MY TOP PICKS | 9 VIOLINS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!

[@CameronJHendren]

Just wanted to say - I'm expecting my violin today in the mail, and I've been studying up on a lot of your videos before it arrives - they have been extremely helpful and educational, thanks so much for taking the time to help so many of us get started!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

You're welcome and good luck with the playing :)

[@yerro504]

Redbeard_Cam how’s your playing now?

[@fiddlefaddle1]

I've enjoyed my Cecilio cvn 500 after I did a little tweaking. Changed the strings of course, trimmed the bridge so the feet would sit flush with top plate, lengthen the afterlength to 5.7 cm, reduced the bridge to 4.5mm on bass and 3.5mm on treble to suit my steel core strings, replace tuners with Wittier gold platted tuners ,(for looks too), and filed the nut slots to a little more angle to pegbox. All of this helped the sound immediately but, after a couple of months, it's really starting to open up.

[@dailynagi]

wdym open up?

[@fiddlefaddle1]

@@dailynagi Sorry for taking so long to respond. Open up means that the violins tone is improving. All new violins has a break in period.

[@jessesucksatviolin5113]

I have the Stentor II with dominant strings - I bought online, my first teacher wasn't too impressed (eek) but after taking it to my local violin shop they tweaked it and replaced the strings with dominant and my current teacher likes it. It's squeaky but I think that's just me hehe :)

[@djdm2603]

I dont even know what my violin is... second hand from a small music shop, very old, no fine adjustment tuners, and looks like it belongs on a pirate ship.

[@polleriffic5243]

Stormforce VII You can check inside the left "F hole" if there isn't any, too bad because it is usually printed there

[@EgoShredder]

My first violin was a Yamada (not Yamaha) from a mail order catalogue in May 1999. It cost a mere £80 approx at that time. Out of your list I would say mine sounds closest to the Cecilio CVN 300.

[@banjiddle]

I’m glad I got the Stentor 1500. Thank you!

[@tiny5663]

Which ought of the first five would you recommend the most?

[@JSWilliamssr]

I have a Cremona SV300. I put a set of Tonicas on it with a Pirastro Gold E string. It sounds marvelous (for a cheap violin). It saddens me, however, that Tonicas are now "new formula" and the price has gone through the roof. You might as well buy Dominants instead . . . the price is about the same now.

[@carljohnson4691]

Appreciated the information you provided and found it helpful. But please, if you must fade the text in could you do it from top to bottom? By the time I could read the first lines the first half of the bottom lines were fading away.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

but that is what the pause button is for.

[@carljohnson4691]

I did use the pause button, but it disrupts the flow. I don't mean to sound critical, and I'm impressed that you responded considering the large number of subscribers that you have, but it just seemed a little gimmicky to me. This was the first video by you that I have watched. I had been teaching myself to play violin several years ago (I had already been playing guitar for a number of years), and was making good progress when military duties interrupted my study. I am retired from that now and wish to begin anew. I will watch more of your videos because I think they may be helpful, and of course I will subscribe if that is the case. I suspect that it will be. I liked that fact that this video seemed more concerned with passing on useful information than showing off your knowledge, like so many other KZbinrs. In the meantime, what is your opinion of Knilling violins?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Well thank you for the feedback - I always like to hear it whether its good or bad as no-one is perfect and there is ALWAYS room for improvement. Unfortunately I dont know anything about Knilling violins - I have heard the name, but other than that, I dont know. Sorry I couldnt help.

[@carljohnson4691]

Thank you! I have a Knilling 4KF. It replaced a cheap, Chinese violin that I started with. I purchased it in the early 2000's, and stopped playing regularly in 2003, when I re-enlisted. It was a huge improvement over the cheap instrument, but I was never anywhere near the violinist that you are, so I can't really tell how it stacks up. The hair is dried up and brittle on both my bows, so I will have to do something about that before I start over. I purchased the Knilling Perfection tuners, but did not get them installed before life took over. When I get back into it, I will try to remember to let you know what I think of them compared to friction pegs. As a guitar player for over forty years, I'm not a fan of friction tuners, lol. Well, busy day ahead. Best to you.

