Mendini By Cecilio Violin

Decoding the Quality, Price, and Reputation of These Popular Beginner Instruments

As a new violinist, choosing your first instrument can feel overwhelming. There are so many options out there between brands, sizes, materials, and price points. It’s hard to know where to start.

That’s why many beginners turn to Mendini by Cecilio violins. This brand has become synonymous with quality, affordable starter instruments. Mendini offers everything a new player needs to start learning and practicing the violin.

But what goes into a Mendini violin? How do they compare to other major brands? And what makes them such a great choice for beginners? This in-depth buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Mendini by Cecilio violins.

What is Mendini by Cecilio?

Mendini is a line of beginner and intermediate string instruments produced by Cecilio Musical Instruments. Based in Los Angeles, California, Cecilio has been making high-quality student instruments for over 15 years.

The Mendini line includes violins, violas, cellos, bass guitars, and more. They offer everything from full size to fractional size instruments for all ages. Cecilio proudly stands behind their products, offering a 1-year warranty on most Mendini instruments.

The Quality Craftsmanship of Mendini Violins

Despite their low cost, Mendini violins are built to high standards using quality materials. They may be affordable starter instruments, but Mendini does not compromise on craftsmanship.

The bodies are hand-carved from solid spruce and maple wood. The pegs, fingerboard, tailpiece, and chinrest are sturdy ebony. Mendini strings are durable steel cores wrapped in aluminum. Bridges are hand-carved and fit precisely for optimal sound.

Attention to detail makes Mendini violins surprisingly great sounding right out of the box. While not at the level of professional instruments, Mendini violins have impressive tone and playability that belie their price point.

How Mendini Violins Compare to Other Major Brands

The main competitors for Mendini by Cecilio student violins include Yamaha, Fiddlerman, Cremona, D Z Strad, and Bunnel. Here’s a quick overview of how Mendini compares:

• Yamaha – Known for quality across all instruments, but often more expensive than Mendini.
• Fiddlerman – Handmade violins with nice craftsmanship, but may lack reliability of a big manufacturer.
• Cremona – Focus on high-end student models with quality control issues.
• D Z Strad – Stylish and affordable, but durability and setup can be inconsistent.
• Bunnel – Reliable and consistent, but may lack the same attention to setup as Mendini.

Across the board, Mendini violins stand out for their combination of quality, consistency, and value. The prices are just right for beginners, and the instruments are thoughtfully set up before shipment.

Sizing Options to Fit Any Violinist

Mendini violins are available in a full range of sizes to accommodate players of all ages. They offer 4/4 standard size all the way down to 1/32 size violins for the littlest learners.

Here is an overview of the violin sizes offered by Mendini:

• 4/4 – Standard full size for adult players.
• 3/4 – Common size for teens and small-framed adults.
• 1/2 – Ideal for ages 8-11 years old.
• 1/4 – For very young students, ages 5-7.
• 1/8 – Smallest size for toddlers and preschoolers.
• 1/10 – Extremely small size for the youngest students.
• 1/16 – Rare miniature size for preschool kids.
• 1/32 – Tiny size for children under 3 years old.

With this range, you can find the perfect Mendini violin to match your child’s growth over many years of playing. Outfits are also available bundled with properly sized wood bows.

Why Beginners Love Mendini Violins

Mendini violins have earned a reputation as the ideal starter instrument for beginners. There are many good reasons why teachers and students alike love these violins:

• Affordable – Very budget-friendly, a huge plus for new players.
• Quality materials – Solid woods and nice finishing given the low price.
• Ease of play – Great setup right out of the box for newbies.
• Good sound – Impressive tone that motivates learners.
• Wide availability – Easy to purchase online or rent locally.
• Lightweight – Reduced fatigue for younger kids.
• Fun colors – Vibrant finishes appeal to children.
• Sizing options – Available in all fractional sizes.
• Warranty – Provides peace of mind.

