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The fiddle reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
215 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Krutz (Bought Online, but tested it at St. Louis Strings)
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: 3300 ($US)
The only violins at the store that beat its rich, layered tone were in the $12K-$15K range. Krutz advertises the Artisan 700's interior carving is done by their luthiers in Kansas City. Apparently, this kind of craftsmanship produces a voice with a much "richer", "refined", i.e, broader, tonal range. Instead of a tonal arch with a loud but narrow middle range, this violin is more like a bell: extending beyond the arch to produce sweet highs, warm mids, and earthy lows.
Sound Rating: 9
Very responsive and easy to play, so much so you'll want to practice more to eliminate technique imperfections. All the strings are equally balanced in volume and timbre. The voice is intimate and can be projected well. Mine came with D'Addario Kaplan Amo strings ($75), which are deep and warm. I replaced these with Helicores. Also, I ask Krutz to add geared tuners.
Setup Rating: 9
Noticeably refined: The varnish is a hand-painted whiskey color, which produces a soft and lustrous semi-gloss. The top grain and side/back/neck/scroll flames are clear, but not overpowering. If you look closely, you'll notice distinguishing touches like the center arch shape and slight scooping at the f-holes and purfling. This modern violin looks like it's from a much older, European tradition.
Appearance Rating: 9
Very light and tight construction.
Reliability Rating: not rated
The sales folks from the website were friendly and professional. The store sales staff laid out ten fiddles for me to try based on listening to me play. They knew the voices of all of them.
Customer Service: 9
The tone is really exceptional for the price. The sales folks at the store laid out about 10 violins for me from $1200 - $3000. Everything sounded the same with little distinction until I tried this one. I asked how it compares to concert (solo) violins. They brought in a $12K violin and a $15K violin and played them next to this one. I was pretty shocked at how close it sounded to the $12K.
Components Rating: 9
The only reason I did not give it a 10 is because I've heard instruments of that caliber in the $12K+ range that have the tonal performance made for concert halls. But, surprisingly, this is pretty close.
I intend to use it for fiddling jams and smaller venue performances, but, for you, this might be the fiddle that wins a competition, impresses the professors at the juried performance final, or clinches a place in the touring string/folk band.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: SG Music Pittsboro NC
Year Purchased: 2022
Price Paid: 2500 ($US)
I play old time and this fiddle is like a dream to me. It has a deep and mellow sound which is warm but also has good volume. I am extremely satisfied with the sound.
Sound Rating: 10
Shay makes violins. This one is a Hopf copy. It was set up for classical in the shop. When I purchased it I asked for the action to be lowered, which he did precisely. The setup is perfect.
Setup Rating: 10
The wood is very beautiful. The stain is light and the varnish is crisp and perfect.
Appearance Rating: 10
Have had no trouble at all with this fiddle.
Reliability Rating: 10
Shay is a one man shop. The warranty is for any flaws in workmanship or materials. I’ve had no issues.
Customer Service: not rated
Components Rating: not rated
I am a bit of a perfectionist, which means I can be picky. But it also means that I deeply appreciate perfection, and this fiddle is really flawless. Every time I pick it up I enjoy it's beauty. I notice things that don't matter to some, such as the perfectly formed nut or the precision of the joint of the fingerboard and neck.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Royce Burt
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
This fiddle works great for old time fiddle tunes. It has a rich, full sound and is kind of mid range in volume. It sounded fine with the medium Helicores that came with it but I changed over to medium Prims as I prefer those strings and they work great on this fiddle
Sound Rating: 10
The fiddle was set up perfectly. It came set up pretty much like I have my other two fiddles set up and is my easiest playing fiddle.
The tuning pegs work even better than I anticipated. I converted my other two fiddles to Wittner tuning pegs as one fiddle had poorly fitted pegs. The second fiddle's conventional pegs worked OK but not nearly as well as the Royce fiddle and I won't be converting to Wittners on this one.
Setup Rating: 10
I like the appearance and he did a beautiful job on the finish.
Appearance Rating: 10
The hardware and finish are perfect. It came with a Wittner tailpiece with fine tuners which work well.
Reliability Rating: 10
Customer service is first class. All of the many great reviews of Royce's fiddles is what prompted me to buy this one. Dealing with Royce is just what I expected from reading the many glowing reviews of the way he does business and makes fiddles.
Customer Service: 10
The Wittner tailpiece is good and there is nothing to upgrade on this fiddle.
Components Rating: 10
This is a great fiddle. My only regret is that I didn't buy a fiddle from Royce when I first started 3 1/2 years ago.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Ebay
Year Purchased: 2018
Price Paid: $100 ($US) (bought USED)
How many times have you heard the saying "you get what you pay for?" It's a common comment but often not true. Many times you get far less than what you pay for, as most people can attest. Less often, you get much more.
Such is the case with this Knilling Bucharest fiddle with Perfection Pages I purchased from a Kentucky music store on line. The $100 listing (plus $20 shipping) seemed unreasonably low, judging from the condition shown in the photos. An Internet search confirmed these models usually go (new) for anywhere from $400 to $600 retail, depending on where you get it and what is included (case, bow, Perfection pegs, etc.). True, I've seen used models for $200 to $300 on Ebay, but usually without the geared pegs and almost always scratched and worn. This fiddle appeared to be brand new in the photos (albeit, not strung up). So I bought it just to see why I shouldn't.
