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The fiddle reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
216 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Ithaca Guitar Works
Year Purchased: 2011
Price Paid: 395 ($US) (bought USED)
My Silver Creek has a very deep, rich sound. Excellent sustain, though not a lot of projection. It has kind of an old-timey sound to it. Reminds me of my grandfathers fiddle.
Sound Rating: 8
This violin was used and set up well. I didn't have to make any adjustments to the bridge, etc.
Setup Rating: 8
The violin has a flamed maple neck/sides and flamed back. Nicely carved scroll. Top is medium grain spruce (not tightly grained). Finish is satin. Not much shine here.
Appearance Rating: 8
Ebony pegs, finger board, chin rest, fine tuners on all strings. This is my backup violin and should serve me well when needed. I bought it to take to practice and on vacation so I could leave my performing violin at home.
Reliability Rating: 8
I bought this used and it was on consignment. There was no mention of a warranty. If it needed a repair in the future, I would do it myself.
Customer Service: 8
My model 5 came with a (foam core) hard case, built in hygrometer, 3 bows, Kun chin rest, wrap around pickup and rosin.
Components Rating: 10
This violin was a great deal for the money. It doesn't appear to have been played much if at all. I love the sound of it, though it wouldn't be suitable for a large concert hall unless amplified. It has just enough volume for my church (typical large barn type building from the late 1800's)
I bought it as a backup/practice fiddle and it's great for that purpose. Money well spent.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: E-bay
Year Purchased: 2005
Price Paid: 100 ($US)
Here's the deal. I wanted a cheap violin that I could take camping, or wherever and not worry about something happening to it. I purchased this violin off E-bay and was very surprised by the tone. It is very deep and rich sounding.
Sound Rating: 8
I had to set the bridge when I received the violin (I used my own bridge and not the one that came with it) The action is a tad high, but remember that it is a $100 violin.
Setup Rating: 4
This violin has a one piece flamed maple back. Very attractive. The scroll and pegs are somewhat inexpensive looking... and when I play it, I get black marks on my fingers, so maybe the fingerboard is dyed? Purfling looks to be painted on (??).
Appearance Rating: 7
Finish is so-so for a mass produced instrument. Pegs are plain looking. This violin is a back up to my main violin and should work fine for that use.
Reliability Rating: 7
I bought this off E-bay from Sallie Gooden. No problems with the transaction. I would buy from them again.
Customer Service: 10
I didn't care for the bridge, I replaced that right away. I also replaced the bow with a better one that I had.
Components Rating: 7
As I said earlier, I looked on E-bay for a cheaper violin to take "traveling" and not worry about it getting damaged or disappearing. I am very pleased with this violin. It came with a case, bow and rosin. Not a bad deal for around $100. The sound continues to impress me. If it were lost or stolen, I would purchase another like it (it appears that they are sold under a variety of names from the seller i.e. Rothenberg).
Overall Rating: 8
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