Helmke 3/4 Antique Finish Violin

For the money it's a good violin

We bought this violin 10 years ago from USA Music. So I will share our general experience.First, let's start with asking is this a violin shaped object or a real playable violin?It is playable and can, under the right circumstances, produce a very robust sound. Please note every violin is different even if it is machine made there is a considerable amount of hands on work.The violin is meant as an introductory instrument. This means that the curves are not as graceful and it is heavier than more expensive instruments (top is thick and only slightly curved). The next step up instruments are lighter, curved and have a livelier sound (Gliga, Song, Yita). The sound can be dark with the strings provided. Get rid of the shipped strings. Buy strings like Tonica (traditional sound) or Karneol (Loud sound) or Ametyst (traditional sound) or Alphayue (Traditional Student Sound).The finish is okay but not exciting. The wood is not highly flamed. While not offered here there is a flat/oil finish as well as this gloss/varnish finish.The fine tuners are sometimes tough to turn. After five years we replaced the fine tuners. The finger board is more dark brown than black and has been that way from the beginning. This I have seen with many Chinese made instruments. This not a French, Italian or German made instrument. This instrument is often described as French Engineered this does not mean French made.The pegs are tight and I see that as good but they do not fully penetrate the head. This means that the pegs or their holes are not perfectly fitted but you get what you pay for . At least, the pegs don't slip.The bow is okay for a year or two but ours had a chip in the wood that held the ferrule in place. It was not worth repairing. Expect to buy a new bow after 2-3 years. Just buy a nice carbon fiber bow after a few years.The case is not bad. It seems light yet robust. It has taken many bumps and the violin survived. I say that is the key. After ten years, the violin lives and is still very playable. It has different strings, fine tuners and bow but that is a minor thing.