When I took it out of the box (it came with a nice Knilling hard shell case and worn out bow), I couldn't believe it wasn't brand new. It had literally not a mark, scratch or dust particle on it. It was perfect in every respect, as if just off the factory line. Were it not for the label, which read "Knilling. Bucharest, copie of Antonio Stradvari, Made in Romania, (five digit SN), Faciebat Anno 2008 and P4KF" in ink in the corner, I would have certainly believed it brand new and never played.
In any case all the pieces were there except strings. So I reset the included soundpost (perfect fit), carved the bridge down to my preferences, installed new Lenzser German made steel strings and exchanged the included Wittner style tailpiece with a nice ebony one I had sitting around, and tuned it up. It played like a dream, the Perfection Pegs worked perfectly and the sound was even better than I expected. For a violin of less than a thousand bucks the sound is rich (though not terribly loud), smooth and balanced across all four strings. For a $100 fiddle, is sounds outrageously good, frankly
Sound Rating: 9
As noted, this instrument wasn't set-up which surely accounts somewhat for the low price, but I'm used to doing my own so that wasn't an issue for me. The construction quality, purfling and finish are very, very good indeed. Such good sound from a student grade instrument couldn't be accomplished without excellent graduation of the plates and quality construction throughout. I simply can't find a flaw. Even the scroll and F holes are perfectly done and the finish, while clearly a sprayed nitrocellulose lacquer, is evenly done, not too thick, and nicely rubbed out.
Setup Rating: 5
This is a very pretty instrument in every respect. The top is a rather broad grained spruce and the back a nicely figured, though fairly modest, maple, as are the sides and the scroll - which, incidentally, is much larger than any scroll on any of the other fiddles I've owned over the years. Again, I simply can't find a flaw, and believe me, I've tried.
Appearance Rating: 10
Frankly, I could live without the Perfection Pegs, though they do work ok and are perfectly installed, and the lack of fine tuners on the tailpiece is very attractive to me. Nevertheless, the Perfections are kind of a pain when stringing, and I find the standard built in tuners at the tailpiece easier and more precise for "nudge" tuning. I'll keep the Perfections as long as they are working right because I love the look of the instrument without fine tuners, but I wouldn't cry much if I had to change them out in the future.
Since I don't play professionally I don't know whether this instrument would be reliable without a backup, or what the long term durablility will be. I can't see anything that would cause me any alarm. The finish is tough, the construction solid, from what I can see. I have no idea what to expect concerning the durability of these planetary pegs. Time will tell.
Reliability Rating: 10
No warranty, as is. Shipping was fast, everything was as it should be. I had no real interaction with the dealer except to pay him so I can't give a customer service rating but since I'm required to, for reasons best know by whomever designed this form, I'll give them the best.
Customer Service: 10
Very nice ebony fingerboard and end pin. I supplied my own ebony tailpiece, but the instrument came with a nice Wittner Composite (or so it appears) tailpiece and good maple bridge. I lowered the bridge arch, but the feet were perfectly matched to the top and the soundpost was an easy, perfect fit..
Look, this is a student grade instrument, no doubt about that, and I know I've kind of been gushing about it. But in fairness to Knilling, this is a very good student violin, much better than most of the others I've had -- though, under normal circumstances, it would have cost me 4 or 5 times what I paid for it. That being the case, I can't really rate it against other violins in that price range, but cost aside, this has quickly become my favorite trade fiddle of the 4 I own and is now my daily player. I am impressed with its quality and perfectly satisfied with its sound and play ability. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to a friend IF the price was right.
Components Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Amazon.com
Year Purchased: 2017
Price Paid: 89.95 ($US)
The original strings are steel and shrieking, so I upgraded the strings to D'Addario Prelude and now the whole thing sounds about right. Not excellent, but OK.
Sound Rating: 5
Strings were loose and bridge was not attached, but the bridge's legs match the violin top surface perfectly. The bridge is too high, maybe for classical music playing? But for a novice student like me, the local luthier advised to lower the bridge and reshape it and I took his advice. After the bridge has been lowered and reshaped, the sound comes out with better clarity and melody!
Setup Rating: 4
Not extradionary shiny nor flashy, it has a rather matte darker brown tone of varnish. Its varnish is a quite thick (but evenly coated) layer; very typical of Chinese violins I've seen.
Appearance Rating: 5
This violin looks sturdy but bulkier than European made violins. It is also heavier (in weight) so it is harder to hold on your shoulder. It weights 485 grams, whereas a typical violin should be less than 450 grams. I speculate that it is made a viola and then got strings like a violin? The strings, the pegs, etc. look OK.
Reliability Rating: 5
Not sure anything about warranty! Nothing written document about warranty is found with the violin. I've not contacted nor attempted to contact the manufacture as they are a Hong Kong company and there is not much of contact info available. Hopefully, I will never have to contact them in the future either!
Customer Service: 3
The fittings, fingerboard, etc. seem to be real ebony wood and made to the proper violin shape of a copy of Strad model 1721. The bridge, however, is too high and in generic shape. The bow is unusable because it is stiff, unbalanced, and literally very heavy (a wobble of 72 grams!). It original steel strings sound shrieking to the ears!
Components Rating: 3
Price is so-so for this kind of Chinese violin in the U.S student market today (2017), and it is made of fairly quality wood components with proper shape and OK craftsmanship. It looks classic, but not too flashy. It sounds bright and has plenty of sound projection power. Still, to make it play better, I had to invest some additional money for upgrading it to a better quality set of strings, for having the bridge reshaped, and for buying a higher quality bow. After all these additional investment of money and effort, it sounds OK! Would I buy it again? Probably not. Too heavy!
