Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin Outfit

We bought two (2) of these almost exactly two years ago for our twin daughters. Since they were just barely 3 years old, we weren’t sure they were going to stick with violin playing so we didn’t want to spend a lot for their instruments. Just a few months of violin rental fees would have cost as much as what we paid for these.

Their instructor, who plays for the symphony orchestra in a very large metropolitan area suggested that one of her students had gotten this particular brand and model. We went ahead and ordered them and were very pleased with the price-quality ratio. Fit and finish for both the bow and the violin were fine and the sound was acceptable for such small violins. The two units were also consistent in performance and sound quality, although one had a slightly darker finish. Woe to anyone who suggests to these kids that these instruments are interchangeable. Each kid has to have her own violin set, and refuses to play the other one.

They came with a rigid case with double (bi-directional) main zipper, zippered accessory compartment, and backpack-type straps to make it easy for the little ones to carry. The only accessory we had to add was a shoulder rest for each violin.

Our only complaint was minor and had nothing to do with the actual instruments. In one of the units, one of the 4 screws attaching the suitcase-type handle to the case came loose and was lost, although we seldom use the carry handles, preferring to handle them by the backpack straps.

The pegs hold the string tension and are easy to adjust without having to add peg drops, and the fine tuners work fine. We do have to check the tuning prior to every practice session. Aside from the occasional broken horsehair from the bow (which happens even in professionals’ instruments), both violins are intact and have been able to withstand the abuse of our little kids.

As this is a small scale violin, the sound quality is nowhere near that of a full sized instrument. However, it is sufficient for young kids as they learn the mechanics of playing and the pitch of musical notes. We are now getting ready to buy the next larger size (1/8) as both kids have outgrown these.

Each attempt to tune/tighten the strings caused the bridge to pop off. The instrument was very cheaply made for the price. I have bought small 1/4 size violins from Eastar music for much less the price and they were usable for my beginner granddaughter , included extra bridge, extra strings., rosin, case and bow. I bought 2 violins, one full size and one 1/4 size Mendini brand also completely usable, included extra strings, bridge and also a chromatic tuner and shoulder rest. The Eastar brand is very nice, But either company is much better then this Cremona. I tried this Cremona brand thinking because I needed a 1/8 size quickly, I didn’t see it available from the other companies at the time , I paid more, hoping the quality would be good, and it was impossible to tune and cheap with no extra strings or bridge, only rosin. Eastar was my favorite for quality.

I’ll start with the only negative: Made in China. Okay, we’ve got that out of the way. This is not a Stradivarius and no one would expect so. I still have yet to even try and play it. It looks okay, bright blue, mine is. So far, I bought better quality (French?) rosin, a shoulder rest and a recommended electronic tuner. I think I have it tuned. I’m doing an online course, so I don’t have a teacher’s input. I’m all set for my concerto debut which will be the traditional number, Twinkle, twinkle little something or other. I’m 60 I’ll, I’m too old to just now start learning violin. Well, not really. There is no age to learn something new. I could get into a cheesy story about my wife and the wonderful gesture I made, but we’ll skip that.

So I’m gonna learn to play this thing. I may just be the next Charlie Daniels 😎. Anyway, I kinda doubt if you are an adult, buying this for your child to take violin lessons, their teacher is going to suggest you return it, unless A. They know someone (if so, find another violin teacher, you don’t need to participate in a good ol boys or girls club if you get my drift) or B. If they are some kind of snob (maybe a different teacher, or maybe a snob is just what your future violinist needs to get into Julliard). One complaint, although I’m a slight snob; some of the hairs on my bow were broken. Not enough to worry about, especially with my skill level, but I already plan for a carbon fiber now. And better strings. Even though I have yet to play a note.

I think you’ll be okay with this purchase. No guarantees. I only gave it 3 ⭐’s because I have no idea how good it is.