8 Best Cecilio Violins in 2021 – Reviews & Analysis

 

Top Cecilio Violins – Guide & Comparison

 

Even if you’re short on time and you don’t know where to search for the best Cecilio violins, we’ve got you covered. After looking at various models and checking their reviews from previous customers, we’ve managed to select a few based on the ratings and quality. The one that stood out was the Cecilio 1/4 CVN -300. This violin features a solid spruce wood top and a maple back along with an ebony fingerboard. Ideal for beginners and intermediate violinists, this piece comes with a lightweight case for easy transport and a tailpiece with a four detachable nickel plated tuners. If somehow the Cecilio 1/4 CVN -300 is unavailable, make sure you check the Cecilio CVN-100.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

8 Best Cecilio Violins (Reviews) in 2021

 

If you want to find out which is the best Violin from Cecilio, we advise you to take a look below at a list of suggestions we’ve carefully selected for you to match your needs for high-quality and excellent performance.

 

 

1. Cecilio 1/4 CVN-300 Ebony Fitted Solid Wood Violin

 

A great fitted violin should provide great sound and beautiful design. This is exactly what this model provides thanks to its solid spruce wood top and ideal ¼ size.

On top of that, this classical violin is outfitted with an ebony fingerboard, and a tailpiece with detachable nickel plated fine tuners.

This unit is suitable for any level of music skills so you can use it even if you’re a beginner or an intermediate.

Also, the neck and both sides of the violin have a beautiful inlaid find and a varnish finish.

One feature worth mentioning is that the bow is manufactured from durable Brazil wood. Furthermore, it comes with a lovely lightweight hard case that enables you to carry the violin and store it safely and conveniently.

In case you manage to break and need replacement, the product ensures an extra set of violin strings.

The manufacturer of the fitted violin gives you a 1-year warranty in case of defects.

 

Pros

This model will suit any beginner or intermediate player for years to come and that will help you save money since you won’t have to worry about upgrading or replacing the violin anytime soon.

This instrument is a beautiful piece of art thanks to the ebony fingerboard, pegs chin rest and tailpiece that will make you feel proud when playing it.

It comes with a lightweight hard case, 2 bridges, a quality rosin cake, and an extra set of violin strings.

The use of premium materials throughout the instrument will ensure that it won’t cause you any trouble down the years.

Cecilio offers excellent customer service and the unit comes with a 1-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects. 

 

Cons

It’s hard to find anything to complain about this model but if we had to, it would probably be the high price even if it isn’t entirely fair given the quality that the product offers.

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2. Cecilio CVN-100 Solid Wood Student Violin with Tuner and Lesson Book

 

Every music enthusiast needs a proper instrument that allows him or her to develop his skills and learn new tricks daily. It’s important to have a violin that is made from durable top-notch materials and has interesting features that come in handy during practice and performance.

This unit will definitely catch your attention because it features a 4/4 full size and the body has a natural varnish with inlaid purfling.

Apart from this, the top is completely hand carved solid, and the back and sides of the unit are made from a sturdy, good-looking maple, as well as the fingerboard.

The alloy tailpiece has four integrated fine tuners.

If you need to take this violin with you to music practice or for a performance gig, you can rest assured it will remain safe and sound due to the lightweight hard case.

As far as the other accessories gom the bow is made from Brazilian wood, and the shoulder rest can be adjusted according to your personal needs and preferences.

 

Pros

This nifty beginner’s set comes with plenty of extras including a Cecilio tuner, a hard case, lesson books, CDs and DVDs, and plenty of other useful accessories.

If you’re in the market for a student instrument that is versatile and that won’t cost you a fortune, it is very hard to compete with the CVN-100 since it offers plenty of value for the money.

Despite the low price point, the violin still looks very beautiful thanks to the hand-carved solid spruce top and the stylish maple back and sides.

The sound this option creates is rich and the maple construction will ensure better sound transmission and durability.

 

Cons

While the violin does come set up and ready to use, the bridge is not glued on and instead it is held in place by the tension of the strings and it can be knocked off during shipping.

It has very little resonance which means that when you’re not moving the bow, the instrument will make no sound.

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3. Cecilio CVN-300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with D’Addario Prelude Strings

 

When starting to learn the basics about the violin, you need to able to hear the sound accurately and understand your mistakes in order to correct them and improve your abilities. Therefore, having a tool like this crafted by hand is every student’s dream.