Overall Rating: 5
Where Purchased: Ebay
Year Purchased:
Price Paid: 90,00 ($US)
I purchased a VIF model 250 several months back and was quite pleased with it, so I decided to try a less expensive VIF model, the 200. (That a fiddle could be even cheaper than the 250 seems ludricous, but the 200 model is 10 to 30 dollars cheaper, depending on who is selling them). So here is my report ---
First of all, this fiddle is less rich and resonant than the higher priced and more elaborately finished 250, though it compensates in a way by being louder. The tone is what I would describe as "hollow" sounding, which is not necessarily bad for playing old-time, but with the cheap steel strings that came with it, it was brassy and a shrill on the A and E strings particularly. I changed to an inexpensive set of Perlon strings, which made a big improvement in sound, though it still doesn't match the richness and mellowness of the 250 (which also has perlon strings).
Sound Rating: 7
Action was set-up fine. As usual, I lowered and flattened the bridge somewhat to suit my playing needs.
Setup Rating: 9
Where the Model 250 has a heavily applied high gloss lacquer finish as seems to be customary for many Chinese fiddles, the 200 has a matte and thinner finish which I was expecting would have superior sound -- I was wrong. I suppose that just proves that the graduation of the plates, better wood, and better workmanship have more to do with sound than the finish. Not to say the sound is bad on this fiddle. With decent strings and a little breaking in, it is probably quite a lot better than other cheap fiddles that I've heard and certainly better than the price would suggest.
Appearance Rating: not rated
All the accessories are good -- witner style composite tail piece, nice ebony fingerboard and chinrest. Decent workmanship and nice wood (modest flaming on the back), though the purfling is a bit sloppy and the color quite dark -- a deep cholocate with slightly rubbed out areas in both the upper and lower bouts. The bow that came with it is very nice - straight, well balanced and octagonal. Nice case, just the same as the Model 250 comes in.
Reliability Rating: 9
Had no contact with the company.
Customer Service: not rated
All components seem of good quality except the original strings. They are pretty bad. I think perlon or nylon strings are more approrpriate for this fiddle over steel, to my ear anyway.
Components Rating: not rated
Overall, I think this is a pretty good starter fiddle and my intention is to use it for cross tuning to save having to re-tune so much. As a beginner's fiddle, l think it is pretty good and probably beats its competitors in that bargain price range. It has reasonable workmanship, decent sound (with upgraded strings), and looks very attractive. For what it costs, it is way better than it has any reason to be.
However, for the extra few dollars that the Model 250 costs, I would recommend it unless you are just on such a budget that every dollar counts. The 200 cost me 90 dollars shipped; the 250 was 101 dollars shipped and is, to my ear much richer and more resonant. It also has more attractive flaming, seems lighter and easier to hold (the way I hold a fiddle weight is important to me). Both of these instruments are quality student instruments, but the more expensive model is an even better bargain, IMO.
Overall Rating: 8
Where Purchased: Ebay
Year Purchased: 2015
Price Paid: 101.00 ($US)
In my never ending quest to find the perfect "cheap" fiddle, I bought this VIF 250 series model from an Ebay ventor for $101 in Dec of 2016 (it was listed at $112, but for reasons unknown to me I was given a discount of 11 bucks). Follows is my accessment of this model as best I can relate it.
The fiddle came with cheap perlon strings, but nevertheless has a full, rich sound and good volume. The G and D strings are particularly good - mellow, not harsh, and very rich. For a fiddle in this price range, I think it is outstanding. It is better than about any other of my inexpensive fiddles (which include an antique German made Bergonzi model, a pre WWII German made Stainer model, and two relatively new Song Chinese made instruments) -- better than the two German models and equal to the Song models (which were also relatively cheap - less than $150 with shipping from China 6 years or so ago). Altogether, I think the VIF is a superior instrument with remarkably good tone considering the price and is competitive in both sound and appearance to models costing much more..
Sound Rating: 8
Perfect setup at the nut and bridges, though as an old-time player I am obliged to flattern and lower the bridge substantially from the classic violin set-up. That is my choice, but this violin was perfectly set-up to student classical standards, as far as I can tell.
Setup Rating: 10
The appearance is very attractive with a dark chocolate stain, covered by the usual Asian application of mutiple coats of lacquer or whatever (fairly evenly applied), giving it a very beautiful high glossy shine, and tough to damage for those students who like to bang their fiddles off the wall. What effect on tone a more traditional varnish finish would have, I don't know. In any case, it is very attractive with a highly flamed back and sides and good purfling.
Appearance Rating: 9
You'd need to run a Mack truck over this thing to mar the thick finish (see above), but all the fittings are good. Seems very durable.
Reliability Rating: not rated
No contact with the makers (Chairman Instrument Trading Company, Ltd), but quick and well packaged shipping from the Ebay vendor. Label says "Antonius Stradivarius model, established 1995, Design in Italy, VIF, series 250"
Customer Service: 10
All the components were first class, except perhaps the strings and the bow (which was functionable but with a slight curve in the middle) and the cheap rosin cake. Though inexpensive Chinese perlon strings, they are ok but I am expecting to upgrade to a better string later .Lovely carved ebony chin-rest, very nice genuine ebony fingerboard and tuning pegs with "French" eye inlays. The case was also good, the bow ok .