For beginners who need a violin that is budget-friendly yet still encouraging to play, it is easy to see why so many turn to Mendini. These value-packed instruments have all the features and quality to help new players get hooked on the violin.

What Materials Go Into Making Mendini Violins?

Mendini violins are crafted from traditional tonewoods to deliver surprisingly good sound at an affordable price point. Here is an overview of the materials:

• The top or front plate is solid hand-carved spruce. This light yet strong wood allows vibration and resonance for full tone.
• Maple makes up the back plate, sides, and neck. Known for its bright, projective sound.
• Durable and strong ebony is used for the fingerboard, pegs, tailpiece and chinrest.
• Hand-carved maple bridges fit perfectly for optimal resonance.
• Strings are steel core wrapped in aluminum for good tension and durability.
• The nut and saddle are either ebony or plastic.
• Body finishes include varnishes in solid colors or sparkling metallic hues.

The all-wood construction and hand-applied varnishes result in a lightweight yet well-built instrument capable of producing quality sound.

Tuning and Setup Tips for Mendini Violins

One of the best things about Mendini violins is that they come pre-setup from the factory. However, small tuning adjustments may be needed as the strings settle in.

• Fine tuners on the tailpiece allow for micro-adjustments to each string.
• The pegs are for bigger tuning fixes. Add chalk or peg dope for smoother turning.
• New players should have a teacher or experienced player assist with major tuning.
• An electronic tuner makes tuning easier. Clip-on tuners attach to the scroll.
• Replace old strings if they lack tension or won’t stay in tune.
• Minor bridge adjustments may improve intonation over time.

With consistent practice and tuning, a Mendini violin will open up and sound even better after the initial break-in period. Taking the time to fine tune it will allow the instrument to reach its full potential.

Where to Buy Mendini Violins Online

The convenience of online shopping makes buying a Mendini violin easy. Getting a starter instrument without leaving home is perfect for busy parents of aspiring players. Here are some of the top online retailers to check out:

• Amazon – Extensive selection of Mendini sizes and models with fast shipping.
• eBay – New and used Mendini violins often at discounted prices.
• Musician’s Friend – Reliable instrument retailer with excellent Mendini range.
• Fiddlerman – Respected violin shop selling Mendini among other brands.
• Shar Music – Trusted source for all instruments with big Mendini catalog.
• Thomann – European retailer with global shipping on popular Cecilio lines.

Wherever you choose to purchase, look for reputable sellers with positive ratings and reviews. This helps ensure you receive a genuine Mendini violin in perfect playable condition.

What Price Range Can You Expect?

A huge selling point of Mendini violins is their affordability for beginners on a budget. Here is the price range you can expect to pay:

• Full size models – $80 to $200
• Outfits with bows and cases – $100 to $300
• Upgrades withwood bows – $150 to $400
• Fractional size violins – $100 to $250
• Half and quarter sizes – $150 to $300

Keep in mind that full outfits with bows, cases, and extras will be more expensive than solo violins. But you get everything you need to start playing and practicing.

For parents buying for a child, consider getting a fractional size to allow room for growth. Slightly pricier wood bow outfits also make sense for long-term use.

Proper Care and Maintenance

While durable for beginners, Mendini violins still require basic care and maintenance for longevity:

• Keep the violin in the case when not playing to prevent cracks or warping.
• Loosening bow hair before storage will prolong the bow’s life.
• Wipe away rosin dust after playing with a microfiber cloth.
• Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity levels.
• Bring to a luthier annually for a check-up and adjustment.
• As strings age, replace them to keep the sound quality up.
• Periodically clean the fingerboard with rubbing alcohol.
• If cracks appear, take to a repair expert immediately.

With consistent care, a Mendini violin should last many years and retain excellent playability long term. Taking precautions will prevent issues and keep the instrument sounding its very best.

What Comes in a Typical Mendini Violin Outfit?

