10/31/2011

Gator Cases Deluxe ABS Full-Size Violin Case for 4/4-Size Violin Review

Gator Cases Deluxe ABS Full-Size Violin Case for 4/4-Size Violin
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Caveat emptor.
Desiring more rugged protection for my primary violin, I purchased this sturdy case.
There were several critical issues with this case.
1. This case was too narrow to accommodate either of my two (dimensionally typical) 4/4 "real" violins or my (somewhat slim) electric violin.
2. The bottom bow holder wasn't deep enough for a full sized bow (manufacturing defect?)
3. The "lining" of the case, while soft, was a shaggy substance, certain to capture rosin and eventually damage the violin's oil/varnish.
4. The top bow holder, while deep enough, exerted _sideways_ pressure on the bow (which will ruin a wood bow).

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Thomastik Infeld Red 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge with Removable Ball End Gold-plated Steel E Review

Thomastik Infeld Red 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge with Removable Ball End Gold-plated Steel E
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Infeld Reds were designed to bring out the darker side of your violin, and to be used on bright squeaky fiddles. I would tend to agree with this, but found them too mellow for my violins. They adjust well to humidity and temperature changes, and settle in quickly. The gold plated e is there to give it a nice round ringing tone, however it causes the price to be higher than the Blue set.

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10/30/2011

ViolinSmart Oblong Violin Case 4/4 Full Size (Green) Review

ViolinSmart Oblong Violin Case 4/4 Full Size (Green)
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I didn't see any reviews for this product when i ordered it but was willing to take my chances, and am very pleased with my decision. It is a well made case with plenty of room. I own an electric "Wood Violin-(Saber)" and needed a case that would protect as well as have a storage place for shoulder rest, rosin, tuner, etc. My Saber fits in this case perfect like the case was specifically made for this violin, and the lower storage compartment has plenty of room for my "kork' tuner and metronome still in there boxes. The storage compartment for the rosin is very small, but there was plenty of room in the lower storage compartment for that also. The storage compartment for the shoulder rest is a little tight, but then again the rest that I have is also a taller one due to the fact that this is an electric violin, I tried the "Kun" shoulder rest from my accoustic violin and it fits well. They also provide a very nice Padded cloth to go over top of the violin. The onlt thing I didn't care for was the means to hold the violin securely in place, rather than a secure velcro hold down they use just a thin piece of ribbon that you tie around the finger board, this seams to work okay, will see just how long it lasts. All and all I am very pleased with this product and would reccomend this pruduct to anyone looking for a nice case with a nice price.

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Thomastik Dominant 1/8 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge - Steel Ball-End E Review

Thomastik Dominant 1/8 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge - Steel Ball-End E
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These strings are the favorite of both of our violin teachers. We have used these for our 6-9 year old and they help her have a nice sound.

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10/29/2011

String Swing Violin/Viola Hanger with Metal Base Review

String Swing Violin/Viola Hanger with Metal Base
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Saw this on a friend's wall before I purchased. It's exactly what my husband needed to hang his beloved violin.

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Intelli IMT-203 Violin Tuner with Thermo/Hygro Meter Review

Intelli IMT-203 Violin Tuner with Thermo/Hygro Meter
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This device so far seems to function quite properly, once you figure out how to operate its buttons. Despite implying a relatively low-complexity cognitive interface, this tuner provides a perfect example of not-user-centered and not-user-friendly product design. For example, you have to struggle for some time with its buttons to finally discover where you turn the thing off. You are obliged to learn and to memorize its idiosyncratic logic. The sequence of buttons is also counter-intuitive. There are different functions (whose mutual association is not logical, nor intuitive) which, however, share the same physical buttons. Why have a poor, frustrating design, when good design is not any more expensive to manufacture?

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10/28/2011

Pirastro Passione 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge with Ball End E Review

Pirastro Passione 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge with Ball End E
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These strings have received rave reviews from violinist. Do a search and read for yourself. They are in a class of their own.
Most gut strings are unstable but have more undertones. Synthetic strings are far more stable but do not have the full undertones of gut strings, although the better synthetic strings come close. The Pirasatro Passione strikes a compromise between the two. Passione strings are gut strings, but they are more stable than most gut strings. You get more undertones than synthetic stings without almost as good stability.
Who should use these strings? Advanced violin players. Students probably should stick with the more affordable and time-tested Dominants (but with a different E string) or another synthetic string, such as Vision Solo or Larsen Tzigane. Evah Pirazzi strings are also excellent strings for advanced players, but their high tension make them unsuitable for most users and many violins. Ultimately, strings interact with the differing characteristics of violins, and different strings sound different on different violins. You have to experiment. If you are a student, maybe stick with Dominants (except the E) and then experiment once you advance.
If you are looking for the best overall strings and are willing to pay more, because you are an advanced player, buy the Passione strings.

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Rotosound RS1000 Silver Wound Violin Strings (Economy Set) Review

Rotosound RS1000 Silver Wound Violin Strings (Economy Set)
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I ordered these strings to replace the broken g string on my violin. After taking the violin to a repair shop for unrelated issues, the guy said that string was not a violin string but rather a classical guitar string. He was kind enough to replace it for free. So, I've learned my lesson. No more economy violin strings.