Components Rating: 10
This is a very nice sounding, easy playing carved student grade fiddle with excellent components and a beautiful appearance, and strikes me as near highway robbery considering the price I paid. I cannot imagine how a company could make such a superior instrument for this price, but then I have read that many Asian workers make less that $3 an hour (compared to the average American worker wage of $38 per hour, or $42 in Germany - 2014 figures, I think). I guess those low factory wages and low profit margins (plus mass production) can account for it, but certainly the materials used are first rate. Inexpensive it is, but there is nothing "cheap" or shoddy in this instrument. I am very impressed and pleased with my purchase. I doubt Perlman will want to trade his genuine Strad for it any time soon, but if you are looking for an excellent fiddle at dirt low prices, these folks have got 'em.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Royce Burt direct
Year Purchased: 2016
Price Paid: 1,500 ($US)
This fiddle sound wonderful under the chin. Loud, bold, sweet & full. I've recorded a few tunes with it and it's tone is far superior to the Gliga Gems I've been using for the last 12 years, not even in the same league. Before purchasing this fiddle, I auditioned a dozen or so violins from $3k-20k. The 923 sounds as good as most of them (ok maybe not the $20k one).
Sound Rating: 10
Haven't changed a thing. Perfectly setup from Royce. Easy to play in all positions. Double stops are a breeze. It has improved my playing immensely!
Setup Rating: 10
The 2 pc back is highly flamed and matched. Very nice. Some obvious antiquing was applied to front and back before being oil based varnish refinished. It looks great.
Appearance Rating: 10
The tuning pegs and fine tuners are easy to turn and the fiddle holds it's tuning while on a stand for days. If something were to ever go wrong, I'd feel confident in sending it back for repairs.
Reliability Rating: 10
Customer service may be the best part of buying a fiddle from Royce. Within an hour of my initial email, Royce called while he was driving home and we talked for a good 30-40mins about this and that and his fiddles. Once my decision was firm, he promptly sent the fiddle to me and I was given a couple of weeks to decide if I liked it. It didn't take but a few minutes to an hour to know this was a great deal and I'd be keeping it. Sent him a check. Since then, he responds to my emails quickly, and when you buy a Royce Burt fiddle, you're getting a good friend with it. CS Rating-11!
Customer Service: 10
I couldn't find any weaknesses. The pegs and fine tuners all turn easily. It also feels solid on the hand & shoulder. very easy to play up in 3rd position. This fiddle has Helicore Heavy Tension strings installed.
Components Rating: 10
As stated in other reviews, Royce buys fiddles and regraduates them to make them sound their best. It's almost an insane exercise to watch all of his videos on You Tube to find one you want because they ALL sound fantastic. I could hear differences, but I didn't hear a single one I didn't like. Even though I wasn't initially interested in any "pretty" fiddle, when he got close to the camera and turned it around to show the back, I was immediately impressed with the excellent flamed matching pattern. One last thing, for the amount of work Royce puts into his fiddles, he doesn't charge near enough. We are lucky to have a luthier like him around to sell us fiddlers great sounding fiddles at bargain prices!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: corilon.com
Year Purchased: 2016
Price Paid: 850 (EUR) (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Most amazing violin I have ever played. Very rich tone, very responsive, wide dynamic range, sounds evenly across all strings. Projects very well yet has a very sweet tone that's not harsh or abrasive.
Sound Rating: 10
I changed the chin rest to one that I liked better but everything was set up and ready to go when I opened the box. The action is perfect, very easy to play.
Setup Rating: 10
Very beautiful wood, spruce top and flamed maple back and sides. It had a few nicks and scratches in the varnish, which is to be expected for a violin that has been well loved and played for it's age (70 years). No cracks or defects in the wood. Original varnish intact. No major repairs.
Appearance Rating: 10
High quality fittings and great strings (Pirastro Tonicas). I've never played Tonica strings before and I like them a lot. It's a very well made violin that I don't anticipate having problems with at all. It is going to be my main violin that I drag back and forth to lesson and to the groups that I play with.
Reliability Rating: 10
Very friendly service, quick response to my inquiries, very agreeable with my requests. My violin arrived earlier than expected and in great condition. Nothing but good things to say about the instrument itself and the service received.
Customer Service: 10
Upgraded pegs with gold dots and matching gold accented tailpiece. Not fancy but better than standard fittings. They match the violin's personality perfectly.
Components Rating: 10
If you are in the market for a violin, you should definitely go with Corilon.com. They sell old, refurbished violins that are unique and have amazing histories. They have sound samples so you can hear what the instruments sound like, which is really helpful since buying a violin over the internet can be a little scary. Mine arrived earlier than expected with a 30 day try out/return period. The service/response/attention was amazing during the transaction. My violin teacher is no longer asking me about what I can do to get more sound out of my instrument. It has amazing projection, is very responsive, has a wide dynamic range, a sweetness of tone, and is beautiful to look at. It definitely is an amazing violin for the money, plays better than some I have tried in person that cost A LOT more (from 500% to 1000% more). I am using this as my main violin that I will be taking back and forth to lesson and the other groups I play with and using for all of my practice. http://www.corilon.com
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: www.corilon.com
Year Purchased: 2016
Price Paid: 850 (EUR) (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Most amazing violin I have ever played. Very rich tone, very responsive, wide dynamic range, sounds evenly across all strings. Projects very well yet has a very sweet tone that's not harsh or abrasive.
