Eastar vs Mendini Student Violin: Two Budget Outfits
Eastar or Mendini student violin? Both are budget outfits at around the same price. Setup quality varies on both, and that is what decides playability.
Quick Answer:
Both are inexpensive complete outfits with a case, bow, rosin and shoulder rest, and both sit at a price where setup quality is variable. Eastar outfits are generally reported to arrive closer to playable, with better fitted pegs and a usable bow. Mendini is the more widely sold name. At this level, a setup at a local shop matters more than the choice between them.
| Factor | Eastar Violin Kit | Mendini by Cecilio |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Around 115 dollars | Around 105 dollars * |
| Included accessories | Case, bow, rosin, shoulder rest | Case, bow, rosin, tuner |
| Setup on arrival | Generally reported better * | More variable |
| Peg reliability | Reasonable * | Variable, can slip |
| Bow quality | Usable * | Basic |
| Sizes available | Wide range | Wide range |
| Teacher acceptance | Mixed | Mixed |
| Resale | Low | Low |
* Indicates better option for that factor
What to check when a budget violin arrives
Whether the bridge is standing straight and in the right position, whether the pegs hold when tuned, and whether the strings sit at a sensible height above the fingerboard. If the pegs slip or the bridge is leaning, the instrument cannot be kept in tune and no amount of practice fixes that. These are the things a shop setup addresses and they are worth checking on day one.
Budget for a setup, or budget higher
A violin shop will usually charge fifty to a hundred dollars to set up a budget instrument properly, which on a hundred dollar violin is a substantial addition. Once you add it, a workshop prepared outfit at around a hundred and eighty dollars starts to look like similar money for a better result. Work out the real total before deciding which is cheapest.
Ask the teacher before ordering
Violin teachers see these instruments constantly and have clear views on which ones can be made to work. Some will decline to teach on an instrument that cannot be kept in tune, which is a reasonable position rather than snobbery. One conversation before ordering is worth more than any comparison of two budget outfits.
Rental removes the problem entirely
A rented student violin arrives set up, is maintained by the shop and is exchanged as the child grows. For a young beginner who will change size two or three times, that often costs less than buying and replacing, and it removes the setup gamble. It is the route most teachers recommend for a first year.
Our Verdict
These two are close, and Eastar outfits are more consistently reported to arrive playable, which is the specification that matters most at this price. Whichever you choose, plan for a setup at a local shop or budget upward to a workshop prepared outfit instead. For a young child who will change size soon, price rental before buying either.
We review it on its own too, in full detail: the Cecilio 4/4 violin outfit .
The two instruments compared
Mendini by Cecilio 1/2 violin set for beginners
~$105
Check price on AmazonComparison based on published manufacturer specifications, current listings and the general consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not played these instruments ourselves and do not claim to have. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Shop Both Options
Go Deeper
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Are violins this cheap worth buying at all?
They can be, with a setup, for a child trying the instrument for a term. What they cannot do is stay in tune and sound acceptable straight out of a box without adjustment, and a violin that will not stay in tune ends interest quickly. Being clear eyed about that before ordering is the difference between a useful purchase and a wasted one.
What size does my child need?
It is decided by measuring the arm from the neck to the middle of the palm, not by age. Shops and teachers publish charts and will size a child in a minute. If the child is between sizes, take the smaller one, because a violin that is too large makes correct left hand position impossible.
What accessories are actually needed?
Rosin, a shoulder rest sized to the player, a clip on tuner, a spare set of strings and a music stand. Most of these outfits include several of them. A shoulder rest is the one that gets forgotten and it makes holding the instrument far more comfortable, especially for a child.
How was this comparison researched?
From published specifications, current listings and the consensus of verified owner and teacher reviews, together with what violin shops publish about setup. We have not played these instruments ourselves and do not claim to have. Where owners consistently report a setup problem, that is what the comparison reflects.
Still not sure which is right for your child?
Take our quick quiz to get a personalized recommendation based on your child's unique situation.
Take the Free QuizFree, no email required