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10/27/2011

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge - Steel Loop-End E Review

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge - Steel Loop-End E
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I have been playing violin for 12 years and have always used Zyex strings. However, my friend told me to try these and I am so glad I did! They sound beautiful and get the best quality tone I have ever heard. The sound is warm and beautiful and I love these strings, I will never use anything else.

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Alfred Suzuki Violin School Volume 5 Revised (Book/CD) Review

Alfred Suzuki Violin School Volume 5 Revised (Book/CD)
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My daughter has been using the Suzuki violin books for the past three years and absolutely loves it. She plans on working with all the ten Suzuki violin books.

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10/26/2011

The String Centre Recital II Violin String set 4/4 Size Review

The String Centre Recital II Violin String set 4/4 Size
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Strings arrive labeled 1234, not GDAE -
could pose a bit of a challenge for
we novices... Why make such a simple
thing more complex? Obviously a good
price but have no idea about quality.

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Fishman Classic Series V-200 Professional Violin Pickup Review

Fishman Classic Series V-200 Professional Violin Pickup
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I've been using this pickup with the Fishman G-II preamp for months and have little good to say about it. I simply cannot get the pickup to sound good on my instrument. In order to make it bearable I have to turn the treble nearly as low as possible, otherwise all that comes out is high pitched bow scraping noise. In addition, the carpenter jack is poorly designed and will not fit in my violin case. I have to attach and remove the pickup each time I use it. It The best thing about the pickup is that it is very easy to install. While it does the job of amplifying my violin, I cannot recommend this pickup for a violinist serious about tone. There simply must be better options out there.

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10/25/2011

Si-Hon Style Wire Violin Mute Review

Si-Hon Style Wire Violin Mute
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I never received this item although tracking showed it as having been delivered. The other two mutes that I ordered at the same time were received but not the violin mute. When I left a resonse for the other two, there was no mechanism for me to contact the seller?

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Play on Air Deluxe Shoulder Rest: Fits 1/2-4/4 Violin Review

Play on Air Deluxe Shoulder Rest: Fits 1/2-4/4 Violin
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Play on airs are junk. They wouldn't be quite so bad if not for one major design flaw: they require air. This means that they either pop or deflate after extended use. You're basically paying $22 for a beach ball.
These shoulder rests are designed to provide a little bit of padding and support for those with shorter necks. But you know what could do that same job AND not deflate? A sponge. Better yet, go to a fabric store and get get some furniture padding. It costs $4 for 2 feet. Use a bread knife to cut it up. That stuff works really well and will last for years if necessary.

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10/24/2011

Wolf Forte Secundo 3/4 - 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest Review

Wolf Forte Secundo 3/4 - 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest
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I have played the violin for over 18 years. In that time span I have tried almost every shoulder rest on the market. I've used sponges, play-on-airs, Kuns... the works.
Here's the thing with shoulder rests: whether or not they work is totally dependent on the person. What could be the most comfortable shoulder rest in the world for one person could be downright painful for another. I've even known violinists who swear by using no shoulder rest at all. These differences in opinions are based largely on the fact that everyone has a slightly different build and body shape.
So with that in mind, here are the things that I, personally, like about this particular shoulder rest:
-I have found that the Wolf brand tends to be pretty durable. They can definitely take a beating for many years. The padding also does not become unglued from the metal frame. I have found this to be an issue with Kun shoulder rests.
-Wolf actually uses a metal frame. Plastic frames, although cheaper, have a tendency to crack at their stress points.
-Of all the shoulder rests on the market, I find that Wolf is the most adjustable. I have a long neck and very few shoulder rests can give me the kind of length and extension that I require.
-I like the shape of this particular series. The way it wraps around slightly makes for very comfortable playing.
So, again, these are the reason why I like this shoulder rest. I would not recommend this shoulder rest to those who have shorter necks. However, when it comes to shoulder rests, experimentation is key to finding the right fit.

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Green/Gold Set - Things 4 Strings Bow Hold BuddiesTM Violin / Viola Teaching Aid Accessory Review

Green/Gold Set - Things 4 Strings Bow Hold BuddiesTM Violin / Viola Teaching Aid Accessory
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I like the green and yellow better. It is a fun way to get the bow hold set and really works. I still had a little issue with the middle fingers but in general it works. I have shown it to several teachers and they are equally impressed.
Great idea!!

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10/23/2011

Resonan 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest; Medium Review

Resonan 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest; Medium
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It really is better than what I expected to get for $15.
It's made (in the USA) of quality stamped metal.
The pad is just soft enough and covered in a heavy coarse felt.
The feet have black latex tubing over them to protect the violin.
It will raise the violin about 1.6"
You have to bend the feet inward to fit your violin, thats just how it's made and it's easy to fit.
The only problem was the label on the back which covers the edges of the felt where it folds over was coming up probably due to cold but i just pressed it back down and it seems fine now.

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