Sound Rating: 10
I changed the chin rest to one that I liked better but everything was set up and ready to go when I opened the box. The action is perfect, very easy to play.
Setup Rating: 10
Very beautiful wood, spruce top and flamed maple back and sides. It had a few nicks and scratches in the varnish, which is to be expected for a violin that has been well loved and played for it's age (70 years). No cracks or defects in the wood. Original varnish intact. No major repairs.
Appearance Rating: 10
High quality fittings and great strings (Pirastro Tonicas). I've never played Tonica strings before and I like them a lot. It's a very well made violin that I don't anticipate having problems with at all. It is going to be my main violin that I drag back and forth to lesson and to the groups that I play with.
Reliability Rating: 10
Very friendly service, quick response to my inquiries, very agreeable with my requests. My violin arrived earlier than expected and in great condition. Nothing but good things to say about the instrument itself and the service received. I am also able to trade in and upgrade my violin later by keeping the original invoice.
Customer Service: 10
Upgraded pegs with gold dots and matching gold accented tailpiece. Not fancy but better than standard fittings. They match the violin's personality perfectly.
Components Rating: 10
If you are in the market for a violin, you should definitely go with Corilon.com. They sell old, refurbished violins that are unique and have amazing histories. They have sound samples so you can hear what the instruments sound like, which is really helpful since buying a violin over the internet can be a little scary. Mine arrived earlier than expected with a 30 day try out/return period. The service/response/attention was amazing during the transaction. My violin teacher is no longer asking me about what I can do to get more sound out of my instrument. It has amazing projection, is very responsive, has a wide dynamic range, a sweetness of tone, and is beautiful to look at. It definitely is an amazing violin for the money, plays better than some I have tried in person that cost A LOT more (from 500% to 1000% more). I am using this as my main violin. I will be taking back and forth to lesson and the other groups I play with, as well as using it for all of my practice. http://www.corilon.com
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: corilon.com
Year Purchased: 2015
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Very responsive, powerful and bright sound.
Sound Rating: 8
Setup was properly done and shipped in a very careful manner. Missed the case, that I saw other customers got.
Setup Rating: 8
It is extremelly beautiful, with golden-orange varnish in premium tone woods.
Appearance Rating: 10
Reliability Rating: 10
Corilon webpage is one of the best around. I think the sound sample is also very helpful. Customer service was good and precise.
As a side note re. sound samples - instead of showing off the violinist skills, I rather prefer a slow chromatic scale to explore better the balance between strings on higher positions and exploring better the lower registers
Customer Service: 10
Components Rating: 10
I would buy at corilon.com again and will recommend to friends.
The violin description was very accurate and it was delivered in time.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Corilon
Year Purchased: 2015
Price Paid: 950 (Euro) (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound Rating: not rated
Setup Rating: not rated
Appearance Rating: not rated
Reliability Rating: not rated
Customer Service: not rated
Components Rating: not rated
I was looking to buy a good German violin for my son learning Indian classical music (carnatic music). I came across Corilon website and was quite impressed with the offering covering a wide range and the high quality sound clips that help to select (this is remarkable for someone having to buy online without the means to try the instrument).
I was in contact with Dr. Roeben through email and phone for discussing my requirement and narrowing down to the desired model within my budget. I really appreciate the guidance provided by Corilon with prompt response.
I ordered a Mittenwald viloin (1930) which was delivered in excellent condition, ensured by careful packaging (international shipping is very helpful). My son likes the instrument very much for its sound and handling.
It is a pleasure to deal with a shop of such professionalism. Look forward to check them out for any future requirements. My best wishes to Corilon in serving the world music society at large.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: www.corilon.com
Year Purchased: 2015
Price Paid: 1299 (Euro) (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
I like the classical style and I set up my instrument using a electric tuner.
The fiddle has a powerful, radiant and mature tone.
I like the old style that the fiddle has.
Sound Rating: 10
I live in Peru, and I had to wait three weeks for my purchase. It arrived in good conditions in a big box with the case.
It is quite easy to tune the fiddle.
Setup Rating: 10
It doesnt have any inlays and the wood seems strong.
It has some flaws because of the age but they have been fixed and they don't affect the quality of the sound.
Appearance Rating: 10
Yes, the fiddle is exactly like I saw and heard in the online catalog from the website.
It is good enough to last and definitely I can depend on it.
Reliability Rating: 10
They are very helpful, no problem for shipping to Peru.
I have the fiddle since july 2015, and I think i won't need to repair it because of the good conditions it arrived.
Customer Service: 10
As I mentioned, the fiddle arrived in good conditions, and they sent me a case and a bow as gifts. Also the fiddle includes pirastro strings. But I think I will need to upgrade the bow.
