Mendini by Cecilio MV400 1/2 Acoustic Violin Set

Great affordable violin for beginner!

I was always curious to know the quality of these violins in relation to this brand and I finally decided to buy a Mendini MV400 violin, I can say that I have been pleasantly surprised to see that it is really good. I was able to analyze its appearance and finishes (some details in its varnish) good wood on its top, back and sides, good fillet inlays, good fretboard, chin rest and pegs, I really don’t like the tailpiece with the four built-in micro tuners , comes with a very light hard case or case, comes with a Cecilio brand chromatic tuner, a Cecilio lesson book (in English), an extra set of Cecilio strings, the bridge has a height at its highest part in relation to the neck of 5 mm G string and a height of 3 mm in relation to the E string neck comes with an extra bridge, an adjustable soft foam padded armrest (I don’t like it), two horsehair bows (I analyzed them… one has a weight of 65 grams and the other a weight of 65.7 grams, they are within the weight limits (55 grams. – 65 grams. normal conditions) for violin bows, bring the rosin (resin or rosin) brand Cecilio. I was testing the violin as it is as it comes and I can say that it is good for people who want to start studying the violin, it also has a very affordable price for everything it comes with.
The violin arrived in perfect conditions in Caracas – Venezuela.
Conclusions: the violin is very good for starting to study and learn this type of instrument, it has a clear tone, it projects well, the violin is slightly heavier than German or Italian-made instruments (of course, these European instruments are of a different category).
In particular I changed the strings to get a better sound and I am playing with another type of bow.
I am really giving this instrument five stars since I understand that it is for beginners, so I recommend it for the whole community.

This violin is fantastic for its cost. I will try to briefly touch on the important things. For background, this purchase was for my five year old son, who is just starting out. I am not a violinist, but have a lifelong history of playing various instruments and can play the violin a little bit.

First, build quality. Like most production instruments, this violin is overbuilt. What that means is it is sturdy and can take a little bit of abuse. What that also means is it will not resonate as much as a high end or custom built instrument. For the target audience here, robust over sound projection is preferred. It is a beautiful instrument aesthetically with a good finish. Remember, kids drop things. A lot. These are for kids, so this build quality hits the target.

Next, sound quality. It is loud and clear. Out of the box it has decent intonation. It projects a nice sound (when played correctly). An important thing to consider, it is a 1/4 size. ALL 1/4 size violins lack that full vibrant sound. I will not penalize it for being what it is and neither should you. As a comparison, my son started with a rental. MSRP on the rental was ten times the cost of this one. This one sounds better. The rental had very old, dull strings that needed replacement. Changing them probably would have helped tremendously, but that’s typical of how rentals come—beat up, abused and neglected. I feel like this instrument, being a 1/4 size, is aimed at the youth who would otherwise consider renting. This is better than renting. It’s paid for in about four months worth of a rental and sounds better than most rentals you will likely be issued.

Finally, accessories. The case is nice. The bows are nice. The tuner is superb. It comes with extra strings, which I have not used, but I assume they are probably the same as what came installed, so likely perfectly adequate. The shoulder rest is complete trash. Don’t bother. File it in the trash can where it belongs along with the rosin that may not actually be rosin but resembles something more like plastic. It’s no big deal, pick up a good quality shoulder rest and rosin before you get started. The way I see it, for the price, those accessories were thrown in as a bonus anyway and the quality of the case, bows, and tuner are a great bonus. The instructional book looks good from thumbing through it, but we haven’t really gotten into it as my son has been playing the music issued to him by his teacher.

I definitely recommend this violin. Just remember, 1/4 size violins sound like 1/4 size violins. We deal with them because our kids’ arms and hands are small. We take their limitations that result from that size decrease. If your kid shows any interest, this is a great way to start. My five year old has longer arms than most of his peers, so this is probably more for 6-8 year olds. Most 4-5 year olds probably fit a 1/8 size better, but do your research or have your child fitted to be sure.

Hope this is helpful.