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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!
216 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Shar Music
Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: 250 ($US)
This instrument lends itself more towards the low end with the type of richness expected from a beginner instrument and it is advertised as much on the Shar website. It projects well but is not overbearing.
Sound Rating: 6
Setup was fine for a beginner but strings were higher at the nut than would be expected for a custom setup as Shar advertises.
Setup Rating: 5
The appearance was beautiful and rich with a deeper brown and redish tint to the wood. Spirit varnish used and a moderate shine was apparent.
Appearance Rating: 8
The fingerboard finish wears off in certain areas within just a few weeks of use in first positions but all in all after a few months of everyday use; the intrument has held up wonderfully for its inexpensive price.
Reliability Rating: 7
I believe there is a 90 days warranty. Shar Music has been very easy to deal with online and I have purchased many other accessories for this outfit from them. Shar also has an excellent trade in/ Trial policy when it is time to upgrade and if you are not "in Love" with your first instrument.
Customer Service: 7
The tiny block of Shar dark rosin could be improved upon having been included in the Etude outfit I purchase and one of the case zippers sticks at times. Other than those two things; this is a fine outfit for a beginner to start with and was recommended by my Bluegrass teacher before it was purchased.
Components Rating: 7
Excellent quality, beauty and playability important in a first Instrument at a very modest Price for an Outfit.
Overall Rating: 9
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