If you know what you are doing when tuning a violin, it is fine. The tuning pegs have not been professionally setup--on a fully set up violin they would protrude slightly from the other side of the pegbox, and these are slightly inset, even when twisted in to the peg box when tuning (which is how you get them to hold--violin tuning is always a friction fit). That said, with proper tuning technique, these pegs will hold fine as-is.
I believe the OP is actually asking about left handed usage based on "(hold bow with left hand)" Technically classical string instruments are not manufactured for bowing with the left hand. However, it is possible to modify an instrument for this purpose. A google search will give you several options for modifications and manufacturers that make "left handed" instruments.
Where can I purchase replacement strings and what size or length should they be?
A shopper
on Mar 4, 2022
BEST ANSWER:Any local music shop can guide you as to what would be best for your particular circumstances. Usually the people there play themselves and are quite good at helping you to determine what is best for your needs.
BEST ANSWER:Any local music shop can guide you as to what would be best for your particular circumstances. Usually the people there play themselves and are quite good at helping you to determine what is best for your needs.
Having played violin for the past 36 years, I can say that this violin has quite a nice tone, and makes a fine choice as a beginning violin. This one will most likely go to my son when he needs a 4/4 instrument.
The wooden tailpiece with four real fine tuners is an upgrade from most violins in this price range. It improves both the look and tone of the instrument.
The bridge seems to have been fit well--by which I mean the curve on the top of the bridge is appropriate for the instrument. You will need to set the bridge in the proper place, but there are reasonably good instructions for how to do so included in the package.
That said there are some things to know:
The tuning pegs are not fully set up. Though they are functional as they arrive (assuming you know the proper technique for tuning a violin w/ tuning pegs), they should emerge slightly from the opposite side of the peg box as opposed to being slightly inset. Not worth paying someone to fix it, as it would likely cost more than you paid for the violin, but if you know what you're doing, probably worth it to do yourself for better aesthetics and hold. (I recommend using a peg shaver as opposed to a tapered reamer, should you try it, as it is easier to replace pegs if you screw it up than it is to fix a mistake in the pegbox)
The bow is not particularly good. Its weight and balance are actually OK (many cheap wooden bows are way too light), but, at least on the one that I got, the camber (bend) is terrible (way too shallow). Get yourself a $25 carbon fiber bow straight from China--they're consistently pretty good--way better than cheap wooden bows.
Note: the above problems are minor, and you will not find another violin in this price range that does not have the same issues. Many violins in this price range (from other sellers) have many more issues; quality from other sellers varies wildly.
tl;dr; Nice tone, great price, invest in a better (still cheap) bow.
This is a great deal. I am very surprised at the quality of the instrument I received for less than sixty bucks, shipped.
I originally thought this would be a cheap toy something to test my interest, and then make into an art project after losing interest or buying better. But it's much better quality than I expected.
When one of my strings broke, my son brought it in to his school orchestra class where they repair student instruments and the teacher who replaced the string mentioned what a nice violin it was.
The parts and materials used in construction are far better quality than I thought I would get for this price.
The strings are basic student-grade, as expected.
The music and violin stands shipped with this would cost $20 sold separately, so I didn't feel much risk in buying this.
If I saw and heard this in a music store, I would've paid one fifty or more for this package.
I am very happy, and hope Monoprice starts selling violas, cellos and bass!
I started my lessons with this instrument a few years ago and I have had no regrets. Nothing in this beginner instrument has limited my ability to learn and love the violin. My biggest problem has been finding the time to practice!
However, if you strings break, I suggest asking your instructor for appropriate string replacements for beginners. Don't get the cheap amazon strings, since you will find it much easier to hit the right notes with good name brand strings.
Don't get nice strings from the get-go, though, just in case the violin is not for you. It's not an easy instrument!
Im a lifelong pianist and got this violin for fun with no experience and no expectations. For the price, it is an irresistible deal but what I like the most is knowing that some unknown luthiers in China (!) made this, and now I have it and it sounds fine. Of course if you have higher requirements than I, you might choose a different one but for me, its quite all right, sounds nice and its part of the family now. Were happy with it.