Featuring a full 4/4 size, this violin is manufactured with a solid top made of carved solid spruce wood and a maple back. Furthermore, the neck, as well as the sides, are equipped with an inlaid purfling in a beautiful antique varnish.

The fingerboard boasts a durable ebony, and the strung presents D’Addario Prelude Strings. Besides, the tailpiece has four detachable nickel plated fine tuners.

The best part is that the Cecilio CVN-300 comes with a lesson’s book that comes in handy if you’re on the path to becoming a professional violin player.

You can adjust the shoulder rest to fit your body type. After each lesson, you can easily store the Cecilio CVN-300 inside the lightweight case provided by the manufacturer.

 

Pros

It is an excellent purchase if you’re looking for an entry-level violin since it comes with a complete outfit of useful extras that you would otherwise have to buy separately.

It may be an affordable option but Cecilio has used quality materials and its expert craftsmanship to ensure that all the aspects of this violin are of high quality.

With this versatile model, you can start as a student and learn how to play the violin and once you start progressing the instrument will adapt to your new skills so you won’t have to upgrade anytime soon.

The ebony fittings used for the fingerboard, tailpiece, pegs, and chinrest add durability to the instrument so that it can withstand frequent movements. 

 

Cons

It’s good for beginners and intermediates but more advanced players will have to look elsewhere.

It needs to be tuned quite often which, while not a big issue, can be frustrating for beginners.

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4. Cecilio CVN-200 Solidwood Violin with D’Addario Prelude Strings

 

If you’re in the market for a good investment in a musical instrument, you’ll most likely find this violin incredibly appealing.

The unit features a full size and a top area made from a solid spruce wood. This ensures plenty of durability and great acoustics.

Aside from this aspect, the neck and both sides of this instrument showcase a natural varnish with inlaid purfling.

You’ll clearly appreciate the maple fingerboard and the boxwood pegs because they allow you to handle the violin with more precision. Also, the tailpiece has four detachable nickel plated tuners.

This violin is ideal for any student, especially the ones that are just starting to learn the secrets of playing the violin.

Besides the violin, the product package includes a lesson book that you can use during practice, a lightweight case for fast and safe transportation, and two bows made of Brazilian wood. Plus, you get a quality rosin cake and an extra bridge to complete the set. The product has 1-year warranty according to the manufacturer.

 

Pros

This option is made from rosewood and it is varnished with a beautiful high shine finish that adds to the aesthetics of the instrument.

It is an affordable student violin that is recommended by tutors across the world thanks to its consistent performance and wonderful playability. 

It comes fitted with D’Addario Prelude strings which are known for the high performance that they offer and for an affordable unit such as this one, this is a very nice addition.

This model is available in 4 sizes and each size retains the same affordable price point and expert craftsmanship. 

 

Cons

The tone is not as warm and there are plenty of alternatives that do better, but the key factor to remember is that all of them are much more expensive.

You should be ready to have a skilled technician take a look at this instrument since out of the box it will need a few adjustments.

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5. Cecilio CVN-600 Hand Oil Rub Highly Flamed

 

Those that appreciate fine art and well-made products will see the quality of this classical violin hand-carved from highly flamed maple wood. Not to mention the beautiful oil rubbed hand finish and the inlaid purfling.

The top is manufactured from a solid grained spruce wood, and the fingerboard boasts a durable, great-looking ebony.

Moreover, this piece is strung with a set of D’Addario Prelude Strings and equipped with a tailpiece with four detachable fine tuners.

An important element consists of the deluxe oblong case that has a velvet interior, different compartment accessories, and hygrometer used for measuring the humidity level. We can’t overlook the velvet blanket that protects the violin, either.

Inside the product package, you’ll find a Cecilio chromatic tuner with metronome, a useful lesson book, two bows, and an adjustable shoulder rest with soft foam padding.

The included extra bridge, and the quality rosin cake are just as worthy because it completes the set you need for performing on concerts or during practice.

 

Pros

The body is made from a single piece of wood, namely a strong maple that was aged for at least 7 years to give this instrument better performance and durability.

It can produce vibrant and dynamic sound and this makes this particular option perfect for soloists since the sound it produces is so loud that even a large room won’t be able to drown it out.

