"Big bang for the buck with the fender fiddle."

Feature:
The shoulder rest included with the fiddle is ok at best. The bow is terrible. The case is alright. I would like to see fender put those new non-slip pegs with the gears on this unit. I would also prefer a choice of chin rests but all in all a nice product for the money.

Quality:
I would rate the quality of this instrument a 10. The workmanship is excellant from the finish to the quality ebony fittings. The bow, strings and shoulder rest are the only in need of improvement areas. The fiddle is very road worthy and built extremely sound for the cash. Price compared this would be hard to beat for the money

Value:
This product despite the few little changes I would like to see them make is well worth the money.

Desirability:
I dont think I'd go so far to say it has sex appeal, but without a doubt its been a practical addition to what I've been trying to accomplish in the studio.

Sound:
I use the Fender fiddle in the recording studio and it works very well. I run it thru a tube warmer into a mixer and then into the digital recorder. I reccomend chaging the strings and bow. The sound is not quite accoustic as a tradional set up but you can get it pretty close. I record more tradional country originals than anything and I'm very pleased. Hardly any bow noise at all and has good volume.

Ease of Use:
This is where the unit shines. The FV1 is very easy to play and is light enough to use for extended periods of time in the studio. It is very easy to modify the sound with just about any type of effect you care to use. Very quite going down on the digital recorder as well

Support:
The company is Fender need I say anymore. Always informative and helpful.

Overall:
I will remain satisfied with this product but may add support in the form of a true accoustic/electric fiddle to enhance sound. The ease of playability is great and the set up from the company was good. The instrument stays in tune very well. Ease of use would be the strongest feature and the bow sent with the fiddle would have to be the only dissapointing feature. It is a very poor quality bow.

"Very fine - exept the bow."

Feature:
Case 8, Bow 1

Value:
Absolutely - but you should be aware that you although need a bow.

Sound:
The sound is very fine - if you use another bow then the one shipped with it.

Ease of Use:
I've started learning to play violin with it.

"Read this before buying"

This reviewer purchased this item from Same Day Music.

Feature:
This Fender came with a tone control, but I could hardly notice the tone change as you might on an actual amp or EQ.

Quality:
Low,Low,Low....for the money I don't think it compares to cheaper models from other manufacturers. Cheap lightweight bow, very cheap case.

Value:
I don't know of anything worse, but I'm sure there is one out there. I am sure others may find this violin okay, but I actually own many violins of different calibers and this one is just not worth it to me. Right now I really prefer the sounds of the Zeta over all others.

Desirability:
It has a great look to it. Very catchy. Pleasing to look at and apears impressive.

Sound:
I bought it and returned it. I own a standard electric wooden violin, A Zeta, 4-5 string custom made, non electric and a cheap $229 Power Violin. The Fender was in my opinion terrible. It sounded fine when plugged in, but the quality was inferior even to the cheap violin I owned. The hardshell case had a screw falling out and was obviously made with the cheapest possible materials. I felt the vast majority of the money spent to buy one was paid for the Fender name. Unless you are a beginner, I wouldn't buy one. Also, in my opinion, you would be better off with any 200 dollar violin. To me they were better.

Support:
SameDayMusic was great about the return. I bought a wireless mic for my sax and kept that. The mic was great. (Samson)

Overall:
I have returned it and will most likely buy another Zeta. I would buy from SameDayMusic, but they don't have the Zeta on hand. Violinsetc. is the only place I found Zeta at a substantial discount from the manufacturers list price. Good value.