[@gemarnelbumayet4099]

I Feel So bAd :( ThEre is No Any Stentor,Cecilio,forenzo Violin Brands Here In the Philippines :(

[@polleriffic5243]

Gemarnel Bumay Et Take a look at (search on facebook) "The String Department" and check out there Violins. If you can't go there, you can search "ViolinVillage" you can order it. But I dont like ordering a Violin that is over 10,000Php online so if you can go to "The String Department" strongly recommend it and try there Violins

[@gemarnelbumayet4099]

Can i Ask where is the location of the "string department" ?

[@polleriffic5243]

Gemarnel Bumay Et Sorry for the late reply, anyways it is here in Quezon City

[@rajivc7254]

Just go to Thommann.de they ship worldwide at good prices

[@evilhutdug4665]

Gemarnel Bumay Et To be fair we have cremona and bachendorff

[@maya-mercury]

Mine is a Strad copy made in Germany. It sounds amazing and I doubt I would ever get rid of it. But I have tried all the violins in this video before and they are all very good choices. Thanks for the video!!!!

[@sakshivinod9465]

do you have a link for the violin to purchase it?

[@cameroncolorado1843]

Heya! I'm currently a Percussionist but is learning trying to learn the Violin. I currently have my own violin. Ive gotten great help from my friends that play Violin in Mariachi. I'm thinking of maybe switching my electives to Orchestra instead of band so I can properly get good at Violin.

[@777NJW]

Thanks so much, very helpful. Really enjoying your utube channel.

[@SusanSteckov]

My question, which I think I had forgotten to send...lol...distractions!....Is there a string you recommend for Electric violin? I picked up a toy, here in DE, until my possessions - including a one-of-a-kind, hand made wooden violin, (I'll mention that if people have the time to shop, these instruments can be very affordable, and offer quality that you'll never find from a factory instrument) - arrive from the US. I currently use Piastro Tonica - which I snagged at such a great sale price, I won't need to buy more for some time, but I am open for your suggestions - price is not an issue as I don't eat up strings on this instrument, not the Tonica, anyway, as I do on my wooden violin, but I use the Piastro Gold which are soft core. I am going to confirm, that although I have seen articles written against the purchase of these less expensive, electric, instruments, after changing the bridge, (a tip I picked up from your video, by-the-way), and strings, I love the sound - surprisingly sweet - and would love for you to critique some of the electric as well! One thing to stress - echoing the words we hear from Alison...PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! An inexpensive instrument sounds good when one puts in the time to play well!

[@aliciacharlene2442]

Hi!! This really helped but is the Karl Hofner violin good?? Does it sound good?? I have learnt the violin for 6 years and my teacher gave me this violin. Thanks a lot

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I dont know anything abbout Hofners im afraid.

[@epicolimeo961]

The eastman vl 305 200 100 or 80 is really good

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I have never played an Eastman.

[@epicolimeo961]

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor oh alright

[@keithrichman4534]

Hello! Thank you for the help you have given to so many aspiring musicians. A question: where do the fiddlerman violins fit into your list of recommended violins? I am considering a Concert Deluxe model.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

They are the best I have reviewed to date.

[@dnivra11]

Wondering why there is no mention about Fiddlerman violins. Would you suggest Stentor Conservatoire over Fiddlerman OB1?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

There is no mention of Fiddlerman violins because this video was made back in 2017 and I was only sent the Fiddlerman violins in October of last year. The Conservatoire is a little better than the OB1, but the Fiddlerman violins are better than most brands overall as they are very well set up.

[@TheElf1234]

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Would you perhaps make an updated video on your “top picks” of violins, if you haven’t done so already? 😊

[@mumchar-bear7682]

Hi which one should I buy, which is better cecilio cvn 300 or the mendini mv500?

[@angisamuel3510]

Thank you very much! I like what are you doing ! Very nice !

[@cityphoto2010]

Great video ,very helpful

[@sandymanuel9029]

Hi how is C. Meisel violin model 6120 for students? Please share your opinion.TIA

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I have not heard or played it im afraid.

[@arhatshah842]

Please suggest me a good brand in India, as I want to upgrade my violin from Hofner violin...

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

All I can recommend is ones I have reviewed. I don’t know what will or won’t be available in your country I’m afraid.

