Cecilio 4/4 CEVN-2BL Electric/Silent Violin with Ebony Fittings in Blue Metallic Varnish (Full Size) – Ideal for Practice and Performance

So, I haven't played the violin since grade school. And I rent a room in a house, so I was wanted a violin that would be quiet. So, I choose this one... Alas, it's not really "quiet" or silent (even with a mute). Its "quieter" than an acoustic. But still, due to the vibrations, it still gives off its own sound.I was looking for a inexpensive violin. But the other ones I checked out, looked like crap. They had a plastic body, which I am not into.I love the fact that this Cecilio has a wooden body with the mother of earl details. It actually looks much nicer in person, than the pictures. Smells great too (but then I love the smell of fresh cute wood and rosin... call me crazy). And the sound is great (to me anyways, as a beginner). And since it is new, I know that in a few years the sound will mature. (hence another reason I wanted a violin with a wooden body, not plastic).Buying this violin was a big step for me. Since, Electric violins are relatively 'new'. I came across questions and concerns regarding maintenance (etc). You know, the argument about whether or not to get specialized strings since it is electric verses just any steel strings.In the end, I went with, buying from the manufacturer of the actual violin, Cecilio. I found no problems using their basic standard strings.I love the case (and everything that came with it). The rosin is decent and so is the bow. I love the fact that I can carry the case like a backpack, so I can go out and practice out in the nearby park, without feeling awkward about carrying the case.It is very light, that surprised me.Disadvantages:I don't like where the plug in is on the violin. I think it would have be better, if placed on the side. Because it is underneath, the plug-ins come out. Which is irritating.Recommendations:~ Get Peg mix, to stop the pegs from slipping (which is naturally going to happen from a new violin that hasn't been 'set' yet)~ Get a Shoulder Pad~ Mini Amplifier. The one I got was the "Danelectro HoneyTone Amplifier". I felt it sounds pretty decent with my vioin. And perfect, for travelling with me (it can attach to my belt buckle). Looks great too! (I also got the ac adapter to the amp, even though it can operate by battery)~ mute (helps little)~ violin standPersonal Preference Additions:~ A Bow. I plan to upgrade the default bow, to something of more quality. Once again. The bow provided is decent, for beginners to practice on. But at some point you will find, that you will want to upgrade.Ultimately, I am very satisfied with my purchase. I was browsing other sites, to find a starter set plus the violin. And believe it or not, I got EVERYTHING +MORE on Amazon for cheaper, than if I bought one of those bogus starter sets. Plus, all the items I purchased were of better quality.Anyway, if you are hesitant about buying this violin. Don't be. For the price, it is DEFINITELY worth it! In fact, it's quality (in my opinion) would put it on a higher price range. Plus, this violin will mature with you, as you play.Hopefully, my review helps. ;-)Good luck!P.S. Soaap are a great provider. Thanks you guys!

I received this violin this morning. I was able to put the bridge in and tune it without too much trouble (the strings kept detuning, but that's only because they need to stretch out since they're new strings). The sound is good, not tinny or brassy, and although playing requires a bit more finger strength than my acoustic violin since the bridge sits a bit higher (the pickup is placed under the bridge, elevating it slightly), I can't imagine that building more finger strength will really be a bad thing. The instrument was reasonably responsive for a new violin, and I was able to produce vibrato with just a little more effort than I need on my three-year-old acoustic. I'm hoping it will warm up and become more responsive as I play it more. I like a darker, warmer sound, so I had planned to replace the included strings with a set of Obligatos upon receipt, but I'm actually decently happy with the strings that were included, so I will continue to use them for now and replace them as they wear out.The bow is decent, although I will probably continue to use my older bow, as I'm more used to the feel of it. The main complaint I had about the bow included with this instrument is that it already had several loose hairs when I first opened the case, although this is more of an annoyance than a serious issue. I prefer dark rosin, so I was pleased to find that the rosin included was dark rosin, as opposed to the yellow rosin shown in the sample picture.The case is adequate, and I really have no complaints about it. I appreciate that it came with a "violin blanket" and a polishing cloth, which I was not expecting.This is a lovely violin, although be warned the finish is pretty sparkly, so if you don't want a sparkly violin, you might want to consider a different instrument. The mother-of-pearl inlay in the pegs and tailpiece is absolutely gorgeous. The only real issue I have is that the fingerboard is unevenly stained, so about a third of the way up the fingerboard toward the neck there is a diagonal streak where the original wood shows through the black stain for several inches. This is a little unsightly, but does not affect the function of the instrument.

I am very happy with this electric violin. Highly recommended for beginner to intermediate players. I played violin for 7 years, then stopped for 10 years. I am just now getting back into the grove with my old acoustic violin. I decided to purchase this Cecilio electric violin because I always wanted to try one out, and the price was great. It was easy to tune once I put some rosin on the pegs to make them stick. I purchased a different bridge as this one sits a bit high, and doesn't have reinforcement for the E string. The strings aren't the greatest, but they're not the worst either. I purchased some Thomastik Infeld Alphayue strings for it. The bow isn't bad. I have my go to bow, so this will be a back up. I'm in love with the color! The stain is very even and well done. The case is nice, but on the cheaper side. Don't expect the case to last forever, it won't. It does hold two bows, which is nice. The zippered pocket on the outside of the case is too small to hold sheet music or books which is a bummer.Once I plugged the violin in to my amp, and tweaked the settings a bit, it sounded nice. Some electric violins don't have the on/off switch, but this one does. It comes with a 9 volt battery. Overall it is a nice little package deal. The small upgrades I did made a big difference, but are not necessary if you are just playing around with the violin.