Components Rating: 10
In general, I'm quite happy with my fiddle, and no doubts I would buy again one from Corilon shop. Its online catalog has a lot of details of every fiddle and best of all they were able to ship to Peru.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: The Bluegrass Shack
Year Purchased: 2015
Price Paid: 400 ($US)
Even though I planned not to purchase a fiddle just yet, I saw and heard this fiddle on The Bluegrass Shacks website and decided to pull the trigger since they had a 7 day trial and I came into a bit of cash through a settlement. I wanted to see if I could get something that was better than my Gliga, but within about the same budget as my Gliga. This fiddle was handmade by a special, small shop in Beijing China that works with the Bluegrass Shack. Chris Armstrong ( owner ) said she basically tells them what she wants and they make it and ship it to them. Chris told me that their clients have been very happy with the quality of these fiddles from this little Chinese shop. The fiddle has a very thin "distressed" kinda reddish/yellowish varnish, and it's been purposely antiqued to make it look old, really old. It's VERY well built, solid and has some really nice flame in the back, sides and neck, it's actually very flamey. I am VERY pleased with this fiddle and even though it's in the same price range as my Gliga, it has a much fuller sound and definately has more volume. This fiddle definately has what I'd call "that Bluegrass tone and sound" without a doubt. I'd say it has a bright, full sound that's not harsh and pretty even across the strings although the G and D string is a bit stronger, beefier. My Gliga has a smoother, wispier tone but not nearly as loud and doesn't project nearly as well as this one. I had asked Chris if she had anything that fits the bill of what I wanted and she recommended this one. I should mention that the fiddle also has a bit thinner neck profile and I now think I prefer this thinner neck over the Gliga neck which is a bit wider. It seems to also be more responsive than my Gliga as well. So, I'd say same price, but an improvement in sound overall, a win win for me right now.
Sound Rating: 9
The BlueGrassShack does a good fiddle set up in my opinion. It's a bit higher action than my Gliga, but not much as it's still very low. The nut is nice and low and the fiddle has a nicely cut and fitted "Aubert" Maple bridge. The bow and case that came with it left ALOT to be desired but maybe that helps in keeping the overall cost down, so you get a good fiddle at a low price. The action was great but the strings were horrible so I changed those and put some Helicores on it. I didn't have to touch it really, just tune it up and play it for the most part. Well, I should mention, the pegs were a bit tight so I took them out, added some Hill compound and now they are very smoothe. The fiddle tunes very well.
Setup Rating: 9
Ok, this fiddle has a reddish/yellowish distressed look and it was built and varnished this way purposefully. The varnish looks as if it was applied, and then buffed out and "off" very heavily in spots over the bouts and then they added some discolored stains or "worn" spots to make it look used, beat up and old, which they did a VERY good job of doing! Some folks, perhaps most, would hate the varnish color, not me though. My Gliga, while antiqued is maybe a bit prettier in the standard fiddle sense antique varnish wise. However, I like this fiddles distressed and antiqued varnish and look even more. It helps it to really stand out also if it ever gets stolen, there's no mistaking it. The wood I assume is maybe Asian Spruce and Maple? I say that cause it's Chinese built but it could be European or even North American tonewood, hard to say. It is VERY heavily flamed, the back and sides and even the neck and scroll....I really like it! The Spruce top is fairly tight grained and the fiddle, overall is very very nicely built, clean craftsmenship with a nice scroll. It feels very solid and is "light" as a feather, lighter than the Gliga, it really resonates. I think it's a Strad body but with "Guarneri" style cut F holes...I think but not sure. I give the varnish and everything a 7 cause I know folks would think it's ugly, but I'd personally give the varnish a 9 honestly, I like it, I think it's different and it;s not gloppy or thick, it's very thin. The fingerboard is smooth, nicely polished Ebony as are the parisian pegs. The scroll is nicely carved. I'd say overall the workmanship, build and wood wise is a step up from my Gliga. I should say the thin new varnish does have a kinda sweet, woody aromatic smell to it, almost cedarish or maybe something in the varnish used? It's not particularly offensive smelling but maybe some folks wouldn't like it. However, little by little the smell is calming down a bit. I prefer a Guarneri style chin rest and didn't like the one that came with it ( Birdseye Maple ) but I've since gotten used to it LOL. This fiddle also seems to have a bit higher arching on the top and back than my Gliga. I was looking at that yesterday and noticed this feature. The arching on my Gliga is flatter while this fiddle is a bit higher, more arched.
Appearance Rating: 7
The tailpiece is Ebony, with 4 fine tuners. I thnk the hardware is good on it and will last, yes, no worries there and if not, I'll replace it.
Reliability Rating: 8
I had been looking at a few other fiddles from reputable dealers here on the FHO, but they ended up being out of my budget for right now. I saw Chris's fiddles and asked if she had one with the tone and sound I wanted within my limited budget. She recommended this one, sent it and I fell in love with it. I think this fiddle could be my primary one, if not a REALLY good back-up. It's better than my Gliga so I think I'll unload my Gliga soon. I'll sell my Gliga, use some of the funds from that one to eventually purchase another step up, a KC Fiddles or Royce Burt fiddle, but this new fiddle has really grown on me. I'll keep this Chinese one but unload my Gliga most likely at some point.
Customer Service: 9
The overall sound of this fiddle stands out. It's bright, yet full. The highs really sing, especially when I play in B or B flat and slide and play alot of blues. Yet when I shuffle or play some fiddle tunes, it sounds powerful, is crisp with a bit of bite and it really projects. Having said that, it's still new so it will actually get EVEN better!! Chris told me this fiddle was one of her better ones in my price range and would be heard in any jam setting or group yet not sound harsh. She was right on in her description and this fiddle really is a right fit for me. I actually think it's even easier to play than my Gliga and I even like the slightly higher action. The thinner neck seems to make certain double stops easier and string crossing as well. The only thing I upgraded was the strings ( obviously ) and I chucked the cruddy, cheap case and bow that came with it.