[@katsudom]

So which one is better? Piastro Tonica or the Dominant strings? (Jeez I ask too many questions...)

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Depends on what you want. I put info in the video about each one so you can choose what you prefer.

[@JSWilliamssr]

Beware. Tonica has changed to a "new formula" and is now as expensive as Dominants. They may have a different sound, but no way to tell. I have yet to find a review of them.

[@crabjoe]

If the choice is between Cecilio CVN 300 and the Medini MV500, which is better and why?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Either or.

[@randomname8199]

Hello! I have a question is that for acoustic violin, the price some may be very expensive because of the woods, or some may be historical and my question is that how about electrical violin? Why some of the electrical Violin's price is highly different?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

You are paying for what its made of, the design (not heavy and feels good to play etc) and also the pickup. The quality of the pickup, where it is, how its made etc. The reason the more expensive ones are better as because cheap electric violins are very heavy and uncomfortable, poorly made, they are made of wood and the pickup (or whatever the manufacturer uses) is not good quality meaning the sound you get is tinny.

[@fatimaalvarez9538]

What about Cecilio CVN-EAV??

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

This may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d53cfoCDoZtob5o

[@itsruthiebabyyy]

What's your opinion on Karl höfner Stadivari Outfit

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I have never played on one.

[@sabianvasquez602]

On the strings you recommend, there different sizes which one do you get?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

The sizes that matches the size of the violin.

[@MyViolinJourney]

Thankyou!!

[@jamesaf928]

What type of strings should I used for the Stentor Conservatoire

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Depends on what the violin sounds like to you, what your budget is, what you want to get more or less out of on the violin etc. You need to look at strings and what they say they do, then chose accordingly.

[@jamesaf928]

The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Alright thanks!!

[@andreasanmiguel2112]

whats the difference between a cvn 300 and a cvn 500? which would you recommend more?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

As the video says, the 300 is a beginner violin and the 500 is more intermediate. There are more detailed video reviews of each violin linked under the video and my thoughts of each are in this video.

[@chaz8288]

The Online Piano and ViolinTutor Hia, what about a Stagg VN-44 Violin and a Stagg VN-1/2 Violin??? Would that be a good choice??

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Never played them. Unless I have done a video review and personally played it, I couldn't say. What is in this video is what I recommend from the violins I have been able to try out.

[@chaz8288]

The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Okay, but thanks anyway

[@samuelluisdelespiritusanto7343]

HELP!! When I try to play the violin 🎻 my bow touches unnecessary strings!

[@JSWilliamssr]

Take it to a luthier. It may be the bridge, or it may be a bow control issue...

[@Timzart7]

One of the most common problems with cheaper violins is that the bridge is not correct. Get a measuring tape that has mm and measure the distance from the end of the fingerboard to the E and G strings to see if they are in the proper height range. (E) 3.2 to 3.5mm (G) 5.0 to 5.5mm Without applying any pressure on the bow look at the clearance close up with the hair resting on the D string to see if you've got the same clearance as when you're on the A string. Not enough clearance can cause it to be overly difficult to play on one string without touching another, although this problem (playing on two strings) should not be a problem when playing on the E and G strings. As long as the bridge is a little on the higher side, a luthier can correct this curvature on the top of the bridge, giving you more clearance, if it turns out your bridge is a little flatter than it should be. A lot of bridges on cheaper violins are too high and that makes the strings harder to press down to the fingerboard. Upper positions sound bad and are difficult to play if your bridge is too high, for example, playing 6 steps and higher up on the G string. Sending violins out with a high bridge can mask errors in the nut (the bridge at the base of the scroll), but having the correct spacing and height of strings is important. A luthier (one who doesn't specialize in guitar only) can look at your violin and see if it is set up correctly, and give you a price on how much it would cost to fix.

[@zhouyun654_]

i liked the music in the background, What song is it?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I dont know - its royalty stock music.

[@jamelsedki7588]

Heyyy i'm intermediate student my budget is between 100 ....150€ which German violin i should buy pls

[@best_of_55]

Is the eurostring m200 good?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I have never heard of it im afraid.

