I have this violin set since 2022. February, so... let's get started:
About the violin:
In 2023. January I have checked my violin with one of the (!most!) professional luthiers in Hungary, and he has said to me the following:
1. It's well built, and the settings and fittings are great, even 1 year later. The string height is perfect! The G string height is 5 mm, the E string height is 3 mm, and it has the perfect bridge height of 33 mm!
2. The wood (spruce) is 99% from Romania. (So from Europe).
3. The violin came with Thomastik T.I. strings (but I changed them to Thomastik Dominant after a year), and they sounded pretty nice after a year of usage. The Thomastik T.I.-s are excellent strings, especially considering their longevity, and they are less expensive than a Thomastik P.I. or an Evah Pirazzi.
4. The violin sounds nice and warm (my violin produces a nice deep and warm Guarneri sound with the Thomastik Dominant strings). But I will definitely try out later some other strings as well, because every string has its own characteristics. (After a few other sets of strings, I will know my string and sound preferences, and I will know what kind of strings fit my violin the best!)
5. This violin is really good for those serious students who are at the basic or intermediate level, and really want to learn the violin. So it's actually quite good for learning and practicing.
6. I asked the million dollar question also: Is it worth the price? And he said, "Yes, definitely." Because if you buy a cheaper (100-200 euro) violin that has been made from bad wood and needs a proper set up and better strings, or maybe a new bridge, etc., you can easily pay for the luthier plus 200-300 euros. So it's not worth buying a cheaper, no-name violin...
+1: He also stated that his professional violins are worth more than 4,000–5,000 euros, but these are for professionals — orchestral plays and concerts, soloists — not for beginners! So if you understand the fundamentals, know your limits, and have progressed to a reasonable level (which usually takes 5-6 years), AND THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT: If you truly want to be a professional violinist and play in an orchestra or as a soloist, ONLY THEN should you consider purchasing a master violin!
For those who just want to have fun with a violin occasionally or who are not determined enough to play the violin, I believe the 100-200 euro price range is strongly enough for you! (However, consider purchasing from a well-known brand, such as Thomann (they properly set up the violin for you), etc.
About the bow:
The set included an Alfred Stingl by Höfner violin bow (Carbon AS-34). If you want one, you can purchase one from Thomann. It's really good! My bow weighs 59 grams and has a balance point of 24,2 cm. Measured the distance between the balance point and the bottom of the button (where the wood actually starts). It feels really great and comfortable! The bowhair is also very durable and lasts a long time! (It's 1 year old, and it hasn't broken or torn one; it still sounds good!)
About the case:
Light and comfortable! It has a decent amount of space (check the pictures), and it has 2 bow holders. I use a Wolf Forte Secondo shoulder rest (I bought it from Thomann), and I can easily fit it next to the violin (in that little space). It's durable, but not water-resistant, so be aware if it rains! (Is there even a water-resistant violin case on the market?)
Finally, I want to say thank you to the Thomann Group for the hard work and the opportunity that they have this violin, as well as to the Höfner Company for their great work! I can only recommend them for everyone!
PS: When I ordered the violin set, the company forgot to put the chinrest into my case (on the violin)! So I asked Thomann about it, and they have helped me out immediately and sent me the chinrest! (Respect for the fast reaction!)