Components Rating: 8
Great little purchase for $400. I was looking at some KC and Royce Burt fiddles originally, which I think I'll purchase one of those soon also as soon as I unload my Gliga. But overall for $400 or so, I think you couldn't beat it. It's Chinese built but very nice and very good quality. I'd purchase another one if it got stolen and I couldn't get this one back. It was nice to have a 7 day trial as well. This fiddle would be a great sounding fiddle for jams and festivals and playing outside getting hot and sweaty in parking lots and campgrounds and even on the stage. It looks funky, distressed look, but I like it, has a good strong sound and good tone.
UPDATE - Sept 23rd 2015:
Had this fiddle a few months now, has a very strong sound, plenty of volume and is getting even better with play. Last night I took it to a jam for the first time and had no problems cutting through the mix whatsoever. Their were quite a few other instruments and I didn't have to play it hard at all for it to be heard and alot of folks complimented me on the sound of my fiddle.
Overall Rating: 8
Where Purchased: Online
Year Purchased: 2015
Price Paid: 850 ($US) (bought USED)
I have only played 4 fiddles in my life. I'm not really qualified to give a critique. But the fiddle sounds great to me. It's plenty powerful. I put a lot of faith in Royce here and I think it paid off.
Sound Rating: 9
Great! Really comfortable to play from day one.
Setup Rating: 10
It's an old fiddle. And the age shows. I specified with Royce that I was interested in sound over looks. That's exactly what he got for me.
Appearance Rating: 6
Seems strong and sturdy to me. That was one of the characteristics that I told Royce I was looking for. Hard to give a rating here because only time will tell.
Reliability Rating: 8
This is where Royce really shines. Pardon the cliche, but what a pleasure doing business with him. He paid attention to my descriptions of what I was looking for. He was genuinely interested in me being happy with the fiddle. He gets the highest possible rating here. I give an 11 out of 10.
Customer Service: 10
I don't see any problems.
Components Rating: 10
Royce is a great guy to deal with. The only problem is that his fiddles seem to move very quickly.
This was a bit of an unusual sale for him I think. I'm in Namibia, but fortunately my sister was coming for a visit., So he shipped the fiddle to my sister and she brought it to me. Royce said a number of times that if I wasn't happy with it I could send it back with my sister and he would refund the money. I'm happy to say that the fiddle will be staying in Namibia.
I feel fortunate to be where I am and to have a Royce Burt fiddle. If I ever buy another fiddle (oh Lordy, Lordy) I can't imagine going anywhere else.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Royce Burt via YouTube
Year Purchased: 2015
Price Paid: ask Royce ($US)
I am a novice fiddler, but I've played guitar since I was twelve and mandolin for about fifteen years. Now that I'm reaching geezerhood, I like to think I have both musical "sense" and a well-developed ear. Fiddle seemed like a no-brainer after reaching a fair level of competency on the mandolin. Though totally addictive, it was a humbling experience to realize whatever I brought to the fiddle with my left hand meant nothing because every nuance, every pure tone, every bit of expression was going to come from my infantile and clumsy bowing. The progress was glacial, but there was progress.
I had acquired an easy-playing, but rather average and quiet Hopf. It certainly didn't hold me back by any means. I do believe that getting the best playing and best sounding instrument you can afford reaps dividends. It inspires you to work harder and be worthy of the instrument and it can be more forgiving as you improve your technique. I would say #901 hits the mark on both. With Royce's YouTube channel, you can compare one fiddle to the next to your heart's content. I was hooked on the process, and when I heard #901, I took the plunge because it was the fiddle sound I was hearing in my head. Bright, but sweet with a lot of clarity---butterscotch overtones with a hint of rosin,
Sound Rating: 10
Plays like butter, to use a tired, old cliche. I haven't changed a thing and don't expect to. Already had my preference for tailpiece (Wittner Ultra) and a Guaneri chin rest. Helicore medium strings as well
Setup Rating: 10
I believe this to be a modern Chinese fiddle where Royce has re-graduated the back, ribs, and belly using, as he refers to it, his re-voicing "recipe". I've built a number of mandolins and I use a fairly primitive approach to tap-tuning the top plate. Other luthiers just use their intuition and graduate the plates until it feels right for that particular piece of wood. However Royce does it, the results speak for themselves.
The top is tight-grained with the back and ribs having moderate figure. I wasn't interested in a pedigree or eye candy. To me it was all about the tone. It has a new oil varnish finish and has been relic'ed a bit -I think Royce calls it "antique-ing"-- which give it a nice and well-played appearance.
Appearance Rating: 10
Only had it a few weeks, but it seems very well constructed and the finish is of excellent quality---I don't see or expect any issues
Reliability Rating: 10
Royce has a fairly unique marketing method, but it sure removes the "blind item" aspect of purchasing a fiddle. He is an excellent player and gives you a good idea of the fiddle's potential. One of the smoothest transactions I've ever made. Guess there's trust required by both parties, but Royce probably extends a lot more than he receives. Truly a sincere, straight-shooter and I hope to do business with him again.
Customer Service: 10
Royce is providing a great value in quality fiddles at a fair price. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a great sounding and playing fiddle. Hat's off and thanks, Royce!!!