Customers have praised the ebony tailpiece with mother of pearl inlay since it gives the instrument a classy look that is complemented by the hand-rubbed finish.

The package also includes a chromatic tuner with metronome, two bows, a useful lesson book and an adjustable shoulder rest with a comfortable soft foam padding. 

 

Cons

The manufacturer should pay more attention to the quality of the packaging since it doesn’t manage to protect the product from dents, bumps, and scratches.

It is one of the most expensive options on our list.

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6. Cecilio 4/4CVN-EAV SR 4/4 Full Size Violin

 

There’s really no need to overspend if you know where to look for over the top quality. For instance, this full-size violin has the top built from a solid hand carved spruce and solid maple back and sides that increase its durability and level of performance.

Another cool feature is the beautifully inlaid puffing which is not painted as well as the antique varnish finish.

No matter if you’re a beginner or an advanced violin player, you’ll enjoy using this instrument because the fingerboard is made of ebony and the Brazilian Wood bow features an unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair.

You can easily maneuver the violin thanks to the deluxe oblong case that is extremely solid but also lightweight. This hard-shell construction case is outfitted with a black canvas exterior and an ivory velvet interior. You can store your music sheets inside the zippered pocket. Plus, the case has a hygrometer inside that measure the level of humidity inside.

 

Pros

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced violin player, this option is an excellent choice since it offers good performance and playability for a low price.

This model is available in two sizes, namely 3/4 or 4/4 and regardless of which size you pick, you’ll still get a bow, shoulder rest, bridge, and deluxe oblong hard case included in the package.

One advantage of the included case is that it features a hygrometer that will measure the humidity so that you don’t accidentally store the instrument in harsh conditions that could damage the wood.

It’s hard not to take notice of the beautiful dark finish of this option and we’re certain that it will make your fellow violinists jealous once they see you with it. 

 

Cons

The main issue with this option is that it doesn’t stay tuned for long and you’ll need to get used to re-tuning it often.

The strings could certainly be better.

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7. Cecilio L4/4CEVN-L1NA Left Handed Solid Wood Mahogany

 

If playing the violin is your ultimate dream and you’re left-handed you might think that finding a violin suitable for you is a hassle. Fortunately, you can rest assured that your music skills are in good hands due to this great silent violin featuring a full size and a mahogany metallic varnish, that stands out in any music hall.

This instrument is an excellent choice for practice, studio recordings or even stage performances. Suitable for any student, this piece has a hand-carved body made from sturdy maple wood and an ebony fingerboard. Plus, the tailpiece has a pearl inlay.

Because of the 1/8 “ output jack, you can easily connect this violin to a regular guitar amp for a PA system. In addition, the volume control enables you to opt for the ambiance that you like most.

Since this is a silent violin, you can practice using your favorite songs without having to worry about disturbing the others. Simply plug the headphones in, and you’re good to go.

 

Pros

This is a high-quality electric violin that can create some of the most impressive sounds, and the fact that this is available at a mid-range price makes everything even more impressive.

The set comes with everything you need to get started including a lightweight case, headphones, a battery, cables, and more so that you can start your musical journey quicker.

It has a mother of pearl inlay that adds style to this already impressive violin which is made from hand-carved solid maple with an ebony fingerboard, chin rest, tailpiece and pegs.

Thanks to the 1/8” output jack, this option can be connected easily to a regular guitar amp or a PA system and you also get volume control to create the ambiance that you prefer. 

 

Cons

The tone of the pickup could be a bit better but you can improve this by running it through an effects processor or a PA system.

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8. Cecilio L1/2CEVN-L1BK Left Handed Solid Wood Black Metallic

 

Get to play along with your favorite jam with the help of this left-handed electric violin that features an appealing black metallic varnish.

The most notable aspect is that the violin enables you to practice at any given moment without disturbing your neighbors or other family members.

The body of this silent violin is manufactured from a hand-carved solid maple wood, and the fingerboard is made of ebony. Besides, the chin rest and the tailpiece come with a good-looking pearl inlay.

The unit works with 9V Alkaline batteries that are included in the product package. Also, the violin can be safely stored and transported using the lightweight case that enables the risk of damages.

If you decide to purchase this violin, you should know that you’ll also get a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, a quality rosin cake, a bridge, and headphones for silent practice.

