Toy Violin -- Electronic Toy Violin for Kids

I purchased this in advance to use during "V" week in my childcare. After reading reviews I unboxed it, and made sure it worked. Thought all was good to go! Our curriculum was delayed a bit due to flooding in my area and missed days. So I just pulled the violin out to use with my class today- IT DOESNT WORK! Just a $15 piece of junk now. I had a class full of disappointed kids. To add insult to injury- the return window closed with Amazon. I'm stuck with it. The Seller I purchased this from is "The Seller Shop" Buyer beware!

I ordered this product from a different seller back in October. Although the violin stopped working after a couple months (tried new batteries and still didn't work), I have a friend who thought it was the neatest thing. So I ordered a 2nd one to give as a gift to her daughter. The violin I received was different from the picture and different from the first one I purchased for my own son. It was different in color, size, style, the bow was different, the location for buttons and music to play was different, It also came missing a screw for the batteries and back looked scratched up. The packaging it came in was completely different as well and looked beat up. When I did try putting batteries in it, the bow that it came with would not make it play. I tried the bow from the first violin, and it worked. So I looked closer at the bow that didn't work, and I think it is missing a metal wire that looks like it should have been attached. This product definitely did not look new...but I did end up keeping it because 1)I didn't have time to purchase another gift 2) I really wanted to gift this friend's daughter a toy violin and wasn't sure where else to find one in time and 3) I didn't have time to get to a UPS location to return it in timeThe picture on the left was the first violin I purchased that I was fairly happy with. The picture on the right was the 2nd violin purchased that I am basing this review on

What I like (as a music teacher-mom) is that is is an accurate replica of a real violin - tuning pegs, real strings, chin rest, etc. I actually use it for my early childhood classes as a demo instrument for the toddlers. I also like that when you bow it, it plays, when you stop it stops... when it's working. My only complaint is that the pre-programmed songs sometimes keep playing when you're not bowing and there is no "off" button and occasionally the bow rubbing the strings won't start the music. That said, it's not obnoxious and I also like that there are a ton of songs on it so you don't hear the same tune over and over. It's also nice that it plays both classical and folk/Irish type violin pieces. For the money it is really a great toy instrument.

Many, many problems.1.) Shoddy workmanship. I can't imagine any kids not breaking this.2.) The strings don't actually play/have no tension (on second thought, that could be a good thing).3.) It's loud. It's so loud. I live in a house crammed full of toys and children, but this monster can produce a level of volume that made me pause. And there's no method of volume control other than removing the batteries.4.) I received what I believe to be a used model. It was missing the battery hatch screw, and had scratches and adhesive on the back.TL;DR: crappy product, crappy quality, if you buy it you will feel crappy.

I am giving this 2 stars because it is a fun toy at a great price, however like other reviewers have stated, there are issues.1. Was obviously used and repackaged (not the Amazon packaging, but the actual toy packaging). The violin was scratched and worn. The screw was missing from the battery compartment.2. Does not play like you would think. Contact with the bow does not create a sound. Fingers touching the "strings" creates the sounds. My toddler could not grasp this concept, but after reading a review from another customer who replaced the bow elastic with Guitar string, I took their advice and attached a thin jewelry wire to the elastic on the bow. This did the trick.3. As others have stated, this thing is LOUD. I read the reviews and thought that was no big deal and I could muffle it somehow. My son will not play with this toy because it hurts his ears. The volume is ridiculous and there is no way to adjust. I put tape on the openings, but so far I haven't found a way to lower the volume.4. On a positive note...The music quality is pretty good on mine. It doesn't sound like the "real" thing of course, but the variety and songs and tones are pleasant.5. It is a cool concept and I am one of the lucky ones who has one that works (so far).If the seller was honest about how it worked and didn't sell repackaged or used toys, I think more customers would be happy enough with their purchase. I understand that you get what you pay for and wasn't expecting much, but I was expecting a new toy without missing parts.

This toy was pretty much what I expected. It has an interesting design. Metal wire strings and a metal wire on the bow complete the electrical circuit. The bow must touch 2 strings to play music. So I imagine if the strings are pulled loose it will no longer play this way. There is a button you can push to play the songs. It looks like a toy one might expect to get from Dollar General or 5 Below. Actual value is $10-$20. It is a very unique toy. I have teenagers with special needs. They keep trying to access their sister’s musical instruments. This will get broken, but they are enjoying it. If a toy like this could be made less disposable it would cost $30-$40. This is a disposable toy, made for a brief time of enjoyment. I’m hoping it lasts us longer than a day. I am pleased with this item and may actually end up buying it again. I would not gift it as some children are very disappointed with a toy that breaks. It also has a cheap appearance in rather cheesy packaging.Several days later and the violin is still being used. We had to replace the batteries. At this point it has already lived up to its expectations.