Stentor Student II Violin Outfit 4/4 Size, Violin For Intermediates & Kids 12+ With Wood Bow, Lightweight Carry Case & Accessories, Steel Core String Instrument, 1500A, Brown

Having not played a violin for over 30 years, I was very undecided between buying the Stentor 1 or Stentor 2 student violin, as there appeared to be very little discernible difference between them both, other than 1 being cheaper than 2. I didn't want to spend out on a more expensive violin to begin with, until I was sure I wanted to continue playing longer term. The Stentor 1 or 2 was what was recommended by a number of reviewers, plus the Online Piano & Violin Tutor on You Tube, who's lessons I've been using to teach myself during the lockdown.In the end I settled on the Stentor 2, as I felt that the music played in all of the videos using the Stentor 2, sounded slightly smoother and a richer in tone, than when played on the Stentor 1. Violins can sometimes sound like a bag of screeching cats to begin with, so for both our families sake, and that of our neighbours, I felt the less scratchy the better, and I have in deed found this violin to be much smoother and nicer sounding than the rubbish one I had back in school.We found the violin tuned up very well, first time around. I asked my more musically experienced other half to tune it for me, so as to make sure I was starting out with the correct notes. He used an online violin tuning video and his musical ear, and didn't have any trouble or break any strings - apparently the trick is small, slow and steady turns, and to use the fine tuners, so as not to put too much strain on the strings! I think spare strings would have been a good extra in the starter package, especially for the beginner, as it's quite easy to break the strings when tuning if you haven't done it before.I'll be investing in a digital tuner that attaches to the body of the violin for a more accurate tuning (D'Addario PW-CT-14 NS Micro Violin Tuner) for when I have to re-tune the violin by myself. I will also be purchasing a decent shoulder rest, at the minute I'm using a folded tea towel as padding during practice - I had forgotten how much violins can dig into your collar bone!One other thing that I will mention, is that there are better quality rosins available to buy, such as Sartori resin, which is expensive but it lasts for years. The one that comes free with this Stentor 2 violin is ok, it makes the bow work, but there are better quality rosins out there which is important for sound quality. At a later date, as I progress, I'll probably invest in a set of better quality strings - such as D'Addario Prelude 4/4 Scale Medium Tension Violin String Set, to replace the ones the violin came with, though I think they are fine to start off with.All in all, for a relatively cheap starter violin, the sound is nice, it tunes up well, it arrived quickly, and it looks good. I'm very happy with my purchase.

My wife is learning the violin and her music teacher who is a first violin said it is a good one and has a nice resonance. So I am pleased and it was good value.

This is an absolutely beautiful instrument. The purple finish is wonderful, although there were two very tiny nicks in the finish, but they're barely noticeable. The sound of the instrument is simply gorgeous. Beautiful and warm. The case is very nice, although I perhaps would have liked it to match the instrument.My only real criticism is the tuning pegs: They're a little bit scruffy and it confuses me as to why they are brown. The chin rest, tailpiece and end pin are all black, so why make the tuning pegs brown? They also slip quite a bit when trying to tune it. But, they can easily be replaced if that's a concern. Overall, for the money, this is an outstanding instrument. An absolute bargain if I'm honest.

Violin looks beautiful. Can't wait to start playing. A few things I found out of place but overall im still happy. Case it came in looks fantastic. Plenty of space for storing everything you need.First thing I found was this little scratch on the front of all places where the bow was heavily digging into the violin. Maybe worth adding a bit of bubble wrap to protect this during transportation.Second thing was the resin it came with is absolutely useless like other reviews said. I'm just glad I read quite a few before purchasing as I ordered a higher quality one beforehand.Third thing was a few of the bow hairs were snapped.Overall quality of the case is spot on and beyond happy with this being my first violin. I know a few people complained about snapping the strings... However, so far regarding ease of tuning, I've been able to tune it without that happening currently but with how thin the E string is I'm not surprised!Material does feels like it has some slip resistance and seems comfortable!Size I purchased was 4/4

This violin which is based on the Stentor 1 student violin which is popular with many violin tutors for their students. It is very well constructed and was really well set up when it arrived - the bridge had slipped slightly, but this was soon back in its correct position and ready to play - an easy thing to do if you know what you are doing - there are plenty of good YouTube videos on how if not.As a violinist myself, I bought it for my nephew so he could start learning to play - it was really well received and he loves it! The nice polished black finish is good on the eye but the tonal qualities and the strings that it was set up with give a nice resonant sound when played.Recommended as a good starter violin for any beginner student who wants to have something straight-forward to learn with before going for something more pricey.

I decided to order the Stentor II after reading a lot of positive reviews about it online. I can guarantee you will not be disappointed in this.The build quality is brilliant, it looks stunning. It is pretty lightweight and comfortable to hold and most importantly it sounds great. The tuning is pretty easy, and it holds quite well.Not sure what grades are equivalent too; This is advised as a student violin and I have bought this to work through the Suzuki Violin Series. I am currently on book 3 now (after many, many hours of practicing on this) and this violin sounds great. I doubt I will be changing it for a very long time.It was initially a toss up between this and an electric violin for a similar price. However I would advise against the electric's (that is the budget Chinese ones). Get an acoustic for the sound alone. Granted it is very loud, but with a metal practice mute, I have had no problem playing this at early hours in the morning without waking the neighbours.