One advantage of buying a full Mendini outfit is that you get everything you need as a beginner all in one box:

• Violin – Hand-carved solid wood body and neck.
• Bow – Brazilwood stick with unbleached horsehair.
• Case – Lightweight hard case, either shaped or oblong.
• Rosin – Quality rosin cake for the bow.
• Shoulder rest – Comfy padded rest for proper playing posture.
• Extra strings – Good to have backups on hand.
• Tuner – Clip-on chromatic tuner for easy tuning.
• Polishing cloth – For wiping down the instrument after playing.

Some outfits may also include lesson books or online instruction to help you learn. Upgrade packages add wood bows and better cases for more advanced players.

Coverage and Limitations of the Mendini Warranty

Cecilio Music backs up their Mendini violins and other instruments with a 1-year limited warranty. Here is what it covers:

• Manufacturer defects – Replacement or repair if flawed materials or craftsmanship are found.
• Workmanship issues – Problems like poorly set bridges or faulty fittings.
• Warping or cracking – Defects causing structural damage.
• Normal wear and tear on strings, bow hair, and other replaceable parts is NOT covered. Abuse or deliberate damage will also void the warranty.
• Return shipping costs – The customer pays to send back to Cecilio, company covers shipping new item to the customer.

Make sure to register your warranty online with proof of purchase. Then you’ll be covered for 1 year from the purchase date in case any issues arise.

What Do Customers Have to Say in Reviews?

Overall, customer reviews of Mendini violins are very positive. Here are some common themes that emerge:

• Great sound for a beginner violin. Smooth and resonant tones.
• Quality exceeds expectations for such a low price point.
• Easy to tune and holds tuning well through practice sessions.
• Sturdy construction and nice hand-applied finishes.
• Ships fast and arrives ready to play out of the box.
• Perfect starter instrument for new student players.
• Great size range for both kids and petite adults.
• Recommended by music teachers for new violinists.

Negative reviews are rare and mostly relate to shipping damage or incorrect sizing. Issues can be quickly resolved with Cecilio’s helpful customer support.

Setting Up Your Mendini Violin for Optimal Playability

While Mendini violins come pre-setup from the factory, you may need minor adjustments for comfort and playability. Here are some easy tweaks to try:

• Adjust the string height by carefully sanding the bridge.
• Check string spacing at the nut and bridge for even fingering.
• Install a chinrest and shoulder rest for proper playing position.
• Lubricate the pegs with peg dope for smooth tuning.
• Try different bridge placements to fine-tune intonation.
• Upgrade to higher-quality steel strings for better tone.
• Tighten or loosen bow hair to match your playing style.
• Add a mute to reduce volume for apartment practice.

Don’t be afraid to customize and experiment to make your Mendini violin feel comfortable. Just take it slow and get guidance from experienced players.

How Do Mendini Violins Sound?

For such inexpensive instruments, Mendini violins have impressive sound quality and projection. The tone is described by most players as:

• Clear and resonant, not muddled.
• Surprisingly full and rich for a beginner violin.
• Bright but not shrill on the higher strings.
• Pleasant warm mid-range and mellow lower tones.
• Good volume without sounding scratchy when played loud.
• Minimal buzzing unless strings need replacing.
• Very responsive to different bowing styles and techniques.

Are Mendini violins equivalent to professional instruments? Of course not. But the tone and playability exceed expectations for the price. While not ideal for advanced classical pieces, they are more than adequate for beginner and intermediate players.

Can Advanced Players Use Mendini Violins?

Mendini violins are designed primarily for beginning through intermediate players. But can more advanced violinists get by using a Mendini instrument when needed? Here are some thoughts on that:

• The quality is certainly sufficient for student musicians in youth orchestras or for occasional community performances.
• The lighter construction makes Mendini violins very portable for travel or outdoor playing.
• The bright tone works well for fiddling music and amplification if playing in a rock band setting.
• They can work as a reliable backup instrument for pros to keep as a spare.
• Limitations in projection and tone may hinder very skilled classical players.
• Professionals would need to upgrade strings, bridges, and other components.

