’t speak for all of these comments. But With the 1/10 I purchased, the pins only stop tuning when they’re too loose. This happens with EVERY violin - even the best Strad. The pins are for micro-adjustments in tuning. The pegs are for making big tuning adjustments. In other words, it’s probably not a flaw with the violin. The peg holes are the right size. So they hold tune surprisingly well for a small violin.
Sound quality: really good projection for such a small violin. No violin this size is going to sound fabulous. That’s to be expected. But it sounds better than the fist violin I had 😃.
Bow: I can’t remember if anyone complained about the bow not working. But again, that’s not a flaw with the bow. It just needs rosin, which is included in the purchase. Horse-hair bows don’t grip the string until you add rosin to create friction.
The 1/10 violin comes with rosin, extra strings, a good case, and a shoulder rest. In my opinion, this is a great deal for a small violin. But I will be keeping my eye on that little crack on the back of the violin. If it gets worse, I’ll update this review accordingly. So far so good though
I got this violin for $43. We have seen this violin a lot on Amazon but we were hesitant to purchase it. We got two of these violins, one for me and one for somebody else. The other person's case did come with a learning book and a tuner, but mine didn't. But, this wasn't a big deal since you have tuner smartphone apps and there are plenty of other books out there to learn violin with.
It has been roughly a week since I got mine and everything has stayed in great condition--no snapped strings, no broken rosin. I was also delighted to see that not only was the violin's bridge already in there, but it came with an extra bridge, extra D string, extra G string, extra A string, and extra E string.
The violin sounds very pretty and it is very easy to use, tune, and hold. I would definitely recommend buying this before you purchase a more expensive one.
There are some things that need to be said in this review though.
First of all, I've played guitar for the last 33 years. I began playing when I was ten. By the time I was a teenager, I was not only playing guitar and bass, but I was doing repair work for myself and other people. I know electric guitars and basses inside and out. About the only thing I can't, or won't do with one of these instruments is a re-fret - mainly because I don't have the space or the tools for it. I've been setting up stringed instruments for more than half my life.
That being said...
I firmly believe a lot of the negative reviews I've read here are written by people who felt the violin should have been in tune and playable right out of the box - which is ludicrous. This is a small, acoustic instrument. Shipping one of these things tuned to pitch would nearly guaranty a broken instrument upon arrival. These are shipped out with the strings slacked. The one I purchased had the bridge in place, but it was by no means in the correct place - directly between the middle of the two f-holes. It couldn't be. With the strings slacked, the slightest bump to the package could dislodge it.
I presume the majority of the negative reviews I read were written by people in the United States, where the people are taught by their televisions that everything is easy, nothing requires effort, and when you buy something, it has to work right out of the box - otherwise it's defective. I know, I live in the US.
If you're considering buying this, or ANY acoustic stringed instrument through an online retailer like Amazon, you're either going to have to learn some new skills in setting up an acoustic instrument, or take it to someone (reputable) who has the skills the set up an acoustic instrument for you. If you bought one of these instruments in a local music store, the set up would be done in the store prior to sale, and I'm sure the house luthier (instrument repair guy) would give it a "once-over" and a final tuning before you took it home. You're paying for this. It's why this same violin would be twenty or thirty dollars more if you bought it in a local music store.
For a guy like me, learning how to set up a whole new instrument was a joy.
Here are some quick tips on how you can do this yourself:
1.) The rosin cake that comes with the violin has a glaze over it to keep it from powdering up everything in the case during shipment. You'll need to "get it started". Take an emery board (nail file) or a little bit of sandpaper and sand off that top glaze until the cake starts to get powdery.
2.) The tuning pegs WILL NOT hold a proper tuning on the strings right out of the box! I don't care if you paid fifty grand for a new violin - if it has new pegs and new strings, they WILL slip. Take the strings off one at a time (I started with the G string) and apply your now powdery rosin to each peg - get the ends really good - and also apply some rosin to the holes in the headstock where the peg was. Replace the peg and the string. You'll now notice that there's a stiffness and a tackiness when turning the peg in its holes. This will prevent string slippage. If it's still a little loose, rap the peg head loosely with your knuckles to seat it a little better in the peg holes. Don't pull out a mallet or anything drastic like that - just knock on the peg head as if you were knocking on a door. It should seat it better. Again, even the most expensive violins require these adjustments to stay in tune. Follow these steps for each string, removing only one string at a time. When you tighten each string back up, only get it tight enough to allow the bridge to stand up. Don't try to tune the strings to pitch until you completed this process for all four strings.
