Cecilio’s CVN series starts with violins targeted towards beginners and gradually moves towards the models that are more suitable for intermediate and advanced learners. The CVN300 model is one that is more suitable for beginners. In this Cecilio CVN-300 violin review, we have discussed everything from top to bottom that one might need to know about this violin.
Specifications of Cecilio CVN 300
Before we get into details about the CVN 300, let’s look into the specifications and features of the violin.
- The violin comes in a few different sizes
- It is an orchestra style violin
- The top part is made of spruce
- The back is made of single-piece maple wood
- The sides are also made of maple wood
- The weight of the violin is around 5 pounds
- The strings are alloy steel made D’Addario Prelude strings
- It has an antique varnish finish
- The violin has inlaid purfling
- It comes with two bows
- An extra set of strings is included
- Bridges, fingerboards, and pegs are made of ebony
- Four good quality tuners are attached to the violin
- A casing is included with the violin
- A beginners lesson book also comes with the violin
Cecilio CVN-300 Violin Review
We have already mentioned that the Cecilio CVN 300 is a great option for those who are just starting to learn the violin. To get more clarity on this violin, let’s get into the in-depth review of the CVN 300 violin. Hopefully, this will make you understand how much you can gain from this violin.
Strengths of CVN 300 Violin
Simply put, Cecilio CVN 300 violin has most of the qualities that a good beginner-level violin requires. Let us elaborate a bit more.
Suitable for Both Adults and Kids
Cecilio CVN 300 comes in 8 different sizes, 4/4 or full being the largest, and 1/32 is the smallest. Having options in sizes makes the violin suitable for both kids and adults. Many children start learning violin at an early age, and finding the right size for them can become a challenge. The CVN 300 reduces the hassle of finding the size of violin appropriate for children of different ages. Not just children, many petite learners also struggle to find a violin that will fit their size requirements.
Good Built Quality
The body of the violin is made of good quality maple wood, spruce, and ebony. The back is a solid maple piece as well as the sides, which makes it incredibly durable and sturdy. The top part is made of spruce. The fingerboard, the pegs, and the bridge are made of good quality ebony wood.
The inlaid purfling on the violin enhances the beauty and increases the strength of the violin. The strings of the Cecilio CVN 300 are alloy steel-made D’Addario Prelude strings. The strings are also really good quality for a student’s violin.
Decent Sound Quality
As we already mentioned, the strings are D’Addario Prelude strings, and they perform really well for a student violin. The wood quality is also good, which helps to produce an incredible sound. The sound of the violin is crisp, smooth, and somewhat bright. For a student violin, you will not be disappointed by the sound quality.
Come with All Necessary Accessories
Another great thing about this violin is that it is a starter kit. You get everything you need with the violin. Many beginners don’t even know what they might need, and to buy things individually might cost more.
The Cecilio CVN 300 comes almost ready to play. The package includes a casing to carry the instrument, a chromatic tuner to tune the violin, strings, pegs, bridges, bows, rosin cake, etc. Moreover, it also has a lesson book included to help out beginners.
Affordable Violin
With such features and quality that the CVN 300 violin has to offer, it comes at an affordable price point. The price of the Cecilio CVN 300 is indeed student-friendly. For anyone who wants to start learning to play the violin will not have to go through the pressure of spending a hefty amount of money. Even parents who want to buy their children a good violin do not have to worry about being too wasteful. Being very reasonably priced, this violin could be a good option for gifts too.
Weaknesses of CVN 300 Violin
To be very honest, it has more strengths than weaknesses. Being an extremely affordable violin, there is not much thing to complain about. You cannot get any better violin at this price point. Still, there are only a few things that could be improved.
It Needs Some Adjustments
Although the violin arrives pretty much ready to play, you still need to fix one or two things. The bridge of the violin comes unattached as that might get damaged if it were properly installed. Therefore, you would have to fix the bridge in place after purchasing the violin. Secondly, you need to tune the violin. Otherwise, you might get horrible sounds coming out of the violin. The pegs and strings will be installed. All you need to do is tune the strings. You can use the chromatic tuner for convenience.
It Has a Neutral Sound
This violin lacks character. The sound it makes is very neutral, neither too bright nor too deep. Although, you cannot expect much from a student violin at this price point. Still, if you want to have a violin with character, this will not provide you with that.
PS. In my opinion, having a neutral-sounding violin is good for beginners. You can learn and discover what type of sound you prefer. Afterward, you can purchase a higher range violin as your preference.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Even though we have broadly discussed all the good sides and bad sides of the CVN 300 violin, yet here is a short pros and cons comparison of the Cecilio CVN 300.
Cecilio CVN300 vs. Other Options
Cecilio CVN 300 indeed is a good violin for starters, especially if someone is willing to play at an orchestra. If you want an alternative from the same brand, you can look into the Cecilio CVN 100, Mendini 500, or Mendini 650 violin. The entire Mendini series is suitable for most beginners. The Mendini 500 is more suitable for beginners, and the Mendini 650 can be appropriate for both beginners and intermediate students. In case you are searching for a little more advanced violins, then Cecilio CVN 600 can be good.
In Conclusion
Hopefully, you found this Cecilio CVN-300 violin review helpful. By now, you might have a clear idea of what the CVN 300 violin is all about and whether you should purchase this violin or not. I would definitely suggest you give it a go, especially if you are a beginner and looking for an affordable student violin.
