Review of the Cremona SV-130 Beginner Violin

Last year both of my kids decided they wanted to learn to play the violin. I got quite a shock when I researched the purchase price. A decent violin is usually in the $300+ range. That would have been fine for one child but I couldn't afford two since I needed 1/4 and 1/8 sizes.

I searched online and found warnings against buying "cheap" violins. Most cheap violins do have terrible reviews online. But I did find one brand called Cremona that has mostly good reviews. So, I decided to go ahead and purchase two SV-130 violins. Cremona has more expensive violins like the SV-175 and SV-225, if you are ok with spending a little more on instruments. They also have a much cheaper SV-75. However, I think it was worth spending an extra $50 each on the SV-130 over the SV-75 to get a little more quality.

I was a bit nervous taking the violins to a violin instructor for the first time. I thought she might roll her eyes when she saw the "cheap" violins. But she actually said "Oh, good. Cremona." So, obviously some violin teachers are aware of the brand and satisfied with it. I also purchased expensive strings assuming she wouldn't be happy with the sound of the strings that came with the violins. I also thought it may be difficult to keep them in tune, which can often be a problem with cheaper string instruments. But she's actually happy with the sound quality and the violins don't go too badly out of tune between lessons. She can get them back in tune quickly.

The Cremona SV-130 violins come with sturdy cases and rosin. If you buy online, the strings are loosened to protect the violin during shipping. So the strings will have to be tightened and the bridge will have to be installed. Before doing this, I watched a Youtube video that explained how to put on strings even though I only had to tighten them. You have to push in and turn the pegs to tighten the strings.

Violins are very delicate instruments. To prevent damage, it's very important to educate yourself about violins before doing anything with them. It's also very important to strictly monitor younger kids when they're practicing. I always take the violins out of the case, tighten the bows, monitor them while practicing, loosen the bows and put the violins back into the cases. I also cover each one with a soft washcloth. After 6 months of daily use, both violins are in excellent condition.