3.) When all your peg holes and pegs are rosined up and back in place, make sure those strings have enough tension on them to keep the bridge erect, but not so much that the bridge is immovable. Start turning your pegs, G-string first - tune from low to high. The bridge will move around as you tune, that's fine. Just keep nudging it back into place. You're not tuning yet, you're putting tension on each string to secure the bridge in place. Once you feel you have an even tension (more or less) across all four strings and the bridge is staying where it should (between the very middle of the two f-holes), then you can start tuning the instrument to pitch.
4.) Rosin your bow. Without rosin on the bow, the hairs will just glide across the strings without producing any appreciable vibration - in other words - no note. The rosin creates friction between the two surfaces and causes the string(s) to vibrate. Playing your new violin without rosin is about the same as playing it without strings.
5.) Your new violin will still go out of tune! Yes. Why? Because it was shipped to you with new strings, that's why! I know this from playing guitar for as long as I have. New strings have a certain "breaking in " period. Once the strings settle into their tuning, try to avoid tuning with the pegs and use the fine tuners in the bridge to make minute adjustments to the tuning of your new instrument. Righty tighty, lefty loosen. Tightening the fine tuners will bring the pitch of the string up, loosening the fine tuner will bring it down. During your initial set up, make sure the fine tuners are tightened mid-way - that way you have room to move either up or down in pitch once the strings are broken in. The fine tuners on the instrument I purchased pretty much arrived this way, but it doesn't hurt to check.
6.) One last piece of advice, if you break a string, change them all, don't just change one. It's like tires on a car. It's better to replace all four at once than it is to replace one at a time. Your violin will just sound and respond better if you do.
Now that all that stuff is out of the way, I'll conclude this review with an actual review.
As far as the construction of the instrument goes - it's okay. It's maple - maple is a good, solid, tone wood - not too expensive, but certainly not plastic, like I've seen for other instruments in this price range. The maple finger board (stained dark to resemble ebony) is okay, again MUCH better than plastic. I'd personally like to see rosewood or pau ferro. It wouldn't be too expensive in violin size to substitute one of these tone woods - either one would have a "slicker" feel than stained maple and still be cost-effective for a beginner's instrument. The stained maple pegs are just fine, they do the job and again, infinitely better than plastic.
The tone bar seems to be seated well and in its proper place. I'm happy it's there to begin with. At this price range, it isn't unexpected to not see one at all.
I'm not an experienced player by any means, so I don't know much about the accessories, but the included chin rest and shoulder rest seem pretty adequate. Adding the shoulder rest made it a lot more comfortable for me to play - well, squeak out some notes anyway.
I'd say, all in all, it's a solid little first instrument. It's not mind-blowing. You get what you pay for, and I think in this case, you might even be getting a little more. The instrument itself, aside from its chin rest and shoulder rest, is all wood and metal - no plastic - which is a wonderful thing.
In conclusion, I'd say, put in some TIME. Put in some EFFORT, and you'll have a decent instrument to learn with.
Top reviews from other countries
March 2019 - First time Review
Overall, amazing. This violin sounds amazing. Clear, crisp, and does not sound like a toy; which is what I thought it would sound like.
Lets get into the details.
What's good: Body and Bridge, Tailpiece, the Case.
What's bad: Pegs, Chinrest, End Pin, The bow.
The Body is solid, the paint coating seems to give the violin a slightly mellower sound which is good if thats the type of sound you are looking for (like me). The paint job is not the best, but its not like anyone is really going to see it.
The bridge is actually very well done. Although, I wasnt a huge fan of how high the feet were. I cut a new bridge with an old Aubert bridge I had from 2008. It certainly enhanced the sound more than the original bridge, but if I had no option, I'd be perfectly happy with the two supplied bridges it came with.
The bow was unfortunately useless, dont use it unless you want to get turned off from starting the violin. Not straight, barely any arching, but at least the hair is nice. you can probably use it for parts.
The chinrest and endpin were no good either. Rough, and will probably give you a rash on your chin because its like putting your chin on sand paper. I replaced it.
