Mendini 16-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola Review
Are you looking for a quality viola that is affordable and suitable for beginners? If so, you might want to consider the Mendini 16-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola. This viola is one of the best-selling and most popular violas on the market, and for good reasons. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this viola, including its features, benefits, pros and cons, and customer reviews. We will also compare it with some similar products and give you our final verdict. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of whether this viola is the right one for you or not.
Features
The Mendini 16-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola is a full-size viola that is designed for beginners and intermediate players. It is hand-carved from solid tonewoods, which means that it has a natural and resonant sound. The top is made of spruce, while the back and sides are made of maple. The fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest are also made of maple, which is a durable and smooth wood. The tailpiece is made of alloy and has four integrated fine tuners for easy tuning. The viola has a natural varnish finish that gives it a glossy and elegant look.
The viola comes with a lightweight hard case that has a pocket, straps, and a handle for easy carrying. It also comes with a Brazilwood bow that has unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, which is a high-quality material that produces a smooth and clear sound. The viola also includes rosin, which is used to apply friction to the bow hair, and a bridge, which is the wooden piece that supports the strings and transfers the vibrations to the body of the instrument.
Benefits
The Mendini 16-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola has many benefits that make it a great choice for beginners and intermediate players. Some of the benefits are:
– It is affordable and offers great value for money. You get a quality viola and all the accessories you need for a reasonable price.
– It is easy to play and has a comfortable feel. The viola has a standard size and shape that fits most players. The fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest are smooth and ergonomic. The bow is well-balanced and easy to hold. The strings are responsive and produce a bright and vibrant tone.
– It is durable and reliable. The viola is made of solid wood that can withstand wear and tear. The varnish finish protects the wood from scratches and stains. The tailpiece and fine tuners are sturdy and stable. The case is strong and protective. The bow and rosin are long-lasting and effective.
– It is backed by a 1-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects. You can rest assured that if anything goes wrong with the viola, you can get a replacement or a refund from the seller.
Pros and Cons
Like any product, the Mendini 16-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola has its pros and cons. Here are some of the main ones:
Pros:
– Affordable and great value for money
– Easy to play and comfortable to hold
– Durable and reliable
– Backed by a 1-year warranty
Cons:
– The fingerboard is made of maple instead of ebony, which is a harder and more durable wood
– The sound quality may not be as good as higher-end models
– The case may not be very spacious or padded
Customer Reviews
The Mendini 16-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola has received many positive reviews from customers who have bought and used it. Here are some of the most representative ones:
– “I bought this viola for my daughter who is a beginner. She loves it and says it sounds great. It came with everything she needs to start playing. The case is nice and sturdy, the bow is good, and the rosin works well. The viola looks beautiful and has a nice finish. The tuning was easy and the fine tuners are helpful. The viola is well-made and has a good weight and balance. I am very happy with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone looking for a beginner viola.”
– “I am an adult who wanted to learn the viola. I did some research and decided to buy this viola. I am very impressed with the quality and sound of this viola. It is easy to play and has a rich and warm tone. The viola is well-crafted and has a nice appearance. The accessories are also good and useful. The case is light and convenient, the bow is smooth and responsive, and the rosin is effective and easy to apply. The viola arrived in perfect condition and was easy to set up. I am very satisfied with this viola and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn the viola.”
– “I am an intermediate player who needed a new viola. I chose this viola because of the price and the reviews. I am very pleased with this viola and think it is a great value for money. The viola has a nice sound and a good projection. The viola is well-built and has a nice finish. The accessories are also decent and handy. The case is durable and protective, the bow is decent and easy to use, and the rosin is fine and does the job. The viola was well-packaged and arrived on time. I am very happy with this viola and would recommend it to anyone who needs a good viola for a low price.”
Similar Products Comparison
To help you make a better decision, we have compared the Mendini 16-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola with some similar products on the market. Here is a table that shows the main features and differences of these products:
| Product | Price | Size | Top | Back and Sides | Fingerboard | Tailpiece | Fine Tuners | Case | Bow | Rosin | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mendini 16-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola | $87.99 | 16-in. | Spruce | Maple | Maple | Alloy | 4 | Hard | Brazilwood | Included | 1 year |
| Strobel MA-80 16-Inch Viola | $299.99 | 16-in. | Spruce | Maple | Ebony | Composite | 4 | Hard | Brazilwood | Included | 1 year |
| D Z Strad 101 16-Inch Viola | $399.00 | 16-in. | Spruce | Maple | Ebony | Ebony | 1 | Hard | Brazilwood | Included | 1 year |
| Ren Wei Shi Artist Viola | $1,199.99 | 16-in. | Spruce | Maple | Ebony | Ebony | 1 | Hard | Pernambuco | Included | 1 year |
As you can see, the Mendini 16-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola is the cheapest and most affordable product among these four. It also has the most fine tuners, which makes it easier to tune. However, it also has the lowest quality fingerboard, which is made of maple instead of ebony. The other products have ebony fingerboards, which are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. The other products also have higher quality wood, sound, and accessories, but they are also more expensive. The Ren Wei Shi Artist Viola is the most expensive and the highest quality product among these four, but it may not be suitable for beginners or budget-conscious players.
Final Verdict
The Mendini 16-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola is a great viola for beginners and intermediate players who want a quality viola at an affordable price. It has a solid wood construction, a natural varnish finish, and a bright and vibrant sound. It comes with a lightweight hard case, a Brazilwood bow, rosin, and a bridge. It also has a 1-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects. The main drawback of this viola is that the fingerboard is made of maple instead of ebony, which may affect the durability and sound quality of the viola. However, for the price, this viola is hard to beat and offers great value for money.
If you are interested in buying the Mendini 16-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola, you can click on this link to purchase it from Amazon. We hope this article has helped you learn more about this viola and make an informed decision. Thank you for reading and happy playing!.
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