Sound

This fiddle has plenty of volume and is very resonant. I would say it has a very pure and sweet sound, with an absence of muddy overtones.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

The finish is antiqued to look as much like the David Guarneri del Gesu of 1740 (played by Heifitz) as possible. It's a brand new fiddle that's made to look old and generally I have mixed feelings about that, except that in this case the result is gorgeous. It is a very pretty violin with a lot of character. When I purchased it there were a few small scratches from another party who had tried it out and was a little careless. Von will repair them for free whenever I can bear to be without it for a week or so.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

I have not dealt with the Scott Cao company at all. Von's Violin shop is extremely reputable, has been very helpful and fair with me in the past, and I am positive if I had any issue whatsoever with my purchase, Von would take care of it to my satisfaction. He allowed me a free week trial, and let me play about fifteen different instruments including ones that were well out of my price range (more if I'd asked) and several bows of all price ranges.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I played close to thirty fiddles in the $1000-$2000 price range, and three $5000+ before buying this one. The Scott Cao blew everything away under $2000 that I found (with the exception of a $1700 Heinrich Gill, the only real competition I found in that price range), and it stood up well against the far more expensive violins I tried. Most of the fiddles under $2000 were either sandpapery, overly bright, muddy, too quiet, or some combination. It is extremely easy to play, it has a lot of depth, power and color to its tone, and I feel like I get more out of it the better I become. Once I start playing it, I don't want to stop. For the xenophobes and Euro-philes, it is made in China using Chinese wood. But it is HANDMADE in China, by one luthier trained by Scott Cao. The "s" in the 750s I believe stands for special varnish - he uses the same varnish on his handmade top of the line violins. The only reason I give the fiddle "9's" on most of the ratings is because I want to leave room in my dreams for upgrading to something greater when I win the lottery (like a real del Gesu). If you are looking for a fiddle in any price range, I strongly suggest you audition a 750s - you will be amazed at the quality for the price.

Overall Rating

10