The tailpiece is good! The tailpiece is not alloy. It is plastic. Although I truly prefer plastic over metal for a tailpiece. I was never a huge fan of 4x fine tuners though, so I replaced it as well. But you can bet that I'll be keeping the tailpiece to use on another violin.
The pegs are usable, not much to say, but I'll replace that eventually. I still have to test them to see how they will work for me.
The rosin, despite what everyone says, is actually usable. Mine came as one piece.
The shoulder rest seems to work. not as comfortable as a wolf secondo, but if you dont have a shoulder rest, it is usable.
The case is the best I've seen for a budget violin outfit. it seems snug and i feel confident it will keep my violin safe.
The strings also get a bad rep. They are great starter strings, don't throw them away, they are playable. I'm not the biggest fan of steel strings and they are too thin for my liking, but if you set up your violin properly (specifically the bridge) then they will sounds crist and clear and bright. A bit too bright for my taste though.
Mods:
I spent and additional 17 dollars to replace the chinrest, end pin, Tailpiece, and bridge (bridge was free, i had a spare uncut bridge lying around. That i ended up cutting myself to fit into this gorgeous violin)
With only a few mods and maybe 30 min of cutting a bridge + setting up the violin, I ended up with an amazing violin i'm super happy about.
February 2020 Update:
The sound didnt open up as much as I hoped it would. I guess the paint makes the sound restricted. At this rate I would not recommend purchasing this if you are hoping it will sound better later. I made some major mods on it. I replaced the fingerboard because it isnt real ebony. Upgraded the tailpiece, chin rest, and pegs to planetary tuners. It is more enjoyable to play but again, the sound is taking forever to open up.
Reviewed in Canada on March 26, 2019
March 2019 - First time Review
Overall, amazing. This violin sounds amazing. Clear, crisp, and does not sound like a toy; which is what I thought it would sound like.
Lets get into the details.
What's good: Body and Bridge, Tailpiece, the Case.
What's bad: Pegs, Chinrest, End Pin, The bow.
The Body is solid, the paint coating seems to give the violin a slightly mellower sound which is good if thats the type of sound you are looking for (like me). The paint job is not the best, but its not like anyone is really going to see it.
The bridge is actually very well done. Although, I wasnt a huge fan of how high the feet were. I cut a new bridge with an old Aubert bridge I had from 2008. It certainly enhanced the sound more than the original bridge, but if I had no option, I'd be perfectly happy with the two supplied bridges it came with.
The bow was unfortunately useless, dont use it unless you want to get turned off from starting the violin. Not straight, barely any arching, but at least the hair is nice. you can probably use it for parts.
The chinrest and endpin were no good either. Rough, and will probably give you a rash on your chin because its like putting your chin on sand paper. I replaced it.
The tailpiece is good! The tailpiece is not alloy. It is plastic. Although I truly prefer plastic over metal for a tailpiece. I was never a huge fan of 4x fine tuners though, so I replaced it as well. But you can bet that I'll be keeping the tailpiece to use on another violin.
The pegs are usable, not much to say, but I'll replace that eventually. I still have to test them to see how they will work for me.
The rosin, despite what everyone says, is actually usable. Mine came as one piece.
The shoulder rest seems to work. not as comfortable as a wolf secondo, but if you dont have a shoulder rest, it is usable.
The case is the best I've seen for a budget violin outfit. it seems snug and i feel confident it will keep my violin safe.
The strings also get a bad rep. They are great starter strings, don't throw them away, they are playable. I'm not the biggest fan of steel strings and they are too thin for my liking, but if you set up your violin properly (specifically the bridge) then they will sounds crist and clear and bright. A bit too bright for my taste though.
Mods:
I spent and additional 17 dollars to replace the chinrest, end pin, Tailpiece, and bridge (bridge was free, i had a spare uncut bridge lying around. That i ended up cutting myself to fit into this gorgeous violin)
With only a few mods and maybe 30 min of cutting a bridge + setting up the violin, I ended up with an amazing violin i'm super happy about.
February 2020 Update:
The sound didnt open up as much as I hoped it would. I guess the paint makes the sound restricted. At this rate I would not recommend purchasing this if you are hoping it will sound better later. I made some major mods on it. I replaced the fingerboard because it isnt real ebony. Upgraded the tailpiece, chin rest, and pegs to planetary tuners. It is more enjoyable to play but again, the sound is taking forever to open up.