A great plus is that the manufacturer of this electric violin provides you with a 1-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects.

 

Pros

It boasts the same quality that you know and love about Cecilio violins with the added benefit of the versatility that an electric instrument offers.

You can practice at any time you want without disturbing your family members or your neighbors since this model comes with a set of headphones and all the cables and accessories you need to start practicing.

The stylish body is made from hand-carved solid maple wood and the fingerboard is made from durable and high-quality ebony.

This silent violin works with 9V alkaline batteries so that you can use it even when you are not near a power outlet.

You get a 1-year warranty that covers defects and other issues and the warranty is quite liberal and Cecilio is often willing to make repairs without asking questions. 

 

Cons

This model will probably be out of the price range for most beginners which is why this is best suited for those who want to upgrade to a better instrument after learning the basics.

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Yearly Guide & Report

 

If you’re a first-time player, you might find it a bit confusing choosing a quality Cecilio violin. Moreover, if you intend to fall in love with playing the violin, you need to be certain that the one you choose is indeed meant for you. Given the hundred different models available and the market and so many tiny features that can have an impact on your practice, you need to be careful and choose wisely. However, there’s no need to worry because we’ve gathered all the information that you need to help you decide faster and easier.

Tonewood

There’s really no need to explain that the violin is made of four strings that stretches over the tailpieces, a small body, and the chin rest located at one awhile the neck and pegbox can be found at the other. Since classical violins don’t provide many options as modern instruments do, it all comes down the tone and playability of a good Cecilio violin. These aspects are determined by the tonewood of the instrument and skill with which the violin is manufactured.

Regarding tonewood, the majority of violins are constructed from the same type such as spruce tops, maple backs, necks, and sides. What varies is the quality of this wood that sets apart a cheap Cecilio violin from the ones that are high-class tools. Hence, you’ll be spending a large amount of money on the best violin made from a quality spruce because that is the most important aspect when talking about violins.

One crucial part when in the market for a Cecilio violin for sale is the top because this where the soundboard is located. This is what amplifies the sound produced by the violin strings. For centuries now, spruce has been a top favorite because it has a natural stiffness and density. This translates to increased resonance compared to porous woods and a better chance to maintain its shape during the carving process.

Typically, you’ll notice that only a few species of spruce get to be used for making the top of the violin. For example, it’s a known fact that trees that grow in colder areas tend to provide denser and more resonant wood which is essential for a good spruce. The longer the block of spruce ages, the stronger and drier it gets resulting in an important piece for the construction of the best violin. Therefore, a piece of spruce top that has been growing at higher altitudes over the past decades is the best possible choice for a violin.

Many reviews of Cecilio violins talk about the importance of the grain, as well. Violins that are finely crafted are usually outfitted with beautifully matched small pieces of spruce for the top region that is meant to create an interesting pattern.

For the rest of the violin, other types of woods are preferred because they are durable and ensure great sound quality. As far as the fingerboard goes, ebony is an excellent option. Nevertheless, violins that don’t cost that much have the tailpiece and the chin rest made of plastic while the fingerboard is manufactured from low-quality wood.

High-end violins can be expensive, but their design is flawless. They feature several thin coats of varnish that are well polished between each coat. Basically, the varnishes have a special pigment that ensures the violin a beautiful patina.

 

Skill level

Each Cecilio violin review mentioned that fact that you need to determine your skill level before making a final shopping decision. You’ll see labels like student, intermediate, professional or master and advanced. No matter what is written in the product description, you should be aware that each violin manufacturer has its own standards and that these classifications are solely for the purpose to serve as guidelines for narrowing down your search.  

Generally, violins intended for student use are made from cheap wood and don’t have handmade carvings and finishes. Moreover, the tuning pegs and the chinrest are made of plastic.Plus, they are quite affordable and come in handy if you’re new to playing the violin.

Intermediate violins fill the gap between students and advanced players. There’s not a clear distinction in regards to this category. However, you’ll find this label in many stores. It is useful to know the differences because intermediate pieces aren’t quite beginner instruments but don’t cost a fortune as professional violins do.

The most expensive violins, besides Cecilio electric violins, are master units that are constructed from the best wood out there. The material used for construction is grown in cold and slow-dried and assembled by a master luthier. On top of that, they feature great value components such as ebony fingerboard or wooden tailpiece.

