Sound

This bow has improved my speed, accuracy and phrasing overnight, and has made playing much easier overall, especially drones and double stops. It weighs approximately 60 grams and is extremely well balanced. I am a beginner so I don't have much to compare, but I read a lot of reviews before my purchase. Here's a couple I found.
http://www.jrmusicsupply.com/testimonials.htm
http://fiddleheads.ca/shop/testimonials/index.htm (scroll down!)

I did try a Glasser braided Carbon Fiber bow, and liked it just a bit better, but it was much more money.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

This is an attractive bow. Real MOP inlay on the ebony frog, silver winding, and a leather grip. I got the bronze, which is a satin metallic finish that looks like wood from just a short distance away, and it does not give the appearance of a carbon fiber bow, it looks much better than most. Though you can always Go Green for St. Pattys, if you play Irish! There are some fun colors available.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

I bought this from Conrad online, as noted above. They were good to deal with, and the price was considerably lower than elsewhere. Shipped fast, packaged well.

Customer Service

9

Overall Comments

This is a stellar offering for the price. An excellent step up bow for those beginner to intermediate players who are ready to take it to the next level. Also a good travel bow or second bow for those who have an expensive wood bow they wish to last longer. :)

I do have a comment for left handers. I had read a review that I can't find now that mentions this bow having a camber to it that favors the hair on one side more than the other, and that gives it an exceptionally large "sweet spot". My teacher is left handed and tried this bow, and complained it had a "dead spot" in the place the sweet spot should be. I told him to try playing with it tilted opposite the way he usually holds and try a note. The dead spot went away. So unless they make a left hand model, I would suggest that left handers stay away from this one. And I've not seen mention of a left hand model on any of the sites I shopped.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

This viola has a "woody" rich bottom and clear upper tonal range. It's very responsive and although I think it was intended for a student violist, it behaves very well in the recording studio, producing a clean and wholesome tone.

Sound Rating

7

Appearance

It is finished beautifully and shows very little wear on the back and literally no wear on the front and sides. The finish is well done.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

I would cheerfully recommend this fiddle for the price I paid without a hitch. I've seen them on Ebay for over $1,100.00 and I'm sure they're making their owners real happy.

Overall Rating

8

Sound

Very nice fiddle sonnd. This is a fiddle not a VIOLIN, Bright, squeeky, loud fiddle sound. Not a lot of bottom [ this may be by string choice I havent had a reason to change to other strings]
smooth playing. IT SOUNDS LIKE A FIDDLE, even when I play it. I had to get a attached mute so my wife wouldnt go crazy.

Sound Rating

7

Appearance

Very nicely made strad copy. 2 piece flame maple back, light brown to red color the pre-war Japanese standard. It has some odd shapes in the style[ compared to a trad strat] but this is just a style factor in these japanese made things.

Appearance Rating

6

Customer Service

Bob Smakula is very easy to work with and quite a reconditioner and set up guy. He has great service and customer relations.

Customer Service

10