Components Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Corilon.com
Year Purchased:
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound Rating: not rated
Setup Rating: not rated
Appearance Rating: not rated
Reliability Rating: not rated
Customer Service: not rated
Components Rating: not rated
Refering to my review from 6/2/2015, I have to say that Corilon, after reading it, contacted me and became completely available to solve the problems I described. So, though not forgetting the initial problems (that's why the 9 and not 10), I have to say that Corilon is now working very hard to solve them, so I now clearly recommend this seller.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Royce Burt
Year Purchased: 2015
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Excellent Bluegrass Sound. Dark, clear, loud, double stops work together perfectly.
Sound Rating: 10
bridge cut just right for Bluegrass, not too much curve just enough. Easy relatively low action
Setup Rating: 10
Very nice wood for an old German fiddle. In excellent shape in spite of the years...approx late 1800's.
Appearance Rating: 10
New pegs, tailpiece, chin rest...old bridge..all will give many years of service.
Reliability Rating: 10
Honest, reliable dealer...really knows how to re-voice to sound great for Bluegrass or Old Time.
Customer Service: 10
No draw-back...you can trust Royce's work and quality.
Components Rating: not rated
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: KC Fiddles
Year Purchased: 2015
Price Paid: 550 ($US)
My musical style is somewhere near the intersection of country, Celtic, and jazz, heavily improvised. Let's just call it country, because that's a nice broad category (and anyway, "progressive folk" sounds like the sort of genre label that starts flame wars). This fiddle suits it just fine. Its sound is notably well-balanced. There may be a slight bias in favour of middle and high frequencies, but that's just as likely a by-product of my bowing and/or the sort of spaces I play in. I'd rate volume as medium-loud to loud. While I haven't played it in a band or jam setting yet, I don't think it will have any problems with solo breaks. The fiddle responds extremely well to bowing dynamics, so there shouldn't be any issues with dialing back to accompany vocals either.
I can't yet speak to how it handles amps and effects. On the rare occasions when I need amplification, it usually consists of an SM-57 knockoff going straight into whatever is passing for a PA mixing board that night.
This instrument's resonance is particularly noteworthy in being both audible and tactile. It lets me feel sympathetic vibrations in my left hand and shoulder, particularly on unisons and octaves. This makes it easy to nail intonation, even in 3rd or 4th position (I seldom venture above 5th).
Sound Rating: 10
While I've used metal-core strings on violins before, this is the first instrument I've had set up explicitly as a fiddle. I can definitely feel the differences, and for my playing style those differences are all positive. This is a remarkably easy-playing instrument. String height, fingerboard radius, and bridge curvature seem particularly well matched, and the soundpost is placed perfectly. The tailpiece is a decent model with built-in fine tuners; either a Wittner or a well-made copy. The bridge is an Aubert, individually shaped and well fitted. Off hand I can't think of anything one might do to this setup that would be a guaranteed improvement, so I wouldn't mess with it.
Setup Rating: 10
When I first spoke with Michael on the phone, I remarked that sound is, for me, a much higher priority than appearance, and he steered me towards this specific instrument (#150302). The results lead me to believe that KC Fiddles may have more visually attractive Bluestem fiddles available, but the margin of that difference must be quite small. Overall I'd rate appearance as comfortably above average for this price point. I could nitpick several minor imperfections in the finish and a couple of other very subtle aesthetic flaws, but it would be pointless as none of them affect the sound, playability, or physical integrity of the instrument at all.
Appearance Rating: 9
Hardware is well selected and quite serviceable. The finish overall is attractive and should have no significant durability issues. I believe this will be a dependable fiddle. I might not use it on a gig without backup until I got to know it better, but the same goes for any other instrument including ones that cost 3-5 times as much.
Reliability Rating: 10
Based on the quality of KC Fiddles' initial consultation, follow-up, and long-term participation in this forum, customer service strikes me as top-notch. To be honest, I didn't even think to ask about the specifics of any warranty.
Customer Service: 10
Addressed in the Setup and Reliability section above. Executive summary: No worries. I should mention the case and bow purchased along with the fiddle, since I factored them in to the price listed above. The case has a laminated wood core structure, and as a compact model it should be perfectly suited to carrying on board airliners for stowage in overhead bins. The bow, a basic carbon fiber model, plays well, sounds decent, and is very reasonably priced.
Components Rating: 10
This $400 fiddle equals or exceeds the performance of some that I've seen retailing for considerably more. I'm also considering a somewhat higher-end fiddle and perhaps a decent 5-string. KC Fiddles have just become the first place I'll look for those.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Corilon violins
Year Purchased: 2015
Price Paid: 9500 (euros) (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
irish music.clear and sweet sound, yet can be heard first among fiddlers playing together.outstanding projection .solist tone
Sound Rating: 9
the fiddle was by luthier's set up.little jewel.
Setup Rating: 10
Haat-Hedlef Uilderks Decke build concert's instruments;classical looking .
Appearance Rating: 9
this violin has already been daily played for years during daily professional rehearsal and is yet in perfect order.
Reliability Rating: 9
That is the point ! they were professional and friendly? During 2 month they help me to choose what i knew i wanted but was bad at expressing clearly. First they wanted to send me 2 violins for the price of one to allow me to choose.Then they sent me bows for 8700 euros whereas i had payed 2200 ,and i could choose at home.
months after my decision they kept helping me twice by answering questions about the former owner of the violin and about the violin itself.
Customer Service: 10
it is a professional grade violin
Components Rating: 9
i realize it is risky to spend such a sum of money on the web, but whatever your reason i would recommend corilon.especially because of their wide range of instruments ,+ their outstanding efficiency
Overall Rating: 10
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