Stentor Conservatoire 1586 Cello Outfit

Advantages: Good value, nice instrument
Disadvantages: Bow lets the outfit down a little

...As I discovered recently, choosing a first Violin isn’t all that easy, certainly not as easy as say a first Electric Guitar. There hundreds of makes to choose from, but the two most commonly recommended I found were Primavera and Stentor. I purchased the Stentor Conservatoire and so far I have not been disappointed in any way whatsoever. Although it is not the highest quality instrument, it is certainly good value for money and has a nice look and feel to it. Although I bought it as a beginner instrument, it is often recommended for the advancing student. Stentor does produce one or two cheaper models but I found that the quality was far less both in sound and build. I was a bit dubious over the fact that the violin is produced in China, especially as the Primavera I used had a permanent smell of super glue! However this appears a well... Read review

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Advantages: Great fun
Disadvantages: Very large to store and transport

...(have I already said that?), is often preferred by those playing in the jazz, blues, boogie styles. A slap style of play involves a rigorous plucking of the strings which then slap against the fingerboard producing a very percussive type sound. ♫ ♫ My purchase ♫ ♫ After much research on the internet and telephone enquiries to several music shops I decided to buy a Stentor Conservatoire Double Bass. It has a fully carved back and front, is hand made from solid wood, with an ebony fingerboard and brass machine heads. It came with a padded cover and bow. It is available in 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4 sizes. There will not be much change from £1500. I ordered it through my local music shop where I am a regular customer. They are shipped to order (yes, literally in a container on a boat) and arrive with the neck... Read review

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Advantages: Potentially beautiful sound
Disadvantages: The squealy noises to start off with

...the top and bottom sides of the violin. If this is missing or loose, it is not expensive to replace/refit, but it really should be done by a proffessional. To buy a new violin and save all the hastle(!) they cost around £50 to £150 for a starter student model. I would be wary of the ones that retail for £50, I used to work in a music shop and came across a lot of trade-ins and repair jobs that were bought from certain bookshops(!), high street money 'converters', and other non specialist shops. There is a good range of choice around the £80/£90 mark, including outfits from Stentor and Antoni, I have tried both of these makes and find them good all round quality. Brightly coloured models are also available around this price, but again, be wary, as they are the cheaper ones in disguise! £120 should get you a good quality couloured violin... Read review

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