Improving a Cheap Violin: Mendini MV300

[@reversestudios1055]

I've played cello for 10 years and want to try out violin. The one I'm looking at is priced at $45 for the violin, bow, rosin, and a mute. I'd likely have to make a lot of the adjustments you did and probably get a new bow, but I feel like if it’s playable and I know what to expect it's better to start with something cheap and upgrade later than to wait years to afford a quality violin I may never learn. Thank you for the video!

[@kenz5469]

I believe it's stated that the body is all solid, but yes, that top is heat pressed.

[@jrsforest187]

I decided upon D'Addario Pro Arte strings due to price, reputation for dark, warm sound and an aluminum wound E string.

[@coldspring22]

Thank you for the tips! Yes it is possible to go cheaper than a Mendini. I bought Glarry GV101 for $40 and I am very happy with it. I play only slow pop melodies on my violin so it makes little difference if I can play on a Stradivarius or a cheap violin.

[@jrsforest187]

It's hard to wrap one's mind around a violin, bow, and case, delivered to one's door for less than $50.00. If you like it, then it IS a good violin.

[@coldspring22]

@@jrsforest187 Yes actually GV101 is similar to Mendini MV300, both matt finish and construction is similar. your tips helped a lot. Lowering the action improved playability of violin a great deal. Thank you

[@fnersch3367]

I recently bought a broken violin that had been stored away for decades. Its label has: Enrico Robella, Milan, 19__ printed on it. Under this label there is a sticker with a drawing of a lion kneeling on a drum. I wonder who made this? Who is Enrico Robella?

[@jrsforest187]

Hi, This could be a tricky one so don't take my word for it. There's a lot of weird labeling in violins and if you find an older one with an Italian named maker bd cautious. There was always some faking of labels and tricky marketing but throughout the mid to late 1800s through the early part of the 1900s it was a huge industry. It's possible that your Robella was made in Milan but probably waay more likely that it was produced in a large shop in Markneukirchen, Germany. It doesn't mean that it's not worth restoring though if it isn't beaten up too badly. If you want take pictures showing it from every angle and send them to my email; [e-mail]

[@christophertsiliacos8958]

"Doesn't get any cheaper than that?" Not so fast. I paid $39.95 (US) for my new violin from Amazon. In addition to the violin, it came with the bow, case, extra set of steel strings, small cake of rosin, and a chromatic electronic tuner. Believe it or not, it actually plays and stays in tune with all of its original parts. In fact, it sounds just as good as the Mendini MV300. 😊 🎻 🎶

[@jrsforest187]

Good. It's amazing when you think about it, how their production methods allow a playable combo at that price point. All they need to do is tweak their CNCs to better graduate the plates and the sound quality could really improve.

[@christophertsiliacos8958]

@@jrsforest187 BTW: When I'm not playing this cheap violin, it does make for a nice decorative wall hanger. 😊👍

[@Subiemal]

If you get a better sound post it will be much better