While not suitable as a primary instrument for very advanced classical violinists, the better quality Mendini violins can be a surprisingly capable backup option in certain situations.

How to Choose the Right Model for Your Needs

With the wide range of Mendini violins available, how do you choose the right one? Here are key factors to consider:

• Skill level – Advanced models have hand-carved bridges and quality hardware upgrades.
• Size – Pick the right fractional size to fit the player.
• Strings – Synthetic-core strings on the basic models, steel-core for better sound.
• Bow – Carbon fiber is very durable but upgrade to wood for resonance.
• Colors – Fun bright finishes appeal most to kids and teens.
• Accessories – Evaluate what you’ll need, from cases to tuners and more.
• Price – Set a budget and look for good value at that price point.

Read reviews to narrow down your choices. And don’t overlook the kit bundles that package everything together for convenience.

Helpful Tutorials and Tips for Learning on Mendini Violins

Once you receive your new Mendini violin, where can you turn for help learning the ropes? Useful free tutorials and tips abound online.

The Mendini website itself offers a student resources section with beginner instruction on topics like tuning, finger placement, and proper posture.

YouTube has many violin teachers offering introductory lessons for first-time players. Useful channels include The Online Violin Tutor, Violin Lessons, and Violin Lab.

Topics like guiding your bow, reading sheet music, and introductory songs are covered along with videos demonstrating technique. Lesson books like Essential Elements for Strings also give structured guidance.

For direct feedback on your playing, nothing beats taking in-person violin lessons, even if just for a few sessions to start out. Mendini violins work wonderfully for learning from private instructors.

Regular Maintenance Keeps Mendini Violins Performing Well

By caring for your Mendini violin, you can keep it in top playing condition for many years. Follow these tips:

• Annually visit a luthier for a tune-up and adjustment.
• Check the bridge and soundpost positions to prevent warping.
• Keep the fingerboard clean and lubricated.
• Watch for wear on the bow hair and rewax when needed.
• Replace old strings to maintain good tone.
• Tighten any loosening fittings like chinrest hooks or pegs.
• Use a humidity gauge and control devices to prevent cracking.
• Apply fresh instrument polish to keep the wood protected.

By caring for your Mendini violin and bow, you ensure it continues providing quality sound and playability over years of regular use. Consistent maintenance makes your instrument last.

Mendini Violins Come with a 1-Year Limited Warranty

Customers can shop for Mendini violins with confidence thanks to the 1-year limited warranty included with every instrument.

If any manufacturing defects are found within the first year, Cecilio will provide replacement parts or repair the instrument free of charge. Flaws in workmanship or materials are covered.

The warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear, accidental damage, or owner neglect. But for problems attributable to factory defects, Cecilio will make it right so you have a playable violin.

Register the warranty online and contact Cecilio customer service if issues emerge. They aim to resolve problems promptly and keep customers satisfied.

Long-Lasting Quality Makes Mendini a Wise Investment

Considering their inexpensive price tags, Mendini violins deliver tremendous value and longevity. While not built to the standards of professional instruments, Mendini violins are impressively constructed.

With proper care and maintenance, a Mendini violin can easily last 5 years or more. Numerous players report getting 10+ years of use from their starter Mendini before needing a more advanced instrument.

Between the natural durability of all-wood construction and the 1-year warranty, you can be confident your Mendini violin purchase is a wise investment. The quality exceeds expectations and allows years of use as kids grow into the instrument.

The Ideal Beginner’s Violin

For new violinists seeking quality, value, and playability straight out of the box, it’s easy to see why Mendini by Cecilio violins are so popular. These affordable starter instruments punch far above their lightweight price tags.

With a huge range of sizes for all ages, vibrant colors to attract budding musicians, a 1-year warranty, and surprising rich sound, Mendini violins have all the features of the ideal beginner instrument. As the perfect first violin for kids and adults alike, they give new players everything they need to start their musical journey on the right note.