Size

As much as possible, it’s best to avoid purchasing violins that are either too big or too small for your body. If you don’t comply with this rule, you can suffer from serious health problems that can lead to chronic issues for your back, neck, and arm. The worst part is that your playing technique won’t develop as it should and you’ll end up having to correct instead of advancing to other skill levels.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Q: Is Cecilio a good violin brand?

If you’re in the market for a high-value violin then Cecilio is a good choice since this brand is known for the quality and care it puts into each of its products, even those that will cost you less than what the competition has to offer.

It is a teacher-approved violin brand since all the instruments come strung with the bridge attached so that new students don’t have to assemble the instrument on their own. Furthermore, Cecilio is also known for putting its violins through some of the most rigorous tests to ensure each one meets high-quality standards.

The wood is of the highest quality since the brand uses mainly spruce and maple and top-notch ebony. While Cecilio is known for its excellent student violins, you can also find a wide variety of other instruments aimed at intermediates and professionals so that no matter what your purpose is, you can always trust this brand to deliver the best product.

 

 

Q: Where are Cecilio violins made?

Cecilio violins are made in Rancho Cucamonga, California and the name of the brand is derived from St. Cecilia who is the patron saint of music. The brand prides itself on the care that it puts in each of the products it manufactures using centuries-old techniques and skilled luthiers.

It is a US brand and since everything is made in-house, the price of the products can remain accessible and this is why Cecilio is such a popular brand not only for beginners but more experienced players as well. The brand produces violins for all levels and this makes it a go-to choice for many educators and music instructors, who then recommend it to their students.

The build quality of Cecilio violins is also exceptional since each instrument undergoes rigorous tests to ensure it meets strict quality standards before leaving the distribution center. Thus, you can be certain that this US brand won’t disappoint.

 

Q: How expensive are Cecilio violins?

The answer to the question depends a lot on what you are looking for since the brand has a wide variety of products available and all of them offer good value for the money but some are indeed more expensive than others. If you’re looking for an entry-level instrument for $100 or less then Cecilio can certainly help you get one.

Conversely, if you want to get a premium product that can help you learn and transition into a pro performer you get excellent choices as well but you will need to be ready to pay a little bit more for it. With that said, you can still find excellent student violins at a low cost of even $200.

Thus, if you are in the market for a beginner’s violin and you want to get the best value for the money, Cecilio is a brand that is known in the industry for producing good budget violins that don’t disappoint.

 

Q: Can you learn the violin at any age?

Learning to play the violin can be done at any age since learning any new skill has more to do with your desire, determination and discipline than with your age and the violin is no different. It might be easier for children to learn since they are able to adapt to the instrument quicker, but that doesn’t mean that an adult can’t do it.

As stated above, you can make up for that with enough determination and discipline. Older students have the advantage in the discipline department and once you take that into account, the advantage that younger people have becomes negligible.  

What’s important is to find a learning style since each person learns differently. Some people prefer to incorporate information through reading or listening, while others benefit more from hands-on activities. Once you figure out the best learning style with your music instructor and you begin to focus on practicing, you’ll start  to notice improvements very quickly.  

 

Q: Is this brand a good one for beginners?

Purchasing your first beginner violin should be an exciting experience but once you see the wide variety of options to choose from, everything can quickly overwhelm you. Focusing on the features you need is important, but if you want a guarantee of quality and reliability you should try to get a product from a reputable brand.

Cecilio is perfect for beginners not only because the products it offers are very affordable but also because the brand puts a lot of care into its student violins to ensure that they provide an excellent experience to newbies. The brand is teacher-approved and all the violins come strung with the bridge attached out of the box to make it easier for students to get started.

Cecilio also strikes the right chords as far as sizes are concerned since most of its products are available in different sizes so that they can satisfy the needs of every player.

 

 

If you liked reading this article, maybe you’d like to check out some of the others we’ve put together in the past:

• Best violin tuners
• Best violin metronomes
• Best violin shoulder rests
• Best Yamaha violins
• Best violin rosins
• Best Cremona violins

 

 

Bibliography:

1) About Cecilio violins

2) What is the difference between violins?

3) How do I choose a new violin?

4) Violin – definition, structure, history