Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-280-V 4/4 Violin Outfit

This violin is exactly as specified in the description. I was disappointed that I did not receive it in the wooden case described and pictured but in a styrofoam case instead. The violin is really light weight and easy to play. I changed the strings to synthetic nylon wound ones as the strings it came with are no good. Also, the tail piece must be changed as it is a really cheap plastic one. The violin had a lot of blemishes in the varnish and the grooves at the inlaid purfling were too deep as some deep scars were left on the violin. I was also disappointed as the back was not well flamed, the flaming look like thick stripes, few and far between. The violin sounds great and the fingerboard is slim which makes it easier to play if you have small hands. The violin bow is an excellent wooden bow, it is both durable and flexible. I wish that the makers would have waited for the varnish to dry before continuing work on the violin as there are fabric weave prints on it. The varnish is much darker than pictured. I am using it for solo and orchestral pieces. The violin is not pretty to look at but the sound quality is a lot better than others.

As an adult beginner I wanted to spend a decent amount on a first violin so that I wasn't put off by a cheap instrument with terrible sound. I was also drawn to the square case with room to store my music in the front pocket.

After a while, I bought the AS36V 4/4 Carbon Violin bow (from this site) and my sound instantly dramatically improved, even if my playing is taking a little longer!

The violin and case look great, and I'm very happy with my new instrument.