[@umerraja2655]

Hi Alison, I have a quick question. Would you say that it is worth it to upgrade from the Stentor II to the CVN500? I've been playing for a year now, and am about to do my grade 3 exam. Thank you very much.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Are you in the UK? If so, Cecilio violins are not available here.

[@umerraja2655]

The Online Piano and Violin Tutor yeah I just realized after commenting. What would you recommend as a step up after the S2? Thanks for replying.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Probably the Graduate or even the Messina.

[@umerraja2655]

The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Ok thank you for the quick replies Keep up the good work :)

[@vickiem6811]

I would like to request Jump into line from the famous movie beetle juice.... Would be excellent, or even safe and sound from Taylor Swift!! Love yea lots

[@cyruzrodrigo4075]

Just wondering, which are easier to press for beginners? Dominant or Tonicas? I love the dominants, very easy on my soft fingers, but not very easy on the wallet :/

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I wouldn't say any strings are particularly 'easy' for beginners? Strings are strings in that regard as long as you are buying decent and not cheap crap.

[@cyruzrodrigo4075]

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Well what I meant was it won't like slice through my soft finger tips lol I guess I'll Wait for my callous to form on my fingers Thanks

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

@@cyruzrodrigo4075 Are you a guitar player by any chance? Whatever you know about the guitar - forget it as the violin is absolutely nothing like the guitar, really in any way. You will not get callous' on your fingers as the strings are far too small and no violin strings will cut into your fingers - it doesn't work that way.

[@cyruzrodrigo4075]

If I was a guitar player I wouldn't be waiting for callouses xD It was a friend who told me, though I really should have consulted a violinist first lol. Well thanks anyway, I was afraid of sliding on the e string for fear that I would slice my pinky in two.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

@@cyruzrodrigo4075 Yes. If your friend is not a violinist, they are not the best person to ask for advice. Good luck with the playing.

[@SteveSurgenor]

What about electric for a beginner ?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I have some reviews of them on my channel, but only a couple.

[@lexarooo]

whats the best brand of strings for the cvn 300

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I mentioned it in the video.

[@ughgio]

great choice of a song wow

[@americantofu5415]

Well done

[@sp7111]

Where would the fiddler man violins be in this video???

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

This video was made a few years before I reviewed the Fiddlerman violins - which I did only in November last year.

[@gjyw7314]

Do the Cecilios come in 7/8 size?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I have no idea. Best to have a look online.

[@gjyw7314]

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor, many thanks. I haven't seen any yet.... very much appreciate your taking the trouble to reply, though; I didn't know whether I might be just looking in the wrong places.

[@montserratastorga1928]

Could you do an easy tutorial on Ed Sheeran's Perfect song? I love yours tutorial

[@dumcat2]

does anyone know anything about carlovys

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I have never heard of them myself.

Muito bom!

[@TheHappynot]

Royce Burt!

[@TheIMFAgency]

mine is wuudi

[@leafpool4480]

I miss the videos where u actually speak

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Thanks for your feedback. Its just that talking videos like this are hard to keep to literally 3/4 mins - especially when its a video like this where everything can be said and done in 3 minutes with very brief text. If i talk, then it becomes a 10 minute video and I get complaints about 'talking too much' lol. Also, if i talk, I dont have props (violins, strings etc) to show you and im just sitting there jabbering away, which gets boring for the viewer; which is another reason I do these. Sorry.

[@JSWilliamssr]

But you have such a lovely voice!

[@abowlitionist9780]

Looks like an ad for Cecilio and Stentnor lol I dislike them both, unless you're a beginner. I'd put my money on the Eastman line with good strings. Much more nuanced quality of tone, not so "boxy" and "throaty" like Cecilio and Stentnor. But hey, this is only my opinion.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I can assure you it is not an ad. I wish I was getting paid, but sadly im not. These were the 2 best violin brands I had tried at the time of making this video. I now recommend Fiddlerman violins; they blow Eastmans out the water!

[@tomallen6117]

Who can read that fast. What's the hurry. What's the point at all if nobody can read it

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

1. If i held the writing there for longer, then the video would be too long and a lot of people would complain that its long and slow. 2. I have no idea how fast or slow people read, so I chose a nominal amount of time to hold the writing for. 3. I automatically assume that because it was made for video, that one simply pauses the video, or slows it down.